GRASS VALLEY YOGA RETREAT

Alan Watts (1915-1973) reminds us "You are not born into this world, you came out of it, like a wave from the ocean." We are part of nature and we are not separate from it. As everything in nature, we too are made of fire, earth, air, and water. Electrical impulses zap throughout our bodies to stimulate our muscle cells and fire our neurons. Our carbon-based bodies are built from the very same building blocks as stones and soil. We can only go three minutes without air, and our body weight is 60 percent water. It’s no exaggeration to say that we are the wisdom of the elements as we walk around, talking, hugging, making love, building skyscrapers, starting nonprofits, giving birth, lying on our deathbeds. We are the wisdom of the elements thinking, feeling, loving, experiencing, learning, questioning, and exploring.

As we tend to the four elements, we start to balance ourselves with nature. And when we become more aware of the elements in our daily lives, we build the resources and energies to contribute to our friends, family, and community.

Think of a time when you felt the most grounded and centered (earth), the most mentally clear (air), the most openhearted (water), and the most creative (fire). That was most likely a time in your life where you were most generous, open, and willing to contribute to the well-being of other people. See if you can revisit that space in your mind for long enough to feel it in your body.

In our culture, we’ve forgotten to recognize our elemental connection to everything around us. It is time to bring elemental wisdom back into everyday awareness, in a way that honors how much things have changed since humankind first made fire.

When you start your mindful practice of noticing each element, and take the time to truly appreciate its simplicity and power, you begin to shape your brain in ways that return it to its most natural, most resilient state. Remember, when you take just one gulp of clean, fresh mountain air, in that moment, that’s enough. When you stand in a gorgeous field looking at magnificent redwood trees, seeing that bounty of earth is enough.

When you are near a beautiful fire, whether it’s outdoors camping or indoors keeping you cozy, staring at the magic of that fire is enough. And when you are enjoying an exquisite bath or shower or dipping in the ocean or a pool and feeling cleansed and renewed and open, that is enough.

Where and when?

The retreat will take place September 27-29, 2024 in Grass Valley, California, a tranquil and rejuvenating escape nestled on the shores of Rollins Lake. The highlight of this place is the stunning lake view and direct access to the water.

What to expect?

2 days of activities (Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday morning)

4 yoga sessions

4 mindfulness practices

3 pranayama and meditation sessions

Me time (hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, hot tub available).

2 nights of sharing accommodation (Friday night and Saturday night).

Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Who’s this retreat for?

Prior experience with yoga or mindfulness is not necessary. All levels are welcome!

The yoga sessions will include many different yoga styles (Hatha yoga, Vinyasa yoga and Restorative yoga), while the mindfulness sessions will incorporate a great variety of exercises (body scan, mindful eating, choiceless awareness, walking meditation).

What’s not included?

Transportation to and from the retreat. Carpool is encouraged.

Cancellation policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price before August 27th.

The deposit is non-refundable.

Remainning balance must be paid 7 days prior the event (September 20th).

Sharing accommodation prices:

Sofa bed $430

Trundle bed $430

Bunk bed $ 530

Single bed $530

King size bed $580

Queen size bed $630

Space is limited to 15 people, first come first served basis, secure your spot before August 27th.

You can buy your ticket at Eventbrite.com or

Venmo (no additional fees) @Alheli_martinez

Zelle ( no additional fees) Daisy Martinez : 775 636 5829

Cash

What to bring?

If you have your own yoga mat or yoga props (bolster,strap or blocks) you're more than welcome to bring them . Mats, blocks and straps will be available.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided but, you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks for yourself.

There will be 6 kayaks available for use, but if you want to bring your own or any other additional lake equipment such as; kayaks, paddle board, floaties we encourage you to do so.

Also you might want to bring your own camping chair for evenning fire activities.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival and welcome ceremony 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Hatha Yoga (Root chakra) 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.

Mindfulness session (Earth element) 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Dinner 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Fire (Integration circle) 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

Day 2

Entering Silence

Pranayama and Meditation practice 8:00 am to 9:00am.

Vinyasa Yoga ( Sacral chakra) 9:00 am to 10:30 am.

Breakfast 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Mindfulness session (Water element) 11:30 am to 12:30 am.

Breaking the Silence

Me time and lunch ( paddle boarding, hot tub, hiking) 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Mindfulness session 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm ( Fire element)

Restorative Yoga 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm ( Solar plexus chakra)

Dinner 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

“Points of you”( group activity) 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Day 3

Mindfulness session (air element) 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

Gentle yoga practice (heart chakra) 9:00 am to 10:30 am .

Breakfast 10:30 am to 11:30 am

Closing ceremony 11:30 am to 12:00 am.

Host or Publisher Alhelí Martínez