4 DAYS IN NATURE
YOGA RETREAT WITH HEATHER HAXO PHILLIPS
In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to lose your sense of self. Finding Focus is an in-person retreat designed to give you the opportunity to reconnect with your own true nature through asana, pranayama, chanting and the study of yoga philosophy.
Finding Focus will give you the opportunity to move your body and access to the mental space necessary to sink into these profoundly transformative practices. Together we will explore the vast realm of yoga using our own sense organs – eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin – as our topic of study. Let us experience together how the ancient wisdom of these practices connect so directly to our lives in 2024.
Participants will feel nourished on all levels. It is an opportunity for you to step away from your busy life and exhale deeply. Give yourself this opportunity to relax, restore and find your focus.
Land of the Medicine Buddha provides the container for this healing experience. Located in the the Santa Cruz mountains near Aptos, Land of the Medicine Buddha is an easy 2-hour drive from Berkeley. You will appreciate the experience of retreat among the 108 acres of ancient redwood groves and sunny oak meadows. You will have time to explore the property’s walking trails and meditations areas.
The retreat is full! You are welcome to register for the waitlist.
Our cozy accommodations provide the perfect place to rest and recharge after a day of yoga and exploration. You’ll stay nestled in the forest, complete with all the amenities you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay.
$1870 Single Occupancy
or
$6460 Double Occupancy
Shared rooms with 3 – 4 people are also available: $1450 per participant
These guests rooms are steps from the yoga space and dining hall. They include a private bathroom with shower, towel and linen service is provided.
$1420 Yurt per person, these canvas cabins have electricity and include beds with a heated mattress cover and linens.
$990 Camping – Bring your own tent. There is an elevated platform for you
The Yurt & camping area is a 20-min uphill walk from the main campus. This tranquil area is nestled in an inspiring redwood grove, and has bathrooms.
Enjoy the sounds of nature
Thursday
3 pm | Arrival and Check-in
4 pm Asana Practice
Dinner and Welcome Ceremony
Friday & Saturday
Sunday
Chanting, Pranayama & Asana Practice
Breakfast and lunch
2 pm | Departure
You will have time to explore the property including its many walking trails and holy objects, or sit by the spring fed pool. Enjoy a warm mid-summer rest!
This transformative yoga retreat is the perfect opportunity to gain a new perspective and find your focus
I WANT TO GO!Nestled in the heart of the stunning redwood forest, our retreat center provides the perfect setting for you to deepen your yoga practice and connect with nature. Imagine practicing yoga surrounded by majestic trees, breathing in the fresh air, and listening to the soothing sounds of nature.
“I went last year and found it so transformative. My yoga practice deepened tremendously across many aspects – asana, pranayama, chanting and journaling. Land of the Medicine Buddha is a deeply nourishing place spiritually. I look forward to returning this year“
~Chris Schildt
“Last year I attended after a long period of illness… It transformed the feeling of connection with my body and the amount of self-love I had. It was remarkable.”
~Vijay D’Silva
This retreat is for dedicated Iyengar Yoga practitioners who regularly attend continuing beginner or intermediate classes with certified Iyengar Yoga teachers.
This retreat is best suited for people who have at least 1 year experience studying Iyengar Yoga consistently. Ideally, your studies would have already included an introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This retreat is for serious students, and is an excellent opportunity for teachers and teachers in training.
Our asana practice sessions will mostly be active and invigorating, with plenty of backbends, twists and long-held inversions. We will do headstand and shoulderstand with their variations – holding them for at least 5 – 10 minutes. It is assumed that every participant is excited to do these poses, or they they know alternatives and modifications that they would normally do when these poses are taught.
Our contemplative work will include extended savasana, restorative yoga, pranayama and mediation.
A retreat is a quiet place that you go to in order to withdraw from the regular routine of daily life and rest in a private place. So, you should be excited to keep your phone and other devices away, for the most part.
I’M READYParticipants are requested to bring their yoga practice kit: 4 blankets, mat, two blocks and a strap. Traveling without props? You can purchase them here, or rent the kit from us for $25.
Delicious vegetarian meals are part of this special experience: The culinary staff can accommodate specific needs such as gluten free, wheat free, sugar free, garlic free, onion free, nut free, and vegan. When you register, please let us know your requirements. A guest refrigerator is also available for anyone who brings their own food items.
Mindfulness is an important aspect of your stay at the Land of Medicine Buddha: As a Buddhist retreat center, guests are invited to be mindful of their actions of body and speech and to be aware that other people share this beautiful space. All guests are invited observe these five precepts: (1) No killing – this includes all insects. (2) No lying (3) No stealing – borrowing without asking permission. (4) No sexual misconduct – any sexual activity that will cause suffering to another being. (5) No intoxicants – includes alcohol, drugs and smoking cigarettes.
Cancellation details: Cancellations received by May 15 are entitled to a full refund minus a $50 admin fee. Cancellations received by June 15th are entitled to a full credit towards future Adeline Yoga programs, minus a $50 admin fee. No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations after June 15th. Due to arrangements made with our hosts, there can be no exceptions to this policy.
I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE WAITLISTHeather Haxo Phillips is a Senior Iyengar yoga teacher and the Director of Adeline Yoga. Heather offers expertise in yoga therapy, and is a Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor. Her teaching is rooted in the ancient yogic traditions, including yoga philosophy, Sanskrit and chant. Every class offers an opportunity to delve into all these aspects of Yog.
Certified at the Senior Intermediate I level (Level 3), Heather serves as a mentor to aspiring teachers and CIYT, leading teacher education programs and volunteering as an assessor.
Heather studies regularly with senior Iyengar Yoga teachers and the Iyengar family in Pune. Her yoga philosophy and Sanskrit teachers include Dr. Gitte Beschgaard and Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe.
Heather is dedicated to her volunteer work for the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California and the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States.
Heather is known for her well-organized events and retreats which she has been offering regularly for over a decade.