Bhakti Awakening Yoga & Kirtan Retreat

      Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

      LR
      Lotus Retreats
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      32 reviews
      Apr 21 - 27, 2019
      Group size: 10 - 33
      Bhakti Awakening Yoga & Kirtan Retreat
      Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

      Lotus Retreats
      • Email address verified
      • Facebook verified
      32 reviews

      Apr 21 - 27, 2019
      Group size: 10 - 33

      About this trip

      Dive into a week of play within the heart space to reawaken the anahata, heart chakra, into a purified space of Bhakti & bliss. On and off the mat, Bhakti yoga is a devotional and celebratory  practice of gratitude and faith, surrendering to the most powerful piece of our lives, our heart.  


      Join Loren Lotus with Lotus Retreats, Patita Pavanji Das of the Hanuman Project, and Sita Devi for a divine week of  vibrant energy, a place to come and connect to your body, heart, & soul and embrace life from its fullest place of harmony!


      Whether you’re new to the path of Bhakti or an already practitioner, this will be an expansive, juicey and devotional week of nourishment and celebratory abundance of shared hearts & intimate moments. There is always room within the heart space to reawaken and expand and is easily achieved with the abundance of Bali’s unique offerings.


      Explore the path of Bhakti with daily ecstatic chanting (Kirtan), musical vinyasa flows, cacao and ceremonial rituals and the opening of our hearts through song, vocal toning, mantra and a deepened understanding of the Bhakti tradition.


      During this retreat, you will learn healthy practices for holistic living from a daily yoga practice, exploring music, ecstatic movement, ceremony and ritual to treat the body as a temple. 

      Our daily enchantments of music and Kirtan, exploring musicality, voice and expression will help us reconnect to the essence of our own voices and sacred body expressions. 

      This is a retreat for anyone and everyone who is ready to live life more fully, to celebrate the divine essence within us and to come into alignment from a place of awakening. From this place of alignment, purification begins and we are able to step into a supercharged personal power for what we are truly seeking in life. A celebratory retreat of this nature is meant to bring vibrant and purifying energy into the heart space, activating and clearing away any illusion that may be hindering us from living our lives as fully as we deserve. 


      This retreat is also good for yoga teachers and practitioners interested in integrating sacred chanting, music, bhakti, song and rituals into their own offerings. What is shared is meant to serve you personally and to overflow and fulfill those around us. 


      Free time and solo time will also be offered to reflect, take space and ground throughout the week’s retreat. There are several offerings to experience the magic of Bali.


      Bali is an island of natural, cultural, and spiritual wonders. Retreat yourself to a week of Balinese culture, Buddhist and Hindu spirituality and an abundance of unique offerings from the island of Bali. Practice Bhakti yoga daily with devotional chanting, Kirtan, cacao ceremony, physical asana, musical journeys and dance all while connecting with & exploring the heart center of Ubud! Offered daily are excursions to explore the The Ubud Monkey Forest, Mt. Batur, the Titra Empul Water Temple, Waterfalls and surrounding Rice Fields.

      HOSTS

      Hanuma Project / Paul / Patita Pavana Das 

      A lifelong musician and with many lifetimes as a Bhakta, Paul splits his time between Ashram living and life on the road, spreading the vibration of devotion. The past few years have been a year of blossoming for Paul's current focus, the Hanuman Project, from birthing 'EnChanted' a unique Bhakti & Sound Healing Festival-Retreat to sharing Kirtan and Ceremony around the world. In 2017 Paul visited 7 countries to share his passion for sacred song and ceremony,  highlights include: Offering at sacred music festivals; Beloved, Singing Alive & Bhakti Fest (USA), Recording the debut Hanuman Project Album in Los Angeles, Supporting medicine retreats and ceremony in the high Andes of Southern Peru and of course the 3 week Yoga of Sound an Chocolate programme in Guatemala. 

      Paul's approach to sound and chant is that they are the keys to unlock the power and beauty of the heart, and as such are available to each and every one of us at all times. He is passionate about creating devotional music both powerful and accessible, hoping invoking courage to live from the heart always and to support with solely love . 


      Sita Devi 

      Sita Devi is a yogini, kirtan artist, and ecstatic dance facilitator in service to the divine. She holds a BFA in dance from the University of California Santa Barbara, completed her 500 hours of training in Kona, Hawaii in 2007, and has been teaching yoga for 10 years most exclusively at Namaste Yoga + Wellness in Oakland, Yoga Tree in Berkeley, Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica, and at festivals and conferences worldwide. She teaches various modalities of Yoga including Vinyasa Flow, Bhakti Vinyasa Flow, and Restorative Yin. As a Kirtan Walli, Sita sings and plays the harmonium, guitar, kartals, and the mrdanga. She has a weekly community Kirtan at Yoga Tree Telegraph and a monthly Kirtan at Namaste Rockridge with Adam Kurzfeld. Sita has performed and taught at San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference, Lightning in a Bottle, Wanderlust and several events. 

      Her mission is to share this heart opening practice and make it easily accessible for everyone. It is her dream and goal to make Bhakti, devotional service, something that anyone can do, without limitation, expectation, discrimination or judgement. Sita’s devotional service is intended to include all beings in experiencing divine love and light.


      Loren Lotus / Lotus Retreats

      Loren is a devotional curator whose true love and passion is sharing the beauty of the world and the unity of Yoga with those who are seeking it. Loren holds a B.S in Kinesiology where her fascination of the human body first stemmed. She began traveling in 2014 and was completely eye-opened by the diversity & beauty of our world. Loren obtained her first teaching certificate from the Passion Yoga School in Costa Rica, then continued with several trainings in Los Angeles with Yogaworks, as well as Pre-Natal, Yin & Restorative trainings. She visited Colombia for the first time in 2016 and birthed the vision of Lotus Retreats. 

      Creator of Lotus Retreats, Loren aims to curate self-realizing, empowering, heart opening and unique gatherings all over the world to share the practice  of yoga & travel exposure with everyone.

      She is continuously inspired by Yogic teachings of our everyday life and the practice of Yoga, on and off the mat. Every day is an opportunity to grow & live your life like a Lotus flower, reaching your true potential and fulfillment.

      YOGA / WORKSHOPS

      Each day of the retreat will be spent diving into the art of our heart through voice and movement. Daily singing, dancing and chanting practices will be infused with traditional yoga practices including vinyasa, yin and restorative styles.


      Our themed practices will include daily gatherings: creating sacred intention, philosophy and history of Bhakti, the power of mantra and intention of chanting, infused with native Balinese cacao - our favorite and most powerful medicine for opening the heart.


      OFFERINGS

      • 2 yoga classes a day; vinyasa flow & yin accompanied by music & kirtan 
      • Cacao ritual to infuse our daily practices 
      • 5-6 themed practices diving into the path & understanding of Bhakti
        • Yoga of Sound and Voice - ‘ceremonial playshops’ supporting releasing blockages around voice and accessing creative expression.
        • Chanting / Mantra 101 to harness the magic of Bhakti Yoga, meet the deities, explore the power and understanding of mantra
        • Expressive Movement & dance, break down of bit by bit body movement and expression to paint a picture of art with the body
      • Purification and intention setting through the Titra Empul Water Temple midweek for a full integration and understanding of the week’s impact
      • Daily breakfast & lunch gatherings as a group or individually if preferred
      • Additional daily excursions to the surrounding rice fields, waterfalls, volcanoes, Ubud Monkey Forest and shops will be offered to explore the beauty of Bali!  

      EXCURSIONS

      Offered daily are excursions to explore the The Ubud Monkey Forest, Mt. Batur, the Tirta Empul Water Temple, Waterfalls, surrounding Rice Fields and evening Balinese Kekac dances. 

      All activities are optional to explore with the group or individually!


      Tirta Empul Water Temple

      We will attend a purification ceremony  at the Tirta Empul Water Temple  to cleanse & purify midway through the week, guided by your hosts and the temple keeper. 

      To allow for sacred purification to take place, we will be led through a 10 step process of water dunking and breath clarity to reawaken a refreshed and purified self.

      Mt. Batur

      Join an adventurous group for the sunrise hike to the top of Bali’s iconic Mt. Batur. Early to rise and trek to the top, you’ll overlook the entirety of Bali’s oasis in bliss during this challenging and rewarding experience. This is a one-of-a-kind excursion in Bali and unforgettable to all. Accompanied by a breakfast buffet and hot springs for those who endure the hike!

      Additional Excursions optionally offered throughout the week:

      • Tirta Empul Water Temple
      • Mt. Batur Sunrise Hike
      • Lotus Temple / Saraswati Temple
      • The Ubud Monkey Forest
      • Tegenungan Waterfall
      • Tegalalang Rice Fields
      • Campuhan Sunset Ridge Walk
      • Kecak Fire Dance Thursday Evening 
      • The Bali Swing

      ACCOMODATIONS

      Retreat for 7-days and 6-nights at the Narasoma Oasis in the heart of Ubud. Narasoma means the “eternal spirit encompassing the nectar of life.” Nara = someone and Soma = elixir of life. 

      Narasoma is a human who has awakened, purified and full with the essence of spiritual knowledge. 

      Narasoma is made up of 2 sections, the traditional Balinese family compound with homestay accommodation reflecting the true art and beauty of the Balinese culture and the retreat centre located in a tranquil oasis set behind the homestay reflecting the true nature and yoga spirit that lies in the heart of Bali. 

      Just off the busy street on monkey forest road down beji lane, it is a quiet oasis, but within minutes walk of shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Beautifully hidden with a tropical landscape and is the last bit of natural sanctuary, besides the monkey forest, in the centre of Ubud.


      Within this space is an outdoor yoga Shala overlooking a running river with a natural breeze. Several of our morning yoga classes with take place in this space to welcome the day. There is also an indoor yoga Shala for our musical jam sessions and Kirtan, dance and chanting for a fuller sound. Some ceremonies and themed practices will be hosted in this special space.

      Narasoma has 22 rooms and 3 yoga shalas as well as Spa facilities to hold our group. 


      The resort will be reserved privately to contain the intimacy of our week.

      NOURISHMENT

      Learn healthy practices for holistic living from your yoga practice to healthy organic, vegetarian based meals. Nourishing ourselves from the inside out is an important piece of the practice that we will honor by eating delicious sacred food centered around healthy choices. We will gather for group breakfast and lunches on the resort and leave dinner time open to explore on your own. There are several surrounding vegan and vegetarian restaurants serving divinely curated dishes. 

      We will celebrate on the last evening with a family style dinner at home and in sacred closing ceremony for the week.

      What’s included

      • Accommodations
        7-days & 6-nights at the NaraSoma Retreat Center
      • 2 Yoga classes a day
        Vinyasa flow & yin accompanied by music & Kirtan
      • Cacao Ceremonies
        Ceremonial cacao ritual to infuse our daily practices
      • Themed Classes
        Daily workshops, discussions and group activities to dive into the sacred path of Bhakti for a deepened practice and understanding
      • Yoga of Sound and Voice
        Ceremonial 'playshops’ supporting releasing blockages around voice and accessing creative expression.
      • Chanting / Mantra 101
        Harness the magic of Bhakti Yoga, meet the deities, explore the power and understanding of mantra
      • Breakfast & Lunch
        Daily breakfast & lunches are served at the retreat center
      • Celebration Dinner
        1 group dinner to conclude the retreat week
      • Transportation
        Pickup and transfer from the Denpensar airport to the Narasoma Retreat Center

      What’s not included

      • Flights
        Flights to/from Bali. Estimated cost $600-$900 roundtrip
      • Departing Transportation
        Transportation leaving the resort is not included, but can be organized and shared with other individuals (primarily because several guests depart to various locations post-retreat)
      • Dinner
        Afternoon meals / dinner are left open to explore the many unique restaurants nearby in the town of Ubud. Estimated budget $100/week
      • Insurance
        It is recommended to purchase your own travel insurance

      Available Packages

      Single Occupancy* Early bird thru Feb1
      $1,790
      Deposit: $500
      Double Occupancy*Early bird thru Feb1
      $1,590
      Deposit: $500
      Single Occupancy
      $1,990
      Deposit: $500
      Double Occupancy
      $1,790
      Deposit: $500


      Your Organizer


      LR
      Lotus Retreats
      32 reviews
      Expand and enhance your vision of the world with a Lotus Retreats experience! Lotus Retreats offers a combination of yoga & philosophy, workshops & ceremonies, plus nature excursions & cultural immersions to fully explore each location traveled. Each week is carefully curated with activities and optional excursions to deepen and benefit your physical, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. Every retreat is unique to the location, the group & your hosts, who passionately guarantee an eye-opening & heart-awakening experience for all.

      Reviews

      AA
      A grounding expedition filled with genuine connection. A powerful mix of relaxing and nourishing yoga and wellness combined with expansive and exciting adventures.
      By Alexa A for Lake Atitlan, Guatemala NYE Reset Retreat (2024!) on Feb 27, 2024
      Amazing Yoga retreat in the Sacred Valley. Amazing healthy meals every day. Daily adventure to ruins and cultural events.I highly recommend this retreat and Ryann is an amazing teacher and facilitator!!!
      By Lynn E for Peru: Cultural Immersion & Yoga Retreat on Feb 27, 2024
      Fantastic trip and experience. It far exceeded my expectations. The accommodation and personnel are all top-notch. Tom Milton
      By Thomas M for Peru: Cultural Immersion & Yoga Retreat on Feb 21, 2024
      This was a wonderful retreat in a beautiful setting. I loved the yoga classes, food, and the cultural immersive experiences. I highly recommend a Lotus Retreat!
      By Kathy A for Lake Atitlan, Guatemala NYE Reset Retreat (2024!) on Jan 06, 2024
      Incredible cultural voyage through the sacred valley of Peru. This was an adventurous and beautiful retreat. More than just asana yoga. There were indigenous ceremonies, hikes through the mountains, and historical site visits. Lotus Retreats always forms a connected group and we had a blast in Peru. I would 100% travel with Lotus Retreats again
      By Spencer O for Peru: Cultural Immersion & Yoga Retreat (New Dates* May 2023) on Jun 20, 2023
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      References

      HC
      First and foremost, apologies for this super overdue review. I just realized that I haven't left a review for Loren Lotus, but periodically I have thought about this magical retreat I went on with Loren in 2018 to Colombia. Loren was very communicative about all the trip details beforehand, and planned very special programs; a small trip to the neighboring village with a local guide, interesting workshops with great guest teachers, etc. although she is an amazing instructor! The retreat venue was magical and was very accommodating about everyone's dietary restrictions. I spent possibly the best week of my life, and I am forever grateful for that experience. Highly recommend it if you are looking for something to nourish your mind, body, and heart. Thank you Loren. I hope you are doing well! Sending love.
      By Heisue C on 30 Nov, 2023
      KK
      I had an amazing experience in Colombia with Lotus Retreats in July 2023. Loren and Rachel are fantastic women who lead with love and light. They show so much care and respect towards each person's experience and offer each guest the opportunity to make their trip as busy or relaxed as they wish it to be. I highly recommend the excursions, as I got to experience more of Colombia and the history of its culture; however, they are optional, which is great on days when a guest would prefer some time spent in reflection. The daily yoga offerings were my favorite part, as they brought different styles of yoga, pranayama techniques, and sound healing into class. And finally, the freshly prepared, locally-sourced meals were INCREDIBLE. My body is still thanking me!
      By Katie K on 12 Aug, 2023
      TP
      I had the opportunity to deepen my practice / experience the beauty of Tulum Mexico with Lotus Retreats and would do it again in a heartbeat! The Lotus Retreats crew quickly created a space of loving community, increased awareness, and intentional practice within the first few hours of our retreat and it only got better from there! These retreats are special. Humanity in raw form. I'll be back for more, no doubt!
      By Travis P on 02 Oct, 2018
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