teacher training

Bringing the Yoga Sutra to Life Taking Refuge: April 2026-February 2027

Posted by AB on Jan 19, 2026 in immersion, meditation, retreat, Retreats, ritual, tantra, teacher training, Travel, Uncategorized, yoga | Comments Off on Bringing the Yoga Sutra to Life Taking Refuge: April 2026-February 2027

Bringing the Yoga Sutra to Life

Taking Refuge: April 2026 – February 2027

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:

• Quarterly Seasonal Retreats
• Monthly Satsangs (Teachings, practices, community connection, ritual and more!)
• Guided Home Study and Practice
• Optional Private Sessions

Bringing the Yoga Sutra to Life

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:

• Deepening into its timeless wisdom through chanting and study of the Sutras
• Integrating its profound, transformative teachings + practices in modern life
• Cultivating our hearts and minds as instruments of Sacred Peace and Power

Our In-Depth Study + Practice will include:

• Exploration of Yoga Sutra of Patanjali – Chanting the Sutras, Dharma Teachings, Self-Study, Personal + group reflection
• Holistic Yoga Practices: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriya, Mantra, Yoga Nidra, Chanting + more!
• Rituals for alignment with the cycles of Life, healing and transformation
• Raja (Royal or Classical) Yoga – The imperative of timeless wisdom in modern life
• Illuminating The Four Chapters of the Yoga Sutra: Union, Spiritual Practice, Empowerment, Freedom
• Kriya Yoga: The Yoga of Action
• Ashtanga Yoga: The Eight Limbed Path
• Yamas + Niyamas – Yoga’s foundations of awakened living
• Ahimsa (Non-harming) + Satya (Truth-fullness): The great vows in modern life
• Asana: The Yoga of Posture
• Pranayama: Energetic Breathwork
• The Yogic Science and Art of Meditation for healing and awakening the Heart-mind
• Awakening the Yogic Mind – the inner instrument of peace and power
• Samyama: The Process and Power of Meditation
• Samkhya Darshan: The ancient worldview beneath Yoga, Tantra, Buddhism and Ayurveda
• Kleshas, Karma and Obstacles to Yoga: Understanding and transforming the root causes of suffering
• Working Skillfully with challenging mental and emotional states
• Witness Awareness – The foundation of peace, healing and transformation
• Isvara: The Presence and Power of Divine Consciousness
• The Divine Abodes: Loving Kindness, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity
• Secret Teachings of the Sutras on Power and Freedom
• Finding stability, balance and peace in turbulent times
• The Lotus of the Heart – the Light Beyond all Sorrow
• So much more

Program Structure

1. Seasonal Retreats: Retreat is a sacred space from which to see ourselves and life clearly. A time to re-commune with the Sacred through Self, communal living, spiritual practice, nature, ritual, creative expression. Retreat is a ritual of honoring our inner call: to slow down, find rest, reflect upon, reconnect with and recommit to what is most important in life.

• Spring: May 1-3 at the House of Prayer in Collegeville, Mn
• Summer: July 24-26 at the House of Prayer
• Fall: October 22-25 or 25-28 at Camp du Nord near Ely, Mn
• Winter: January 29-31, 2027 – at the House of Prayer

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:

• 1-3 sessions of yoga practice + spiritual teachings daily
• Morning / Evening chanting + meditation
• Time in solitude, community + nature
• In Depth Exploration of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali
• Sacred rituals for individual and collective healing, awakening and transformation
• Creative expression (music, poetry, art, etc.)
• Myths, Stories and Songs
• Shared meals, laughter and tears

2. Monthly Satsangs : A combination of practice, teachings + study of the Yoga Sutra, ritual and community time in Minneapolis.

• Weds. April 15, 6-8:45 pm
• Weds. June 17 or Saturday June 20, 6-8:45 pm (Summer Solstice Ritual)
• Weds. August 12, 6-8:45 pm
• Weds. September 16 or 20, 6-8:45 pm (Autumnal Equinox Ritual)
• Weds. November 18, 6-8:45 pm
• Weds. December 16 or Saturday Dec 13, 6-9 pm (Winter Solstice Ritual)
• Weds. February 17, 2027 6-8:45

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:

1. Please email the completed the registration form to Ben@vincentyoga.com
2. Submit a $500 deposit (non-refundable) through Venmo (@ben-vincent-9). Payment can also be made through cash, check, PayPal (bvrocksteady@gmail.com). There is a 3.5% fee for paypal or if “paying for a service” via venmo to cover costs. Please contact Ben directly to pay via cash, check.

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 More

Fall Immersion: The Lotus of the Heart – Oct 5-8, Ely MN

Posted by AB on May 28, 2025 in immersion, meditation, Retreats, ritual, sacred, Self-Care, tantra, teacher training, Travel, Uncategorized, yoga | Comments Off on Fall Immersion: The Lotus of the Heart – Oct 5-8, Ely MN

Fall Immersion: The Lotus of the Heart

October 5-8 – Ely, Mn ~ with 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 the Lotus of the Heart. 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 in nature, community and solitude.

The Lotus of the Heart

 Across time, diverse cultures and spiritual traditions, the Spiritual Heart or Heart Center has been revered as a Sacred place of union (yoga) between the seen and unseen, the individual and the universal, the human and divine. In the Yoga, Tantra and many mystical traditions, the heart center (Anahata or Hridaya), is the seat of the Divine within – where the True Self/ Soul (Atman) is in communion with the Universal (Brahman, Para Shakti). Thus, it is considered a sacred refuge and the innermost shrine in the living temple of the human body.

As the abode of the Soul, in the Lotus of the Heart dwell many shaktis (sacred powers). These include love, wisdom, compassion, grief and gratitude, non-attachment and our sva-dharma – our essential nature and unique creative genius. We long for the freedom and fulfillment of the Heart, because it is our ultimate nature. Thus, the journey to the heart is often considered the essential pilgrimage in life.

 Along this life journey, we will encounter the full experience of human life – both the beauty and sacredness of life, the joys and sorrows of the world, the pain of feeling separate from the Sacred and the longing for our return. Ultimately, these sufferings can initiate us into the deeper territory of the heart – calling us to heal, awaken + bring forth our gifts. We long to bring forth our Sva Dharma and its gifts, because they are fullest expression of and offering to life – and they are the needed medicine for ourselves and the world.

In the Lotus of the Heart, we’ll explore:

• The heart center as refuge and living temple of the Sacred
• The power of the Soul in these times
• Karma, Dharma and the journey to the Heart
• In depth Teachings and Practices for Healing and Awakening the Heart
• The Yogic Understanding of the Divinity as transcendent consciousness and immanent power  
• Awakening the Shaktis (sacred powers) of the Heart: Love, Wisdom, Compassion, etc.
• Answering the call of the times to Compassionate Dharmic Action
• Caring for our hearts and the heart of the world
• Grief + Gratitude – being stretched large by the heart
• Internal and Communal Rituals for the heart
• So much more                                       

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.

Your Investment: 

• $695 – Twin bed in a communal Loft Space
• $795 – Shared bedroom space (2 people/room, twin beds or queen bed for couples)
• $950 – Private bedroom space (queen bed)

As of Sept 2, just a few spaces remaining!

Early Registration Discount- Receive $35 off the shared bedroom or loft rates when you register and pay in full by Aug 10. 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:

• Lodging: For more information on accommodations and activities, visit the fall retreat page.
• Immersion Tuition
• Use of Camp du Nord facilities (sauna, hiking trails, canoes + kayaks, etc.)

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

1. Fall Immersion Registration + Waiver
2. Submit a $300 deposit (per-person, non-refundable) or payment in full. Payment are preferred through Venmo (@vincent-yoga), and can also be made through PayPal (bvrocksteady@gmail.com), check (see directions below), or CC. Venmo is free when paying as a friend. There is a 3.5% fee for paypal, CC or when paying for “goods and services” through Venmo to cover costs.  Contact us directly to pay via CC or paypal.

All payments are due by Sept 5. There will be a $50 fee for payments, payment plans and registrations received after Sept 5.  For those unable to pay-in-full before Sept 5, payment plans are available through paypal credit. All payments are final, there are no refunds unless the retreat gets cancelled. The non-refundable $300 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.”

Read More

Opening the Hips – Sunday Nov. 17, 10:30-1:00

Posted by AB on Nov 4, 2024 in meditation, Stress Releif, teacher training, yoga, Yoga Therapy | Comments Off on Opening the Hips – Sunday Nov. 17, 10:30-1:00

Opening The Hips – Sunday Nov. 17 ~ 10:30-1:00 at One Yoga

Anyone who has practiced yoga knows there is a lot going on in the hips and pelvis. For many practitioners the hips are a source of tension from our sedentary modern lifestyles and its effects. Whether you are a yogi/athlete who loves to move, a yogi/meditator who loves to sit, or both, range of motion in the hips greatly affects the entire human system.

From both the anatomic and energetic perspectives, the pelvis unites the legs (our connection to the earth) and our spine (the central channel of the energetic and nervous system of the body). The pelvis and hip joints are known to store powerful desires and deep emotions – which greatly influence our physical and energetic systems of elimination, creation, procreation, and assimilation. Tightness around the pelvis is also a primary cause in lower back and knee pain.

In this workshop, you will:
– Learn a specific series designed to open all the major muscles of the hip joints
– Explore anatomy, postures, breathing, and meditation techniques to help open the hips and support ideal functioning of the systems of the pelvis and lower torso
– Receive handouts and recordings of the practice

All levels of experience are welcome. Join us in-person at the studio for this workshop or online from anywhere!

Learn more or register on the One Yoga Website

Read More

Yogic Meditation Immersion + Optional Teacher Training – Begins January 2026

Posted by AB on Oct 23, 2023 in community, immersion, meditation, Retreats, sacred, Stress Releif, tantra, teacher training, yoga | Comments Off on Yogic Meditation Immersion + Optional Teacher Training – Begins January 2026

Yogic Meditation Immersion +

Optional Teacher Training

w/ Ben Vincent and Tanya Boigenzahn
Begins January 2026

This immersive program is for all sincere seekers and students of Yoga looking to (re)commit to, deepen, and refine their practice of meditation. It begins with a year-long immersion to learn the essential purpose, preparations, processes, and practices of Yogic meditation – all with the support of experienced teachers and a sacred community.  Tanya and Ben will guide you to becoming firmly established in your meditation practice so that you may embody its peace and power in all aspects of your life.

About the Program

Yoga is a sacred science (vidya) of Self-Realization – a holistic system of teachings and practices to know our true Selves, commune with the Ultimate Reality (brahman), and bring forth the greater potential and purpose of life. For thousands of years, meditation has been at the heart of the Yoga tradition. The process of Yogic meditation is unique in that it mirrors the journey of human life. It helps us to sustainably unfold and bring healing and awakening to all the layers of our being. As we continue the journey of practice we realize freedom, fulfillment, joy, and connection with the whole of life.

The timeless teachings and practices of Yogic meditation are as relevant today as ever. Amidst the busy-ness, stress, and turbulence of our modern lives, the postures, breathwork, and relaxation of Hatha Yoga have become very popular.  However, without meditation it is an incomplete science.  Meditation allows us to experience our unchanging essence, True Self or Soul, allowing us to live skillfully and gracefully in a world of change.

This immersive program is for all sincere seekers and students of Yoga looking to (re)commit to, deepen, and refine their practice of meditation. It begins with a year-long immersion to learn the essential purpose, preparations, processes, and practices of Yogic meditation – all with the support of experienced teachers and a sacred community.  Tanya and Ben will guide you to becoming firmly established in your meditation practice so that you may embody its peace and power in all aspects of your life.

Following the year-long immersion, graduates will then have the opportunity to enroll in our 3-4 month teacher training module to learn how to transmit and share Yogic meditation as a teacher.

Tanya and Ben have created this program based on more than 50 years of combined study, personal practice, study and teaching.

The Program Consists of 3 or 4 Parts

1) Essentials of Yogic Meditation (Begins Jan 2026, exact dates below)
2) Deepening the Well of Practice/Sadhana 
3) Steep + Embody: The Sankalpa of Sadhana 
4) Meditation Teacher Training (Optional): Learn to Transmit + Share (Begins January 2027 )
(Part 4 is an optional additional module, for those interested in learning to teach)

CEs – Immersion Only: 108 with Yoga Alliance for RYTs
CEs – Immersion + Teacher Training: 150 with Yoga Alliance for RYTs

DATES & TIMES

LOCATION: LIVE in Minneapolis + LIVESTREAM – ZOOM (recorded for easy makeups)

TIMES (US Central): 1 Sunday/month: 1-5pm & 2 Mondays/month: 6-8pm Central US Time

DATES – 2026 Meditation Immersion:
2026: Jan 11, 12, 26 | Feb 8, 9, 23 | Mar 1, 9, 23 | Apr 6, 12, 20 | May 4, 17, 18 | Jun 1, 22 | Jul 13, 19, 27 | Aug 2, 3, 17 | Sept 13, 14, 28 | Oct 5, 26 |  Nov 9, 23 | Dec 6 (9-5pm), 14
+ Group Meditation Retreat November 6-8, 2026 – (In Person or Virtual) at TBD. There will be an additional ~$200-400 fee for lodging for those attending in person. Single and double rooms available. Room preference given by order of sign up.

DATES – OPTIONAL Meditation Teacher Training 2027
2027: Jan 11, 25 | Feb 8, 22 | March and April Dates coming soon
+ Day-Long Retreat on Sunday, 9-5pm: Dec 6

More Info and Registration Here

Read More