Vinyasa and Vital Energy
With Dennis Teston, MJ Watkins and Lucas Hall
June 25 - 27, 2021
A GUEST PROGRAM
Vitality can be defined as a capacity for survival or for the continuation of a meaningful or purposeful existence. For many of us, over the past year, life has become overwhelming—and has sapped us of our usual vitality. This is the time to reclaim it. Spend your weekend taking an inward journey to discover what you’re truly made of so you can continue on your path with purpose.
“Amazing! Would not change a thing.”
STAY SAFE DURING COVID-19: We are committed to your health and safety; please read our COVID-19 Precautions & Preparations to understand our strategies.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
We invited the teachers from New York Loves Yoga to bring this program to our beautiful campus, as it perfectly aligns with our guiding philosophy: that physical and emotional wellbeing are equally essential, and that each serves the other. This weekend is designed to help you shed the intensity of modern life, escape from your day-to-day, and find some much-needed space in community with others.
Each morning begins with breath meditations and classic vinyasa yoga, followed by a serene light-filled silent breakfast. You will feel the bounty of strength and contentment.
A group circle after physical and silent mornings brings the group together—balanced, invigorated and calm. After time for private reflection, writing and contemplation, the group meets to discuss right effort and how to retrain the mind to produce wholesome states of being, while redirecting unwholesome thoughts that may be limiting your ability to experience joy and contentment.
In the evening, Atma Buti Tibetan sound bowls fill the Meditation Hall as your nights are cocooned by the relaxation technique of yoga nidra.
- Metta Meditation internalizes good wishes for yourself and others
- Vinyasa Yoga repeats a series of poses to increase body heat and build strength
- Somatics is a safe, gentle, and effective form of neuromuscular (mind-body) movement that goes to the root cause of most chronic muscular pain
- Yoga Nidra is “dynamic sleep,” allowing the body to deeply relax while the mind stays inwardly alert—the knife’s edge where the body “sleeps” while the mind is lucid.
- Atma Buti Tibetan Sound Bowls—literally translated as soul herbal medicine—deliver the healing power of sound
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
- Intimate setting with personal access to the teachers
- Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
- Vinyasa Yoga, Somatics and the Sound Experience with Yoga Nidra
- Guided meditations
- Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
- Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
- Extensive library of dharma books
- Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all, although some yoga experience is helpful.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, June 25
3:00 PM | Check in begins |
4:00 PM | Opening Circle (Meditation Hall) |
5:15 – 7:15 PM | Yoga Class and the Sound Experience (Meditation Hall) |
7:30-8:30 PM | Dinner (Dining Hall) |
Saturday, June 26
9:00 – 10:30 AM | Yoga Class, Silent (Meditation Hall) |
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Brunch, Silent (Dining Hall) |
12:00 – 3:00 PM | Nature Walk/Personal Time |
3:00 – 4:45 PM | Meditation (Meditation Hall) |
4:45 – 5:45 PM | Move & Meditate (Meditation Hall) |
6:00 – 7:00 PM | Dinner (Dining Hall) |
8:00 – 9:15 PM | The Sound Experience |
Yoga Nidra & Tibetan Sound Healing Ceremony |
Sunday, June 27
9:00 – 10:30 AM | Yoga Class, Silent (Meditation Hall) |
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Brunch, Silent (Dining Hall) |
12:00 – 12:30 PM | Closing Circle |
1:00 PM | Check out and departure |
Teachers
Dennis Teston first tried Integral Yoga for some stretching of the body and soul; and so began Dennis’ yoga journey. The years that followed found him practicing serial yoga monogamy of styles including Hatha, Iyengar, Vinyasa, Jivamukti, Bikram, being inspired by Cyndi Lee, Dharma Mittra, Bryan Kest, and practicing at dozens of studios in New York and around the world. Searching for some new inspiration, Dennis stumbled into Sankalpah one Saturday morning to take a class. The practice, with its intelligent sequencing and the subtle incorporation of yogic philosophy, resonated true for him. Dennis weaves together, with a quiet authority,…
Learn more about Dennis Teston
As partner of NY Loves Yoga, MJ Watkins listens to students speak about why they come to yoga – stress relief, relaxation, finding peace internally and wellness. Her interest in and passion for Thomas Hanna Somatics, came after a back injury and loss of physical movement. She focuses on breath, the nervous system and regaining strength through movement to promote flexibility, health and mental relaxation.MJ’s training includes: RYT 300, Academy of Yoga & Meditation, India; E-RYT 200, Zuna Yoga, Tantra–Hatha; Reiki Level 1; Atma Buti Singing Bowls; Restorative Yoga; Yoga Nidra, ISHTA, NYC; Essential Somatics Movement, Martha Peterson, Radiant Child…
Learn more about MJ Watkins
With a lifelong passion for self-development, and the desire to help others become their best selves, Lucas Hall took the leap and travelled to Bali, Indonesia to study the teachings of Hatha yoga with renowned teachers Everett Newell & Katherine Girling (Zuna Yoga, zunayoga.com) Already a teacher of voice here in NYC and with a background in dance, Lucas’s skill set of body/mind conditioning and how to motivate and empower his students is one of his most enticing qualities as a yoga teacher. Lucas’s classes are accessible, effective and well rounded. Each class includes strong asana poses, focused breathing and…
Learn more about Lucas Hall