New Year Renewal: Relax, Recharge, Refocus
December 28, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Guided introspection to get the most out of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) lessons of this past year
- Guided goal-setting for next year, in which you’ll experience a unique approach to setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions that will work for you
- Creating your own Vision Board to help you focus on positive goals and your intentions for the upcoming year with Meerabai
- Ananda’s uplifting New Year’s Ceremony, which includes a fire ceremony, purification practices, prayers for world peace, meditation, and a very special tradition: chanting a powerful ancient mantra 108 times to bring in the new year
- Serene walks through the beautiful, peaceful hills of Ananda Village
- Kirtan and special gatherings with long-time Ananda members
- Plenty of meditation and yoga posture sessions to help you start the New Year healthy, joyful, and inspired.
About this Retreat
Nayaswami Krishna Das books and manages the many guest groups that The Expanding Light hosts, leads pilgrimage trips to holy places in India and the U.S., teaches weekend retreats, and gives spiritual counseling to guests. He came to Ananda in 1978 and immediately found his home and purpose in life at Ananda. An exceptionally knowledgeable and gifted meditation and yoga philosophy teacher, Nayaswami Krishna Das shares his passion for these teachings with dynamic enthusiasm. He has a vibrant zest for life that comes out in a warm, personable nature and serviceful disposition. He’ll go out of his way to make you feel comfortable and clear about the teachings.
Janaka has been practicing Yogic Meditation for nearly a decade and has dedicated his life to the study of Yogic Philosophy and introspection. After seeing the dramatic positive transformation in his consciousness, Janaka determined that he would share what he had learned with as many people as possible!
At the age of 24 he took his practice to a new level by moving across the country to join an Ananda Village. The experience of living in community with other like minded individuals has been the perfect environment aid to Janaka’s growth and understanding.
Details of this retreat
Welcome the New Year in a Joyful and Renewing Retreat
Escape the ordinary New Year’s celebrations and join us for a transformative retreat designed to help you take stock of the past year and prepare inwardly for the year ahead. Connect with other spiritual seekers in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Go forward into the New Year rejuvenated, with purpose and solid tools to support your resolutions in all areas of your life.
Your New Year’s Retreat includes:
Guided introspection to get the most out of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) lessons of this past year
Guided goal-setting for next year, in which you’ll experience a unique approach to setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions that will work for you
Creating your own Vision Board to help you focus on positive goals and your intentions for the upcoming year with Meerabai
Ananda’s uplifting New Year’s Ceremony, which includes a fire ceremony, purification practices, prayers for world peace, meditation, and a very special tradition: chanting a powerful ancient mantra 108 times to bring in the new year
Serene walks through the beautiful, peaceful hills of Ananda Village
Kirtan and special gatherings with long-time Ananda members
Plenty of meditation and yoga posture sessions to help you start the New Year healthy, joyful, and inspired.
Purification Ceremony
The ancient Vedic fire ceremony will include chanting the Mahamrityunjaya mantra 108 times. After each repetition, rice, which is symbolic of our past karma, will be offered into the sacred flame to be burned up and purified. This holy ritual provides all guests with the opportunity to offer up to the Divine all attachments to last year and set their intention for the New Year to come. The evening will also include: chanting, extended affirmations, meditation, and ringing of the gong to bring in the New Year. This evening is experiential with powerful spiritual practices to herald in the New Year.
Give Yourself a Powerful Boost for Peace of Mind
Join us for a New Year's Retreat that goes beyond the ordinary, offering you a powerful boost for peace of mind and a rejuvenated spirit. Embrace the coming year with purpose and positive intentions.
Comments from New Year's Guests:
This retreat allowed me to truly express what I felt was built up after years of struggle....Now that I have been introduced to Yogananda, The Expanding Light, and Ananda Village, I'm certain I can return to the energy when I make the effort. Thank you for helping me access the joyful spirit within me."
—K. B., Midland, MI
An outstanding way to start the New Year! To clear away the old clutter of life, to begin anew with clearly defined and magnetized goals.
—C.R. San Jose, CA
I came with the desire to be different in 2017. I leave with 3 really easy, self-generated goals to meet and fulfill this inner calling. The program in deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful. Thank you.
—S.K. Palo Alto, CA
I have read countless books and attended many seminars on goal setting and achieving those goals. This program was by far the best for me—I think largely because of the spiritual integration. I hope to return next year.
—J.B. Sacramento, CA
Escape the ordinary New Year’s celebrations and join us for a transformative retreat designed to help you take stock of the past year and prepare inwardly for the year ahead. Connect with other spiritual seekers in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Go forward into the New Year rejuvenated, with purpose and solid tools to support your resolutions in all areas of your life.
Your New Year’s Retreat includes:
Guided introspection to get the most out of the hidden (and not-so-hidden) lessons of this past year
Guided goal-setting for next year, in which you’ll experience a unique approach to setting goals and making New Year’s resolutions that will work for you
Creating your own Vision Board to help you focus on positive goals and your intentions for the upcoming year with Meerabai
Ananda’s uplifting New Year’s Ceremony, which includes a fire ceremony, purification practices, prayers for world peace, meditation, and a very special tradition: chanting a powerful ancient mantra 108 times to bring in the new year
Serene walks through the beautiful, peaceful hills of Ananda Village
Kirtan and special gatherings with long-time Ananda members
Plenty of meditation and yoga posture sessions to help you start the New Year healthy, joyful, and inspired.
Purification Ceremony
The ancient Vedic fire ceremony will include chanting the Mahamrityunjaya mantra 108 times. After each repetition, rice, which is symbolic of our past karma, will be offered into the sacred flame to be burned up and purified. This holy ritual provides all guests with the opportunity to offer up to the Divine all attachments to last year and set their intention for the New Year to come. The evening will also include: chanting, extended affirmations, meditation, and ringing of the gong to bring in the New Year. This evening is experiential with powerful spiritual practices to herald in the New Year.
Give Yourself a Powerful Boost for Peace of Mind
Join us for a New Year's Retreat that goes beyond the ordinary, offering you a powerful boost for peace of mind and a rejuvenated spirit. Embrace the coming year with purpose and positive intentions.
Comments from New Year's Guests:
This retreat allowed me to truly express what I felt was built up after years of struggle....Now that I have been introduced to Yogananda, The Expanding Light, and Ananda Village, I'm certain I can return to the energy when I make the effort. Thank you for helping me access the joyful spirit within me."
—K. B., Midland, MI
An outstanding way to start the New Year! To clear away the old clutter of life, to begin anew with clearly defined and magnetized goals.
—C.R. San Jose, CA
I came with the desire to be different in 2017. I leave with 3 really easy, self-generated goals to meet and fulfill this inner calling. The program in deceptively simple yet incredibly powerful. Thank you.
—S.K. Palo Alto, CA
I have read countless books and attended many seminars on goal setting and achieving those goals. This program was by far the best for me—I think largely because of the spiritual integration. I hope to return next year.
—J.B. Sacramento, CA
Schedule
Morning
6:30 – 8:00 am Community Meditation (Join us for all or part of this silent meditation)
6:30 – 8:15 am Sadhana (spiritual practices) which consists of: Energization Exercises (20 – 25 min), Ananda Yoga Postures * (45 – 50 min), Chanting (5 min), Meditation (15 min – 30 min)
8:15 – 9:00 am Breakfast (in silence Monday-Saturday)
9:00 – 9:30 am Host check-in
10:00 – 11:30 am Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
Afternoon
Noon – 12:30 pm Meditation (5 min chanting, 25 min meditation)
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
2:00 – 4:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
4:45 – 6:30 pm Sadhana (spiritual practices)
Evening
6:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner
7:30 – 9:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
6:30 – 8:00 am Community Meditation (Join us for all or part of this silent meditation)
6:30 – 8:15 am Sadhana (spiritual practices) which consists of: Energization Exercises (20 – 25 min), Ananda Yoga Postures * (45 – 50 min), Chanting (5 min), Meditation (15 min – 30 min)
8:15 – 9:00 am Breakfast (in silence Monday-Saturday)
9:00 – 9:30 am Host check-in
10:00 – 11:30 am Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
Afternoon
Noon – 12:30 pm Meditation (5 min chanting, 25 min meditation)
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
2:00 – 4:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
4:45 – 6:30 pm Sadhana (spiritual practices)
Evening
6:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner
7:30 – 9:00 pm Scheduled program, class, group activity, or free time
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Directions
https://www.ananda.org/expanding-light/getting-here/
Accommodation
PRIVATE ENSUITE - King
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, a king private room can provide the peace and solitude you crave. This airy room has a king-sized bed with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
PRIVATE ENSUITE - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, an ensuite private room can provide the peace and solitude you crave. These charming rooms have two twin beds with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
PRIVATE STANDARD - Queen
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, enjoy your own peaceful room with a queen bed and a shared bathroom down the hall. Your room is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
PRIVATE STANDARD - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, enjoy your own peaceful room with two twin beds and a shared bathroom down the hall. Each room is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
PRIVATE CABIN - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, your private cabin is tucked into a gentle hillside, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your room to the surrounding forest. Each cabin has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
SHARED ENSUITE - Twin
Share this charming room with someone else. Each room has two twin beds with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
SHARED STANDARD - Twin
Share this charming room with someone else. Each room has two twin beds and a shared bathroom down the hall, and is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
SHARED CABIN - Twin
Share this charming cabin with someone else. The cabins are tucked into a gentle hillside, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your room to the surrounding forest. Each cabin has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
CAMPING
Fourteen campsites scatter across a gentle, forested hillside, with level areas for pitching your tent. A centrally located shower house is close by, shared by other campers, cabin guests, and our karma yogis. Please bring your own camping gear and towels. We do live amidst bears and other wildlife, so avoid storing any food or scented toiletries in your tent.
RV
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
What's Included
- 3 Organic Vegetarian Meals per day
- 2 Yoga and Meditation sessions per day
