For centuries, winter solstice has been a time of reflection. Given recent events, the dark days of winter are an opportune moment to turn inward, take time for self-care, and focus on inner awareness. Practicing in community in the darkest days of winter, we can cultivate vitality and brightness and return home renewed.

During this retreat, we will use the practices of yoga (asana, meditation, and chanting) in the exquisite and healing natural environment of Esalen to revitalize the body and calm the mind. Together we will focus our attention on being.

In our time together, we will focus in the following ways:

• Yoga: yoking body and mind to create present-moment awareness.
• Meditation: cultivating concentration and empathy.
• Chanting: bhakti yoga, the practice of the heart.

The word solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still) because at the solstices, the seasonal movement of the sun’s path appears to come to a stop before reversing direction. Winter solstice is a time to pause and reflect, a time to cultivate vitality and take extra care to nurture ourselves. Moving into stillness, we can return to our lives refreshed and strengthened for the new year to come.  

All levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat.

In an abundance of caution and with deep care for the health of all of our students, the faculty requires that students for this workshop submit a negative COVID test to her team, two days prior to arrival at Esalen. There are a variety of rapid and PCR tests to choose from. You will submit test results directly to the instructor. Information on how to communicate test results will be sent to you via email after registration.