Yoga Retreats

During this retreat, we will learn the concepts of prana (vital energy), pranayama (control of the life force) and asanas (postures) to better understand the philosophical and energetic principles underlying the yoga practice. Developing this understanding will eventually lead you to a more satisfying and profound experience in your practice of yoga and meditation.

Topics covered will include:

• How to make the asanas (postures) steady and comfortable
• Steps towards greater physical and mental flexibility
• Improve your asana practice through deep relaxation
• Prana, pranayama and increased concentration
• Nadis (energy channels), chakras and experiences in the astral body

Enjoy a relaxing yoga holiday and a unique experience in nature. Take a deep breath and gain new strength and inspiration in the healing Laurentian Mountains in the beautiful natural ashram setting through a holistic practice of postures (asanas), breathing (pranayama), relaxation (savasana), group meditations (satsangs), nutritious vegetarian meals, stimulating lectures on yoga philosophy and dynamic walks in the forest as well as a bonfire (weather permitting).

The programme is designed for beginners but also suitable for anyone looking to refresh the fundamentals of yoga and Meditation. We will introduce the 12 basic postures, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation techniques and will instill the disciple to create a home practice, improve flexibility, and foster a greater ability to cope with stress and find inner happiness.

Let this become a turning point in your life’s journey. Depression ranks among the leading causes of disability in people ages 15 to 44 – and it does not have to hold you back anymore. This retreat offers the opportunity to transcend depression by igniting a radical shift in your perspective. You will reconnect with your essential Self as you learn specific yoga postures (asanas) and breathing practices, dietary guidelines, and other yogic techniques to ease and relieve depression and allow your natural state and your balance to emerge.

Escape the digital chaos with our rejuvenating Digital Detox Retreat where serenity meets self-discovery. This retreat offers a tranquil haven to unplug and reconnect with yourself at the present moment. In a tech free environment immerse yourself in mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation as well as
introspective outdoors activities. Engage in uplifting workshops fostering positive habits and cultivating a healthier relationship with technology. Nourish your body and soul with wholesome meals while forging meaningful connections in a supportive community. This retreat is a profound reset empowering you to embrace life with newfound clarity, balance, and a refreshed perspective.

Asanas or yoga postures can bring countless benefits to the body and mind. They don’t only stretch the muscles and reduce stress levels, but also improve bodily functions, energize the body and mind and increase physical and mental strength. Join this unique retreat and deepen your yoga practice thanks to special yoga classes with specific themes and variations adapted to your level (beginners or intermediate/advanced). In addition, there will be 30-minute Asana workshops each day for in-depth training in specific postures, and sessions during which we will learn different yogic techniques to develop will power and mental flexibility to better face the changing circumstances of our lives.

Asanas or yoga postures can bring countless benefits to the body and mind. They don’t only stretch the muscles and reduce stress levels, but also improve bodily functions, energize the body and mind and increase physical and mental strength. Join this unique retreat and deepen your yoga practice thanks to special yoga classes with specific themes and variations adapted to your level (beginners or intermediate/advanced). In addition, there will be 30-minute Asana workshops each day for in-depth training in specific postures, and sessions during which we will learn different yogic techniques to develop will power and mental flexibility to better face the changing circumstances of our lives.

Take the time to experience moments of deep relaxation. Enjoy a peaceful yoga vacation in the beautiful Laurentian mountains. Learn tools and techniques for deep relaxation as components of a healthy and spiritual lifestyle and experience their benefits. Modern life has become synonymous with stress, especially for those living in cities. In addition to affecting mood and outlook, scientific studies consistently show that stress negatively impacts long-term health. In this program, you will learn how to use ancient wisdom and practices found in yoga to help cope with life’s challenges and become more balanced and fulfilled, no matter where you live! You will return home with fresh perspectives and new skills to incorporate into your daily life to prevent being “stressed out”.

Topics will include:

• Positive thinking and meditation for overcoming mental stress
• Tips on giving up artificial stimulants in daily life
• Controlling the emotions through manta chanting
• The art to letting go
• Physical, mental and spiritual levels of final relaxation

Enjoy a relaxing yoga holiday and a unique experience in nature. Take a deep breath and gain new strength and inspiration in the healing Laurentian Mountains in the beautiful natural ashram setting through a holistic practice of yoga postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), relaxation technics (savasana), group meditations (satsangs), nutritious vegetarian meals, stimulating lectures on yoga philosophy and dynamic walks in the forest as well as a bonfire (weather permitting).

This interactive retreat will allow participants to experience the harmony of Ashram life, while building in specialized yogic practices geared at helping us better understand and relate to distress and anxiety in our lives. Each day will feature dedicated asana and pranayama (yogic breathing) practices aimed at helping manage anxiety and regulating distress. Going beyond the physical aspects of practice, in a series of engaging workshops, we will seek to better understand our distress using yogic philosophy and look for practical tools that can help us in the stress of our daily lives.
Swami Rajeshwarananda (ashram director) will lead the retreat and will offer health consultations upon request.

Asanas or yoga postures can bring countless benefits to the body and mind. They don’t only stretch the muscles
and reduce stress levels, but also improve bodily functions, energize the body and mind and increase physical and
mental strength. Join this unique retreat and deepen your yoga practice thanks to special yoga classes with specific
themes and variations. In addition, there will be 30-minute Asana workshops each day for in-depth training in
specific postures, and sessions during which we will learn different yogic techniques to develop will power and
mental flexibility to better face the changing circumstances of our lives.

Topics covered will also include:

• Benefits of asanas on the various body systems
• Asana variations to increase the flexibility of hips and shoulder girdle
• Challenge yourself – try out some new variations
• How to balance muscle length and muscle strength
• Evacuate stress and tensions away through asanas

During this retreat, we will learn the concepts of prana (vital energy), pranayama (control of the life force) and asanas (postures) to better understand the energetic principles underlying the functioning of our body and mind. Developing this understanding will help us to understand how to elevate our mind and prevent it from going into negative and unhealthy patterns. Eventually it will lead to the development of a yoga and meditation practice conducive to a happy and healthy mental life.

Topics covered will include:

• Prana, pranayama and increased mental wellbeing
• Nadis (energy channels), chakras and experiences in the astral body
• Physical, mental and spiritual relaxation
• Mental flexibility and inner peace
• Cultivating healthy thought patterns

Repeating mantras (sacred sounds) and singing kirtans (devotional chants) have a tremendous healing effect on our body and mind. When chanting, a transformative energy is generated with a power to transform us, sublimate negative emotions, open the heart and help us tune to our true divine nature. Join us for this special retreat filled with meditation sessions, yoga classes and workshops, and discover these elevating practices. Learn how to chant and go from emotion to devotion and experience a deep sense of joy.

Topics covered include:

• • Sound as a transformative and healing energy
  • The power of mantras and kirtans
  • From emotion to unconditional love
  • How to choose and use mantras
  • Step-by-step guided chanting

The week will culminate with an Easter Gospel concert with Ken Whiteley

This special Easter retreat will boost your energy, keep you inspired and bring your practice to a higher level. A full immersion into the practice of yoga and meditation for the renewal of body and mind

Yoga classes at beginners and intermediate levels, workshops and lectures with senior Swamis and teachers of the Yoga camp. Take some time for yourself with walks in nature, sauna and various types of massages.

Featuring special concerts as:

• Sacred sounds of Gospel Music
• Special Gospel Music Concert and workshop with Canadian folk singer and yogi Ken Whiteley.

Ken Whiteley is one of Canada’s most respected musicians and has an incredibly rich background in blues, gospel and folk styles, his performances are presented with humor, energy and grace.

This program will include fruit juices, salads and much more in a supported group environment. The detox program combined with yoga practices and meditation constitute an excellent  approach for cleansing on all levels: physical, mental and emotional. It will help you detach from craving sugar and other tasty foods. You will realize just how good it feels to replace inflammatory foods with nutrient-dense options. You will experience better digestion, more energy, enhanced flexibility and mental clarity.

It will help eliminate toxins from the body which can cause the following disturbances:

• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Uncontrollable craving for sugar
• Cholesterol
• Migraine
• Chronic Fatigue and more

“Who am I?” Discover the deepest answer to this essential question and undertake a journey that will lead you to the source of happiness and joy inside you. During this retreat, we will explore our true nature (which is existence, knowledge and bliss absolute), study meditation techniques and learn fundamental philosophical principles such as discrimination and detachment to make better choices, be less affected by events and face the ever changing nature of our lives with solid grounding, clarity and tranquility of mind.

Topics covered will include:

• Brahman: the principle of oneness
• The power of Illusion (Maya)
• False identifications (Upadhis)
• Who am I (Atman)
• Vedanta meditation technique: Neti Neti

Swami Svatmavidyananda Saraswati, PhD, is a widely recognized as scholar od Advaita Vedanta . She is a disciple of Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, teaching internationally through lectures and seminars. Swamiji is known for her expertise in interreligious engagement and Advaita Vedanta. She is the Acharya of Arsha Vijnana Gurukulam and its centers throughout the Unites States.