Through the body | Into the Self

When the mind comes to stillness by the practice of yoga, the yogi will see the Soul through the self and rest in inner joy.  -Bhagavad Gita 6.20

In March of 2024, join Sandy & Caitlyn in the idyllic Catskills of New York for a unique immersion into yoga. This is a multidimensional yoga training - physical & spiritual - open to all sincere students. Anchored by the ritual of our practice, we'll be held by 123 acres of Mama Nature perched on a hilltop with views of sunrise and sunset. 

AKERA is threaded with luxurious details and designed with eco sustainability, connection, reflection, inspiration and playfulness in mind. Guided by two experienced teachers and the unique knowledge they each bring, this is the perfect setting to interrupt routine, deepen your understanding, anchor into center, sense the sacred, and discover newfound potential. 

Yoga encompasses transformative practices and potent wisdom to illuminate our true Self. These full days will include vinyasa classes (asana), pose labs, discussions on yoga philosophy and spirituality (svadyaya, satsang), fireside kirtan (sacred yogic sing-alongs), pranayama (breath practices), Indian mythic stories, and meditation (dhyana). The postural classes will break down key principles, skills, and actions in a warm way, for application to your own practice or teaching. For RYTs, this program's hours count towards 30 continuing education "contact" credits through Yoga Alliance.

While studio classes are the mainstay of modern yoga, Sandy & Caitlyn find that yoga practitioners always want more - more time to study the shapes and the way we move; more time to learn nuanced skills; more time to discover ourselves and connect with each other; more time to decode the sacred wisdom that make the practice come alive; more time to take refuge in our breath. Most of all, this will be time to collectively soften our hearts and open our minds to evoke a meaningful inner shift - goodness and groundedness that we can ripple out to others. 

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Caitlyn upholds the way that opening the body - finding spaciousness and ease in the tissues - sets the stage for the journey inward. Through dedication, sweat and effort we can find ease and quiet in the mind, and centering in the heart. Yoga is an opportunity to deepen the most important relationship we have in this lifetime, the one with ourselves.

Caitlyn discovered yoga in 2005 and completed the YogaWorks 200 hr training program in 2009. In addition to teaching public classes in the Boston area and online, Caitlyn has been leading yoga teacher trainings since 2013. As a student pursuing advanced yoga, study is always at the forefront for Caitlyn. Additional training includes ashtanga vinyasa with Maty Ezraty, anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff and Jason Ray Brown, and prenatal Yoga Training with Bec Conant.

Website: www.caitlynyoga.com

Instagram: @caitlynyoga

Over nearly 20 years Sandy has experienced a variety of yoga traditions that have uniquely shaped her course as a student and teacher. She is an E-RYT 200 yoga teacher, a certified Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), a meditation teacher, and holds a 500-hr academic certificate from the Yogic Studies school. 

Bhakti, sometimes referred to as the yoga of love & devotion, has become the heart of her personal practice and perspective. She is humbled by guidance on the Bhakti path by Raghunath and by the footsteps of Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba. Sandy returns to India annually to deepen her commitment to yogic life and to learn from those living the path. With gratitude to Eastern traditions and her teachers, Sandy shares these teachings through her heart, mind, and the experience of being a dedicated practitioner. 

In addition to teaching vinyasa classes, Sandy teaches yoga philosophy, and is on the staff of several yoga teacher trainings. She sees asana (the postural practice) as an opportunity to illuminate and nurture elements of insight, compassion and awareness - to ultimately act in the world with more love. Once exposed to the greater context & spirit of yoga, she trusts this wisdom will continue to unfold for students, inspire a deepening of their practice, and transform their life. 

Website: www.sandraklemmer.com
IG: @sandyklemmeryoga

What will the schedule be?

We'll begin at lunchtime on Thursday go through lunchtime Sunday. This is not a yoga vacation, but rather a rich immersion and the schedule aligns with that intention. It's ambitious! Here's an example:

* 7:30am Vinyasa class

* 9am Breakfast

* 10am AM Philosophy discussion (satsang)

* 11:30pm Pose Lab

* 1pm Lunch

* 2pm Philosophy discussion (satsang)

* 3:30pm Meditation / Restorative yoga

* (free time)

* 6:30 Dinner

* 7:30 Fireside kirtan / relax 

We will be offering a lot of classes each day, but you are welcome to skip anything on the schedule if you'd prefer time to hang, read, chat, nap, gaze out the windows, or hot tub. 

Do I have to be able to do super-advanced poses?

Absolutely not. However, the asana will be physically challenging and we strongly recommend that you are familiar with Sandy and/or Caitlyn's vinyasa classes to have a sense of the elvel of practice and whether this aligns for you. We are targeting dedicated yoga students with regular practices. You should be able to flow through surya namaskar A's and B's well, have an good understanding of basic poses/actions, and be eager to learn more. Some folks who join may have completed a teacher training, but this is definitely not limited to teachers. We believe in giving access to deeper study for everyone: we are all students who cherish the practice. 

What should I know about payments?

The $500 deposit is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due by January 12th, 2024 (you're also welcome to pay in full or any portion prior to that date) and is non-refundable after that time. Given limited space we anticipate this program will fill up, so just plan your bookings accordingly.

Where is this located?

Woodbourne, NY, which is approximately a 4-hour drive from Boston or a 2-hour drive from New York city pending traffic and road conditions. Transportation is not included, but if you need a ride or if you are willing to give someone a ride, let us know and we'll try to connect people. 

What will accommodations be like?

The rooms are spacious and beautiful, spread through several houses clustered together - we fell in love with it and can't wait for you to experience it! The aesthetic is luxurious in the sense of being minimal, magical and earthy. There will be 2-4 people per bedroom and everyone will have their own twin bed (with the exception of two queen-bed individual rooms with shared bath). Most rooms will have  2-3 people, and there's two large rooms for up to 4 people. Every space is unique and aligned with the intentions. Note, some beds are standard height, some sit on low frames, but all the same comfortable mattresses. *All* bathrooms are shared. If you are coming with a buddy and have rooming preferences let us know in the notes section when you register (or message us directly), otherwise you'll make new lifelong friends! 

What amenities are there?

AKERA spans 123 acres with many many trees, rolling hills, an outdoor hot tub (we hope you'll consider hopping in as sunset turns into stars), the most magical sauna, outdoor fire pits, an indoor living room fireplace, a large dining room, the yoga studio, and a few other surprises that we'll let you discover on your own. It is a consciously-designed eco-luxe retreat center. This area has a unique density of Bald Eagles - how humbling to share the land with them! We will be offering a lot of classes each day, but you are welcome to skip anything on the schedule if you'd prefer time to hang, read, chat, nap, gaze out the windows, or hot tub. AKERA describes itself as a place to "explore boldly, play wildly, and be free!"

If I am an RYT, does this count for continuing education?

Yes! This program's hours count towards 30 CE "contact" credits through Yoga Alliance by facilitating teachers to develop new skills through study, discussion, and experiential learning. 

What will the food be like?

Oh my. The food. The food will be vegetarian, local, and organic, prepared by the most incredible chef who retreated to the Catskills from NYC and runs her own nearby organic mushroom farm. Why are the meals vegetarian? These few days are a chance to 'try on' yogic culture & values - to explore spiritual growth, removed from our habitual patterns in daily life. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs please be sure to let us know. 

Will there be alcohol?

There is strictly no use of alcohol, illegal substances, or mind-altering plant/herbal medicines during this experience. No judgment if those things are a part of your life, but these few days are intentionally shaped around clear & unobscured minds. 

I would love to attend without participating in the physical yoga classes, can I still come?

Certainly. Just let us know what you're thinking. The biggest things we ask are that you are eager to embody a yogic mindset and to embrace our community and the natural surroundings. You are welcome to not participate in any sessions (though please understand that we cannot provide any discounts or adjustments to the cost). 

What should I bring?

* Yoga mat

* Re-useable water bottle

* Weather-appropriate footwear and layers of clothing (please check the forecast as it nears), including clothes for yoga and some casual things to lounge in. 

* Notebook & pen (if you like to take notes or write reflections)

* There will be plenty of food, but feel free to bring your favorite snacks in well-sealed packaging.

* Bathing Suit (if you plan to indulge in the hot tub / sauna)

* There are lots of comfy things at AKERA, but you are welcome to bring whatever makes you happy, like your favorite pillow.

* Toiletries/medications  [PROVIDED: Bathrooms will have bath/hand towels, a hair dryer, and planet-friendly shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap]