- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
Portal To You
Enlivening + Nurturing Your Connection to Self ~
February 14 – March 24, 2023
I see tremendous potential in our world right now for consciously embracing our strengths, healing + creativity. An invitation to take all that we have learned over the past years to live a more present + luminous existence.
I hear so many people feeling stuck, lost and yearning to reconnect to SELF! Now is the time! Intentionally make time in your calendar to reflect + pivot accordingly. Give yourself the space to REMEMBER all that you know.
Portal to YOU is inspired by my own inner work and study as a human, yogi and mom aspiring to thrive! It will include tools and practices that will lead you again and again into deeper relationship with YOU. Tend that relationship, it is calling for connection + greater alignment. Leading you back to Self, your inner radiance + vitality.
Yoga has touched every part of who I am, allowing me to open gradually and courageously to the fullness of life. This course was born from my heartfelt desire to share what I have learned through my experiences. To provide tools, teachings and support for growth, self-awareness and meaningful connection in these unique times. In this spirit, I invite you to join me for:
PORTAL TO YOU : Returning to Your True Self
This 6 module course includes:
6 – 60 minute – LIVE sessions : Tuesdays 8-9PM CST via Zoom will include: teaching, self-reflection, group discussion and yoga practice (movement, breath work, meditation)
6 – 20 minute – Livestream meditation sessions : Fridays 6:45-7:05AM CST via Zoom
Video recordings of each of the live the sessions
Weekly pre-recorded yoga practices to support the inner work and process
Journaling prompts and self reflection practices
Community connection and support
1 – Community check-in Zoom call, date TBA
__________________________________________
February 14 : ENVISION : take stock of your current situation + inner relationship, look to the horizon to what you aspire that relationship to look + feel like
February 21 : INTUIT : familiarize yourself with intuition, gut, spirit, heart connection (whatever language resonates) to lean into an inner source of support to reveal insight + ease in decision-making
February 28 : INQUIRE : explore self-inquiry + curiosity as a regular practice
March 7 : NOURISH : tending your self care rituals + rhythms, building your reservoir
February 14 : IGNITE : take action, ignite + initiate a plan for moving forward, your unique next steps
February 21 : INTEGRATE : process + embody the learnings of this time, both to weave + digest
In this course you will:
Expand your tools and skills to serve you well through all life’s passages of grit, dullness, inspiration, tenderness, grace and all that resides in between.
Learn to integrate tools including: yoga postures, breath work, meditation, guided relaxation, morning and evening self care rituals, self-reflection, journaling and more.
Learn to transform patterns of distraction, avoidance, self-sacrificing and numbing to make room for clarity and inspiration.
(Re) Establish sustainable and nourishing self care rituals in your life.
Learn to acknowledge and honor your Self in relationship.
This is for YOU, if:
You believe there isn’t time for you.
Choosing you feels like a radical act.
You desire coming back to YOU – a life of greater clarity and authenticity!
You are ready to cut through overwhelm and distraction and claim your time for YOU.
You are ready to invest in your well-being and (re)commit to self-care.
You are inspired to ignite a personal practice tailored to your uniqueness.
Testimonials from Portal Participants:
“This course is an opportunity to explore what makes us vibrant, and how to live into that. Angela’s authentic presence and willingness to be vulnerable to speak what is in her heart invites me to seek and live into what is in my heart. Though the course was only six weeks, it addressed coming to center with offerings that included discussion, journaling, embodiment through yoga, healthy lifestyle, meditation, and connecting with other people drawn to seek. Each weekly topic dovetailed with the previous week’s. I loved the invitation to hold and live into her weekly questions. If you want to find what is true for your own self, don’t miss this course!” ~ Kristin
“Coming out of 2021, I had really lost my yoga practice. My ability to sit and be with myself was rusty at best, and I felt so afraid of “doing things wrong” or “failing” that I found myself avoiding my mat and my practice. This course from Angela was such a timely gift. Through this course I found myself dusting off my toolbox, reconnecting with my intuition, and stepping back onto my mat ready to greet whatever was there to meet me each day. Angela is such an insightful, gentle, and inspiring teacher. I felt so seen during our weekly meetings with the group, and each practice and meditation were perfectly curated to build upon the themes we were discussing. I feel so much more connected to myself and so elated to have begun my journey back to my yoga practice.” ~ Ingrid
“This course gave me the opportunity and space to powerfully pause and reflect. I really appreciated the structure and wisdom that Angela provided during the course. I highly recommend it!” ~ Amy
“Angela offers an up-beat, centered approach to re-connecting with yourself through teachings, yoga, and meditation practices. I highly recommend the program.” ~ Elizabeth
Your investment:
$495 (6 week course)
$645 (6 week course + 2 one-to-one sessions) If you want additional guidance and support to zero in on your unique journey, add 2 – 45 minute one-to-one Zoom calls with me.
To claim YOUR spot:
Early Registration : Receive $50 off when paid in full by December 31, 2022.
Friend Discount: Register with a friend and you each receive $50 off.
* Only one $50 discount available per registration.
Refund policy – 50% back if you cancel before 1/3/2023.
Read MoreGreetings world,
I hope this finds you healthy and hunkered down amidst the surge of the novel coronavirus Covid-19 through our world. The word yoga means “union”, and now more than ever our inter-dependence with one another is apparent. Like the proverbially butterfly’s sneeze, our actions ripple far beyond our immediate sphere. Our family has been practicing social distancing/ self-quarantining amidst this time of uncertainty, and it is imperative that we all do what we can to preserve our own health, the health of our families and friends, and slow the spread of covid-19 to protect our elders, those who are most vulnerable and the healthcare system itself.
In this time of global uncertainty, stress, fear and other painful states that arise from them are rampant. This all pervading fear, which causes us to grip tightly to our lives is known to the yogis as Abhinivesha. Abhinivesha is said to afflict even the wise, so even in this time of extreme social distancing, know that you are in good company:-) Abhinivesha manifests in us through the stress response known as fight, flight or freeze. The stress response is the natural intelligence of the body giving us the energy to do what we need to do to keep ourselves safe (ie. prepared adapt).. However, if the stress response is not regulated, it will cause dis-ease. Stress and fear cause our bodies to tense, our breath to become rapid, shallow or erratic. They inhibit circulation, digestion and sleep, while causing our bodies to secrete homrmones that compel stress (cortisol, adrenaline) and suppressing the production of neurotransmitters that support our rest and well-bring (serotonin, melatonin, etc). Stress and fear cause tunnel vision, and can lead to excessive worry, anxiety, irritability, obsessiveness, fear of the future, catastrophizing and scarcity mindset.
Maybe you’ve noticed these present in yourself of late? I have certainly watched them moved through myself and the larger world in waves. These states of body, mind and energy cause us to act in extreme ways to meet our desire for safety, self-preservation. We saw it first in the purchasing and preparing of essentials goods, which quickly became hoarding. Shortly after our preparation, we begin to cling to our limited self-identity and beliefs, creating a sense of “us and them”. Suddenly, covid-19 became polarizing politically, socially and between those who believed this was a pandemic and those who thought it was overblown. Now we hear stories about the sales of firearms and ammunition increasing exponentially.
Beyond the very real dangers of covid-19, so much of this is completed by our inability to regulate stress, and the fear of imagining an uncertain future. SO WHAT DO WE DO NOW?
1) Stay home, Practice vigilant hygiene and heed the advice of scientific experts in social distancing and best practices for mitigating the spread of covid-19. Even simple things light getting a flu shot can lighten the burden on our community and healthcare system. Seek out information from trustworthy, non-partisan sources.
2) Be mindful and moderate in your media consumption. When urged to stay home, many turn to there devices for connection and dopamine. Yet they also compel our stress. It is important to stay informed, yet not over consume. Remember what you consume through your senses, especially what you read and listen to is what you are feeding your mind. Just as excessive or poor diet will create physical illness, excess or unskillful consumption of information will toxify your mind, and compel stress, fear, anger, etc. This moderation of sensory intake is half of the yogic virtue of pratyahara, turning the mind inward.
3) Utilize yoga and self-care practice to mitigate stress and maintain well-being as best you can. This includes regular holistic yoga practice, healthy diet and sleep, exercise, time in nature and time for self reflection. I am happy to share with you four free practices for your well-being and equanimity during this time:
Angela and I will be launching more and more content accessible virtually. Many yoga studios, including One Yoga, where we teach, are offering streamable on-line classes. This is a great way to support yourself and the yoga studios offer communities which are primarily small, independent businesses and non-profits. Your yoga practice is not just about your own well-being. It is a time tested means to awaken to our interconnectedness, our union (yoga), which in challenging times allows us to respond with courage, clarity, connection and love, rather than reacting with fear and othering.
4) Do (or don’t do) anything you can to support the well-being of the larger whole. For as many of us as possible, this means staying home. Find safe ways to check in and stay connected with your loved ones, and those who are most vulnerable to the potentially severe effects of Covid-19. Many of us also have incredible gifts and talents, materially and non-materially which we can share. Times of change, challenging as they are, are also opportunities for creativity, for new life to come forth.
As the interdependence of our world becomes increasingly clear, these times will be largely shaped by how we respond our shared challenges. Whether it is Covid-19, climate change, human migration, the violence and vast inequities of our society, etc., the challenges of living in an interconnected world can not be resolved through the worldview of us and them. It is imperative that as we aspire to establish our own safety and wellbeing, we also think beyond our narrow self-interests. Are we willing to change our ways of being to be more inclusive and aware of our our lives touch one another? What is your place within and offering to the greater whole? Are you willing to share what you have, materially or non-materially to allow the greater whole of life to thrive?
Please be vigilant, be responsible, be kind and be inclusive.
We are in this together and we shall endure.
With Love, Ben + Angela
Hari Om Tat Sat
Read MoreTantra is an ancient branch of Yogic science for awakening to the sacredness of life. Greatly misunderstood in the West, Tantra (“to weave, to expand beyond limitation”) is a vast spiritual system of philosophy and practice intended to help humanity realize greater freedom, empowerment and enjoyment in life. Tantra is rooted in the understanding that there is a singular, all pervading reality which has two primary aspects: Consciousness (Shiva, the transcendent aspect of the divine, eternal, illimitable consciousness that is the ground of Being) Creative Power/Energy (Shakti, the immanent force of the divine, from which the entire universe, in all its diversity and multiplicity manifests)
Tantra sees life as a profound gift and human beings as living temples of shakti, composed of the same creative force from which the universe was born. Our bodies, energies, mind and heart are tremendous tools for awakening and realizing freedom, empowerment and enjoyment in this life. With ancient roots that have continued to grow, Tantra is very much a living tradition. Its inclusive, life-affirming worldview and powerful practices are said to be the best system of yoga for our modern age. Much of what we have come to know as Yoga actually has deep roots in Tantra, including: asana, pranayama, cleansing practices, mudra, mantra, chakras, kundalini, yoga nidra, kriya, many forms of meditation, ritual and more.
This unique nine month program is a deep dive into the living tradition of Tantra – intended for those who have completed yoga studies or comprehensive teacher trainings, study and practice and want to go deeper. The program will include master classes, guided home study and practice, personal guidance and support, weekend residential retreat, opportunity to receive initiation in the Himalayan Tradition, guest teachers and more.
Master Classes will consist of Dharma talk (teaching), discussion and practice.
Weeknight/ Weekend Program: The program will begin in April 2020. It will be a combination of two Tuesday nights / month (6-8:45p) and one weekend day (Sun. 10-5). There will also be a full weekend retreat at at the Himalayan Institue in Honesdale, PA Sept 17-20. Program Dates: April: Sun. 5, Tues, 7, 21 May: Sun. 3, Tues. 5, 19 June: Sun. 7, Tues. 9, 23 July: Sun. 12, Tues. 21 August: Sun. 9, Tues. 11, 18 September: Tues. 1, 15, Sun. 20 October: Sun. 18, Tues. 20 (Possibly 4-7 for retreat in Ely) November: Sun. 1, Tues. 10, 17 December: Sun. 6, Tues. 1, 15
Residential Retreat – Pilgrimage to a Living Tradition Himalayan Institute – Honesdale, PA Sept. 17-20, 2020 Set amidst the rolling hills and mountains of the Pocnoco Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania, The Himalayan Institute (HI) is an international non-profit whose mission is “To inspire, educate, and empower all who seek to experience their full potential.” It does this through transmitting the Wisdom of the Himalayan Tradition (Yoga/ Sri Vidya Tantra) and global humanitarian work. Founded in 1971 by Sri Swami Rama, it is a vibrant yogic community, ashram, publishing, residential and retreat center distinguished by its authentic, living connection to the ancient wisdom tradition of the Himalayan Masters.
The Himalayan Institute’s picturesque 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and peaceful spaces for reflection and contemplation. It also home to the PureRejuv wellness center (Ayurvedic Services and Massage), Sri Vidya Shrine (image below), Sacred Grove Cafe, Himalayan Institute Bookstore + Press, Moka Origins bean to bar speciality Coffee and Chocolate (Yum! Tantra…delighting in the senses :-), and Yoga International.
Our retreat will focus on the Himalayan Tradition / Sri Vidya Tantra, consisting of:
-Daily group practice + teachings -Personal meditation and chanting in the Sri Vidya Shrine -Living and meals in the Himalayan Institute community -Free time for reflection, hiking, Ayurvedic treatments, massage, etc. -The opportunity to receive initiation into the Himalayan Tradition Lineage thru receiving a personal mantra.
Our in-depth study will include:
Essential Teachings + Practices of Tantra:
Your Investment: Program Tuition + Payment Option
Full Price – $2850. (Paid in full by the beginning of the program )
Early Registration Discount – $2695. (Paid In full by Feb 15)
***Books, retreat travel and accommodations are additional expenses. If you are interested in participating in the program, but are unable to attend or afford the retreat at the Himalayan Institute, you may attend the Fall Immersion in Ely, MN Oct 4-7, 2020 as an alternative. Space is in this program is limited and will be allotted in the order which deposit ($300) is received. Once accepted, your deposit is non-refundable, and will be applied toward the cost of the program.
Payment plans are available through Paypal Credit. This option is the cost of tuition + a 4% credit card fee. You would then have 6 months to pay paypal without interest. Please email [email protected] or visit paypal credit for more information about payment plans.
To register, please submit a $300 deposit via:
Venmo (@ben-vincent-9) Check or cash in person or via mail to:
Ben Vincent 5354 40th Ave S. Mpls., Mn 55417
Please note there will be a 4% fee for all credit card payments to cover the additional cost of credit card fees.
Read More
Our annual Fall Immersion is intended for yogis looking for deeper study and practice of yoga in a retreat setting. We will explore the in-depth teachings and practices of through dharma, meditation, asana, pranayama, mantra, kriya, chanting, yoga nidra and self-inquiry. This year we will be delving into: The Yoga of Emotions and Nava Rasa Sadhana.
Yoga sees humans as multidimensional beings, composed of physical body, prana, mind, emotions, intelligence (all subject to change) and the Eternal Self. How we experience life is based largely on the fluctuations of our bodies, minds, energies and emotions. These are interwoven and powerful – yet emotions (“that which moves outward”) hold a unique role in shaping our experience of well-being and suffering, of ourselves and life. Our culture teaches us little about how to navigate and channel the emotions of life. This immersion will be based on traditional yogic and tantric teachings about Nava Rasa Sadhana: The Spiritual Practice of Nine Emotions. They are: Courage, Fear, Love, Anger, Joy, Sadness, Wonder, Disgust and Peace. From a dualistic view, each of these emotions come in pairs of complimentary opposites, each with pleasant and unpleasant aspects. From a non-dual perspective, each of them is sacred and may be channeled skillfully for the fulfillment of our dharma. As a defining aspect of human life, how we feel, witness, process, understand and channel our emotions profoundly shapes us. We will explore teachings and practices for relating to and using our emotional energies to awaken, including:
Daily Session Schedule: The immersion will begin Sunday Oct. 6 and conclude Weds. Oct 9
Sunday Oct 6: 6-9 pm Monday Oct 7: 8:30-11:30 am, 2:30-5:30 pm Tuesday Oct 10: 8:30-11:30 am, 2:30-5 pm, 7-9 pm Wednesday Oct 11: 7:30-10am
Optional Chanting and Silent Meditation M-W from 6-7 am
Your Investment:
Early Registration Discount- Receive $25 off the above rates when you register and pay in full by August 6. Yoga Studies grads receive additional $20 off.
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. For more information on the accommodations, visit the fall retreat page.
All payments are due in full September 15, with a fee of $45 for late payments, payment plans & registrations received thereafter.
To reserve your space, please send your Fall Immersion Registration + Waiver copy and $150 deposit per-person (non-refundable) Payable via Venmo (@Ben-Vincent-9), Cash or Check. Checks are payable to:
Ben Vincent (not Vincent Yoga)
5354 40th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN, 55417
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries
Read MoreSpring is a time of cleansing, renewal and rebirth. As the days get longer and warmer, the dregs of winter melt away, the Earth thaws, and the flowers and animal life begin to stir! Human life is no different. Many observe the transition to spring through time-tested rituals: Spring cleaning, Lent, tending and planting the garden and tuning-up bicycles. Yet how many of make a conscious effort to cleanse and rejuvenate our bodies, minds and energy? The changing of the seasons is an auspicious time for reflection, honoring the cycles of life and transformation. This day long retreat is an opportunity to do just that – a guided process integrating tools, teachings and practices for cleansing, revitalization, and bringing new life forth. The retreat will include:
Location + Schedule: 9:00-5:00 with a 75 minute lunch break. The Retreat will be held at River’s Way Meditation Center in the Ivy building for the Arts- 2637 27th Ave S, Suite 201, Minneapolis, MN
Your Investment: Full Rate – $135, Early Reg- $108 (registered and paid by 4/1). Yoga Studies Grads – $10 off the above rates
To Register: Pay online via PayPal ([email protected]), Venmo (@Ben-Vincent-9) or bring cash or check to ben in person. The retreat will be limited to 20 people in the order in which registration + payment is received.
Email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Read MoreYoga is a science of Self-Realization- aspiring to bring balance, healing and awakening to body, energy, mind and heart – that we may realize the eternal within us. To fulfill this greater vision of yoga and the greater potential of our lives requires intelligent and comprehensive practice. Yoga utilizes diverse practices to touch every aspect of human beings, these include: asana (posture), pranayama (energetic breathwork), shatkarmas (cleansing practices), meditation, guided relaxation, bhavana (intention + cultivated feeling), mantra, kriya, mudra, bandha, self-reflection, conscious living, etc. The weaving of these diverse modalities into an integrated and effective practice is known as Vinyasa Karma.
Vinyasa Karma (literally a wise progression) is the art and science of skillful sequencing, which unlocks the transformative power of yoga. Through attuning to our current state (or those of our students), understanding our needs and the particular effects of practices, we can create and guide practices that empower us to overcome challenges, achieve goals, live meaningful lives and find peace. This special immersion will explore the essential principles of Vinyasa Karma, including:
Immersion Schedule
Dates: August 9th-12th , 8-4:30 pm (Break for lunch from 11:30-1) August 9 – Vinyasa Krama: The Essentials of Sequencing August 10 – The physics of sequencing August 11 – The metaphysics of sequencing August 12 – Weaving together the threads of practice
Read More