Join Mona Warner, founder of Janati Yoga School in Kingston, for her annual ayurvdea, yoga and self care spring retreat!
It is so important in our busy lives to take time to care for ourselves on the levels of body, energy, emotions, mind and spirit. Yoga & Ayurveda provide us with many wonderful tools to do just this – nourish all levels of our being so we can be fully present, centered, and engaged in our lives.
Our weekend together has many wonderful options for you to enjoy. We will share delicious vegetarian meals prepared with love. There are scheduled classes and activities, as well as free time for you to do what you need for yourself.
Retreat includes 4 Ayurvedic yoga classes, 2 evening gatherings with self massage and yoga nidra, an afternoon workshop, all meals, accommodation, and ample free time to relax, read a book, have massage, take a walk.
FULL RETREAT DETAILS HERE including registration, rates and weekend schedule.
About Mona
Mona Warner is the founder and owner of Janati Yoga School in Kingston, ON. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance and an Ayurvedic Health Consultant. Passionate about providing people with the tools they need to take ownership of their health and wellness, she encourages her students and clients to tap into their own potential and take conscious steps toward their self care and healing.
After many years of working as a yoga teacher, Mona opened Janati Yoga School in 2013 with the intention of creating an optimal yoga environment for both practice and teacher training.
She believes that teaching yoga is a profoundly meaningful spiritual practice that requires an ever-evolving understanding of technique and the deeper meaning within those techniques. Core values of integrity, compassion, simplicity, and kindness are woven into the fabric of her practice and her work, and she encourages a deep commitment to the practice in order to achieve the best results and benefits.
Mona’s success in teaching yoga and Ayurveda revolves around maintaining her own personal practice. Believing strongly in the philosophy of “filling your well and giving from your overflow”, her own positive healing experience with yoga is what drives her commitment to helping others.
Blessed with an engaging sense of humour, Mona builds a strong foundation of trust, support and fun into everything she teaches. Students and clients can expect a perfect balance of solid knowledge and gentle playfulness as they learn empowerment towards a greater quality of life.
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Everyone has been asking about these delicious cookies from the Shanti Boutique. Here is the recipe! Enjoy
YIELD Makes 18 cookies
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon organic ground flax seed + 3 tablespoons water
2 cups organic rolled oats
1 cup organic light spelt flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup organic raw sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins
PREPARATION
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flax and water. Let sit for 2 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt.
4. In yet another bowl, mix the coconut oil, sugar, vanilla. Add the flax egg.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the raisins.
7. Using a 2 tablespoon measure, place cookie dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Inspired by a recipe on epicurious.com
You may also want to try making the popular zucchini chocolate chip cookies too!
]]>Join Lana Sugarman for a spring renewal retreat which will nourish mind, body and spirit.
April 6th -8th, 2018 at Shanti Retreat
Enjoy meditation, a morning active yoga practice (Jivamukti style), as well as an afternoon yin yoga practice. Saturday evening, Lana will share her passion and gift for kirtan. Kirtan is the practice of call and response chanting. Guests will have the opportunity to share their voices, dance, or simply relax and receive the sound. It is like a meditation through music. With the repetition of the mantras we are able to get out of our heads and tap into a sense of ease and joy. Jivamukti Yoga is creative vinyasa flow, with meditation, mantra, hand-on assists, and philosophy woven throughout the class.
Retreat Includes: 2 nights accommodation, vegetarian meals, yin and flow yoga classes with Lana (suitable for all levels), morning meditation, Saturday evening kirtan (Call and Response Devotional Chanting), one infrared Sauna Session, use of Shanti’s Amenities (Wellness Tea Bar, WiFi, Labyrinth, Hammocks, Canoes and Kayaks, and Walking and Cycling Routes).
About Lana
Lana discovered yoga at the age of 15 in Red Deer, Alberta. She dabbled in many styles but fell in love with Jivamukti Yoga and completed her 300 Hour training in 2009. Later that year she studied Yin Yoga with Tracey Soghrati, a 40 hour certification. She continues to study with many inspiring teachers including Sarah Powers, David Life and Sharon Gannon, and the radiant community of Toronto. As a teacher, Lana strives to offer a safe and nourishing space for students and to offer insights that are relatable. Her classes are a mix of expressive asana, hands-on assists, and philosophy. Also a musician and theatre artist, Lana merges her love of sound and Sanskrit with the practice of kirtan. ‘Lana has recorded two albums: Invocation (2013) and Reverence (2017). She loves to travel to communities around the world sharing the magic of mantra!’
Visit Lana’s Website
Please see the more info document for the schedule, full details and how to sign up.
]]>Join Abby Blythe, a gifted yoga instructor and yoga therapist, for an introduction to the vast benefits of yoga and how to deepen an existing practice.
You will be gently guided through yoga classes to better understand how a daily practice can support proper breathing, healthy digestion, cardiovascular health, increased vitality, regeneration for healthy aging and an overall sense of well being.
This fall retreat is also a beautiful time to spend enjoying time fireside, savoring the crispness of fall nature walks, and honoring the opportunity to go within – a gift to Self.
On Saturday night Abby will share her love of kirtan. Guests repeatedly share that it is such a treat to experience and bask in the energy of singing, or just listening to, sacred Indian mantras with Abby.
Retreat Includes
2 Nights Accommodation at Shanti Retreat, 5 Vegetarian Meals, 4 Yoga Classes with Abby (Suitable For All Levels), 1 Workshop, 1 Film Screening (Related to Yoga Therapy), 1 Infrared Sauna Session, and Use of Shanti’s Amenities (Wellness Tea Bar, WiFi, Labyrinth, Hammocks, Canoes and Kayaks, and Walking and Cycling Routes).
See full retreat schedule here.
About Abby
Abby is a Certified Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist. Since the age of 13, Abby has been studying yoga, and began teaching yoga full time since first traveling to India in 2008. After spending nearly 5 years living in Thailand studying Yoga with her teacher Swami Vivekenanda Saraswati, she has returned to her home in the Haliburton Highlands, and has since founded Light Hatch Yoga Studio. Abby’s grounded teaching style finds its roots in her deep knowledge and understanding of the yogic practices, and is highlighted by her joy of teaching, lightness of heart and even the odd song or two. She enjoys meeting her students where they are at and tailors her classes to the individuals present. Additionally, she is a life-long lover of music and finds particular inspiration in singing the sacred mantras of India; a practice known as “Kirtan.” A professionally trained singer since the age of 10, blending the joy of singing with the aspiration of her yoga practice has been one of her most profound discoveries yet.
Retreat Rates
$370 + hst for shared accommodation & $400 + hst for semi private accommodation
Contact Shanti Retreat to register at [email protected]
]]>Come to Wolfe Island and savour the silence, serenity, and stillness.
“It was a truly wonderful experience for me, and I am so happy that I was able to stay for the 6 days. I found that Manu’s approach to both introduce and enhance meditation practices for the retreat participants truly supported our collective energies. Of course, the beautiful natural surroundings and wonderful food at Shanti also made the retreat unforgettable. As someone relatively new to meditation, I was also much encouraged by your words and feel more confident that “slowly, slowly,” I will feel and understand more about how the mind works, helping me to go deeper in my own practice.” ~ Carolyn
This unique offering is a wonderful opportunity to retreat with Manu Akshobhia, a very gifted teacher and facilitator. The popularity of his retreats brings him back to Shanti for the 9th consecutive season offering a 3 or 6 day silent retreat.
Give yourself the gift of going within as well as time to soak in the beauty and wonderment of the nature that surrounds us here at Shanti.
Manu will offer a truly inspiring silent meditation and yoga retreat. He will share simple but powerful tools to begin or help deepen your meditation practice. A regular meditation practice can help to navigate life with greater joy, lightness and ease.
The retreat will also be infused with gentle and restorative energy yoga classes and yoga nidra.
About Manu
Manu Akshobhia (Emmanuel) has been studying and practicing Indian and Tibetan yogic teachings for more than twenty years. Some of the main influences on his path are Agama, Hridaya yoga and the Path of the Heart of Prem Baba (Awaken Love). He has been teaching workshops, intensives and retreats around the world since 2000. The main thread that has guided Manu through this quest of life is the work on purifying and harmonizing the Heart, and how to open deeply to spirituality and at the same time become a better human being. Manu has a wealth of information to share and inspire you on your journey.
The Importance of Silence
Mauna (silence) is a very important part of this retreat. We will start after the evening talk on the first day and go until the end of the last session on either Sunday or Wednesday. A lot of energy and ego goes into our speech, and to refrain from it is a great support for meditation and improving the process of self-discovery. We keep silent during the retreat in order to quiet our mind and maintain a serene, peaceful environment for everyone. This can be difficult at times, but most people find it a powerful and wonderful experience. You will find that you begin to cherish this silence and will learn how to be comfortable with it. Training ourselves to walk, move, and perform daily activities quietly leads to a calm and graceful experience. Maintaining silence is a way of developing self-discipline and a deeper, more compassionate understanding for all things.
Since some herbs start to come up early spring, it can be an exciting time and the first taste of organic, seasonal, home grown food! Herbs can be used in a variety of ways and contain high amounts of important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to improve digestion, protect against cancer, boost mood and reduce inflammation, to name a few.
Today we present to you – mint, parsley and sage. Below you can read about the health benefits of each herb, as well as the different ways we have been included them in retreat meals.
Benefits of Mint
- Promotes digestion
- Relieves Nausea
- Fights fatigue (try diffusing peppermint essential oil to boost mood and energy levels)
- Relieves headaches
- Cleanses palate, improves oral care
- Clears congestion, helps asthma
…ways we have been using mint:
- Homemade herbal tea
- Yogurt Dips like Greek tzatziki (with lots of garlic and lemon!) or Indian raita
- Fruit salad topper
- Mango and pistachio salsa (for enchilada night)
- Fennel and apple salad
Benefits of Parsley
Parsley, often used as a garnish, is an under appreciated superfood full of many healing properties!
- Extremely high in vitamin K which is important for bone healthy
- A rich source of immune boosting antioxidants, mainly vitamin C and A
- Kidney cleanser
- Anti aging / anti – inflammatory
- High in iron
…ways to have been using parsley:
- Greek salad and quinoa tabouleh
- Herbed yogurt dip
- Herb garden hummus
- Minestrone soup
Benefits of Sage
Sage is another super herb which has been used medicinally and spiritually for thousands of years.
- Promotes healthy digestive system
- Reduces depression
- Relieves asthma
- Improves memory and alertness
- Eases menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes
- Lowers inflammation
- High in antioxidants
- Strengthens bones
….ways we have been using sage
- Creamy cashew,garlic and sage sauce (for buddha bowls)
- Sage cornbead (with veggie chili!)
- Rustic cheese and nut loaf
- Homemade herbal tea with slices of fresh ginger root.
…Written by Lacey Budge, Shanti Retreat Coordinator and Registered Holistic Nutritionist
]]>Monday August 21st – Wednesday 23rd, 2017
Attune with the energy of the heart and invite in the healing power of truth, love, kindness and compassion.
This transformative 3-day Tara Retreat includes:
Presentation of Goddess Tara • Hatha Yoga Practice (Heart Opening) • “Heart Breathing” Methods • Tara Mantra Chanting • Tara Mantra Japa • AUM Chanting • Tara Visualization Practice • Blowing Upon the Embers of the Heart • Awakening Compassion Meditation (Metta meditation)
Antoaneta will guide you through a variety simple and effective empowering practices to awaken the power of compassion within yourself {and toward others!).
Plus, enjoy all Shanti has to offer during the summer months like swimming in the St- Lawrence River, canoeing, kayaking, jumping on the water trampoline, reading lakeside under the warm sun, taking a nap in a hammock, cycling around the island, or driving out to Big Sandy Bay beach.
Antoaneta Gotea is a senior yoga teacher and the co-founder of Hridaya Yoga. During the last 20 years she has led meditation retreats, yoga courses and workshops on Tantra, Mystical Relationships and the Divine Feminine in Europe, Asia and North America. She spends many months of the year serving, teaching and practicing at the Hridaya Yoga headquarter in Mazunte, Oaxaca in Mexico. She is skilled at holding the space for sacredness and transformation. She creates an intimate atmosphere in which participants feel comfortable going deeper into themselves.
Click here for weekend schedule, rates, registration and more information
]]>This retreat offering (and its facilitators) has been so well received the past 2 seasons at Shanti, that we have decided to offer it twice this season: Summer and Fall!
We are absolutely delighted to welcome back, dear friends and inspiring facilitators, Tiffany and Kristof!
Monday, June 26th – Wednesday, June 28th for a retreat exploration and introduction to Sacred Relationships.
~ Tantric Sexuality – How do we remember the Sacredness of Sexuality? This will be an exploration and an unlearning of some of the conditionings and limiting beliefs we hold around sexuality, relationships and the sexes.
~ Sexology – Mechanics, tools and practices for more pleasurable, sensual, prolonged and orgasmic lovemaking for both men and women. We will also discuss the importance of the sexual energy for health and well-being and the benefits of channeling and directing this energy.
~ Ayurvedic considerations – Ojas (Vigor/Vital force); Maintaining and replenishing sexual energy; Simple aphrodisiacs and reproductive tonics; Dietary & Lifestyle considerations
~ Yoga practice – You will learn ‘partner yoga’ and the beauty of practicing, playing and connecting as one on the mat. We will also introduce a series of specific yoga asanas that will assist in the control, movement and awareness of the potency of the sexual energy, as well as their healing potential for the reproductive organs.
~ Meditation – Together we will explore meditation practices that focus upon opening our hearts to connection, pure love and deep intimacy with ourselves, our lovers and in our general relation to others.
~ Breathwork/Pranayama – An introduction into specific breathing techniques that can bring deepened presence and connect with our own life force and that which resides in our partner. These will also offer the benefit of amplifying sexual energy and guiding it to flow harmoniously through our system.
~ Compassionate Communication – We will offer ways to remember and maintain empathic, loving and connected communication with your partner, how to deeply listen and honor your own needs and the needs of the other, and how to move forward without blame or shame from times of discord and disconnection.
About the Facilitators
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I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to partake in bits and pieces of their retreat here a few weekends back. I feel especially blessed to have participated with my partner who, as of this season, I live and work with here at Shanti. Together and among other couples, we were sweetly guided by Tiffany and Kristof through a variety of partner yoga postures and exercises, breathing techniques, the creation of a relationship manifesto, and a ritual involving foot massage and the whisperings of what I like to call sweet everythings, also known as adorations.
I now understand a little bit more when I see the couples of these retreats leave Shanti with a detectable lightness and palpable brightness to them. I now understand a little bit more how when they say that this weekend changed their lives and their relationships, this is absolutely and indeed the case. Spending the few sessions together with my partner in this sacred context was such an enriching experience. Synchronizing breathing and gazing into the eyes of another with one hand on our heart and one hand on theirs – a beautiful practice of connection, or reconnection, and union.
Being in a relationship is such a rich experience, one that is constantly changing and unfolding all on its own. It is an experience that can be as organic as we allow, and can also be the arena in our lives where we learn the most about ourselves. Although we all come into this world alone and leave in this same way, we are forever in relation with those around us – firstly with our mothers who gave us life, as well as with our fathers, our siblings, relatives, friends, teachers, and also with strangers.
Undeniably, we are social creatures, and Tiffany and Kristof’s retreats here remind us of exactly this. Not only do they remind us of this, but they remind us to enjoy it, and to completely embrace the sweetness and the sacredness of human to human connection – eye to eye. They remind us to embrace the highlights and joys and the celebration of relationship, but also the challenges, resistances and difficulties that arise and inevitably show up. Embracing the totality of the human (and human-to-human) experience, all highs and all lows, and all else in between, is what guests of this retreat can expect to take home with them.
Next year, fortunately for all, Tiffany and Kristof will be back to host two Sacred Relationships retreats: June 26-28 and September 29-October 1. Get in touch with us at Shanti today to make your reservation either by e-mail ([email protected]) or by telephone (613-777-0247). We look forward to welcoming you and yours.
Sources
(1) http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/relationships/tantric-sex/
{{{ See HERE for more information }}}
Your Weekend Retreat Includes…
Accommodation at Shanti Retreat, 6 Vegetarian Meals, 2 Afternoon Snacks, 4 Yoga Classes (Suitable For All Levels), 3 Morning Meditations, Over 12 hours of Kirtan, 1 Afternoon Workshop with Brenda, 1 Infrared Sauna Session, and Use of Shanti’s Amenities (Wellness Tea Bar, WiFi, Labyrinth, Canoes and Kayaks, Hammocks, Walking and Cycling Routes).
Your Schedule…
Friday
Arrival After 2:00pm
4:30pm Yoga with Darin
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Kirtan with Swaha
Saturday
Light Breakfast Upon Rising
8:00am Meditation with Darin
8:45am Yoga with Wendy
10:30am Shanti Signature Brunch
12:00-2:00pm Kirtan with Lana
2:30pm Afternoon Snack & Free Time
4:30-6:00pm Conscious Dance with Lacey
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Kirtan with Brenda
10:00pm Bhakti Bon Fire
Sunday
Light Breakfast Upon Rising
8:00am Meditation with Darin
8:45am Yoga with Wendy
10:30am Shanti Signature Brunch
12:00pm Check Out for 3 Day Guests
12:00-2:00pm Kirtan with Narada
2:30pm Afternoon Snack & Free Time
4:00-6:00pm Workshop with Brenda
6:30pm Dinner
8:00pm Kirtan with Lana
10:00pm Bhakti Bon Fire
Monday
Light Breakfast Upon Rising
8:15-9:15am Yoga with Wendy
9:30-10:30am Closing Kirtan
10:45am Shanti Signature Brunch
12:00pm Check Out of Rooms
Enjoy the Property Until 2:00pm
4 Day Rates
Semi-Private Shared
$630+HST $605+HST
Shanti Tent Personal Tent
$580+HST $555+HST
For the 3 Day Rate, please subtract $150+HST from the above rates.
Saturday Day Pass (10:00am-10:00pm) includes brunch, snack and dinner, as well as kirtan with Lana, Conscious Dance with Lacey, evening kirtan with Brenda, and use of Shanti’s amenities.
Sunday Day Pass (10:00am-10:00pm) includes brunch, snack and dinner, as well as kirtan with Narada, 2 hour workshop with Brenda, evening kirtan with Lana, and use of Shanti’s amenities.
Off-Site Accommodation is also available in the event that our rooms and cabins fill up. Please contact the Dreamcatcher’s Inn (5 minute drive away) at 315-955-3990. The 4 day rate is $555+HST, and the 3 day rate is $405+HST.
{{ Contact us to make your reservation today! [email protected] or 613 777 0247 }}
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