Fall Immersion: The Yoga of Darkness and Light – Oct 2-5 2022 Ely, Mn
The Yoga of Darkness and Light
Holding the Whole of of Life with Reverence
October 2-5, Ely, Mn
Our annual Fall Immersion is intended for yogis looking for deeper study and practice of yoga in a communal retreat setting. This year we will be delving into “The Yoga of Light and Darkness: Holding the Whole of Life with Reverence.” The immersion will explore in-depth teachings and practices individually and collectively through dharma teachings, holistic practice (asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, chanting, yoga nidra, self-reflection, etc.), meditative ritual and time in nature and community.
Let me share with you a story, or rather weave together a few into an origin myth that brings perspective to these times. Various traditions speak of a primordial essence or void before the universe emerged. At the dawn of existence, the universe burst forth from its mysterious origins, composed of complimentary opposites (dvandvas): chaos and cosmos, creation and dissolution, darkness and light, form and formless, energy and consciousness, finding form as the five great elements. This dynamic interplay of the dvandvas has been referred to as yin and yang, and the gunas in the Taoist and Yogic traditions respectively. These opposing forces both form one another and also allow for balance amidst constant change. If this story doesn’t seem relevant yet, stay with me and it will.
Our earthly life is governed by the dance of the dvandvas: birth and death, persistence and evolution, nature and culture, masculine and feminine, joy and sorrow, etc. These unfold amidst cycles of time and causation: day and night, seasons, years, generations and eras. According to the ancient seers (rishis), the era we are living in is the Kali Yuga or “long dark”. In this time, human consciousness has become darkened, fragmented, lacking understanding of its own essence, interconnectedness and place in the cosmos. This is not end times – rather a time of endings. A time in which our shadows are becoming more clear, our deep wounds are surfacing, and the ways we are living that violate our interconnectedness and desecrate the web of life are becoming unavoidable. In the karmic realms, the pain we are experiencing is deeply connected to the essence that brought us into life. This incredibly challenging and painful time also holds the potential to be a rite of passage to profound healing, awakening and transformation – individually and collectively. How we face this darkness will influence whether it deepens our divides, or allows a new, life affirming human culture to emerge, honoring our place in the order of things. If humanity is to survive these times and not irreparably damage the web of life on Earth, we must learn how to hold both darkness and light with reverence.
In this immersion, we will delve into:
- Learning to be in the dark, understanding the nature of these times
- Exploring the shadow individually and collectively with compassion
- The shadow as “pure gold” – how facing darkness can reveal our dharma/ genius
- Self-Compassion: Holding shame from a place of love, belonging and acceptance
- Holistic Yogic practices for living fully in the Kali Yuga
- Meditative rituals for healing, awakening and transformation
- Myth as wisdom stories for greater perspective in the cycles of light and dark
Daily Session Schedule:
Sunday Oct 2: 6:30-9 pm Monday Oct 3: 8:30-11:30 am, 2:30-5:30 pm Tuesday Oct 4: 8:30-11:30 am, 2:30-5 pm, 7-9 pm Wednesday Oct 5: 8-11am
Optional Chanting and Silent Meditation M-W from 6-7 am
Covid Safety Protocols
Your safety and enjoyment of the retreat is our highest priority. We will continue to monitor the conditions of Covid and adjust safety precautions accordingly. As of now, we will be requiring proof of a negative PCR test, or 2 negative antigen home tests taken within 72 hours of the beginning of retreat. We will have air purifiers as an additional layer of protection for the practice space. We will re-assess all safety precautions based on CDC guidelines and the state of the pandemic in MN at that time.
Your Investment:
- $595 – Twin bed in a communal Loft Space
- $675 – Shared bedroom space (2 people/room, twin beds or queen bed for couples)
- $775 – Private bedroom space (queen bed)
Early Registration Discount- Receive $25 off the shared bedroom or loft rates when you register and pay in full by July 31. Yoga Studies grads receive $50 off with early registration. 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 all registrations materials + deposit at the same time, via email to [email protected], with a copy of:
- Fall Immersion Registration + Waiver
- Submit a $250 deposit per-person (non-refundable). Payment are preferred through Venmo (@vincent-yoga), and can also be made through PayPal ([email protected]), check (see directions below), or CC. There is a 3.5% fee for paypal or CC to cover costs. Contact us directly to pay via CC or paypal.
All payments are due by Sept 3. There will be a $50 fee for payments, payment plans and registrations received after Sept 3. For those unable to pay-in-full before Sept 3, payment plans are available through paypal credit. All payments are final. The non-refundable $250 deposit covers the costs to camp du Nord in the event that the retreat should have to be cancelled for unforeseen reasons If you’re unable to attend the retreat due to covid exposure, you may receive a 50% credit to future Vincent Yoga events good for 1 year. Other discounts and scholarships are not available.
Ben Vincent (not Vincent Yoga)
5354 40th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN, 55417
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries
Read MoreYoga Nidra – Resting to Awaken: Summer Immersion – Mpls., July 11-14
Yoga Nidra – Resting to Awaken
Summer Immersion – July 11-14, Minneapolis
The Summer Immersion is a special opportunity for immersive study and practice of yoga in the City. This year we will be delving into Yoga Nidra.
Yoga Nidra is simultaneously a tool, a practice, a process, and a state of transcendent awareness. Often translated as “Yogic Sleep”, it is a process of conscious relaxation, bringing awareness progressively through the layers of our being from conscious to subconscious to super-conscious. The journey of Yoga Nidra integrates practices for balancing the physical and energetic bodies, deep relaxation, sankalpa (sacred intention), and using guided imagery and kriya to work with the subtle body and subconscious mind. In working with with the deeper layers of our being, it is unparalleled in its capacity for relaxation, healing, transformation and empowerment. On its deepest level, yoga nidra is dissolution of all limited consciousness into the infinite.
Whether your goal is stress relief, rejuvenation, physical / emotional healing, removing karmic patterns, unlocking creativity or empowering yourself to manifest a dharmic desire, yoga nidra has something profound to offer you. This immersion will explore:
- What is Yoga Nidra? What is its purpose?
- The traditional stages and progression of practice
- Awakening Sankalpa Shakti: The Power of Sacred Intention
- Yoga Nidra as a tool for relaxation, healing, freeing the mind or manifestation
- How to integrate yoga nidra into your life and practice
- Guiding yourself through Yoga Nidra
We will explore the teachings and practices of through dharma teachings, yoga nidra, meditation, asana, pranayama, mantra, kriya, chanting, self-inquiry and group discussion .
Immersion Schedule + Location:
Thursday 7/11 – Sunday 7/14, 8:30-4:00 pm, with a 90 minute break for lunch. The immersion will be held at the River’s Way Meditation Center in the Ivy Building for the Arts, 2637 27th Ave S. Suite 201, Minneapolis.
Your Investment:
$475 – Regular Price $445 – Yoga Studies graduates and active teachers (currently teaching 3 or more classes/ week) Early Registration discount – $45 off above prices when registered + paid in full by May 31.
To register email [email protected] and submit a $150 deposit will reserve your spot. Payment can be made through: Venmo (@ben-vincent-9) PayPal ([email protected]) Check to Ben Vincent (5354 40th Ave s, Minneapolis, Mn 55417).
Space is limited, all payments are final.
Read MoreLiving Yoga in the Kali Yuga ~ San Diego, CA Jan 25-29
Living Yoga in the Kali Yuga: Embodying Power and Light in Times of Darkness Jan 25-29 ~ Leucadia, CA
The ancient seers of yoga foretold of a coming age known as the Kali Yuga. This “age of transformation” would be ushered in by dark times in which materialism, narcissism and fundamentalism would eclipse the clear seeing of our place and purpose in the greater order of the cosmos. Fear, anger and suffering would pervade human consciousness – caused by continuing to live under the illusion of ourselves as separate from one another and the earth. As with any transformation, there is simultaneous death and birth, destruction and creativity. There is both potential for greater pain or true healing.
These times make the work of inner work of yoga even more important. For transforming the fear, anger and suffering within us, and moving into the world from a place of clarity, purpose, compassion and love. This balance between living in alignment with truth in the inner and outer world is known as Dharma. From the Bhagavad Gita to Mahatma Gandhi, the yoga tradition has guided us on the path of living dharmic-ly through time of change and adversity.
In this special Five Day immersion, we will dive into traditional teachings and practices to awaken our power and light in the Kali Yuga. This immersion is for those feeling called to to live a more meaningful and connected life, and to make a positive impact on our world.
The immersion will include:
- Six hours of daily yoga study and practice ~ 12:30-4 + 5-7:30 pm
- Exploring the nature of the Kali Yuga and practices for these times
- A guided process to reveal Dharma, the greater purpose of your life
- Study of the Bhagavad Gita, living Dharma in times of crisis
- Study of the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the power of ahimsa
- Teachings on how to move from inner awakening to serving the world
- Daytrip to the mediation Gardens at the Self Realization Fellowship over looking the ocean
The scene
The immersion will be held in Leucadia, California. Located about 30 min. north of downtown San Diego, this area has been an epicenter of Yoga in the US ever since Paramahansa Yogananda founded the Self Realization Fellowship in the 1920’s. Leucadia has retained its small beach town vibe amidst the rapid growth of Southern California. Lodging is available at the Surf House Leucadia, located on Highway 1 just a few blocks walk to the yoga immersion and the beach, as well as restaurants and coffee shops. You can also find plenty of options though airbnb or verb. You’ll have mornings and evenings to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California.
Investment + Registration
$575 – Early Bird registration (paid in full by December 15) $650 – Full Rate (must be paid in full by Jan 15)
This small group immersion will be limited to 22 people, in order of reservations received. To reserve your space, contact be[email protected] and submit your $250 deposit (non-refundable).
Read More
Yoga Nidra: Resting to Awaken March 1-3, Encinitas, CA
Yoga Nidra: Resting to Awaken
Mar 1-3, Encinitas, CA
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 Yoga Nidra.
Yoga Nidra is simultaneously a tool, a practice, a process, and a state of transcendent awareness. Often translated as “Yogic Sleep”, it is a process of bringing awareness progressively through the layers of our being from conscious to subconscious to super-conscious. The journey of Yoga Nidra integrates practices for balancing the physical and energetic bodies, deep relaxation, sankalpa (sacred intention), and using guided imagery and kriya to work with the subtle body and subconscious mind. In working with with the deeper layers of our being, it is unparalleled in its capacity for relaxation, healing, transformation and empowerment. On its deepest level, yoga nidra is dissolution of all limited consciousness into the infinite.
Whether your goal is stress relief, rejuvenation, physical / emotional healing, removing karmic patterns, unlocking creativity or empowering yourself to manifest a dharmic desire, yoga nidra has something profound to offer you. This immersion will explore:
- What is Yoga Nidra? What is its purpose?
- The traditional stages and progression of practice
- Awakening Sankalpa Shakti: The Power of Sacred Intention
- Yoga Nidra as a tool for relaxation, healing, freeing the mind or manifestation
- How to integrate yoga nidra into your life and practice
- Guiding yourself through Yoga Nidra
Daily Session Schedule:
Friday Mar 1: 6-9 pm Saturday Mar 2: 1-7 pm Sunday Mar 3: 1-7 pm
Your Investment:
$250, or $215 if registered and paid by 2/10
To register, please visit Gather Encinitas
Read MoreApplying Yoga Philosophy to Life – Classes begin April 15 at Devanadi!
Applying the Essential Principals of Yoga Philosophy to Life
Fridays April 15- May 27
Beyond the postures of modern Yoga is a timeless tradition of teachings regarding the innate order and harmony (dharma) of the universe. The original intention of yoga was to guide us to live in alignment with these natural laws- helping humanity to realize our full potential for freedom and fulfillment. In these on-going classes, we will explore these teachings through dharma talks (lectures), discussion and meditation.
Classes will be presented in series pertaining to topics, and may also include gentle movement, chanting, breath-work, meditation journaling, self-reflection and other yoga practices. Students may register for the full series (and receive recordings of the talks + practices) or drop-in to individual classes. Please bring a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and a journal to write in.
Times- 12:30 2:30 pm
Location: Devanadi Yoga
Your Investment: 6 Week Series – $135, or $30 to Drop In (if space allows)
Discounts available for full-time students, seniors, vets and devanadi teacher training grads
Reserve your space here
