Join Toni Ferrarie (E-RYT500, YACEP), and Laura Kraus (MA, RYT-500) for a wonderful weekend of Stretching and Playing. 

Take a step back from the hustle and bustle of your daily life for some personal restoration with our yoga and art therapy retreat.  We call it "Stretch and Play"! We have designed a weekend of activities that are fun, restorative, and accessible to everyone. We focus on nourishing your emotional and physical health through yoga, meditative practices of art therapy and the beautiful setting of the Pocono mountains. This time together is geared to be fun and lighthearted with activities to brighten your mind and soul. Take time for yourself!

This wonderful retreat experience includes:

·  Restorative yoga

·  Yin yoga

·  Gentle yoga

·  Meditation and Walking Meditation

·  Art therapy painting presented by Susan Sopira, Artist and Educator

·  Relaxing crafting sessions presented by Yulia Rovny, Artist and Occupational Therapist

·  Tour of chocolate and coffee facility

·  An evening bonfire by the Pond

In addition to our Amazing Retreat Schedule, at the Himalayan Institute, you have access to:

·  Morning yoga classes

·  Three nourishing vegetarian meals daily

·  Explorations in self-awareness

·  Meditation in the Sri Vidya Shrine

·  400 acres of wooded hiking trails and vistas

·  The MarketPlace Bookstore and Giftshop

·  Spa services (extra charge)

·  Free Wi-Fi

Our retreat is open to all fitness levels.

Email: contactus@myyogaanytime.com to reserve your spot!

Please note: This is an open facility and you may find the use of nuts in the food and essential oils.  We ask that you consider your allergy concerns when registering.  There are no elevators, if you have accessibility issues with stairs, this will be a consideration when booking.

Sample schedule: 

Friday 4:00 Check-in at The Institute!

·  4:30-6:00 PM Getting To Know You! And Craft Workshop with Yulia, Annex

·  6:00 PM Prayers and Meditation | Sri Vidya Shrine

·  6:00-7:00 PM Dinner

·  7:30-9:00 PM: Let It All Go, Gentle Yoga and Stretching with Toni, Lotus Room

·  10:00 PM Silence Observed until 7:30 AM

Saturday

·  6:00 AM Prayers and Meditation | Sri Vidya Shrine

·  7:00 AM Hatha Yoga with Himalayan Institute instructor

·  7:30-8:30 AM Breakfast  

·  8:30-10:00 AM Restorative Yoga with Laura, Lotus Room

·  10:00-12:00 AM Watercolor Instruction and Painting with Susan, Annex

·  12:30-1:30 PM  Lunch

·  1:30-3:00 PM Chocolate Factory Tour and Nature Hike

·  3:00-4:30 PM Painting and Crafting with Susan and Yulia, Annex

·  4:30-6:00 PM Yin Yoga and Yummy Power Savasana with Toni, Lotus Room

·  6:00 PM Prayers and Meditation | Sri Vidya Shrine

·  6:00 PM Dinner

·  7:30-9:30 PM Bonfire at Sunset Pond

·  10:00 PM Silence Observed until 7:30 AM

Sunday

·  6:00 AM Prayers and Meditation | Sri Vidya Shrine

·  7:00 AM Hatha Yoga with Himalayan Institute instructor

·  7:30-8:30 AM Breakfast  

·  8:30-10:00 AM Movement and Meditation with Toni and Laura: Lotus Room

·  10:00-12:00 AM Free Time. Schedule Spa Sessions/Crafting and Painting with Chai and Cookies in Annex

·  12:30-1:30 PM Lunch

·  1:30 PM Check out

Our schedule may change while we strive to bring the best programming to our students!

Retreat Cancelation Policy: A full refund will be given if cancelation is received within 60 days of the retreat.  59 days or less before the start of the retreat, we will refund the cost of the retreat if we can find another guest to fill your spot.

Cancellations for accommodations are based on The Himalayan Institute's Policy: https://himalayaninstitute.org/retreat-center/accommodations/

Laura guides participants through a foundational Restorative Yoga class.

Restorative yoga, suitable for practitioners of all levels, is a restful practice that holds the yoga poses (asanas) for a longer duration using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters. It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. Through the use of props for support, many of the postures are held almost effortlessly.

When your body enters a state of relaxation, your mind can also consciously relax as tension melts away. The only work required during a restorative yoga practice is to pay attention to your breath, become aware of any sensations or thoughts that may arise, and then gently release them.

Susan and Yulia guide our participants with interactive and creative art and crafting projects to engage your inner playfulness.

The underlying concepts of art therapy are that in expressive arts therapies, people can understand and respond to their emotions and thoughts with a valuable new perspective, and that artistic expression is good for mental health.

Toni and Laura are expert yoga instructors who have instructed for years and understand modified movement and breath-facilitation to enable just about any level of participation.

Yoga modifications are adjustments to traditional yoga poses (asana), making them accessible and comfortable for individuals of all levels and physical abilities. They can be used to address specific limitations, injuries, or simply to make a pose more accessible. 

We also can facilitate accessibility through modifying the poses (asana) with propping with items such as blocks, bolsters and chairs; verifications in body angles and positions; twisting and sitting alterations; and adjustments for common concerns such as pregnancy, obesity, aging and injury.

What are the Benefits of Modifications:

• Accessibility: Modifications make yoga accessible to a wider range of people, regardless of their physical limitations. 
• Safety: Modifications can help prevent injuries by providing support and reducing strain on joints. 
• Progress: Modifications can help you gradually build strength and flexibility as you progress in your practice. 

The Himalayan Institute is situated on 400-acres of lush forest and hills.  Join us and get out there in the fresh air. Our hikes and walks are led by naturalists provided by The Institute.

Looking to reduce stress, improve your mood, lower your blood pressure and enhance your immune function?  Nature walks provide numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.

Community and friendship are encouraged and we find our participants walk away with new friends and full hearts.