Yoga and the 12 Steps© 11th Step Retreat

Cultivating Inner Communion

Bringing Together the Teachings of Yoga with the Spiritual Principles of the 12 Steps
This inspiring weekend retreat will specifically explore the 11th Step of the 12 Steps program. The focus is on deepening your personal relationship with the Divine (Higher Power.) Explore practices of prayer and meditation – from both traditions - to help improve “conscious contact with God as you understand God” and learn how to bring the Dynamic Power of Inner Communion into every area of life.

A combination of lectures, creative exercises & discussion, meditation, yoga postures, and silent reflection, this weekend weaves together the teachings of yoga with the spiritual foundation of the 12 Steps and provides practical tools for building your daily sadhana (spiritual practice) at home.
During this retreat weekend, you will learn and develop:

The parallels between yogic teachings and the 12 Step program (or in particular the 11th Step) and how to apply these principles in practical ways to your life
Specific practices of prayer & meditation to deepen your connection to a higher power
Exercises to help you strengthen Intuition and apply Divine guidance in your life
Opportunities for building community and making meaningful connections with others


You will also enjoy:


Twice daily offerings of guided yoga postures and meditation
Hundreds of acres of country hills to roam about, or sit and 'just be'
Delicious vegetarian meals


 
Testimonials About The Retreat:
“One could think this is for addicts and their families only but I will tell you that anyone who is interested in growing spiritually … anyone who is interested in breaking old habits and expanding into new and uplifting patterns will get a lot from this course.

There was a synergy to the weekend that allowed each class to manifest the best of our path and to be a true experience of Patanjali’s 2nd aphorism: Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodha; stilling the mind and calming the heart to experience expanded consciousness.” — Nayaswami Shanti Rubenstone, M.D., Spiritual Director of Ananda Palo Alto Sangha

“I had the absolute blessing of attending the last Yoga and the 12 Steps program and it was so well done, so healing, so exactly the company and care I needed. The community that forms around this program is so special. We get a chance to meet truth seekers from other paths and get a chance to experience the universality of teachings through the guidance of these great yogi instructors.” —Eloisa F., Menlo Park

After attending weekly step-study meetings for years, I thought I knew the steps.  Imagine my surprise upon first attending the "Yoga and the 12 Steps" only to have my eyes opened to so much more.  I devote a chapter to this program in my book: "Freedom: Your Path to Recovery" and I give it my wholehearted recommendation. —James Eade, CEO, Eade Foundation

This retreat was an awesome experience. The weaving together of the journey of twelve-step recovery with yoga teachings and principles creates a deeper dive into our loving Spirit. — K. Litton, Rancho Cordova, CA

Deep and exciting work was done, thanks to the effective leadership of our teachers. I am now committed to being in Retreat at Ananda every other month. — C. Cohn, Mt. Shasta, CA

As a recovered alcoholic and yoga instructor, I loved seeing the dots connected between the big book of AA, the yoga sutras, and Ananda. — H. Tabatt, Reno, NV

I came without expectation, hoping to learn about yoga and how it relates to my program in AA. I was delighted with the teaching and the tenderness of the instructors. I love the retreat center. —P. Signorelli, Ashland, OR

The program for this weekend was beyond expectations. It is wonderful to pair the teachings of yoga with the tools of the 12 steps. I already felt a switch in my consciousness, with the personal reflections on the surrender exercise. — Amintha P., Rancho Cordova, CA

Yoga and the 12 Steps–a true deep dive into the parallel paths of yoga and the 12 steps of AA. The parallels are astonishing and the deep dive into the first 4 steps was a spiritually awakening experience. — Kevin A., Menlo Park, CA

Perfect in every way. More than a break from worldly activity. A place and time to go deep inside and touch wisdom in our essence. The material embraces yogic principles and 12-step principles and shows how they both mirror and strengthen one another. A lifelong gift of understanding that will help me navigate through the years and live a richer, more connected life. — R. E., Campbell, CA