Pratyāhāra - Cultivation of Inward Focus

Pratyāhāra has been described as “mastery over external influences.” It is a practice which consciously unburdens, regulates, and ultimately heightens our awareness and restores our vitality. A more common definition of pratyāhāra is sensory withdrawal. The implication is that the senses must turn inwards for higher states of meditation to be realized. However, for many of us today, pratyāhāra can be practiced as sensory awareness or discipline.

During this two night retreat, we will immerse ourselves in various practices of yoga, including āsana, prāṇāyāma (breath techniques), meditation, yoga nidra, and contemplation. The subject matter of our practices, discussions, and contemplative prompts will be centered in the subject of pratyāhāra. This retreat will be taking place in the late fall, a time when the natural world will be supporting our endeavor of pratyāhāra as there is an organic turning inwards which arises during this time of the year with shorter days and longer periods of darkness.

Presented by Meghan Maris. From $688 to $968 depending on the room, with lodging and meals. Arrival is from 3 pm on the first day, and check-out at 1 pm on the last.