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Spring Retreat with Molly Birkholm & Swami Kashi

May 5 – 11, 2020 | Kashi Ashram, Sebastian, Florida

Canceled becuase of COVID-19

Join us for a Warriors at Ease Retreat that offers a deep dive into the practices of yoga, meditation, and yoga philosophy! This retreat is special because it’s a civilian-veteran retreat, designed to bring people together for a week of personal reflection, transformation and growth. Through this unique combination, participants will have the opportunity to learn from one another and develop a deeper sense of connection amidst deep practice.

Attendees can expect a daily program that includes yoga, iRest Yoga Nidra, Vedanta lectures, silent meditation, breathing practices, creativity practices, vegetarian food, personal reflection time, and community fun with fellow attendees. There will be two days of silence during the week, in which participants are invited to adhere to Mauna (Sanskrit for “silence” throughout the day’s activities.

The focus is on going deep into the practices of yoga and meditation. There will be no difference in participation between veterans, civilians or providers of the retreat. We are all in this together, we will all be doing the practices. We will all be sharing in the experience.

This retreat is open to veterans and civilians who already have a regular meditation and yoga practice and are interested in an advanced retreat. This retreat will maintain a strict retreat schedule. It is rigorous but we are inviting people who are serious practitioners and who from their own personal interest want to experience Advanced Retreat.

6:00 a.m. – Wake Up
6:30 a.m. – Chanting, Pranayama (breathing) & Silent Meditation
8:00 a.m. – Breakfast
10 a.m. – Morning Yoga
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Outdoor Time or Activities
2:00 p.m. – Yoga Philosophy Talk & Discussion
4:00 p.m. – Afternoon Yoga & iRest Yoga Nidra
6:00 p.m. – Dinner
7:00 p.m. – Evening Program & Meditation
10:00 p.m. – Lights Out

Costs:

Through the generosity of private donor, the tuition for this retreat is covered for both civilians and veterans. Veterans need to cover only their travel expenses and civilians need to cover their travel and accommodation expenses at the Ashram. Kashi Ashram is a sweet place, which is carefully maintained by beautiful souls and on a gorgeous piece of property. The food is vegetarian and delicious; much of it is grown on the property. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. Please advise of other dietary restrictions. There will be a shuttle bus departing from the Miami Airport. Times will be announced directly to retreat participants. If you’re able to make it onto to this shuttle, transport to/from Miami is included. If you cannot make the shuttle, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the ashram.

For more information on accommodation costs at Kashi Ashram, please click here.

To register, please email Betsy Diller, the retreat coordinator, at retreats@warriorsatease.org. 

Please be advised that retreats typically fill up right away and have a waiting list. If you would like to attend, please do not delay!

Facilitators:

Molly Birkholm is a yoga and meditation teacher trainer, professional speaker, consultant and author, She is the co-founder of Warriors at Ease and has helped pioneer evidence-based trauma-sensitive yoga and meditation programs for PTSD in the military and other communities affected by trauma and stress. Molly’s stress management programs, resilience training and trauma treatment programs are used by leaders and top organizations. Molly teaches trainings and retreats around the world and also online on The Great Courses and as the host of the Women’s Empowerment Initiative on Yoga International. www.mollybirkholm.com

Swami Kashi is a former Israeli Commando and currently a monk who lives in Rishikesh, India and teaches all over the world. He’s known for his unique ability to transmit deep philosophical truths in a clear, entertaining and joyful way through vivid stories and illustrations. His down-to-Earth approach and loving nature make him an idea bridge between ancient yogic teachings and modern western audiences. www.heartpilgrim.org

Higher Ground Retreats

Dates Vary | Idaho, California & New York

Higher Ground hosts week-long camps in Idaho, California and New York for injured service members, veterans and their supporters completely free of charge to all participants. Each camp invites eight to ten veterans or service members and their significant others to form a new “unit” and participate in recreational activities from winter sports to water sports to fly fishing, equine and beyond.

 

Higher Ground’s mission is to provide the most effective therapeutic recreation service to military families confronted with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), and polytrauma through the use of evidence-based practices and the sustained continuum of care necessary for a successful reintegration into their families and communities.

 

Yoga, meditation and other mindful movement practices are incorporated into Higher Ground’s programs by Warriors at Ease trained staff along with recreational activities and discussion groups by recreational therapists.

 

Register to attend a program at http://www.highergroundusa.org/register-now/

Bridging the Gap Retreats

Next Retreat TBA

Bridging the Gap Retreats are a 4-day healing experience for post 9-11 service members, veterans and a spouse, caregiver or primary social support person.  This retreat is focused on improving the well-being of military families.  Participants are invited to experience canine therapy, yoga, equine therapy, outdoor activities and more in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.  The retreats are held in small group settings that are facilitated by veterans, expert providers (with experience in Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense facilities), Walter Reed volunteers and other non-profit support organizations.  Yoga and mind-body stress management skills are taught by a senior Warriors at Ease Teacher.  These retreats are graciously funded by the Walter Reed Society and offered 4 times/year in various locations in the U.S.

If you are interested in attending this retreat, please sign up for our newsletter where we announce dates for this and all our retreats.  Otherwise, just check back here periodically.