Life After Loss Retreat

Kathryn Holl

December 7-9, 2012
6 PM Friday-11 AM Sunday
Solace Institute Boyne Mountain Resort

Life After Loss Retreat
with Sandra Carden & Kathryn Holl
(10 Yoga Alliance CEUs)
12/07/12 to 12/09/12
Solace Spa at Boyne Mountain

Nurture yourself. Find solace and sanctuary. Heal from your loss. Open to acceptance and joy.

Grieving is a natural and necessary element of the healing process. Grief is not depression, for healthy grieving is a natural part of healthy living. Join us for a gratitude-based, inspired discussion of the art of grieving, and how one can move beyond deep and profound loss, while still honoring the process of expressing the profound feeling.

In a safe and supportive atmosphere, we will share, encourage, empower and find peace through breath, deep relaxation, yoga and meditation. In preparation for new light, new hope, new grace and new love, we will practice together in letting go of what is behind us. We find solace and sanctuary in the company of others who know the grace of inner silence, and acceptance. In this simple way, we clear a path for renewed joy and gratefulness for all that we have, and are, and will be.

Join Sandra Carden, ERYT 500, Director UNION/YOGA LLC, and Kathryn Holl GSSM, LPC, CT.

Kathryn Holl is a Holistic Counselor and the Grief Support Manager at Hospice of Michigan. She is certified in Thanatology: Death Dying, and Bereavement; is an educator; and has been an instructor for life story writing classes at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.

Kathryn Holl and Sandra Carden have dedicated the past several decades of their lives to holistic healing through alternative therapies and meditation. This course is for students with some yoga experience, and teachers of yoga whom regard spirit as part of the healing path.

Schedule:

Friday, December 7
5pm: Hotel Check-In/Arrival
6-8pm: 30 minute introduction and syllabus, 90 minute YOGA practice.
(Dinner on your own)

Saturday, December 8
7am: Nature Walk (Optional)
9am-12pm: 3 hour Life After Loss practice
12-1pm: group LUNCH provided
1-4pm: free time. Enjoy the healing Solace Spa.
4-7pm: 3 hour Life After Loss practice
7:30pm: group Dinner provided

Sunday, December 9
7am: Silent walk and Meditation (indoor or outdoor, weather permitting, Optional)
8:30-10:30am: 1.5 hour YOGA practice, 30 minute closure
11am: Check-out

Tuition:
$325 - This workshop is most suitable for those with some yoga experience.

Includes one delicious lunch and dinner on Saturday, snacks during the practice sessions, daily admission to Solace Spa, and Life After Loss retreat with Sandra Carden, ERYT 500 and Kathryn Holl GSSM, LPC, CT. (does not include lodging)

Upgrade your experience and add discounted lodging conveniently located at Boyne Mountain Resort by contacting 800-462-6963. Reserve lodging reservations at Boyne Mountain today.

$335 for YOGA ALLIANCE teachers requesting 10 hrs CEUs (Again note: does not include lodging)

Register today for the Life After Loss Retreat by contacting Solace Institute at 231-549-7212. Please be advised that space is limited.

$325.00 per person

Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Introspection, self-exploration and self-revelation

1/02/13 to 1/05/13
Wednesday 5 PM to Saturday 11 AM
The Inn at Bay Harbor

Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat
with Sandra Carden, ERYT 500
(20 Yoga Alliance CEUs)

1/02/13 to 1/05/13
The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor

There is no way to quite describe the deep peace that is felt when one is enfolded in the silence of winter in loving, kind, and meditative support.

Winter is deep magic. Being at The Inn at Bay Harbor, in early January is all the more profound because we are naturally enshrouded by this latent time of year. It is a time of year that supports introspection, self-exploration and self-revelation. How fortunate we are to be able to take advantage of the celestial timing, to go inward when the universe most supports it.

As we sit in quiet stillness, we are embraced by the echoing silence of the lakes and trees, and the soundless circling of the winter birds. We will spend time out of doors, to marvel at the miracle and message of soaring eagles and gently falling snow. The sun shines and sparkles, like a million diamonds, on the icy waves and smooth white drifts.

We might never before have noticed the exquisite taste of broccoli, or appreciated relaxing in a chair with a simple cup of tea, in quite the same way. Without distractions, we rest, walk, read, write, and taste. We listen, sit, breathe and practice, and take to heart the art of nonaction.

We learn a great deal about ourselves in silence. What do I do when I have nothing I have to do? Who am I when I am not doing? From a broader, higher, less attached perspective, we see how we are. We notice our own unique jumble of thoughts, appetites, satisfactions, frustrations, diversions, resistances, aversions, insights, longings, petitions, prayers, aches and pains, fears, joys and ah-hahs. All grist for the mill.

We come in one way and leave another. Silence upholds a shift in awareness, like none other.
Ask someone who has taken a silent retreat, and you probably wonít get much of an answer. Itís too big to wrap words around. Deep peace cannot be contained.

Sandra Carden, ERYT 500 has owned and directed UNION/YOGA LLC since 1989. She has trained yoga teachers and students since 1973. See her full bio at unionyogatt.com.

Schedule:

Wednesday, January 2, 2013
4pm: Hotel Check-In/Arrival
6-8pm: 30 minute introduction and syllabus, 90 minute YOGA practice.
(Dinner on your own)

*** Please reserve your spa services before Silence begins Thursday morning.

Thursday, January 3, 2013 ñ Silence begins upon awakening.
7am: Meditative Dawn Walk (Optional) | Please pack suitable clothing for winter conditions.
8am: Breakfast provided
9am-12pm: 3 hour SILENT YOGA and meditation practice.
12-1pm: Silent group LUNCH provided.
1-4pm: Open time. Enjoy the silence and consider experiencing a spa service.
4-6pm: 2 hour SILENT YOGA and meditation practice.
6:30pm: Silent group Dinner provided.
8-9pm: Silent meditation.

Friday, January 4, 2013 ñ Silence continues
7am: Meditative Dawn Walk (Optional) | Please pack clothing for winter conditions.
8am: Breakfast provided
9am-12pm: 3 hour SILENT YOGA and meditation practice.
12-1pm: Silent group LUNCH provided.
1-4pm: Open time. Enjoy the silence and consider experiencing a spa service.
4-6pm: 2 hour SILENT YOGA and meditation practice.
6:30pm: Silent group Dinner provided.
8-9pm: Silent meditation.

Saturday, January 5, 2013 ñ Breaking silence
7am: Silent indoor walking and seated Meditation (Optional)
8:00-10:30am: 2.5 hour Breaking Silence Ceremony.
11am: Check-out.


Tuition:
$650 / person - This workshop is most suitable for those with some yoga experience, any level. Includes $100 spa gift card, delicious snacks and meals daily (excludes dinner on arrival day), and yoga and meditation direction with Sandra Carden, ERYT500. (does not include lodging)

Additional $10 / person - for YOGA ALLIANCE teachers requesting 20 hrs CEUs

Register today for the Silent Yoga and Meditation Retreat located at The Inn at Bay Harbor by contacting Solace Institute at 231-549-7212. Space is limited!

Upgrade your experience and add lodging conveniently located at The Inn at Bay Harbor by contacting 800-462-6963. Please mention that you are looking for the GROUP RATE with the Silent Yoga and Meditation Program.

Deluxe Quarry View = Hotel room with two queen beds, wet bar with refrigerator, one bathroom and shared balcony = $135/night*
Deluxe Lake View = Hotel room with two queen beds, wet bar with refrigerator, one bathroom and shared balcony = $149/night*
Master Suite Quarry View = One bedroom suite with king bed in bedroom, one queen murphy bed and sofa in living area, gas fireplace, kitchenette, one bathroom and private balcony = $170/night*
Master Suite Lake View = One bedroom suite with king bed in bedroom, one queen murphy bed and sofa in living area, gas fireplace, kitchenette, one bathroom and private balcony = $184/night*

*rooms are based on availability. Taxes and resort fee are additional.
Meals and Snacks:
We have requested vegetarian meals with some chicken and/or fish. Please let us know of any special dietary needs. Tea will be available throughout the retreat. If you want specific teas, or other favorite or necessary food items, please bring them with you.

What to Pack:
Please pack lightly and dress simply. Bring the following:

ï Watch / Clock
ï Yoga mat and your favorite props (we can provide for you if desired, please let us know at time of reservation)
ï Snacks to share (optional)
ï Meditation Cushion or blankets for sitting
ï Yoga clothes
ï Comfortable clothing for indoors
ï Pajamas, underwear, etcÖ
ï Outdoor clothing and gear for hikes, cross country skiing and snowshoeing (weather permitting)
ï Journal and pens/pencils
ï Art supplies, if so inclined
ï Prayer and meditation aids (mala or rosary beads, meaningful images, etc.)
ï Devotional/spiritual reading
ï Bring one small item for our community altar

Regarding books: Many words, whether spoken or read, interfere with silence. Therefore, be prayerful or meditative in your consideration of reading material. Please bring only those books that will aid the spiritual atmosphere of your retreat.

Maintaining a sacred spaceÖ
This is a silent retreat. Except for specified times when dialogue is encouraged, we will maintain silence. Silence means silence. Please avert your eyes from others and avoid communication through sign language, gestures, etc. Conversation in common areas is discouraged. If talk is absolutely required, please be sensitive to the retreat experience of others. And, please leave computers and work at home.

Cell phones MUST be turned off. If you need to make a call, please step outside or go into a room where you can close a door.

What to expect:
Each day will include yoga, meditation, and pranayama practice. Sandra will lead a daily reflection on tantric philosophy from the Pratyabhijnahrdayam. You will receive a copy of that text.

Each person will have the opportunity to meet privately with Sandra, should you feel that necessary to your process. She will provide supportive listening, reflection, and perhaps questions to encourage further exploration. Both listening for the deeper resonances and invitations of Spirit.

All meals will be taken in silence. There will be ample time for walking, napping, journaling, and private prayer and meditation.

If you have any questions prior to the retreat, please contact Sandra Carden 1-888-881-YOGA.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Sandra Carden's yoga experience has embraced a wide range of teachers and traditions, in a way that is best described by philosopher Ken Wilber as "to enfold and transcend." Her varied Christian influences throughout early childhood allowed her to appreciate, in the early 1970s, the inclusive teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. This non-dogmatic appreciation of the many facets of yoga was affirmed in her tutelage under Joel Kramer, and through the writings of J. Krishnamurti. At its inaugural session in 1974, Sandra and Field Carden attended the Naropa Institute, to study yoga philosophy under Ram Dass, and Buddhism under Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. Here she was schooled in Vipassana meditation. From these early influences, Sandra developed a strong commitment to embracing diversity within the wider yoga tradition.

Early on, Sandra studied with senior teachers of the Iyengar lineage. In the 1980s, she sought and embraced "meditation in motion," through the Kripalu movement, as well as with outstanding senior teachers of the Ashtanga system and other vinyasa styles. The 1990s brought a transcendent shift toward more therapeutic avenues of yoga, including her certification in Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and Svaroopa Yoga. Viniyoga and Ayurvedic studies were important additional influences. The first decade of the 21st century has brought deeper study of yoga history, philosophy and literature through Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., at Sonoma State University, and with Cynthia Snodgrass, M.div., of the American Sanskrit Institute. Sandra Carden graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Valley State University, with a thesis exploring The Human Quest for Liberation.

To "embrace and transcend" is to take in deeply, embracing the experience as fuel to transform inclusively and from within, as the sphere of understanding widens. In that way, UNION/YOGA is still growing, unfolding, and transcending, as we all are.

$650.00 per person

Partnered Yoga Retreat

Support Equals Surrender

3/01/13 to 3/03/13
Friday evening to Sunday morning
The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor

Partnered Yoga Retreat
with Sandra Carden ERYT 500
(10 Yoga Alliance CEUs)

3/01/13 to 3/03/13
The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor

Offer support
Accept surrender
Together find abundance, balance and strength
Greater than one.

Partnering requires both acceptance and nurturing, surrender and support. It is a powerful way to build trust in a relationship while you tap into your own inner reliance, resilience and reverence.

When we allow ourselves to be supported, in some small, yet profound way, we are more free. We are safe to explore, to relax more, to open up, and to surrender to a deeper, more present, satisfying and alive experience. When we give support, we ourselves are empowered.

In a safe, nonsexual and respectful atmosphere, we will encourage one another and find communion through synchronistic breath, movement and mutual meditation. This retreat is perfect for couples, friends, or any two people looking for a mutually enhancing partner experience.

Sandra Carden and Field Carden, her husband and partner of 43 years, have always enjoyed partner yoga and what it can teach us, together and individually. This experience is a great way to build trust in your own empowerment and to receive a little help in letting go. Join Sandra Carden, ERYT 500, Director UNION/YOGA LLC, for a mutually uplifting, empowering and fun weekend of Partnered Yoga. Bring someone you care about and for.

Schedule:

Friday, March 1, 2013
4pm: Hotel Check-In / Arrival
6-8pm: 30 minute introduction and syllabus, 90 minute PARTNERED YOGA practice.
(Dinner on your own)

Saturday, March 2, 2013
7am: Nature Walk (Optional) | Please bring clothing suitable for winter conditions.
9am-12pm: 3 hour PARTNERED YOGA practice
12-1pm: group LUNCH provided
1-4pm: free time. Consider experiencing a spa service at The Spa at The Inn.
4-7pm: 3 hour PARTNERED YOGA practice
7:30pm: group Dinner provided

Sunday, March 3, 2013
7am: Silent walk and Meditation (Optional) | Please bring clothing suitable for winter conditions.
8:30-10:30am: 1.5 hour PARTNERED YOGA practice, 30 minute closure
11am: Check-out

Tuition:
$675 / couple*** - This workshop is most suitable for those with at least some yoga experience. Includes one delicious lunch and dinner on Saturday, snacks during the practice sessions, $50 spa gift card / person, and Partnered Yoga instruction with Sandra Carden, ERYT500
(***Please note: does not include lodging).

Additional $10 / person - for YOGA ALLIANCE teachers requesting 10 hrs CEUs

Register today for the Partnered Yoga Retreat located at The Spa at The Inn at Bay Harbor by contacting Solace Institute at 231-549-7212. Space is limited!

Upgrade your experience and add lodging conveniently located at The Inn at Bay Harbor by contacting 800-462-6963. Please mention that you are looking for the GROUP RATE with the Partnered Yoga Retreat.

Deluxe Quarry View = Hotel room with two queen beds, wet bar with refrigerator, one bathroom and shared balcony = $135/night*
Deluxe Lake View = Hotel room with two queen beds, wet bar with refrigerator, one bathroom and shared balcony = $149/night*
Master Suite Quarry View = One bedroom suite with king bed in bedroom, one queen murphy bed and sofa in living area, gas fireplace, kitchenette, one bathroom and private balcony = $170/night*
Master Suite Lake View = One bedroom suite with king bed in bedroom, one queen murphy bed and sofa in living area, gas fireplace, kitchenette, one bathroom and private balcony = $184/night*

*rooms are based on availability. Taxes and resort fee are additional.


ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Sandra Carden's yoga experience has embraced a wide range of teachers and traditions, in a way that is best described by philosopher Ken Wilber as "to enfold and transcend." Her varied Christian influences throughout early childhood allowed her to appreciate, in the early 1970s, the inclusive teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. This non-dogmatic appreciation of the many facets of yoga was affirmed in her tutelage under Joel Kramer, and through the writings of J. Krishnamurti. At its inaugural session in 1974, Sandra and Field Carden attended the Naropa Institute, to study yoga philosophy under Ram Dass, and Buddhism under Chogyam Trungpa, Rinpoche. Here she was schooled in Vipassana meditation. From these early influences, Sandra developed a strong commitment to embracing diversity within the wider yoga tradition.

Early on, Sandra studied with senior teachers of the Iyengar lineage. In the 1980s, she sought and embraced "meditation in motion," through the Kripalu movement, as well as with outstanding senior teachers of the Ashtanga system and other vinyasa styles. The 1990s brought a transcendent shift toward more therapeutic avenues of yoga, including her certification in Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy and Svaroopa Yoga. Viniyoga and Ayurvedic studies were important additional influences. The first decade of the 21st century has brought deeper study of yoga history, philosophy and literature through Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., at Sonoma State University, and with Cynthia Snodgrass, M.div., of the American Sanskrit Institute. Sandra Carden graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Valley State University, with a thesis exploring The Human Quest for Liberation.

To "embrace and transcend" is to take in deeply, embracing the experience as fuel to transform inclusively and from within, as the sphere of understanding widens. In that way, UNION/YOGA is still growing, unfolding, and transcending, as we all are.

$675.00 per person