ALOHA SPIRIT SEMI-SILENT RETREAT

This mostly silent yoga and meditation retreat is an invitation to immerse ourselves in the healing spirit of Aloha, be inspired by the natural beauty and return to the sacredness of who we are when distractions drop away.  

As one of my most important teachers, Sarah Powers, has said, "The ability to gather together and be with teachings and practices, silence, nature and each other quietly is a great privilege and something many of us have been without for far too long."

This year's 9th annual Aloha Spirit retreat will be held at Wood Valley Temple, a small, quiet, quaint and peaceful Tibetan Buddhist temple and retreat sanctuary in a picturesque, rural valley, on the Big Island of Hawai'i, where H.H. the Dalai Lama has stayed and taught.  We will stay in the guesthouse, a simple but comfortable accommodation.

The retreat will include restorative Yin Yoga and gentle, mixed-level Vinyasa/Yang Yoga, meditation, pranayama, Buddhist philosophy and self-inquiry, optional daily (private) check-ins with Christy, a delicious and organic plant-based menu, and ample free time to journal, read, make art, enjoy therapeutic massage, rest, and explore the beautiful grounds and surrounding area.  

We will ease very gradually and gently into and out of "noble silence."  Noble silence doesn't mean we can't talk, it means we're not required to talk.  It also means that we steer away from chit-chat.  If we need to speak for logistical reasons, it's no problem.  We simply communicate in a quiet voice or even through writing.  We'll mindfully break our noble silence during meals together.

The retreat will highlight the fundamental Buddhist doctrines of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, as well as teachings on Dependent Origination, which Christy studied in-person with H.H. the Dalai Lama.

Whether you're new to participating in a silent retreat or an experienced practitioner, Christy will be there to support you as much or as little as you need, every step of the way.  This is a warm and welcoming invitation to experience the potentially profound and transformative benefits of silence, practice, nature and sacred space.  A potent combination.  You're invited to, as Sarah Powers also says, "drop in, open up, and dive deep as you ignite and reclaim the profound resources dwelling within you."

For questions or to sign up, please email Christy at christy@christybrownyoga.com.

PRICING

Single-Occupancy: $2450

Double-Occupancy: $1995

INCLUDED: Accommodations, all meals, daily yoga, meditation and other sessions with Christy

NOT INCLUDED: Airport and other transfers, excursions, massage and spa treatments, gratuities. A car rental or shared rental is recommended.

TO SIGN UP: A non-refundable $450 deposit will hold your space. Subsequent payments are also non-refundable unless we're able to fill the space. Payment schedule: 50% of the remaining balance due 3 months prior to the start of the retreat; final payment due 2 months prior to the start of the retreat.

“Aloha” means “presence of breath” or “breath of life.” The ancient Hawaiians likened the ability to live the spirit of Aloha with attaining spiritual enlightenment. It’s even written into the Hawaiian Statutes: “All citizens and government officials of Hawai`i are obligated by law to conduct themselves in accordance with this law….‘Aloha Spirit’ is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others... in the contemplation and presence of the life force....”