Be Here: The Mindful Yoga & Wellness Retreat

Ratna Ling Retreat Center: located between Fort Ross and Stewart's Point, CA, United States

SM
Shauna MacKay
  • Email address verified
11 reviews
Apr 11 - 14, 2019
Group size: 16 - 25
Be Here: The Mindful Yoga & Wellness Retreat
Ratna Ling Retreat Center: located between Fort Ross and Stewart's Point, CA, United States

Shauna MacKay
  • Email address verified
11 reviews

Apr 11 - 14, 2019
Group size: 16 - 25

About this trip

The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment, feeling fully alive. ~Thich Nhat Hanh 


Slow down, press your feet into the earth, gaze upwards and inhale the sky. Take in the sweetness of the forest and the freshness of the air.  Savor the silence and bathe in the stillness of nature. You have arrived. You are here, present in the moment fully alive! 


You are invited to the redwoods of Northern California for 4 days and 3 nights of relaxation, friendship and fun. 


New this Year

A Bigger, better retreat! This year we have added an additional lunch and afternoon of activities to our schedule without increasing the cost. The retreat begins at 11am followed by lunch and our welcome circle. 


A Mindfulness Retreat! With a schedule designed to introduce and deepen your understanding of mindfulness. Perpetual busyness has become the norm and we are losing our relationship with the simple pleasures that make us feel happy, joyful and alive. With practices and ideas to keep you motivated and moving forward, you will leave the retreat with a heart-felt commitment to living everyday a little more mindfully each and every day. 


You will be housed in Ratna Ling's luxurious private or semi-private cabins, as well enjoy the beautiful yoga and meditation facilities, delicious vegetarian meals and uplifting nature walks and hikes! 


Treat yourself to this unforgettable retreat with Shauna and a small group of like-minded yoga and wellness enthusiasts who will inspire, support and enhance your journey. 

Reviews - 2018 Retreat

Stephanie Clair:

I wish I could give 30 stars. I wish everyone in the world had the opportunity to experience the magic that I felt on this retreat. From the minute I arrived, I felt my body relax, breathe, and connect with nature in the way I was born to do. The retreat location is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.. the redwood trees, the ocean, the wind in the trees with the sounds of frogs, wild turkeys, birds in the distance... it felt like a dream. The cabin was beautiful, spacious, and a lot fancier and comfortable than I imagined it would be. The food... oh my gosh the food. Imagine every meal being freshly prepared, large variety, healthy yet tasty. Incredible. I'm trying to replicate some recipes at home! 


Now for the best part.. Shauna is an incredible teacher, person and yogi. Each yoga class was a blend of breathing, meditation, reflection and stretching. Shauna helps guide you to being more mindful every step of the way during this experience. It truly isn't just a retreat, but a life changing experience. Shauna helps you see yourself in a new light..teaches you how a small shift in our actions can change how we react and views things. There are so many wonderful tools she gives you, and when you come back to your daily grind of life.. you stop to pause and see things differently. 


Thank you Shauna! So grateful for the experience!!!! I will be back!


Batia Chernovetzky:

The Yoga Retreat exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were excellent. the food , The people who take care of the place are doing an extraordinary job. The surroundings are so beautiful that they seem unreal! Shauna her husband Ron and Yawi did an excellent job organizing all the activities for such a big and diverse group. 


Shauna's classes as usual were just what we needed. It was the perfect place for the theme of the retreat that was mindfulness. It was my first experience in a yoga retreat and it couldm't have been better! Thanks for such a great experience!


Beverly Ring:

We had a wonderful time. Shauna create a restful and yet invigorating 3 days with time for introspection as well as community and lots of yoga and meditation. The hikes were fabulous. 


The facility and accommodations were beautiful and are nestled along the magical Northern California Coast amongst the tall redwoods. The yoga was perfect as Shauna eased us into our weekend practice. My husband who has done some yoga but not overly experienced was able to enjoy the entire weekend as well. Food was delicious and plentiful as well as very healthy. 


All in all a perfect retreat. Thank you Shauna and Yowi and the staff of Ratna Ling.


Dhyana Wade: 

Shauna's 2017 retreat nourished me on every level! She offered delightful sessions which included yoga, meditation, music and chanting. We watched documentaries that stimulated thoughtful discussions. I loved the breathtaking hikes we took along the rugged and magnificent grounds. 


The accommodations were top notch! We slept in spacious, modern cabins that were nestled in a lush redwood forest. Wild woodland animals were a daily treat. The community rooms and gardens were also a sensual treat. Fragrant herbs and flowers filled the air outside. Stunning architecture inside gave one an expansive numinous feeling. 


Our food was lovingly prepared and served by attentive staff. EVERYTHING was fresh, healthy and filled with love! I came away with a profound sense of community and well being. The whole experience had a deep healing effect on my soul. I cannot wait for Shauna's 2018 retreat! 


Laura Weston:

Attending a 3-day retreat with Shauna MacKay and an amazing group of women was a transformative experience. The Ratna Ling Retreat Center is beautiful and tranquil, with luxurious and spacious cottages that far exceeded my expectations. 


The homemade vegetarian food, with many gluten-free options, was delicious and satisfying. Shauna pours her heart and soul into her teaching, the dharma talks and meditations; every detail is taken care of. 


Most of all, Shauna’s passion and joy for her life’s work create an atmosphere of compassion and energy that enabled each of us to move further along in our spiritual journeys and form genuine connections with each other. 


Roxann Zitek:

We  were all blessed with a Spring time yoga retreat by Shauna at Ratna Ling retreat center.  The accommodations and staff at Ratna Ling are so inviting with their warmth and peaceful presence. The dishes are divine and we were nourished by the abundance they offer and the love that Shauna shared.


The compound which houses the main lodge, conference center, dining facility and cabins was astounding. High ceilings, timber construction, large windows, towering Red Woods. You get the idea!


While the food was vegetarian fare, it was absolutely yummy and very satisfying. Salads, hearty soups, fresh fruit, creatively cooked meals.


To summarize spending a few days at Ratna Ling is a wonderful way to enjoy great yoga and some new experiences in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Enjoy!


Lori Beliveau: 

I attended Shauna's first  retreat in April 2017 at Ratna Ling. I have been to many retreats, but this one had a very different quality, flavor and feel than others. There was such a sweetness to it and relaxed flow, and the bonding and affection that the group experienced by the end was like no other. There was just enough discomfort to create growth.

I left different from the experience, although I didn't realize that until I'd been home for a couple days. It was something I needed to learn, it was something I didn't feel worthy to own personally about myself. It was something that I sort of knew about but never experienced. Now I KNOW it. Now I own it. And I am grateful for that.

Thank you Shauna for taking this leap for all of us and with all of us!


What’s included

  • Long Weekend
    4 days/3 nights stay (Thursday 11am - Sunday 12pm) at the highly rated Ratna Ling Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center in Sonoma County. www.ratnaling.org.
  • Luxurious Accommodations
    Modern, private and semi-private cottages with vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, hardwood floors, spacious decks with panoramic views and a deluxe bath tub with Jacuzzi jets
  • Delightful Dining
    Eight delicious, organic vegetarian meals
  • Yoga Practices
    Daily yoga, meditation and breathing practices
  • Mindfulness
    Instruction, practices and discussions and stimulate learning and conversation
  • Community & Connection
    Group interaction, discussions and sharing
  • Rest & Relaxation
    Stillness & silence
  • Nature Nourishment
    Walks, hikes and forest bathing and beach combing
  • Fantastic Facilities
    Spacious, bright and beautifully appointed accommodations, yoga and meeting rooms

What’s not included

  • Transportation
    Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
    www.travelexinsurance.com
  • Ground Transportation
    Transportation to and from the airport to retreat center (approximately a 90 minute ride)
  • Bodywork
    Tibetan Body treatments (optional)

Available Packages

Early Bird Registration

Registration (Room requests are first come, first served.)

Accommodations: The luxury eco-cottages are appointed with hardwood floors and furniture. Two private sleeping rooms, a full sized bed with organic bedding in each room, shared bath, a Jacuzzi bathtub, large vaulted ceiling living room, gas fireplace, outdoor deck for nature watching, and a kitchenette stocked with teas and coffee.


Be sure to plan for this retreat early, limited space! Register now to reserve your spot and take advantage of more favorable airfares. We sold out the last two years. 


Rates 

Your retreat package includes 4 days + 3 nights (Thurs. 11am - Sun. 12pm)  + 9 vegetarian meals + yoga instruction + group activities  (airfare and transportation from airport to retreat center and optional body treatments not included) 

$1095 - for one retreat package and shared 2-bedroom cottage ($1195 after Dec 31, 2018. ) 


Terms and Conditions

A $695 non-refundable registration is required to reserve your space and to complete registration. The balance of your early bird payment is due by Dec 31, 2018. If you’d like to pay in full today, we will gladly accept payment. After Dec 31, 2018 full payment is due upon registration. 


Retreat registration and payment are managed on this secure website. Payments via bank transfers, cash or check are processed at no cost to you. If you'd prefer to use a credit card, a 2.9% fee will be added to the retreat cost, (3.9% for AMEX). 


Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. This policy is inline with the one I have signed with the retreat center. Thank you for your understanding. Reservation is effective upon receipt of this registration form and payment. 


In the event that you need to cancel because of unexpected circumstances, and as a general practice, we highly recommend that you protect your investment with travel insurance for your trip. To purchase travel you can go to www.travelexinsurance.com or call (800) 228-9792.


$1,095
Deposit: $695
After Jan 8, 2019

Based on availability. Booking after requires full payment.

$1,095


Itinerary

Yoga For Vitality
Yoga for All Levels and Everybody

We will come to our mat twice a day to practice yoga. The yoga style is breath-centered. At times it will be energizing and invigorating and other times gentle and therapeutic. Evening practices will be Yin or Restorative in nature. Our intention here is not so much a work out but rather a work in . . . the Yoga practices are suitable for al levels. 

Your Organizer


SM
Shauna MacKay
11 reviews
Shauna MacKay, B.P.E., Yoga Therapist, E-RYT-500 is a Yoga Therapist/Educator with a passion for teaching yoga. She is fueled by a commitment to continuous learning and has studied with some of the best teachers, coaches and spiritual guides in this area. As a result, Shauna has a multilayered approach to teaching yoga that is accessible to all, focusing on health and wellbeing. As a certified Yoga Therapist with a degree in Physical Education, Shauna has several advanced qualifications and certifications including: Restorative Yoga, Yin Yoga, Chakra Yoga, Yoga of the Heart© for Cardiac and Cancer Recovery, Yoga for Addiction, Yoga for a Happy Back and Yoga Nidra. Shauna is a mentor and faculty member in Prana Yoga Center's highly regarded 300 Professional Teacher Training program. She is a trained Master Integrative Coach and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Reviews

Wonderful accommodations with friendly people in a beautiful area.
By Jane H for Be Here: The Mindful Yoga & Wellness Retreat on Apr 23, 2019
MB
Shauna is a gem! Once again Jerry and I had a wonderful time at Ratna Ling with Shauna, Ron, Kenzie, and our yoga friends. It couldn't have been better!
By Mary B for Be Here: The Mindful Yoga & Wellness Retreat on Apr 19, 2019
The Yoga Retreat exceeded my expectations. The accommodations were excellent. the food , The people who take care of the place are doing an extraordinary job. The surroundings are so beautiful that they seem unreal! Shauna her husband Ron and Yawi did an excellent job organizing all the activities for such a big and diverse group. Shauna's classes as usual were just what we needed. It was the perfect place for the theme of the retreat that was mindfulness. It was my first experience in a yoga retreat and it couldm't have been better! Thanks for such a great experience!
By Batia C for Retreat into Nature: A Yoga & Wellness Experience on Apr 26, 2018
The Ratna Ling Retreat Centre is a special place. With its natural beauty of the deep green rolling hills, majestic redwood forests and expansive skyline, the invitation to let go of the busyness of life presents itself to you before you enter the facility. Upon arriving, you are met with a delightful, heart centred staff who enthusiastically want to make your stay wonderful. The accommodations of the individual cottages are comfortable and well equipped. A cozy place to return after a day of activity. The vegetarian food was prepared from a place of kindness and love, with much variety. Shauna's MacKay is one of the most skilled teacher's I have had the pleasure of meeting. She has a beautiful, open heart and invites the participants in a gentle way, to transform and to let go. In this retreat, we explored numerous ways to become more mindful. Shauna understands the challenges of this but gave us practical examples of how we can do this simply upon returning to our busy lives. She is well read and researched with her knowledge which she shares, intermingled with a gentle, love and kindness for each of the students. She is available for all participants at all levels. The Retreat was well organized with much thought given to detail. I came away renewed and eager to live a more mindful life. Thank you.
By Katie M for Retreat into Nature: A Yoga & Wellness Experience on Apr 25, 2018
BR
We had a wonderful time. Shauna create a restful and yet invigorating 3 days with time for introspection as well as community and lots of yoga and meditation. The hikes were fabulous. The facility and accommodations were beautiful and are nestled along the magical Northern California Coast amongst the tall redwoods. The yoga was perfect as Shauna eased us into our weekend practice. My husband who has done some yoga but not overly experienced was able to enjoy the entire weekend as well. Food was delicious and plentiful as well as very healthy. All in all a perfect retreat. Thank you Shauna and Yowi and the staff of Ratna Ling.
By Beverlee R for Retreat into Nature: A Yoga & Wellness Experience on Apr 24, 2018
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