General Discussions

Sat Naam -

In preparation for the Bahamas Retreat, I’d like to make the following suggestions in order to make your time there impactful spiritually. You have the opportunity before you to deepen into the understanding of Oneness, and this is the greatest treasure. This also applies to those tuning in online - please see the note below about that. So here goes:

• Set yourself up to unplug. Set a vacation message on your email. Tell your family, friends, etc what you are doing, how long you will be away, and that you will be unplugging.

• Turn off your cell phone for your entire stay. Cell phones keep us in the thinking mind. Give yourself the chance to quiet the mind for longer periods of time.

• Bring a journal and a pencil or pen. Keep a diary of your sadhana, how your mind is, how your body is, insights you are having, questions that are coming up for you, and to take notes during workshops.

• There are two meals a day at the ashram: 10am and 6pm. Allow yourself to be with the feeling of hunger and consciously remain relaxed. This is a powerful practice to train the body and mind to not be a slave to desires. If you know this is going to be too challenging for you, bring some snacks. The boutique is open everyday where they sell a few snacks as well.

Let’s outline the daily schedule. We suggest participating in the daily schedule 100%, which allows some time to yourself and for some rest as well. Participating fully will create a new rhythm that trains the mind to relate to the Divine instead of the myriad aspects of the false identity.

• 6-7:30am Satsang: meditation, chanting, and lecture or silent walk.

• 8-9:30am Yoga Class: asana, pranayama, and relaxation

• 10am Brunch

• 12-1:30pm Snatam & Sopurkh Workshop

• 4-5:30pm Yoga Class: asana, pranayama, and relaxation

• 6pm Dinner

• 8-9:30pm Satsang: meditation, chanting, and lecture

We strongly suggest attending both morning and evening Satsangs, 1 of the two yoga classes (just 1 because 2 can be too much), and the workshop with us. This will immerse the mind into the teachings within yourself.

We also strongly suggest participating in some seva while at the ashram. Helping wash dishes is a great one. The idea here is that serving selflessly without looking for reward works towards purifying the mind and heart of the false "I" and aligns you with the Divine Oneness. Doing seva in this way cleanses internal areas that other techniques cannot do.

There will also be another workshop by other presenters from 2-3:30pm. It is wonderful to learn from other paths. Other presenters will be speaking at the Satsangs as well.

There is also a Bhagavad Gita study everyday at 7pm with chanting and contemplation of the message. Again, learning from other paths enriches your path.

As we pray for this one blessing, that we understand the Truth, the Oneness, that all is You and not me, the Guru will show us the way. All we have to do is show up!

Blessings,

Sopurkh

Note for tuning in online: Members: please check your email for the links and code to attend all the workshop sessions at the ashram at no charge. You can also tune into the morning and evening Satsangs every day except Wednesday when we do the silent walk on the beach. Here is the Facebook page to join the daily Satsangs: https://www.facebook.com/SivanandaAshramYogaRetreat

If it’s available to you at home, take a home yoga vacation with us by attending the Satsangs and our workshops. The greatest treasure is understanding the Guru’s message inside you.

Note for regular weekly classes at Kirtan and Kundalini: the Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday classes from Dec 20-27 will be replaced by these classes everyday at the ashram from 12-1:30pm EST. There is an additional class on Friday Dec 23 frm 12-1:30pm.

The Friday Dec 23 Weekly Jap Ji check in will be from 2:30-4:40pm EST with the same Zoom link as usual.

Weekly classes from Dec 28-29 will be as usual.

Prabhu Nam and Amanbir’s classes will go on as normal.