Aging Gracefully: Movement is Life

I've been to 3 retreats at Vedanta, all around pranayama, the breathwork component of yogic practice. I can't say enough good things about this place.

The people who run Vedanta, Deepak and Kristin, are extremely welcoming. I felt at home there very quickly and have looked forward to returning each time. They've gone out of their way to welcome me back and make sure I felt taken care of.

The facilities are top notch. High quality rustic design with European finishing. They haven't spared any expense putting the place together. And the setting could not be more beautiful, in the southern mountains with a Sequoia forest and hot springs nearby. The center is on a large plot of land with good hiking options.

The food was *fantastic*. All meals were provided and cooked fresh, primarily Indian, but with some twists here and there.

As for the course material, that has been simply life-changing. My first retreat was an introduction to pranayama with Deepak, and my next two were advanced courses with Ganesh Rao, a well-known scholar of Indian yogic philosophy at the Kaivalyadhama Center in Mumbai. Pranayama is an extraordinary powerful practice for getting in touch with your body, quieting the turmoil of your mind, and learning how to exist in harmony with yourself and with the world around you. I had no idea how much tension I've carried in my body my whole life, and now I'm learning relaxation as a skill.

I've brought others to Vedanta and they've had similarly positive experiences. I can't recommend it highly enough.

I am extremely grateful I had the opportunity to take part in this retreat.

The retreat offered a well organized program that seamlessly integrated various holistic practices, including meditation, yoga, and mindfulness sessions. The knowledgeable and compassionate facilitators created a nurturing environment that allowed me to delve deeper into my spiritual journey. The carefully crafted workshops and discussions provided valuable insights and practical tools for personal growth.

The sense of community and shared positive energy among participants was truly heartwarming. The healthy, delicious homemade meals served emphasized the importance of holistic well-being, and I left feeling rejuvenated, both mentally and physically.

What sets this retreat apart is its commitment to fostering a sense of connection with oneself and others, making it a truly enriching and uplifting experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking a meaningful and transformative journey toward inner peace and self-discovery.

I just spent the past 5 days at Vedanta, and I am truly sad to have left!

Kristen was extremely helpful, from booking, to knowing what to pack, to feeling comfortable navigating the roads to make it to the fairly remote location.

Accommodations: I arrived a day early because I was flying in from the east coast, and Kristen and Deepak made me feel welcomed immediately. They had prepared a delicious dinner and showed me to my accommodation, which was in "The Dreamer", one of the tiny houses on the property that was separate from the main house. My room was private, warm and cozy, with amazing views of the hills. The decor was very pretty, from the soft cotton bedspreads to the beautiful marble/stone shower. The shower had a heater that immediately heated the water to provide a wonderful hot shower at the end of each day. The tiny house was just a short walk from the main house, where the yoga room was located and the meals were served.

The main house was absolutely gorgeous. The kitchen was a chef's dream, with its gorgeous appliances, island with the most decadent wood countertop infused with gold, and a giant tabletop made from the giant trees that we later had the luxury to sit among.

Food: There are not enough positive words in our language to comment on my experience with the food. I was initially worried that I might not like the food...I'm not a vegan and don't traditionally have a very varied diet. The meals were mind-blowing. The ancient grain porridge with fresh fruits, nuts, cacao and granola, as well as the kitchari, green soup, lentils, and coconut curry will never leave my memory. I would love to return to attend an Ayurvedic cooking retreat in the future...we'll see what the universe has planned. I am also going to an Indian grocery store today.

Grounds: It is such an amazing place...the property itself is vast, with many trails to wander so you can take in the beautiful hillsides and feel the sun on your skin. The forest bathing experience among the giant Sequoia trees was inspirational, emotional, and life-changing.

Retreat Experience: This was the best investment in myself that I have ever done!. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I am truly changed having spent five days at Vendanta. I got so much out of Dr. Alice's sessions on experiencing Calm, Resilience, and my Wild...I have already begun incorporating the tools that I learned.

I will definitely be returning!

I recently attended Dr. Rao's 5-day workshop: Excellence in Holistic Health for Corporate Leadership. Dr. Rao is extremely knowledgeable, caring and patient. His curriculum interweaves Indian philosophy -yoga sutras and the application to effective leadership in corporate life . I have taken many courses in leadership over 25 years but this is the first time the experience has been so enriching, practical, and life changing. The environment of Vedanta is also spectacular - the highest quality lodgings, yoga facilities and food: every detail is pure perfection.

Thank you Deepak and Jocelyn for your lovely hospitality and Dr. Rao for allowing me the opportunity to learn from you. I am looking forward to my next retreat at Vedanta.

I arrived with so much confusion in my mind, and uncertain of my marriage, as well as dealing with grief from losing my father. I was nervous upon arrival, never having been to something like this, but I knew it was because I was going to experience "something" and boy, did I ever! The facility is beautiful, the food was unforgettable (sincerely) and the guests become like family. Dr. Omanad Guruji taught me so much, I had Divine Experiences and I left with no more confusion- I mean it's gone. I have awakened to truths and developed a deeper understanding to meanings that unlocked so many doors within myself. I will continue to learn more of Gurujis wisdom and plan on returning to the retreat next year for another class with the Dr! Thank you Deepak for your hospitality and creating such a serene place. I definitely recommend 10 out 10!