Four-day Retreat
3:30 pm Saturday – 12:00 pm Tuesday
Synergia Ranch Retreat Center, New Mexico
“THE RETREAT WAS 'LIFE-CHANGING' FOR ME. I AM FAR LESS AFRAID AND MUCH MORE AT EASE IN MY OWN SKIN. MY HEART HAS OPENED IN AN UNEXPECTED WAY. THERE ARE NO DIRECT CORRELATIONS I CAN DRAW FROM THE YOGA, MEDITATION, OR WRITTEN EXERCISES WE PARTICIPATED IN, OR THE SILENCE WE KEPT. IT’S THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE YOU SO CAREFULLY AND JOYFULLY CONSTRUCTED, THE PERFECT RETREAT, MOMENT BY MOMENT. YOU’RE MASTERFUL IN THE WORK YOU DO AND THE MAGIC YOU CREATE." –DEB, PALM SPRINGS
From the day we are born, we are thrust into the adventure of aging. As we grow older and begin to confront the inevitability of aging and dying with more intention—whether these processes evoke fear, curiosity, or awe—it can be of great spiritual benefit to pause and examine our relationship with death more deeply.
The aging process is a spiritual process that aims to bring us closer to Essence by bringing us closer to ourselves. When we practice yoga with clear intention, this process of evolution is speeded up and intensified. As yogis, we have learned that change is constant and how to embrace change best, which is an ongoing, never-ending practice. Yoga and meditation are ultimately designed to prepare us for the Great Letting Go. Embracing nonattachment and change are key to reducing unnecessary suffering. That is the basis of Buddhism and all spiritual practices.
What distinguishes this retreat from others that address life’s BIG issues is our somatic, mind/body approach to themes of impermanence, change, aging, and death. We will explore these topics through silence, meditation, breathwork, movement, journaling, yoga, heart circles, dharma talks, rituals, and group sharing. The integration of these elements and various traditions will allow us to experience life in a transformative way, helping to untangle the “knots that bind the heart.” Within this sacred circle, we will hold the Buddha’s teachings on the Five Remembrances, the Five Kleshas, the hero’s journey from the Katha Upanishads—where a preteen boy learns from Yama, the Lord of Death—and insights from contemporary Frank Ostaseski’s *The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.*
We are all on the same journey, making this retreat suitable for all ages and spiritual backgrounds.
The price includes dinner from Saturday evening through lunch on Tuesday, your room, all instruction, tea service, meditation cushions, a bonfire, and crickets.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:SUBJECT TO PLANETARY SHIFTS & CHANGES IN THE WEATHER
Saturday, August 8
3:30 Check-In & Room Assignments
5:00 Yoga - Studio (Chair Practice)
6:00 Dinner
7:15 Opening Circle - Bonfire
Sunday, August 9
NOBLE SILENCE
7:00 Meditation & Qi Gong
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Viloma Pranayama & Meditation
9:30 Prana Qi Practice
10:30 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Free Time
2:30 Yoga Nidra & Somatic Movement
3:00 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
4:30 Partnering Practice
6:00 Dinner
7: Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
Monday: August 10
7:00 Meditation & Qi Gong
7:45 Breakfast
9:00 Viloma Pranayama & Meditation
9:30 Prana Qi Practice
10:30 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Free Time
2:30 Yoga Nidra & Somatic Movement
3:00 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
4:30 Partnering Practice
6:00 Dinner
7:00 The Great Letting Go Ritual
Tuesday: August 11
7:00 Meditation & Qi Gong
8:00 Breakfast: Deliberate Speaking
8:30 Room Check Out
9:00 Yoga, Meditation & Journaling
10:30 Heart Circle
12:00 Lunch
Indian Market, Santa Fe, Friday, August 14-16
"YEARS AGO AT THE ZEN HOSPICE PROJECT WE ADOPTED THE VIEW THAT WHEN PEOPLE ARE DYING THEY NEED INTENSIVE CARE. INTENSIVE LOVE, INTENSIVE COMPASSION, INTENSIVE PRESENCE. ULTIMATELY SPIRITUAL SUPPORT IS NOT A MATTER OF EXISTENTIAL TEACHINGS OR ESOTERIC PRACTICES. IT IS THE FEARLESS COMMITMENT TO HONOR THE INDIVIDUAL'S WAY OF MEETING DEATH AND TO STAY STILL IN THE TERRITORY OF UNANSWERABLE QUESTIONS.”
– FRANK OSTASESKI (FRANK JUST HAPPENS TO BE MY DOCK NEIGHBOR.)
Yoga props! Please bring them with you. Double rainbows are likely!
New Mexico is a high-altitude desert. August is warm and dry, with occasional afternoon thundershowers that can cool evening temperatures.
Flashlight, overnight kit, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a journal or notebook, and an eye pillow (optional; don't worry if you don't have one), or a scarf, bandana, or eye mask to cover your eyes.)
Yoga props: Synergia does not offer any other props besides cushions and chairs. Please bring your mat and any additional props to ensure your comfort.
Please bring an altar item—something sacred or meaningful to you. This is not a gift giveaway, but it will be an essential element for this retreat. It can be a memento, a photograph, a sacred object, a book, or a letter... something easy to travel with but something significant to you.
