Shree Yoga Autumn Retreat: The Eight Pillars of Joy

Franklin, NY November 16 – 18, 2018

Consider this sweet getaway before the holidays.  A time just for you to rejuvenate, rest, introspect and connect to yourself and others surrounded by the beauty of nature.  Join Chaya and the Shree community for a weekend retreat in upstate New York.  Heathen Hill is 10 acres lovingly curated and nestled in the Western Catskill Mountains atop a beautiful hill with panoramic views. Heathen Hill Guest House and Retreat Center is a place to rest and recharge. It is private and peaceful.Use the hot tub, badminton, hula hoops, horseshoes and hiking and restful atmosphere coupled with yoga and mediation led by Chaya Spencer. Many have said Heathen Hill is a magical place. Come spend some time in the mountains and see for yourself.

The organic garden provides as many seasonal ingredients as possible for the home cooked gourmet meals.  There is also an herb garden and an apothecary garden. We will be well fed.

Carved into the pasture between Yoga House and Plum House is a labyrinth for walking meditation. It is about 80’ in diameter and takes about 15 minutes to perambulate. Then there is always the hammock, or big chairs in the shade, or the Koi Pond to help you simply slow down with a meditation deck overlooking it. It is perfect for watching the sun come up and the fish feed in the evening. Just outside Yoga House is the new hot tub.

The Yoga Studio was recently renovated and invites peaceful practice. With many windows providing light, fresh air, and a serene view it is fully stocked with mats, blocks, straps, blankets, and bolsters. It has a wooden floor and overlooks roses, perennial beds, and ponds. We will practice yoga, meditation, and journal inspired by the Eight Pillars of Joy outlined by the Dalai Lama and Rev. Desmond Tutu in their “Book of Joy”.

Your Retreat Includes:

  • Morning meditation with Chaya
  • Anusara level I asana classes with Chaya
  • 2 nights and 2 days of yoga and relaxation
  • 3 Full vegetarian, locally sourced and primarily organic and locally sourced meals a day:
  • Complimentary soaks in the hot tub (bring a bathing suit and towel for this)
  • Hiking trails and walks
  • All bedding, bath towels and organic soap
  • Labyrinth walks
  • Saturday night bonfire with S’mores

Not included:

  • Transportation
  • Wifi or cell service is non-existent (Chaya will be bringing a portable hot spot for emergency only use)
  • Hot tub towels

Schedule

Friday:

  • 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Arrival and check in, take a walk, relax and enjoy. If you need to arrive later, that’s fine – join us when you get there.
  • 7:00 –  8:00 pm Dinner
  • 8:30 – 9:30 pm Gentle yoga with a long yoga nidra (pajamas optional)

Saturday:

  • Breakfast – Self serve breakfast whenever you want it (yogurt, cereal, homemade breads and jams, peanut and almond butters, fruit, coffee, teas)
  • 8:30 – 9:15 am Morning meditation
  • 10:00 – 12:00 pm  Level I asana practice
  • 12:00 pm Lunch
  • 12:00 – 4:30 pm Free time, a massage can be organized if 3 people want one
  • 4:30 – 6:00  pm Restorative Yoga
  • 8:00 pm Bonfire and S’mores (weather permitting), otherwise, we’ll gather in the living room around the fire place.

Sunday:

  • Breakfast – Self serve breakfast whenever you want it (yogurt, cereal, homemade breads and jams, peanut and almond butters, fruit, coffee, teas)
  • 8:30 – 9:15 am Morning meditation
  • 10:00 – 12:00 Level I asana practice
  • 12:00 pm  Big country brunch
  • 2:00 pm check out and departure

Free Time 

In between classes there are plenty of chairs scattered around the ten acres for lounging. If you can scare up a game there is badminton, bocce ball, horseshoes, Scrabble, etc, etc. There’s a grand swimming hole deep enough for diving from the floating dock(though it will be too cold for swimming in November), an intricate labyrinth for walking meditation, hammocks in the Secret Shady, and groomed paths for strolling the ten acres. You can have unlimited hot tub use (bring your own towel for that). If it’s chilly, we’ll have a cozy fire in the living room fire place where you can relax on the couches in the warm and homey atmosphere.

Registration

There are two houses on the property offering double and single room accommodation.  The rooms are clean, comfortable and charmingly decorated – each one different.  Accommodation fee is all inclusive of room, board and yoga. Please email Chaya with roommate requests if you are taking a double.  If you prefer, we can assign you a roommate.

1. The Yoga House (where the yoga studio is located) has 4 doubles with twin beds and shared bathrooms in the hallway.

1a. Double room early bird discount included of $55 off (two twin beds, shared bathroom)

$465 per person early bird, $520 after 9/15

1b. Single room early bird discount included of $55 off until 9/15 (two twin beds) shared bathroom

$580 early bird, $635 after 9/15

2. Heathen House is newly built with a spacious living room and sleeps 10.  It offers double and single rooms some with shared baths and some with en-suite bathrooms.  Bathrooms are shared unless indicated.

2a. Double room early bird discount included of $55 off until 9/15

$515 per person early bird discount, $570 after 9/15

2b. Single room early bird discount included of $55 off until 9/15

$630 early bird discount, $685 after 9/15

2c. Single or double (1 queen bed)

$510 per person early bird discount included, $565 after 9/15

$730 as a single early bird discount included, $785 after 9/15

2d. Double room with private bath early bird discount included of $55 off until 9/15 (2 twin beds)

$630 per person early bird discount, $685 after 9/15

$855 as a single early bird discount, $910 after 9/15

2e. Single room with private bath (queen bed) early bird discount included of $55 off until 9/15

$630 per person early bird discount, $685 after 9/15

$855 as a single early bird discount, $910 after 9/15

No refunds after September 16, 2018 as we will be committed to Heathen Hill for your spot. If we are able to find someone to take your place, we will refund you less $100 admin fee.  Up until September 16, there is a $50 admin fee on all refunds.

Registration Form

1 + 12 =

Getting There

Heathen Hill is located in Franklin, NY a 2.5+ hour drive from Shree.  For printable directions, click here.

810 Heathen Hill Road
Franklin, NY 13775
607-829-5328

What to Bring

  • A journal to write down contemplations
  • A pen
  • Warm clothes for walks and explorations outside
  • Sneakers or good walking shoes
  • Towel for the hot tub and a bathing suit
  • Your own yoga mat, or use one of theirs