A Summer Solstice & Full Moon Retreat

June 28-30, 2024

Blue Mountain Retreat Center, 1032 Hoffmaster Road, Knoxville, MD

 “Thus, many forms of worship may lead to freedom, Arjuna. All these are born of action. When you know this, you will be free” - The Bhagavad Gita, verse 4.32, translated by Steven Mitchell

“Rest and laughter are the most spiritual and subversive acts of all. Laugh, rest, slow down.” - Anne Lamott

At the midpoint of the year, join us as we reclaim our most precious resource - time - to honor our greatest teacher: ourselves.

Just as crops, creatures, and celestial bodies learn to evolve in harmony with their environment, in the yogic tradition, we embrace Tantra - many tools, many paths, woven together in harmony.

Yoga extends beyond our physical Asana practice. It invites us to explore various tools to connect with our ever-evolving selves in profound ways. At different junctures in life, we may find resonance in energetic movement practices, while at other times, slow movement and meditation may speak to us. Some of us find solace in drawing, journaling, music, or chanting, avenues that help us tap into the stillness within. Our preferred practices shift with the seasons or the energies of the day.

In celebration of the Summer Solstice and the June Full Moon, join Rebecca and Manju for an exploration of diverse Yoga practices. Nestled in the Shenandoah Mountains, we'll engage all our senses - taste, sound, touch - and delve into both novel and familiar methods to release, recharge, and renew. This weekend welcomes both seasoned yogis and newcomers alike, offering a space to explore a many modalities for rest and release.

Room Options

Location & Accommodations
 
Blue Mountain Retreat Center is a homelike eco-friendly retreat center situated in a small rural community in the hills near Harpers Ferry, just 65 miles away from DC. The 27-acre property is also home to Tiny Haven.
 
 The 9 bedrooms in the retreat center rooms have access to the center's three bathrooms. Rooms have one to four twin-size European-style platform beds and high quality mattresses. The large shared common rooms have expansive dining tables and cozy nooks to curl up with a book or some knitting between the yoga sessions.  Price includes all meals and 2 nights accommodations.

 $589 non-member/$539 member for private room
 $432 non-member/$402 member shared room for two
 $402 non-member/$382 member shared room for three or four

What's Included

 All meals are included.  Retreat center owner Beth Ehrhardt prepares delicious organic vegan meals. Cheese, yogurt, milk, and fresh eggs (from the retreat center's chickens "The Bucky Ladies") are available as well. All meals include gluten-free options.

Schedule
 
FRIDAY, June 28th
3-5pm - Arrive and settle in

6pm - Opening circle

6:30pm - Dinner

8pm - Gentle movement and breath practice followed by yoga nidra & sound bath

Saturday, June 29th

7am - Sun Salutations practice to greet the morning and solstice

8 am - Meditation

8:30 am - Breakfast

9:30am-12:30pm - Restful practice introspection workshop

        Gentle movement and Yin Yoga practice, followed by meditation, chanting and journaling, designed to help you         connect with your inner wisdom

12:30pm - Lunch

After lunch: Free time including optional massages w/ Beth (retreat center owner; cost not included in retreat price)

Optional practices (time TBD depending on interest):

Meditative drawing practice with Manju OR Walking/hiking Meditation practice with Rebecca

6pm - Dinner

7:30pm - Purnima Pooja (full moon release) ritual at fire circle

8pm - Restorative yoga with sound bath

Sunday, June 30th

7am - New Beginnings Kriya Yoga practice

8am - Meditation

8:30am - Breakfast

10-11am: Cleaning and packing up

11am - Closing circles and rituals

What's Not Included

Travel to and from the retreat center.   Massages provided by retreat center owner.