Kristin aims to be "In Service of Life." Devoted to the process of transformation, she loves being a guide for anyone on the path of enriching, healing, or deepening the mind-body experience.
Her teachings are infused with a deeper knowledge and mindfulness born of her decades of devotion to the lifestyle and study of Yoga, Natural Movement, Biomechanics, and Vipassana. meditation.
She is the Program Coordinator for VSHR, an E-RYT 200/RYT 500 registered instructor with Yoga Alliance, a certified Yoga Therapist with the IAYT, and a Restorative Exercise Specialist in Katy Bowmans “Nutritious Movement” program.
Details of this retreat
A Heart Opening and Embodiment Retreat
Our retreat is designed for those seeking to re-connect with or deepen the connection to themselves while awakening to the language of their body’s life-force. From the moment you arrive you will begin a process of de-stressing by placing your feet on the earth, becoming aware of the wind on your body, the sun on your face and the song of the river and birds in your ears. Each moment is intentional and curated to harness the emotional healing balm that is the true experience of the moment. Your choice to take a pause in this pristine nature and to join this thoughtful program will have a soothing effect lasting far beyond the weekend. Expertly crafted workshops will enrich your journey as you are guided into emotional healing and embodiment through experiential learning. You are introduced to both ancient Yogic Sciences as well as Modern Scientific breakthroughs that will deepen your understanding of how to co-create the empowered and heart centered life you are seeking here on our beautiful Earth.
Enjoy 240 Acres of Oak Woodlands, Silence in the Seqouia’s and Bare Feet in the Rivers: Let nature bring you into Embodiment!
Our Heart’s electromagnetic energy field is more expansive than even the human brain. This field naturally radiates six feet beyond our physical body and has the capacity to influence the fields around us, including those of other humans. The Heart has a very special and significant influence on the body and mind, down to the cellular level. Modern science has proven a powerful link between the neurons of the heart and mind that is life changing. In this retreat, you will Dive Deep into the Science of the Heart and Experience practices to awaken you to your ability to emotionally heal, influence and shift your state of being. Embodiment is key to balance and health. We will learn many tools for this aim. This will not only increase your electromagnetic field of good vibes but also awaken you to the language of your body’s life force.
Re-Calibrating the Heart and Emotional Healing through:
A 3 hour “Heart Opening through Embodiment” Workshop: We hear a lot about “Heart Opening” in Yoga and Wellness circles and a lot of it can feel ephemeral. This workshop aims to take this important subject into an experience that might be more lasting. We will share new scientific discoveries and understandings of our Heart and its Field. Within this we will enjoy refinement around a wonderful breathing technique that you will receive prior to arrival. We will discuss the heart, as we ponder what it means to each of us and share with one another to allow our own hearts to soften. Introducing physical Bio-Mechanics will help us to consider and learn about the postural, as well as emotional, expressions of our-selves that help the “heart space” to literally cave or shut down as we age. And alas we will learn movements that create strength, both physically and emotionally to practically learn to keep our physical and subtle hearts more “Open”.
A 3 hour “Journey through the Koshas” Workshop: This is an energetic process where you experientially learn about these 5 Koshas, or 5 states of our Being, from the ancient yogic sciences. This workshop is incredibly informative and relaxing as it combines restorative yoga, various self-massage techniques to rejuvenate the body down to the cellular level, as well as Yoga Nidra and Sound Therapy to go into the most subtle experience of ourselves.
A Fire Ceremony to release into the collective cauldron of this time, and time passed, what you are ready to shed from your personal life.
A Moon Water ceremony to connect to new excited layers of this vital element and imbibe and bring in new nourishment that you can do anytime in your daily life.
3 Gazing Exercises: Tratak/Fire Gazing, Full Moon Gazing and Soul Gazing
Sound Therapy & Yoga Nidra
A Forest Bathing Excursion – Combining Mindful Natural Movement, tea or cacao ceremony and a gazing activity to learn how to see and be seen.
Agni: Agni represents the great transformer, the Fire Element. Watch yourself fall into a cacoon of slumber in one of our three Twin XL beds with Tempur-Pedic mattress, fresh 1000 count cotton sheets and Rajasthani Cotton Quilts. Awaken a totally metamorphosed butterfly. This beautiful room has an attached Bathroom with a bidet and a private entrance/exit onto a wraparound porch facing the mountain.
*Agni has a heavy cast iron bathtub which we are not able to use due to drought.
Akash Shared room Twin XL
Akash: Akash represents the vastness of Space, the element of Ether. Akash opens out to the mountains and the Starry night sky. Allow your consciousness to expand into the vastness of space as you sleep soundly in one of two custom Full sized Bunk Beds. Enjoy a Tempur-Pedic Mattress with 1000 count Bamboo Viscose sheets and Rajasthani Cotton Quilts. This Celestial room has an attached Bathroom with a bidet and a private entrance/exit facing the mountains.
Bhumi Queen Bedroom
Bhumi: Bhumi represents the Earth Element. As you fall asleep within the womb of our retreat center, you will find yourself feeling held and grounded. Cozy into your Queen Tempur-Pedic mattress with 600 count cotton sheets and a Rajasthani Cotton Quilt. This room has a private detached Bathroom, across the hall, with a bidet. There is a private entrance/exit onto a wraparound porch facing the mountain.
Forest Sage King Shared Bathroom
The Forest Sage:
Tucked away in an Oakwood nook is the green tranquility of the Forest Sage. This custom designed two-bedroom container home is a chance to sleep totally off grid in nature and a cozy King bed. You get a little more daily exercise as you journey a few minutes’ walk from the main retreat house. The King Bedroom boast a gorgeous, picturesque window that is an ever-evolving art piece. Open your windows and listen to the lullaby of nature’s symphony as you drift into a deep sleep. *This unit has a shared bathroom and AC units in each room.
Forest Sage Queen Shared Bathroom
The Forest Sage: Tucked away in an Oakwood nook is the green tranquility of the Forest Sage. This custom designed two-bedroom container home is a chance to sleep totally off grid in the luxury of nature and a cozy queen bed. You get a little more daily exercise as you journey a few minutes’ walk from the main retreat house. The Queen Bedroom will hold you in a soft peace as you sleep. It has a private porch with sliding glass doors to enjoy the Spring through Fall weather.
Open your windows and listen to the lullaby of nature’s symphony as you drift into a deep sleep. *This unit has a shared bathroom and AC units in each room.
Jal King Bedroom
Jal: Jal represents the Purest form of the Water Element. Consider yourself bathing in luxury when in this King Bedroom. Jal is aesthetically pleasurable with its Tempur-Pedic Mattress, 600 count cotton bed sheets, a Rajasthani Cotton Quilt and an attached Bathroom with a bidet. She opens to a wraparound porch and welcomes sounds from nature and the nearby river.
*This room has a heavy cast iron bathtub which we are currently cannot use due water shortage in California.
Lotus Pad King Tiny Home
Lotus Pad is a beautiful stand alone Tiny Home with a beautiful attached bathroom and views of the mountain.
Vayu with 2 TwinXL bedroom
Vayu: Vayu represents the Element of Wind which governs all forces of movement in the Universe. Allow yourself to be swept away into a dreamy and deep night sleep in one of our two Twin XL beds with Tempur-Pedic mattress, fresh 1000 count cotton sheets and beautiful Rajasthani Cotton Quilts. This room has an attached Bathroom with a bidet and a private entrance/exit onto a wraparound porch facing the mountain.
*Vayu can be converted into a King Bedroom for an extra fee (please inquire).
White Glamping Tent Twin XL
Glamping Tents: Each one of our Glamping Tents sit up on the mountain behind the main retreat house. Set upon a ten-foot perch, our glamping promises that “Eagles View” of the sincere spiritual seeker. Sleep among the oaks listening to the wildlife and nearby creek. Let the sun awaken you to the birds as they dance through the trees. Our smaller tents have has 2 Twin XL Beds and our larger has 3 twin XL beds. All tents have a private porch, are generously spacious and have comfortable beds, linens, and blankets. There is a shared bathroom block with 2 indoor flush toilets, 1 indoor shower and an outdoor sink. *You can rent a tent as a private. Contact us to discuss. Glamping is seasonal.
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
Customer Reviews
5.00 out of 5.0 average rating
5.0
Verified
Try this Retreat
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.
5.0
Verified
Truly Amazing Experience
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 Vedanta. 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!
5.0
Verified
An amazing place to change your life, gently and sustainably
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.
5.0
Verified
Authentic Experience
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.
5.0
Verified
Transformational
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!
Select your options
Available Dates
December 13 - 16, 2024
Select a Room
Agni Shared Twin XL
$1,400.00
Agni: Agni represents the great transformer, the Fire Element. Watch yourself fall into a cacoon of slumber in one of our three Twin XL beds with Tempur-Pedic mattress, fresh 1000 count cotton sheets and Rajasthani Cotton Quilts. Awaken a totally metamorphosed butterfly. This beautiful room has an attached Bathroom with a bidet and a private entrance/exit onto a wraparound porch facing the mountain.
*Agni has a heavy cast iron bathtub which we are not able to use due to drought.
Akash Shared room Twin XL
$1,400.00
Akash: Akash represents the vastness of Space, the element of Ether. Akash opens out to the mountains and the Starry night sky. Allow your consciousness to expand into the vastness of space as you sleep soundly in one of two custom Full sized Bunk Beds. Enjoy a Tempur-Pedic Mattress with 1000 count Bamboo Viscose sheets and Rajasthani Cotton Quilts. This Celestial room has an attached Bathroom with a bidet and a private entrance/exit facing the mountains.
Bhumi Queen Bedroom
$1,700.00
Bhumi: Bhumi represents the Earth Element. As you fall asleep within the womb of our retreat center, you will find yourself feeling held and grounded. Cozy into your Queen Tempur-Pedic mattress with 600 count cotton sheets and a Rajasthani Cotton Quilt. This room has a private detached Bathroom, across the hall, with a bidet. There is a private entrance/exit onto a wraparound porch facing the mountain.
Forest Sage King Shared Bathroom
$1,749.98
The Forest Sage:
Tucked away in an Oakwood nook is the green tranquility of the Forest Sage. This custom designed two-bedroom container home is a chance to sleep totally off grid in nature and a cozy King bed. You get a little more daily exercise as you journey a few minutes’ walk from the main retreat house. The King Bedroom boast a gorgeous, picturesque window that is an ever-evolving art piece. Open your windows and listen to the lullaby of nature’s symphony as you drift into a deep sleep. *This unit has a shared bathroom and AC units in each room.
Forest Sage Queen Shared Bathroom
$1,649.99
The Forest Sage: Tucked away in an Oakwood nook is the green tranquility of the Forest Sage. This custom designed two-bedroom container home is a chance to sleep totally off grid in the luxury of nature and a cozy queen bed. You get a little more daily exercise as you journey a few minutes’ walk from the main retreat house. The Queen Bedroom will hold you in a soft peace as you sleep. It has a private porch with sliding glass doors to enjoy the Spring through Fall weather.
Open your windows and listen to the lullaby of nature’s symphony as you drift into a deep sleep. *This unit has a shared bathroom and AC units in each room.
Jal King Bedroom
$1,799.99
Jal: Jal represents the Purest form of the Water Element. Consider yourself bathing in luxury when in this King Bedroom. Jal is aesthetically pleasurable with its Tempur-Pedic Mattress, 600 count cotton bed sheets, a Rajasthani Cotton Quilt and an attached Bathroom with a bidet. She opens to a wraparound porch and welcomes sounds from nature and the nearby river.
*This room has a heavy cast iron bathtub which we are currently cannot use due water shortage in California.
Lotus Pad King Tiny Home
$1,899.98
Lotus Pad is a beautiful stand alone Tiny Home with a beautiful attached bathroom and views of the mountain.
Vayu with 2 TwinXL bedroom
$1,799.99
Vayu: Vayu represents the Element of Wind which governs all forces of movement in the Universe. Allow yourself to be swept away into a dreamy and deep night sleep in one of our two Twin XL beds with Tempur-Pedic mattress, fresh 1000 count cotton sheets and beautiful Rajasthani Cotton Quilts. This room has an attached Bathroom with a bidet and a private entrance/exit onto a wraparound porch facing the mountain.
*Vayu can be converted into a King Bedroom for an extra fee (please inquire).
White Glamping Tent Twin XL
$1,400.00
Glamping Tents: Each one of our Glamping Tents sit up on the mountain behind the main retreat house. Set upon a ten-foot perch, our glamping promises that “Eagles View” of the sincere spiritual seeker. Sleep among the oaks listening to the wildlife and nearby creek. Let the sun awaken you to the birds as they dance through the trees. Our smaller tents have has 2 Twin XL Beds and our larger has 3 twin XL beds. All tents have a private porch, are generously spacious and have comfortable beds, linens, and blankets. There is a shared bathroom block with 2 indoor flush toilets, 1 indoor shower and an outdoor sink. *You can rent a tent as a private. Contact us to discuss. Glamping is seasonal.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
The event is 100% refundable for cancellation 60+ days before the event start date. The event is 50% refundable if cancelled 30-59 days before the start date.