- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Awakening the Mind – Jewel of Creation
October 21-24 – Ely, Mn ~ Fall Immersion w/ Ben Vincent
Our annual Fall Immersion is intended for those looking for in-depth study and practice of yoga in a communal retreat setting. This immersion will delve experientially into Awakening the Mind – Jewel of Creation. We will integrate dharma teachings, holistic practices (asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, chanting, kriya, yoga nidra, self-reflection, etc.), meditative ritual, music and devotion. We’ll share laughter, tears, songs, stories, meals and the joy of sangha. We invite you warmly to join us for this sacred time of practice, teachings and ritual – with abundant time for yourself, in nature and community.
Awakening the Mind – Jewel of Creation
The ancient seers (rishis) of the Vedic tradition sought to understand the nature of life through carefully observing and cultivating the inner and outer worlds. According to Vedic Wisdom, life’s two co-eternal principles are Consciousness and Creative Energy/Power. Consciousness is the limitless source and field of knowing, which expresses itself as the universe through creative power. Consciousness endows every-thing with an essential nature (sva-dharma), and weaves them together harmoniously. Creative Energy/power is the dynamic force through which the web of life has evolved, from the subtlest aspects of the human mind to the physical world of the elements. Amidst the abundance, diversity and beauty of life, the rishis came to understand the human mind as a crown jewel of creation. To be born with a human mind, able to perceive, unveil and illuminate the sacredness of life, is a profound blessing. They called the mind Antahkarana – “the inner instrument”, and knew it to be a tool of incredible power – abridge between the seen and unseen, between the individual and universal. When awakened, the mind is a prism which can reflect and transmit the light of consciousness, and transmit four great powers:
When un-awakened, the four great powers of the mind can become adharma (ignorance of dharma), ajnana (inability to know what is Real), avairagya (inability to release that which cause suffering) and anaishvarya (inability to exercise the power to be and become). Under the sway of ignorance (avidya), the unawakened mind is the root cause of much of the suffering in life, on the levels of great nature, human culture and within ourselves.
The ancient seers saw clearly the power of the mind – to be an instrument in service of dharma, bringing freedom and fulfillment, or to ben an instrument of avidya, and cause further suffering. The considered an un-awakened human life to be the greatest loss. The science of yoga is intended to understand, cultivate and refine the mind – so we may make the most of the human birth, and be an instrument in service of life.
The Place: Camp du Nord, near Ely, MN. A stones throw from the Boudary Waters, Camp du Nord is set amongst the pine, maple and birch forest alongside Lake Burntside. It has been a natural place of sanctuary, retreat, reconnection for more than 50 years.

Lodging & Meals: Our lodging will be communal in modern wooden cabins, beautiful and simple. Each cabin features a full kitchen, indoor bathroom, fireplace, living & dining room, bedrooms, sleeping loft and wireless internet. You will be responsible for your breakfast and lunch. Dinners will be communal, each participant will be part of the cooking group for one evening meal. We’ve done this for years, and it works wonderfully. Preference for lodging requests will be given in the order in which registrations are received. To view one of the cabins, please click here
Activities: Hiking, Canoeing + Kayaking, Sauna + Lake Plunge, Massage, Relaxing lakeside and fireside and the occasional hootenanny singalong ( *massage not included in the price of the retreat)
Daily Session Schedule:
Chanting and Silent Meditation M-W from 6-7 am (recommended, but optional)
Transportation, Arrival & Departure
It is about a 4.5 hour drive from the Twin Cities. You are responsible for your own transportation. We encourage carpooling, and will assist in finding you a carpool if you like. For Directions, click here
Arrival time is anytime after 4pm On Wednesday October 21. We’ll have a group meal at 5pm, and the immersion will begin officially at 6:30p. Teaching and group practice will end Saturday Oct 24th around 12. There may be the possibility of staying an extra day until Oct 25. to rest, integrate and enjoy, as space allows. Please inquire when registering if interested.
Your Investment (Early Registration discount/ Full Rate):
**As of Aug 1, all loft spaces have been reserved – there are shared and private rooms still available. If you are interested in joining immersion, but the shared or private room rates are prohibitive, please email ben@vincentyoga.com, and we’ll do our best to make something work.
Early Registration Discount- Receive $50 off the shared bedroom or loft rates when you register and pay in full by August 7. Early registration discount does not apply to private rooms or cabins.
All rates are per person. This is a small group immersion and space will be allotted in the order in which registrations are received.
Rates are inclusive of:
Massage will be available during breaks. Please note meals are not provided. Each cabin has a fully equipped kitchen for all your cooking needs. We will plan to eat dinners communally, with groups taking turns preparing food if the group size accommodates eating/cooking together.
To reserve your space: please submit registration/waiver form + payment at the same time
All payments are due by Sept 20. There will be a $50 fee for payments, payment plans and registrations received after Sept 20. For those unable to pay-in-full before Sept 20, payment plans are available through paypal credit. All payments are final, there are no refunds unless the retreat gets cancelled. The non-refundable $350 deposit covers the costs to camp du Nord in the event that the retreat should have to be cancelled for unforeseen reasons. Other discounts and scholarships are not available.
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries
Testimonials:
“I have attended several fall immerisons. Each one has been an enriching, nourishing, and powerful experience through Ben’s thoughtful, insightful, and poetic teachings. The most profound aspect of this sacred time is shedding the noise of the outer everyday world of tasks, to-do lists, and responsibilities to focus on the quietness of the inner self and life for a few days. I leave with a deeper understanding of my practice that I have carried forth in my everyday life and that continues to unfold. Every fall I look forward to reuniting with the astounding beauty of the north woods (especially Burntside Lake!) and the warm, welcoming community.”
“I can still feel such an expansive heart, and such a deep feeling of peace. It was like a horizon of peace, so steady and real, and heart all around me. I can still feel how I felt sitting in circle, laughing and crying, and feeling so grateful to be feeling so deeply.I can still feel the love and support of sangha, totally in awe that it’s possible to feel so known. I can still feel you holding us in that space, trusting us and what might be. I trust you too. I’m still totally in awe that the experience we just had is possible. That it’s possible to connect with one another and with life in such a deep way.”
“The fall immersion was powerfully healing for me. Life had crowded out and overwhelmed my sadhana. I needed a reset and I got one. Thank you!”
Read MoreLet’s celebrate! Book Launch:
Trace of Light ~ poems from the spaces in between
Sunday, April 26
3:00–4:30pm (reading at 3:30)
at Shakti Shala ~2637 27th Ave S #201, Minneapolis
Books will be available for purchase + I’d love to sign yours!
It would be lovely to gather, to share these words in person, and to be in community together. You’re warmly welcome.
~~
This is a collection of poetry.
An invitation to listen more closely
To soften and strengthen
To honor the voice that moves through you.
If it resonates, you can find it here.
Get a copy online or if local, buy directly from me.
~~
let us begin with intention,
with breath,
hot coffee and tousled hair
let us begin with the morning light and the call of birdsong
let us begin with barefeet,
planted to earth
sensing the depth
of our companionship
let us begin with poetry
words dancing across the page
invoking meaning
to challenge and stretch us
to inspire and connect us
to something beautiful
with the dawning of a new day,
ripe with potential
let us remember it’s ok, if not welcomed
to begin again —
how will you begin?
Read MoreWe are part of a beautiful, complex, sacred and deeply interconnected living world. The incredible intelligence of nature (dharma) continually weaves together this web of life. It is the origin, essence and destiny of our physical bodies, and provides us with prana, air, food, water, warmth, shelter and the material resources we need. Our place in this web is planet Earth. It is our larger living body which supports, sustains and shelters us – which is why it’s known as mother Earth. Across time and cultures, humanity has honored our place in the web of life and its cycles of transformation through ritual. Much of that living wisdom and connection has been lost in modern life, to the detriment of great nature and human culture. Our love for Mother Earth is present in both gratitude for her abundant gifts and “earth grief” for the going desecration of her (our) living body. The expression of love through ritual is a profound means for collective healing.
April 22, 2026 marks the 56th celebration of Earth Day. We invite you to join us for a special Earth Day community Practice and Ritual for Honoring + healing guided by Ben.
Our evening together will integrate:
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Friends of The Boundary Waters
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Guided by Angela Vincent
April 17–19, 2026
Friday 5pm – Sunday 1pm
April holds us at a threshold.
This retreat is an intentional pause — a space to replenish, reflect, and reconnect before stepping back into the fullness of life.
• Daily sessions including movement, meditation, guided rest + reflection
• Friday evening welcome dinner + grounding circle
• Spacious time for walking, journaling, and solitude
• Family-style nourishing meals
• Community connection in an intimate group of 15 women
This retreat is for the woman who is carrying much.
Who gives generously.
Who knows she needs space to rest and process before returning to care for others.

The retreat will be held at the House of Prayer, nestled among maple trees on the edge of St. John’s University, approximately 1.5 hours from the Twin Cities.
• Private or shared rooms (all single beds)
• 2 light breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners included
• Delicious meals provided by House of Prayer + Eat for Equity
Although meals are prepared for us, we will set tables and assist with light clean-up as a community. Thank you in advance for contributing to our shared experience.
Regular Pricing:
Private – $675
Shared – $595
$250 deposit to reserve your spot.
Payment plans available.
Limited space to preserve depth and care.

Angela Vincent is a guide, facilitator, and teacher based in Minneapolis.
She has been teaching yoga for 20 years and offering retreats for 15 years.
She is committed to supporting growth, connection, and embodied trust throughout all seasons of life.
Again and again, she is struck by the way a unique group of women can gather and create something transformative — tending to themselves and one another with compassion and depth.
• Complete the registration form
• Submit a $250 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot
• Venmo preferred (@Angela-Vincent-66)
• PayPal or credit card available (3.5% processing fee applies)
• Cash or check accepted by arrangement
Full payment due 2 weeks prior to the retreat.
All payments are final and non-refundable unless your space is filled from the waitlist. If filled, you will receive your payment minus the deposit.
For questions, contact: angela@vincentyoga.com
Read MoreBringing the Yoga Sutra to Life
The Taking Refuge program is a one of a kind, in-depth offering, intended for committed students of yogis and spiritual seekers aspiring to healing, awakening and inspired living in vibrant and caring community. Traditionally, taking refuge is a vow to a life of dharma – rooted in the three jewels: 1) Dharma –Teachings + Practice 2) Teacher (inner and outer) 3) Sangha – Sacred community. It is a calling to live in alignment with the ultimate reality and our true nature – on all levels of life. It is a ritual of returning to sanctuary, to what truly nourishes and sustains us, especially during troubled times. In the yogic wisdom traditions,
In the Taking Refuge program, you’ll be supported through:
We are living through profoundly challenging times know in the Yogic Tradition as the Kali Yuga or “the Long Dark”. In this time, human consciousness is pervaded by avidya – lack of awareness of our True Nature and the Laws (dharma) which govern life – leading to collective suffering, and the dis-integration and desecration of great nature, human culture and our individual hearts and minds. It is not the first time humanity has faced great collective challenges, and the sacred wisdom of living traditions is both a refuge and a guiding light.
For at least 5,000 years the spiritual traditions of India have been exploring the nature of life, what it is to be human, why we suffer, and how to realize lives of freedom and fulfillment. The quintessence of that search is Yoga – the spiritual science of Self-Realization through union. Across millennia, Yoga has been evolved, refined and passed down as a living tradition – a sacred gift to help humanity find healing, awakening, inspired and empowered living. Its teachings and practices are as relevant now as ever.
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is one the most comprehensive and practical spiritual texts ever composed. Codified ~2,000 years ago, The Yoga Sutra is considered the essential text of Raja (Royal or Classical) yoga. It is a map for awakened living – illuminating a path from being afflicted by suffering (dukkha) and conditioned existence (samsara), to lives of freedom – through cultivating and awakening the heart and mind. Our exploration of the Yoga Sutra will focus on:
Our In-Depth Study + Practice will include:
Program Structure
Spring, Summer and Winter Retreats will be small group (16 people) immersive weekend retreats (Friday 4 pm – 1 pm Sunday) at the House of Prayer in Collegeville, MN. Fall Retreat for Taking Refuge will be at our annual Fall Immersion, Oct 22-25 or 25-28 (TBD) at beloved Camp du Nord! Retreats will consist of:
2. Monthly Satsangs : A combination of practice, teachings + study of the Yoga Sutra, ritual and community time in Minneapolis.
Audio recordings of satsangs and retreats will be shared after each session. In person attendance is highly recommended for Satsangs. Livestream options will be available for most satsangs for those unable to attend in person. Any outdoor rituals at satsang will be in person only. Retreats will only be offered in-person.
3. Guided Home Study and Practice: Readings, journaling, audio recordings and home practice to support your learning and embodiment of the teachings.
4. Optional Private Sessions – For those interested in more personalized guidance and support, you may add quarterly individual sessions with Ben. See “your investment” below for more info.
Retreat Locations, Accommodations and Meals
Spring, Summer and Winter Retreats will be at the Episcopal House of Prayer (EHoP) in Collegeville, MN – 75 miles NW of Mpls. For 30+ years, they’ve been welcoming groups for retreat and spiritual practice. Renowned for its potent sacred space, natural + architectural beauty, EHoP is a sanctuary designed to support deep connection.
The House of Prayer is nestled on the edge of Saint John’s Abbey and University – amidst the remarkable beauty and sanctuary of 2,700 acres of extensive forest, wetlands, lakes, oak savanna, restored prairie, and hiking trails. Its been a place of learning and spiritual refuge for over 165 years.
Fall retreat of Taking Refuge will be the annual fall immersion at beloved Camp du Nord. Nestled in the northwoods on pristine Burntside Lake, near the Boundary Waters, this area has been a place of sanctuary for generations. 3 days of in-depth study + practice. Free time for hiking, paddling, sauna, massage and deep connection.
EHoP is designed to support both community and solitude. There are single and double rooms with twin beds, individual sinks, desks, chairs and reading lamps. The larger living/ dining spaces and restrooms are shared. The oratory and prayer room are available as quiet, contemplative spaces. In the spirit of community, we will eat meals communally. Each person will be assigned to a group responsible for planning and bringing/ preparing one meal per retreat. Meals will be vegetarian and we’ll do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. We’ve done meals this way for years on fall immersion, and they are always wonderful! Accommodation on the fall retreat at Camp du Nord are in comfortable modern cabins.
Participant Testimonials
“Taking Refuge has been such a source of nourishment and support – a powerful way to be held by sangha and live in closer alignment with what is true for me. It is a gift of practices, teachings, song, story, ritual, and opportunities to be in community in a way that is real, unique and sacred. I haven’t experienced anything like it in my life. I have felt supported and inspired by the group, by our teacher, and by the beautiful space in which we have gathered. It has allowed me to see myself and my relationships more clearly, to feel more alive and connected, and more devoted to caring for myself and others. Gathering throughout the year has been the support I need to grow closer to myself and life. I feel so grateful for this program and for the way Ben weaves it all together. ”
“The Taking Refuge program is a great gift and an opportunity to connect more deeply with community, with dharma, and spirit. Ben has cultivated a sangha community so supportive of one another, that shares and encourages a commitment to living dharmicly in these times. I appreciated having this throughout the year and to find ways to offer service and more fully expand my practice into all areas of my life. The opportunity to take refuge in teachings, teacher, and sangha during times of darkness in our outer world, and to practice in the sacred Oratory at EHoP, is truly special.”
“This program truly embodies the three jewels in a way that held me and allowed me the grounding and resources to continue to work deeply with life. The power of a sacred community cannot be underestimated in its ability to contradict the feelings of aloneness or fear that are ever creeping in the times we live in. The retreats and were empowering and re-vitalizing… giving me practices, community, and guidance that kept me oriented toward dharma and supported in daily life.”
“This will be my third year taking part in this unique program and I can’t recommend it enough. Ben thoughtfully cultivates the experience of learning, retreating, and connecting in a powerful and supportive space, complete with community meals and time in nature. The three gems of Taking Refuge have become increasingly important pillars in my life and practice. Come join us, you’ll be glad you did!”
“Taking Refuge has been a profound and transformative part of my yoga journey, offering me invaluable tools to deepen my practice and nurture my soul. It has provided a compassionate and supportive community—a space where I can share, grow, and connect with others on a meaningful level. I am deeply grateful to Ben for his guidance and the sacred space he has cultivated, allowing us all to find refuge in our practice.”
Your Investment
Space is limited in this small group program to 16 people. Spaces + accommodation preferences will be allotted in the order in which payment and registration are received. Rates are inclusive of program tuition and lodging – including accommodation in private or shared rooms at EHoP, and in communal loft spaces at Camp du Nord. You can upgrade to shared or private rooms for the fall retreat.
Private Room – $3695 Shared Room – $3275
Early Registration Discount – $150 off the above rates when paid in full by Feb 15. Payment Plans: May be available on an individual basis. Contact ben@vincentyoga.com for more information.
Optional Add-ons
Quarterly Private Session w/ Ben: $450 for four sessions, 1/ quarter throughout the year.
To reserve your space:
All payments are due in full by April 1. There will be a $150 fee for late payments. All payments are final and non-refundable, unless your reserved space in the program is filled. If you choose to withdraw from the program, your payment will be forfeited. Other discounts and scholarships are not available.
Please contact ben@vincentyoga.com with any inquiries about the program, registration or payment plans.
Read MoreFREE Virtual Meditation Pop-Up – Dec 30, 12-1 pm with Ben & Tanya
Join Ben and Tanya in a short and sweet FREE workshop to get you ready for the shift to the new year including:
This is offered only on ZOOM.
ALL are welcome, and please invite others!
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you have to miss class, you will receive a link to the recording valid for 1 week.
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WhGjhjuuRjqWEFkggeVoXA
Read MoreThe Power of Inspired Intention: New Years Retreat in the City – Sat. Jan. 3, 12-5:30pm w/ Ben
The New Year is an auspicious time for spiritual practice. At the threshold between years, we’re inspired to reflect upon the year that has passed, remember what’s most important in the present and envision and recommit to what calls us in the coming year. Self-reflection is an essential part of our humanity – through which we can heal and transform our lives and contribute meaningfully to the life of the world.
This special retreat in the city will integrate:
Join Ben for a day of reflection, remembrance and recommitment to bring in the New Year!
This event is offered in the spirit of dana or generosity. There is no set fee. Your sliding scale donations ($50-250) supports our ability to make these offerings accessible. Space is limited and Pre-registration is highly recommend.
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