CORINA BENNER July 25 – 28
Revel in the Center of Your Life: Yoga & Meditation Retreat

What if instead of chasing happiness and satisfaction you simply discovered them tucked inside the life you are already living?

What if achievements and accomplishments were not about proving or improving anything but instead were natural expressions of who/what you are and the unique ways you get to contribute to, and dignify, your world?

What if challenges and difficulties are part of the landscape, not punishment nor proof that you are somehow ‘doing it wrong?’

What if the goal and the point and the objective of this life is simply to live it, no-holds-barred? What if you already have everything you need in order to do just that?

What if this is IT?

From this perspective, all there is left to do is Revel. Rejoice. Celebrate. Enjoy.

During this 4 day/3 night Yoga and Meditation Retreat we will practice fully embodying the present, neither rushing toward the future nor frantically trying to reconfigure the past. Through attention to detail, full immersion in the immediacy of sensation, and curious exploration of transitions and ‘in between times,’ you will continuously discover the ever-changing experience called ‘now.’ By watching your mind’s patterns, noticing when it drifts away and observing where it goes you will become ever-more fluent in your operating system: the attachments, aversions, unconscious belief systems and emotions that govern how you see and experience the world. Ultimately yoga is a path and practice of freedom. Perhaps by the end of this weekend we’ll all discover that we’re already free.

Yoga Practice: our practices will be a blend of pranayama, yin & slow flow yoga, a few restorative poses, meditation, visualization and deep rest. The time will FLY! Don’t be intimidated by 2 ½ – 3 hour classes! I promise they won’t be too physically demanding, they will be taught with ample modifications with the aim of meeting each person where they are. Together we will arrive in a space in which time appears to stand still.

Our itinerary:

Arrive on Thursday by 3 pm. Unpack. Relax. Stroll the gorgeous property. Sit in the hot tub. Whatever.
Practice: 5-7:30 pm
Dinner: 7:30 pm

Friday & Saturday:

Practice 8 – 11 am
Lunch: 11:15 am
Optional Breathwork & Meditation: 1-2 pm (Friday & Saturday)
Optional Flower Essence Class with Lisa (Saturday) 2pm (Extra Fee: $30)
Practice: 5-7:30 pm
Dinner: 7:30
Campfire/Hot Tub

Sunday:

Practice 9-11 am
Brunch 11
Departure by 2 pm

Free Time
Afternoons are for you to spend as you wish. Nap in a hammock, wander through the labyrinth, swim in the swimming hole, play badminton or horseshoes on the lawn, dive into a puzzle, or walk the gorgeous property.

Meals
Honestly at Heathen Hill you first come for the yoga but you come back for the food. It is incredibly delicious, healthy in the tastiest way possible, as fresh as fresh can be, and all prepared with devotion and sass by our hosts, Susan “Lip” and Lisa.

Breakfast is self-serve in the kitchen of each house. Homemade breads, spreads, yogurt and fruit are among the offerings.

Lunch, weather-permitting, is served on picnic tables on the lawn and dinner is served at a massive table in the main house. Lip and Lisa have truly perfected “Garden-to-Table” meals, growing most of what they serve in mostly vegetarian meals. You will probably buy one of their cookbooks and later lament that the food just tastes better at Heathen Hill. Please email with any dietary restrictions or food allergies so that Susan and Lisa can accommodate your needs.

Pro-Tip: Heathen Hill is BYOW (*Whatever). Drink, Smoke, Nibble … this is a proud ‘judgement free’ zone.

Accommodations:

Heathen Hill boasts two options for accommodation. The Yoga House is the original house on the property, and it houses the yoga practice room. There are four rooms in the Yoga House, each has two single beds. There are two bathrooms to share, plus the kitchen and a nice porch. $895 double occupancy; +$350 single occupancy.

Big Heathen sits up on the hill and is the newest addition to Heathen Hill. Guests here share the huge living room, grand kitchen, and the wrap-around deck which offers stunning views of the garden and property. There are six bedrooms in Big Heathen, some with two single beds and others with queen beds, and there are two shared full-bathrooms and a powder (pouter) room. Two of the rooms have a private bath: one has a queen-size bed, the other has 2 single beds.

Sheets and towels are provided.

Cost:

Yoga House:
$895 double occupancy; + $350 for single)

Big Heathen House:
(4) rooms with shared bathrooms: $1010 double occupancy; + $450 single
(2) rooms have a private bathroom: $1175 double occupancy; $575 single occupancy

Transportation
Driving is the preferred mode of transportation. You can find directions to Heathen Hill here. There is also a bus to Oneonta via Trailways. From Oneonta, you can take a car service to Heathen Hill.

A non-refundable $300 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Payment plans are available, and balances are due July 1st. Email Corina@wakeupyoga.com to set it up!