SUMMER SOLTICE RETREAT: HONORING THE LIGHT WITHIN

"[Summer Solstice] reminds us that there is hope in the world, that the light within can spread to the far reaches of the globe and inspire others. We can nurture others, just as the Sun nurtures us. Summer becomes a time to work on ourselves and our ability to be the light and find meaning in our journey, even when it seems uncertain."  (Jill Wintersteen)

This all-levels Summer Solstice retreat, led by Christy Brown, will be an opportunity to drop deep into practice, self-care and the gift of sangha at our own private Sonoma County wine country luxury estate villa. Our full day, on June 21st, will include gentle Vinyasa Yoga + meditation in the morning, restorative Yin Yoga + meditation in the afternoon and ample free time to swim in the lap pool, soak in the hot tub, hike in nearby Sugar Loaf Park and take in the incredible peacefulness and surrounding natural beauty. The day will end with a Summer Solstice Sangha Circle Blessing Ceremony around the bonfire to honor the Four Directions, set summer intentions, express gratitude and formulate a collective prayer for the world. 

We will observe noble silence daily from bedtime until breakfast.

The vegetarian, farm-to-table menu will highlight fresh, organic, locally-sourced produce; gluten-free, dairy-free, low-glycemic and vegetarian protein options; and use of fresh herbs and other natural ingredients for meals that are nutritious, clean and delicious. We are happy to accommodate additional dietary needs and preferences.

The luxury 5000 square foot villa is surrounded by vineyards and located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, near the villages of Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, with its rocky peaks, is within walking distance. The villa is decorated with Art Deco antiques and designed for a 'feet up' level of comfort and ease.

Each of the five large, luxurious bedrooms has its own ensuite bathroom and unique Art Deco decor. And the soaring, 20 foot tall, clerestory-lit Great Room merges with the splendor of the Sonoma outback as the living room's glass walls bifold back to open completely to the great outdoors. Secluded and picturesque, there are endless views of the forested peaks all around. The location is a 50-minute drive from the Golden Gate Bridge.

All levels welcome.

PRICING

Single-occupancy in luxury private suite with king bed and ensuite bathroom: $1500

Double-occupancy in luxury private suite with ensuite bathroom, queen or king bed: $1195/person

Double-occupancy in luxury private suite with ensuite bathroom, twin bed: $995/person

Sofa bed in Sunroom: $795 

Non-residential (advance registration required): $275/day (includes meals)

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

TO REGISTER, or for questions, please email Christy at christy@christybrownyoga.com. A non-refundable $550 deposit will hold your space. Balance is due by May 15 (refundable, minus a $108 processing fee if we're able to fill the space).

Registration requested by May 15.

[Summer Solstice reminds us] to celebrate the nourishing light of the Sun and the light within each of us. During the Summer solstice, the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky and gives us our longest day of the year. This point marks the second phase of the Earth’s journey around the Sun, which starts with the Spring Equinox. Energetically, it is very parallel to the First Quarter Moon, which signifies a time to nourish the seeds planted in the first phase.... The cycle of the Sun represents the cycle of our lives and reflects the natural flow of energy moving inward and outward. There are times to grow, times to pause, times to shed and times to learn. Just as we align with the Moon’s journey every month, we can align with the Sun’s journey throughout the year. In current day, we understand that what we are really aligning with is the movement of the Earth, not the Sun, but it is still a powerful cycle to honor. While the Spring Equinox begins this journey and represents new beginnings, the Summer Solstice represents the next step of this divine rhythm. Always occurring at the start of the Cancer Sun Season, the Summer Solstice reminds us to turn inward and find the nourishment needed to grow and evolve. It is a time to pause and wait for the energy planted in the Spring to reach full bloom. If the Spring represents action, the Summer represents patience. We must develop trust and confidence in ourselves that what we set in motion previously is correct even if we go through some troubled times. Our course is set at this point, we just need to nurture it and find purpose within its process.

The Summer Solstice represents the transition from action to nourishment, which is exactly what the Sun gives us during the long nights of summer, both to our actual crops but also to the continual journey we travel from darkness to light. Summer reminds us that there is hope in the world, that the light within can spread to the far reaches of the globe and inspire others. We can nurture others, just as the Sun nurtures us. Summer becomes a time to work on ourselves and our ability to be the light and find meaning in our journey, even when it seems uncertain. This is the rhythm of nature; new beginnings transition into a period of uncertainty. During this time, it is easy to fall pray to anxiety and worry. Big shifts also cause old energies to surface and darkness can easily take over our mind. Summer is the time to develop faith in our life, squash the darkness with light, and trust that just like the Sun, we will rise each day no matter what life brings us.

Through honoring this day of light, we energetically set in motion a period of awakening in our consciousness which lasts all summer until the Fall Equinox.     —Jill Wintersteen