Self-growth through questioning, reflection, meditation, pranayama, and yoga asana.
The Retreat
The journey within through the ancient practices of yoga.
Prioritize this time to understand the self (svādhyāya), learn ways to transform
our deep patterns, align with our human purpose, and find the path to a complete life.
This retreat is an invitation to practice with focus, integrity, sincerity and enthusiasm while
moving through each day.
Daily practices include reflection, asana, pranayama, meditation, study, discussions,
walking, chanting, and yoga nidra.
Fresh, nourishing Indian vegetarian meals enjoyed amidst lush mountains.
Arrival: Land in Mumbai by 5am on Dec 28. We will take a taxi and
train ride together to Matheran, our destination.
Departure: Depart after 9pm on Jan 8. We will visit an ancient temple
in Mumbai that morning.
Cost of Retreat
$3000
This includes daily teachings, sadhana practices, discussions, study sessions (of asana, the vocabulary of yoga in Sanskrit, and Sanskrit chants), guided walks, lodging, and breakfast.
We will be in a hotel on a beautiful, lush, green plateau called Matheran, at an elevation of over 2,500ft.
Other costs
International airfare to and from Mumbai International Airport (BOM). Airfare usually
increases during the winter holidays, but advanced bookings may be cheaper.
Tourist E-visa ($25+). Please go to the website and familiarize yourself with all
procedures, rules, and regulations well in advance:
indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa
It may be a good idea to book an airport lounge or hotel to shower and sleep in order
to recover from the journey on arrival into Mumbai before embarking on the retreat
commute. Airport lounge with sleeping pod:
aviserv.co
Lunch/Dinner: total of $200 or more depending on personal preferences
Excursions: temples, forts, museums, cultural events, approx $250
Local transport within India / tips, approx $450
The last three items above will be paid in India. You can exchange dollars for rupees at
the airport and we can assist you with payment.
Location of Retreat
We will be in a hotel on a beautiful, lush, green plateau at an elevation of over
2,500ft, located in the long Sahyadri Range mountains that run north to south along the
south-western coast of the country. This location near Mumbai is a car-free zone and we
will take a small mountain train to get there. The area has beautiful easy to moderate
walks.
Geeta has hiked to this location since her twenties and absolutely loved it every time. The
average temperature in December ranges between 60 F at night to high 80s F during the
day, with some cool breezes and comfortable humidity. It usually does not rain in the winter.
Main Teacher
Geetanjali Tiwari was born and raised in India
where yoga-asana and meditation were practiced in the greater culture and also at home
daily by her polymath father. From a young age she practiced asanas, and asked questions
on the self and its purpose. Soon she learned Transcendental Meditation and added that
to her daily practice.
She began her Indian classical vocal training in khayal style at four and continued on
to become a student of the ancient meditative Dhrupad style of music. The daily vocal
kharaj practice from 3:30-6:30am is one of the backbones of Dhrupad, and this challenge
of strict self discipline became her backbone for strength. Along with Dhrupad, Geeta
also practiced long-distance running and judo while in college.
She then had the opportunity to live in the wild jungles of India while doing research
on primates for her Masters in Wildlife Biology, and later research on conservation.
This utility-free experience of simple living, with hours of alone-time surrounded by
forests with wild animals, was further eye-opening in her inward journey. As the decades
have passed, the realization that practice is key for inner strength, discipline and
inspiration has only deepened.
Mary Kirkendoll will assist Geeta, and offer daily asana practice.
Registration
The Journey Begins Here
If you're interested in joining us for this experience in India, we'd love to hear from
you. Reach out to learn more and explore whether this retreat is the right fit for you.