New Year’s Silent Retreat
with Narada Williams, Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500, Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, Swami Gurucharanananda "Mataji" and Integral Yoga Senior Staff
December 27, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Program Description
Step into a journey of profound self-discovery and rejuvenation at the transformative New Year’s Silent Retreat hosted at the serene Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville. Nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this retreat offers an unparalleled opportunity to reflect deeply, renew your inspiration, and restore your spirit within a supportive Integral Yoga community.
Experience Inner Peace
This annual retreat is designed for those seeking to escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Through the powerful practices of mouna (silence) and Yoga, you will rediscover your inherent nature of peace and joy in a peaceful oasis. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and mindfulness.
What to Expect
Since 1970, our Integral Yoga Silent Retreats have provided a sanctuary for individuals to immerse themselves in silence and self-reflection. Surrounded by lush woodlands, you will engage in transformative classes that include:
- Deep Dive into Raja Yoga: Explore the ancient philosophy and practice of Raja Yoga, emphasizing meditation and mental discipline.
- Chanting for World Peace: Engage in collective chanting to foster global harmony and inner tranquility.
- Meditation Techniques: Learn various meditation techniques to cultivate mindfulness and deep inner awareness.
- Breathing Exercises: Practice controlled breathing exercises to enhance mental clarity and physical vitality.
- Yoga Postures: Master foundational yoga postures for improved flexibility, balance, and strength.
- Deep Relaxation Practices: Experience profound relaxation techniques to release stress and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Participants will also have the chance to seek support through written questions and private mentoring, ensuring a personalized experience.
Open to All
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, this retreat welcomes everyone. Newcomers will receive comprehensive instruction, while seasoned yogis can deepen their practice and enhance their spiritual journey.
Join Us for a Life-Changing Experience
The benefits of this retreat extend far beyond its duration. Participants leave equipped with valuable tools to cultivate a more peaceful, fulfilling, and joyful life.
Reserve your spot today for the New Year’s Silent Retreat and embark on a transformative journey that promises to enrich your mind, body, and spirit. Experience the magic of silence and the power of community as you step into the new year refreshed and renewed.
Retreat Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5–6:20 am | Meditation |
| 6–6:45 am | IY Meditation |
| Guided Meditation | |
| 7–8:30 am | Hatha Yoga |
| 8–8:30 am | Guru Puja |
| 8–9:30 am | Breakfast |
| 10–11:30 am | Retreat Session (see topic below) |
| 12–12:30 pm | Meditation |
| 12:45–1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30–3 pm | Independent Reflection & Contemplation |
| 3–4:30 pm | Retreat Session (see topic below) |
| 5–6:30 pm | Varied Sadhana (practice) |
| 6:30–7:15 pm | Dinner |
| 7:30–9 pm | Retreat Session (see topic below) |
Retreat Sessions
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| FRIDAY |
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| TUESDAY |
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Testimonials
This retreat was one of the most powerful and memorable experiences of my life. Peaceful and loving environment, amazing staff and teachers, great sessions and incredibly delicious food. Every session felt really open, accessible and welcoming. Though challenging the first few days, I saw transformation and change as it was happening in me. Would definitely come back to do this again.
— Silent Retreat Participant
I needed to reset physically, mentally, and spiritually. I needed my world just to stop so I could rest and regain inspiration and well-being. I received what I sought! A beautiful experience of silence and support. I have never felt so optimistic about a new year! Each of the Yogaville staff is a gift to each of us, retreatants. Thank you.
— Sheila Sheppard
Disconnect from the everyday life stuff and experience yourself over and over. A beautiful, peaceful and simple place to call home for a couple of days.
— Yvonne Kelly
Beautiful and restorative experience. I was able to reset, rest and access an important part of myself. I feel deeply nourished and ready to reintegrate back into my homelife.
— Claire Pallandre
Whenever we need to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with our inner selves, we love to visit Yogaville. This peaceful ashram is beautiful and offers a wonderful experience surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same passion for yoga, meditation, prayer, chants, and healthy living. It feels like we are in communion with the fraternal spirit of the people who come here to learn and grow. The food is also amazing and sustainable, a bonus that we appreciate. — Sandra M Granobles
Presenters
Narada Williams
Exploration of the mind, self-inquiry, and a search for deeper spiritual meaning set Narada Williams on a journey that led him to Yoga. His pursuit of teacher training brought him to Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville in 2014, where he completed his 200-hour Integral Yoga training with Satya Greenstone. He taught Hatha Yoga classes in Radford, VA, while…Learn more about Narada Williams
Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500
Swami Karunananda has had 50 years’ experience teaching all aspects of Yoga. She designed and conducts teacher training programs in Raja Yoga and in Meditation. She served as president of Satchidananda Ashram in California and in Virginia, and as director of the San Francisco and Santa Barbara Integral Yoga Institutes. She compiled and edited The…Learn more about Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500
Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Satya Greenstone has been a student of Sri Swami Satchidananda since 1971. She has shared the teachings of Integral Yoga® in many diverse settings with students of all ages and backgrounds and combines a natural, practical, down-to-earth approach to Yoga with a gentle humor. Since 1999 she has been a primary teacher for the 200-hour…Learn more about Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
Swami Gurucharanananda “Mataji”
Swami Gurucharanananda, lovingly called Mataji, is a senior sannyasi (monk) and disciple of Gurudev, Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj. She lives at Yogaville and serves on the Sannyas Board. Mataji is a guided meditation leader and Hatha Yoga teacher, an inspiring speaker, Integral Yoga® mentor, and private retreat guide. She loves to offer pujas (worship service),…Learn more about Swami Gurucharanananda “Mataji”
