A Day-long Somatic Movement Retreat

9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Green Gulch Farm & Zen Center 1601 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, CA 94965

"THE USUAL PSYCHODYNAMIC FOUNDATION FOR THE SELF-EXPERIENCE IS THAT OF HUNGER, NOT BREATH. THE BODY IS EXPERIENCED AS AN ALIEN ENTITY THAT MUST BE KEPT SATISFIED, THE WAY AN ANXIOUS MOTHER MIGHT EXPERIENCE A NEW BABY. WHEN AWARENESS IS SHIFTED FROM APPETITE TO BREATH, THE ANXIETIES ABOUT NOT BEING ENOUGH ARE AUTOMATICALLY ATTENUATED. IT REQUIRES SETTLING DOWN OR RELAXING INTO ONE'S OWN BODY. WHEN THIS FLUIDITY MOVES TO THE FOREFRONT OF AWARENESS...THERE IS A RELAXATION OF THE TENSED SELF...AND THE EMERGENCE OF A SIMPLER, BREATH-BASED SELF THAT IS CAPABLE OF SURRENDERING TO THE MOMENT."

–MARK EPSTEIN

During this day-long retreat, we will use conscious and continuous breathing techniques for standing, sitting, and lying down, as well as other breath-driven movements, including some Qi Gong and yoga sequences. Particular Pranayama techniques, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra practices will be woven between these sessions and silent walks in nature through the Green Gulch Farm and on Muir Beach. 

The Emotional Freedom Technique of “tapping” (Acupressure points with intention-setting) will also be part of our conscious movement vocabulary. 

The retreat is designed to release stress, unblock stagnate energy, calm and soothe the nervous system, and open the energetic pathways that allow healing.

“FEW SKILLS ARE MORE ESSENTIAL THAN THE ABILITY TO SETTLE YOUR BODY. IF YOU CAN SETTLE YOUR BODY, YOU ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE CALM, ALERT, AND FULLY PRESENT, NO MATTER WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND YOU. A SETTLED BODY ENABLES YOU TO HARMONIZE AND CONNECT WITH OTHER BODIES AROUND YOU WHILE ENCOURAGING THOSE BODIES TO SETTLE AS WELL. GATHER A LARGE GROUP OF UNSETTLED BODIES OR ASSEMBLE A GROUP OF BODIES AND THEN UNSETTLE THEM—AND YOU GET A MOB OR A RIOT. BUT BRING A LARGE GROUP OF SETTLED BODIES TOGETHER, AND YOU HAVE A POTENTIAL MOVEMENT—AND A POTENTIAL FORCE FOR TREMENDOUS GOOD IN THE WORLD. A CALM, SETTLED BODY IS THE FOUNDATION FOR HEALTH, FOR HEALING, FOR HELPING OTHERS, AND FOR CHANGING THE WORLD.”

“MY GRANDMOTHER’S HANDS” – RESMAA MENAKEMA

The retreat includes all instruction, a vegetarian lunch, tea service, all props, time for hiking or walking through the farm and gardens, or a stroll on Muir Beach.

Diet: A plant-based diet is best for this day, potentially the day before and after. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, oily and sugary foods. The organic lunch served at Green Gulch is vegetarian.

Silence: This is a silent retreat, with opportunities to talk during discussion periods.

“IF YOU AREN’T IN YOUR BODY, SOMEONE ELSE IS. THE SYSTEMS OF THIS WORLD HAVE EVERYTHING TO GAIN FROM YOUR DISEMBODIEMENT. STAY NEAR YOURSELF. REMEMBER YOUR BODY.” 

– COLE ARTHUR RILEY

Overnight accommodations before or after the retreat can be arranged separately through Green Gulch Farm (415.383.3134).

For more details, contact David at: david@moryoga.com

Cancellations: 50% of your registration fee is non-refundable. Reservations canceled less than 30 days prior to the retreat date are 100% non-refundable.

Dress comfortably in layers. The yurt has an iron stove fire in it to  keep us warm should we need. Fog can roll in even on the warmest days,  or it might be sunny and warm throughout. 

Props available on site: Block, Bolster (cushion or blankets), Yoga Strap, Blankets. Please bring your own eye pillow if you have one.

Carpool options will be recommended for those of coming from the east bay or San Francisco. That will be arranged closer to the retreat date, once registration is completed.