“As is the desire, so is the will.
As is the will, so is the deed.
As is the deed, so is our destiny.”
-Brihadaranyaka upanishad
Four Desires Immersion Ely MN, February 7-10, 2019
Join us for our annual winter retreat at Camp du Nord, outside Ely, Minnesota. Winter is a sacred time of turning inward to find the light within. The quietness and stillness of north country are the perfect environment for this work. Plus you’ll have free time for sitting by the fire, cross country skiing and sauna.
According to the yoga tradition, our lives are the product of our deepest driving desires. Yoga identifies four universal desires: Meaning, Prosperity, Joy & Freedom. These are known as the purusharthas – the means of the soul. These fundamental longings compel all human thought, action and behavior. In our modern world of instant gratification, we tend to misdirect the power of these desires -seeking fleeting pleasures- rather investing in the life’s work of Self-Realization. Only to find we are unfulfilled, unsatisfied and left wanting more. The life you are called to requires your conscious attention, dedication and effort. You must walk the path of your destiny.
The key to desire empowering us is to see clearly what we really want, and to work skillfully and selflessly toward its realization.
In this special winter retreat, you will be guided through a profound and transformative introspective process, as laid out by Rod Stryker in his book “The Four Desires.” We will use teachings, yoga postures, breathing and meditation practices, chanting, self-reflection and journaling to:
- Uncover the soul’s purpose – your reason for being in this life
- Rediscover how each of the four desires resonates uniquely in your life
- Recognize self-limiting patterns which keep you from fulfilling your potential
- Learn to use these “obstacles” as a means to self-transformation
- Create a vow of tangible action toward the realization of our calling
- Learn techniques and practices for personal empowerment and self-mastery
- Explore the power of right desire to transform your life and the world
The Place: Camp du Nord, near Ely, MN. Set amongst the pine and birch forest alongside Lake Burntside, Camp du Nord has been a natural place of retreat, relaxation and reflection for more than 50 years.
The Yoga: We will practice for three hours each morning and afternoon. The practice will be focused around the teachings of the four desires, and will include dharma talks (teachings), asana, breath work, meditation, chanting, journaling, and self-inquiry.
Lodging Our lodging will be communal in modern wooden cabins, beautiful and simple. Each cabin features a full kitchen for meal prep, 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. click here
Activities: Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Sauna + Lake Plunge, Massage, Relaxing fireside
( *massage not included in the price of the retreat)
Retreat Schedule Thursday 2/7 – 6:30 – 9pm Friday 2/8 – 8:30- 11:30 am + 3-6pm Saturday 2/9 – 8:30- 11:30 am + 3-6pm Sunday 2/10 – 8:30am- 12:30pm There will be optional chanting and unguided meditation each morning from 6-7am. Evenings will give you an opportunity to reflect on the work from the day, and receive personal support as time allows.
Transportation, Arrival & Departure
Our welcoming ceremony will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday. Feb. 7th, and we will depart after cleanup on Sunday Feb 10th in the early afternoon. We encourage carpooling, and will assist in arranging transportation. For Directions, click here.
Rates & Registration:
Due to the immersive nature of this work, this will be a small group retreat. Space is limited and we anticipate the retreat will fill up. If you are planning to attend, please send registration and deposit as soon as possible to reserve your space. Thanks!
The retreat includes:
- Four Desires Yoga Immersion
- Three nights lodging in shared or private rooms. Private rooms feature queen beds, preference for private rooms will be given to couples.
- Use of saunas, cross country ski and snowshoe trails. Skis + Snowshoes are available to rent thru Camp du Nord.
- All the fun you can have, with new and old friends!
Your Investment + Accommodation Options
Shared Loft Space $495 Early Bird, $535 Full Price
Shared Bedroom $535 Early Bird, $575 Full Price
Private room – $660 Early bird, $700 Full Price
Private Cabins may be arranged for an additional fee, with payment in full. Rates will depend upon the number of occupants.
Early bird discounts are available to those who register and pay in full by Dec. 24, 2018. All payments are due in full January 15, with a fee of $35 for late payments, payment plans & registrations received thereafter. All payments are final. There will be no refunds due to inclement weather, travel or sickness.
To reserve your space, please send your Winter Retreat Registration + Waiver and $150 deposit per-person (non-refundable) You can can also pay by Credit Card over the phone. There is an additional 4% charge for cc purchases to cover service fees.
Checks are payable to:
Ben Vincent
5354 40th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN, 55417
Please contact us with any questions or inquiries
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