Retreat - Shaker Village
2012
Join Sharon Tessandori for a weekend yoga retreat and ring in the New Year yoga style!
January 6-8, 2012
Are you ready to live your best year?
Nearly half of American adults make one or more resolutions per year. The New Year is the most traditional time resolutions are made. We commit to all types of things: eat less, exercise more, find a new job, get out of debt, attract a partner, and change unhealthy habits such as smoking. Seventy five percent of people that make New Year’s resolutions give up on them within the first week.
Some will be surprised to learn that yoga provides us with a process to uncover the beauty, power, and purpose of our lives. And those goals like getting out of debt and losing weight do indeed have a place in yogic philosophy. The ancient wisdom of yoga is very much applicable to our modern day life. During this weekend yoga retreat we’ll explore a yogic process for connecting to your deepest heartfelt desires, recognizing which goals to focus on, and learning how to strengthen your resolve.
This process is known as the purusharthas, also known as “the four aims of life.” The purusharthas provide a blueprint for living a healthy and well balanced life while pursuing your dreams. They are like signposts directing us toward purpose, prosperity, pleasure and freedom. Don’t we all want more of each in our lives?
According to yogic philosophy, your soul has four distinct desires. The first of these desires is dharma. Dharma is usually translated as “duty” and “purpose”. It is the desire to live your life with purpose, a longing to thrive and share your unique gifts with the world and, in the process to fulfill your purpose. Dharma is about a passion filled life that serves you and the greater good. Together we’ll explore your purpose, role in the world, obligations, and your deep heartfelt desires.
The second is artha, which is the money, security, health and general means you need in order to fulfill your dharma. Fulfilling your purpose would be hard without food in your belly and a roof over your head. Fulfilling your purpose would be hard without a healthy functioning body and mind to support you. For a writer artha is the computer that allows you to write the book. It is the camera that allows the photographer to shoot amazing photos. It is the training the yoga teacher attends to further her education. All of us have certain material and monetary needs. Together we’ll explore and identify what will most support your dharma.
The third desire is kama, the longing for pleasure in your life. It is the things, people, places, activities, and experiences that bring a sense of delight to your life. We all have a desire for pleasure. During this weekend we’ll work to identify the things that bring us pleasure. Am I happy? What do I feel enlivened by? Am I enjoying my life? Are my pleasures supporting my purpose? These are a few of the questions we’ll explore.
The fourth desire is the desire for spiritual fulfillment. It is the longing for peace and calm in your life. It is the desire to connect with that which is divine and sacred whether that is found in a church, in nature, or by gazing into a new born baby’s eyes. Moksha is the yearning to feel free, unburdened, and liberated. It is seeing how we get caught up in our thoughts and emotions and learning the practices that liberate our mind and free us from mental and emotional suffering.
Yogic philosophy tells us that it is critical to honor all four desires in order to live a balanced and fulfilling life. This weekend we’ll explore asana (yoga poses), meditation, inquiry, and journaling around these four desires. You’ll get clear on which area you want to focus on, walk away with a clear intention (sankalpa) for the year and a plan for achieving that intention. Plus your body will feel amazing from the yoga practices. This is the thing that New Years are made for and I can’t wait! I hope you’ll join me for a juicy and satisfying weekend yoga retreat and ring in the New Year with soul and joy.
About The Inn at Shaker Village
Surrounded by stacked rock walls and lantern-lit paths, sits a retreat from the busy world. Come and find historic treasures, simple connections and maybe even yourself.
The Inn at Shaker Village is located less than thirty miles from Lexington, Kentucky and within short driving distances from many of Kentucky’s hallmark attractions, including storied distilleries and vineyards, legendary horse farms and notable historic sites. During your retreat you’ll stay in a room with a view at The Inn at Shaker Village. Rooms are spread throughout 13 restored 19th century buildings. Inn accommodations feature Shaker reproduction furniture, hardwood flooring and private baths. Nestled in the rolling hills of Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass Region, the Inn is the perfect place to retreat, complete with views of the gently rolling countryside.
During your retreat we’ll dine by candlelight on delicious vegetarian foods and Shaker specialties where true southern hospitality abounds. During breaks you can explore Shaker Village, tour America’s largest restored Shaker community, browse two craft stores, and explore 40 miles of trails. Or simply enjoy your historic room. Spend time reading, writing, dreaming, or simply relaxing.
Frequently asked (and thought) questions:
What will the weekend look like? You can check in at The Inn any time after 3:00 on Friday. We’ll meet for our opening, yoga session, and discussion from 5:00 – 7:00, followed by dinner. Saturday will be a full day together. We’ll meet from 9:00 till 12:00 and from 2:00 till 6:00. We’ll have a yoga session, workshop, and closing on Sunday. Departure will be at lunch time (but of course you can hang around and enjoy the trails and sights at Shaker Village if you’d like).
What is included in the weekend retreat? Private or double occupancy room, two dinners, two breakfasts, and one lunch are included in the price as well as yoga and workshop sessions.
How “good” at yoga do I need to be in order to attend? I’m most concerned about you being here to connect with your body via yoga, stimulate your mind with inquiry and discussions, and connect with the things that will light your heart afire in 2012. All levels of yoga practitioners are very welcome and encouraged to attend. If you are uncertain for whatever reason please send me an email or give me a call.
I’m feeling the desire to go, but I’m nervous. Should I come anyway? You are welcome to join. You belong. Even if you can’t do a headstand. Even if you’ve never been on a retreat. Even if you don’t know anyone else. Even if you haven’t done yoga in months. Even if you think it seems silly and you don’t know why you want to come. Diane Fairchild tells us to, “Trust the still small voice that says, this might work, and I’ll try it.” There is a reason you are feeling drawn to this, listen to that. It’s normal to feel challenged by this if you’ve never gone on a retreat. You’ll be out of your comfort zone at first. But I assure you that the people that come to these retreats are simply amazing and I anticipate that you’ll make some life changing and lifelong connections. Retreats and the people that come along are that incredible.
What do I bring for the weekend yoga retreat? Your yoga mat and any yoga goodies (props) you have. If you have blankets, blocks, or bolsters please bring those. I’ll be bringing props from the studio also so if you don’t have these that’s ok. Bring a journal, pens, inspiring reading material, and any devices (cameras, iPhones, flip, etc.) to remember your weekend. If you have any “things” from home that will bring you joy and support you in your retreat then please bring them along. Before the retreat I’ll email out suggestions for packing. Most importantly, bring an open mind and heart. And a sense of humor too.
I want to come! Can you help me drop a subtle hint that this would make THE perfect gift for the holidays? Our loved ones mean well but sometimes they get it all wrong! I’m super happy to drop a subtle hint to your loved ones. Just send me an email at barefootworks(at)hotmail(dot)com and include the name and email address of the person you’d like me to send a very kind and subtle note about how much you’d love to attend the weekend yoga retreat.
How do I get to Shaker Village? The address is 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330
- From Lexington - Follow Harrodsburg Road, US 68 West approximately 25 miles. The entrance to Shaker Village is on the right.
- From Cincinnati - Follow I-75 South to Lexington. Take exit #115, Newtown Pike. Turn right onto Newtown Pike. Follow Newtown Pike 1 ½ miles to New Circle Road, KY 4. Take exit #2, Harrodsburg Road. Turn right onto Harrodsburg Road, US 68 West and follow approximately 25 miles. The entrance to Shaker Village is on the right.
- From Louisville - Follow I-64 East to exit #48, Lawrenceburg-Graefenburg. Turn right onto KY 151 South. Turn right onto US 127 South and continue to Harrodsburg (about 30 minutes). At first stoplight, turn left onto US 127 South By-Pass. Turn left at stop light onto US 68 East and follow approximately 7 miles. The entrance to Shaker Village is on the left.
What is the cost of the weekend yoga retreat?
Private room is $425
Shared room is $350
When is the registration deadline? Registration deadline is December 6. One month prior to the retreat I have to confirm the number of participants and rooms for our retreat.
What happens now?
Click here to pay your $100 deposit now to claim your spot.
What if the unthinkable happens and you need to cancel? No refunds will be issued unless your spot is taken by someone on a waiting list. If your space is not filled, and a written request is submitted one month before the retreat, a credit will be placed in your account for future Barefoot Works offerings. If you cancel within one month of the retreat, no refunds or credits will be issued.
I’m so hoping you’ll join me for this weekend yoga retreat to practice yoga, to dream about your upcoming year, to contemplate the steps you need to take to get there, to connect with yourself and others, to relax, to savor the beginning of a new year, and to have fun. Yes, lots of fun.