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 MoreFall Retreat: Northwoods Sacredness ~ Oct. 12-15, 2023 Ely, MN
Join us for our 17th Annual Fall Yoga Retreat:
October 12-15, 2023
We invite you to join us for our 17th annual Fall Retreat:) The retreat will be held at the pristine Camp du Nord, 20 minutes outside of Ely, MN, a stones throw from the Boundary Waters. The retreat will feature two yoga sessions and two delicious vegetarian meals each day. There will be plenty of free time for hiking, canoeing, sauna, massage, reading and relaxing lakeside and fireside, and enjoying quiet reflective time or the company of friends. Our intention is that this retreat is not just time away. Retreat is sacred space from which to view yourself and your life clearly. We will explore the practices and wisdom teachings of yoga, as a means to realizing your innate capacity for meaning, freedom and joy within 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 retreat, relaxation and reflection for more than 50 years.
The Yoga: We will practice each morning and afternoon. Morning sessions will consist of an invigorating asana, pranayama and meditation practice. Afternoon sessions will focus on the subtler aspects of yoga, including: restorative postures, pranayama, meditation, self-reflection, yoga philosohpy and dharma.
Lodging & Meals: Our lodging will be communal in modern wooden cabins, beautiful and simple. Each cabin features a full kitchen, indoor bathroom, central air & heat, fireplace, living & dining room, bedrooms and sleeping loft. No T.V.’s, no phones, no distractions- essentially everything you’ll want, nothing you won’t. We will share two delicious vegetarian meals for breakfast and dinner, in the camp dining hall- a beautiful 15 minute hike through the trails of the forest. We can accommodate special dietary needs, and we may be able to arrange private cabins for families. 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)
Transportation, Arrival & Departure
The retreat will begin Thursday Oct. 6 at 2 pm with our welcoming, opening practice and ceremony. 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.
Rates & Registration:
Based on past years, we expect the retreat will fill up this year. If you are planning to attend, please send registration and deposit as soon as possible to reserve your space. Thanks!
The cost of the retreat includes:
- All yoga classes
- Recordings from all our sessions for home practice
- Vegetarian Breakfast and Dinner (Thursday evening through Sunday Morning)
- Lodging in accommodation of your choice
- Use of canoes, kayaks and sauna.
- All the fun you can have, with new and old friends!
Accommodation Options + Rates:
Shared Loft Space (Twin Beds): $650 Shared Bedroom Space (Two Twin Beds or Queen for couples) : $775 Private Bedroom w/ Queen Bed: $900
All rates are per person. There are a few private cabins which can be specially arranged for families or those desiring more privacy. Email [email protected] directly for more info or to reserve a private cabin.
Early Registration Discount – $50 off when you register + pay in full by July 31. Early registration discount does not apply to private rooms or cabins.
To reserve your space: please email your Fall Retreat Registration + Waiver to [email protected] and submit a $250 deposit per-person (non-refundable). Payment can be made by: Venmo (@vincent-yoga), PayPal ([email protected]), check (see directions below), or CC. Payments are free via venmo to “friends”. Please add a 3.5% if paying via venmo for “goods or services”, paypal or CC to cover costs. Contact us directly to pay via CC or paypal.
Checks are payable to:
Angela or Ben Vincent (not Vincent Yoga) 5354 40th Ave S. Minneapolis, MN, 55417
All payments are due by Sept 2. There will be a $50 fee for payments, payment plans and registrations received after Sept 2. For those unable to pay-in-full before Sept 2, payment plans are available through paypal credit. All payments are final. The non-refundable $250 deposit covers the costs for room and board 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 emergency or severe illness, you may receive a 50% credit to future Vincent Yoga events good for 1 year. Other discounts, scholarships and refunds are not available.
We would love to have you join us for the sacredness of fall retreat in the northwoods:) Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Read MoreFall Retreat: Yoga and the Sacred Act of Self-Care – Oct. 9-13, 2019 – Ely, MN
Join us for our 13th Annual Fall Yoga Retreat,
October 9- 13, 2019.
The retreat will be held at the pristine Camp du Nord, located 20 minutes outside of Ely, MN, a stones throw from the Boundary Waters. The retreat will feature two yoga sessions and two delicious vegetarian meals each day. There will be plenty of free time for hiking, canoeing, sauna, massage, reading and relaxing lakeside and fireside, and enjoying quiet reflective time or the company of friends. Our intention is that this retreat is not just time away. Retreat is sacred space from which to view yourself and your life clearly. We will explore the practices and wisdom teachings of yoga, as a means to realizing your innate capacity for meaning, freedom and joy within life.
The Place: Camp du Nord, near Ely, MN. Up the Echo Trail, a stones throw from the Boudary Waters, Camp du Nord is set amongst the pine, maple and birch forest on pristine Lake Burntside. It has been a natural place of retreat, relaxation and reflection for more than 50 years. Its one of our favorite places in the whole world!
The Yoga: We will practice for two hours each morning and afternoon. Morning sessions will consist of an invigorating asana, pranayama and meditation practice. Afternoon sessions will focus on the subtler aspects of yoga, including: restorative postures, pranayama, meditation, self-reflection, yoga philosohpy and dharma.
Lodging & Meals: Our lodging will be communal in modern wooden cabins, beautiful and simple. Each cabin features a full kitchen, indoor bathroom, central air & heat, fireplace, living & dining room, bedrooms and sleeping loft. No T.V.’s, no phones, no distractions- essentially everything you’ll want, nothing you won’t. We will share two delicious vegetarian feasts for breakfast and dinner, in the camp dining hall- a beautiful 15 minute hike through the trails of the forest. We can accommodate special dietary needs, and we may be able to arrange private cabins for families. 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
( *massage not included in the price of the retreat)
Transportation, Arrival & Departure
Our welcoming ceremony will be at 8:30 pm on Weds. Oct. 10th, and we will depart after brunch and cleanup on Sunday Oct. 14th. We encourage carpooling, and will assist in arranging transportation. For Directions, click here.
Rates & Registration:
Registrations are coming in quickly this year, and we anticipate the retreat will fill up. If you a re planning to attend, please send registration and deposit as soon as possible to reserve your space. Thanks!
The cost of the retreat includes:
- All yoga classes
- Vegetarian Breakfast and Dinner Feast (Th.-Sat.) & Brunch on Sunday
- Four nights lodging
- Use of canoes, kayaks and sauna
- All the fun you can have, with new and old friends!
Accommodation Options + Your Investment:
Shared Loft Space (Twin Beds): $575 Shared Bedroom Space (Two Twin Beds or Queen for couples) : $645 Private Bedroom w/ Queen Bed: $775
Priority for private bedrooms will be given to couples. There are a few private cabins which can be specially arranged for families or those desiring more privacy.
Early Registration Discount – $50 off when you register + pay in full by August 6.
To reserve your space: please email your Fall Retreat Registration + Waiver to [email protected] and submit a $150 deposit per-person (non-refundable). Payment can be made by Venmo (@ben-vincent-9), 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 15. All payments are final. There will be a $35 fee for payments, payment plans and registrations received after Sept 15. Other discounts and scholarships are not available. For those unable to pay-in-full before Sept 15, payment plans are available through paypal credit
Checks are payable to:
Angela or Ben Vincent (not Vincent Yoga) 5354 40th Ave S. Minneapolis, MN, 55417
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries
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Advanced Yoga Studies – Fall 2013
I am delighted to announce…
Advanced Yoga Studies & Self-Transformation Program …begins September 2013.
This unique 9-month program is intended for all sincere students and teachers, looking to deepen their experience and understanding of Yoga. Through personal and group study and practice, students will be guided on a transformative journey of healing, self-discovery and empowerment. We will delve into the teachings and practices of Yoga, Tantra & Ayurveda – as a means to awaken our potential for meaning, happiness and freedom and in life.
The structure of the program will include:
1) Weekly Master Classes: Teaching, discussion and practice ~ Tuesdays 7:15-9:15pm September 17- December 17, 2013 + January 14 – May 20, 2014 at One Yoga
2) Three Private sessions to receive:
- A personalized Hatha yoga + meditation practice
- Ayurvedic dietary + lifestyle Consultation
- Yogic spiritual guidance to uncover + empower you life’s purpose (dharma)
3) A weekend non-residential retreat in Minneapolis (Spring 2014)
4) Readings, journaling, audio recordings and home practice to support your growth.
5) Group community building events
Our in-depth study will include:
Essential Teachings of Yoga:
- What are Yoga, Tantra & Ayurveda? Why are they relevant?
- History of Yoga: Periods, Types, traditions and its evolution
- The main branches of yoga: Raja (Classical), Bhakti (Devotion), Tantra (ritual) + Hatha (Mind + Energy), Karma (Action), Jnana (Knowledge)
- The Three Refuges of practice: Teacher, teachings + community
- Karma, Reincarnation and Samsara (the wandering of the soul)
- The four aims of life – Dharma (meaning), Artha (the means), Kama (pleasure), Moksha (freedom)
- Dukkha: Why do we suffer and how do we overcome suffering?
- Overcoming Limiting Patterns & Conditioning – Samskara + Vasana
- Hatha Yoga – The spiritual science of awakening Mind + Energy through Asana, Pranayama + Meditation
- Meditation- The essential yogic practice for awakening the Heart and Mind
- Samkhya System- The foundation of Indian philosophy & spirituality
- Essential Texts: The Yoga Sutra + The Bhagavad Gita
- Training in Essential Practices: Asana (posture), Pranayama (energetic breathwork), Meditation, Mantra (sacred sound), Chanting, Bandha (energy locks), Mudra(gesture), Kriya (visualization), Yoga Nidra, Self-Inquiry, relationship, Ayurvedic diet + lifestyle
- Ayurveda- The Science of Self-Healing
- Basic Sanskrit
- The Koshas: Layers of Being
- For more thorough information on teachings covered, see below…
Pricing + Payment Options
Full Price – $2250. (Paid in full by Sept. 15)
Early Registration Discount – $2100 (Paid In full by August 15)
Yoga Teacher Discount – $1950 (For teachers who have completed a 200-Hour Training and are currently teaching 2 or more classes/week. Paid in full by September 15)
Payment Plan – $2500. (to be paid monthly over 9 months)
We will order books for the course wholesale as a group. The cost of books will be about $75 in addition to the cost of tuition
Application and registration are available through One Yoga. Follow this link to receive a copy of the application: Advanced Yoga Studies Application. Space is limited and will be allotted in the order which application + deposit ($300, ) are received. Once accepted, your deposit is non-refundable, and will be applied toward the cost of the program.
More information on teachings + practices to be covered…
The Koshas: Layers of Being Humans are multidimensional beings. The ancient yogis experienced being human as composed of 5 Koshas (layers/sheaths) which encompass the Atman (True-Self). As part of the Self-Transformation process, we will explore the specific teachings and practices of each of these layers – designed to help us realize our fullest capacities and to minimize and overcome the limitations of each Kosha.
Annamaya Kosha ~ The Physical Body
- Systems of the Human body (Musculo-skeletal, Nervous, Respiratory, etc.)
- Essentials of Anatomy & Physiology- The Spine, Shoulder + Pelvic Girdles, the Diaphragm(s)
- Asana: Yoga postures – Anatomy, Alignment + Energetic Effects
- Intro to Ayurveda- The Vedic Science of Self-Healing
- Yogic Practices for the Physical Body: Asana, Shatkarma (Cleansing Actions), Ayurveda
Pranamaya Kosha ~ The Energetic Body
- Ayurveda- The Doshas, your constitution + balanced living through yoga, diet and lifestyle
- Tantra- The path of Cultivating and Liberating our vital Energy
- Prana- The Energy of Life
- Pranayama: Breathing practices to awaken Vital Energy
- The Nervous System
- The Anatomy of The Energetic Body (Doshas, Nadis, Vayus, Chakras, Gunas, Kundalini)
- Yogic Practices for The Energetic Body: Pranayama, Bandha, Mudra, Kriya (visualiztion)
- Brahmana & Langhana – Creating practices that are balancing
Manomaya Kosha ~ The Lower Mind + Ego
- Yogic Psychology + understanding of the Mind
- The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali- Essential Teachings on awakening the Heart-Mind
- The role of the mind in suffering and liberation
- Ego + Memory – Our Subconscious Conditioning
- Emotion- Understanding the energies of desire, memory, perception + reaction
- Karma (Action) -> Samskara (impression) -> Vasana (patterns)- The cycle of conditioned behavior
- Yogic Practices for the mind: Meditation, Karma Yoga, Witness Consciousness/ Self-Observation, Yoga Nidra
- Meditation: Essential Teachings + personal guidance
Vijnanamaya Kosha ~ The Awakened Mind
- Buddhi- The capacity of the mind to awaken
- Awakening the forces of willpower, intuition + discernment
- Overcoming obstacles as the path to Self-Mastery
- The role of desire in spiritual practice
- Yogic Practices for Buddhi: Vichara (Self-Inquiry), Sankalpa (Resolution of the Higher Self), Mantra (Healing of Sacred Sound), Jnana Yoga
- Mantra- “That which protects + empowers the mind”
Anandamaya Kosha + Atman ~ The Heart + True Self
- The Four Desires process: Creating a life of purpose, prosperity, happiness and freedom
- Dharma- Hearing the call of your life’s purpose
- Cultivating compassion, joy + loving kindness
- Practices for the Heart & True Self: Prayer, Devotion/ Bhakti Yoga, Metta (loving kindness), Chanting, Seva
Pricing + Payment Options
Full Price – $2250.
Early Registration Discount – $2100 (Paid In full by August 15)
Yoga Teacher Discount – $1950 (For teachers who have completed a 200-Hour Training and are currently teaching 2 or more classes/week. Paid in full by September 15)
Payment Plan – $2500. (to be paid monthly over 9 months)
We will order books for the course wholesale as a group. The cost of books will be about $75 in addition to the cost of tuition
Registration is available through One Yoga. Follow this link to receive a copy of the application: Advanced Yoga Studies Application. Space is limited and will be allotted in the order which application + deposit ($300, non-refundable) are received.
Read More
