Moving Wisely: A Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat

Join Mary Beth Ray, a Bay Area yoga therapist in the Viniyoga tradition, for a weekend of mindful movement, breath awareness, and the spaciousness to simply be.

This retreat is for you if you are navigating the natural changes that come with a maturing body, returning to practice after time away, or simply ready to step away from urgency and enter a weekend of spaciousness, steadiness, and ease. This is your invitation to pay closer attention to how you move, how you breathe, how you recover, and what your body is telling you.

You will be guided through therapeutic yoga practices: gentle, mindful movements that follow the rhythm of inhale, pause, exhale, pause. As you settle into the breath, effort softens, patterns of tension release, and lightness and fluidity emerge. With time to connect with each other and to spend time on your own, this breath-centered retreat offers the spaciousness to slow down and simply be. You will leave with a deeper relationship with yourself, a clearer sense of what it means to move wisely in your own body, and a resilience that carries well beyond the mat.

Schedule (Subject to change):

FRIDAY


3:00pm Check-in
4:30-5:15pm Welcome - Stretch and Inhale
5:30-6:15pm Dinner
7:00-8:00pm Opening Circle - Restore and Exhale

SATURDAY


7:30-8:00am Guided Meditation (optional)
8:00-8:45am Breakfast
10:00am-12:00pm Breath-Centered Yoga Practice
12:15-1:00pm Lunch
1:00-5:30pm  Free time to hike, get a massage, rest, or take part in adventures in the area
5:30-6:15pm Dinner
7:00pm Reflection & Connection Circle

SUNDAY


8:00-9:45am Practice & Closing Circle
10:00am Brunch
12:00pm Checkout

Read reviews from MaryBeth's last retreat:

"Mary Beth found an amazing place (Ratna Ling Retreat Center) to have her yoga retreat that complemented the specialness of her teaching. Through skillful and well-articulated prompts, we were invited to get into poses, or 'shapes,' as she calls it, that follows the breath to open up to the expansion of inner space. I found myself letting go of my usual patterns of tension in my neck and shoulders and possible unconscious stress. It left me with a wonderful feeling of lightness and ease in my body. I felt I had given myself a gift of attention and love...no rush, no agenda, just being with my breath and the shapes. I had some temporary injuries that Mary Beth took special care to offer alternatives. There was always time for question & comments, and I found it helpful to hear what others had to say in addition to my own questions, and the gentle, yet instructive responses from Mary Beth. I have come to know that a skillful teacher makes things seem effortless and engaging, and she accomplished that. As an added bonus, she also fostered a class of strangers to feel a warm sense of community throughout the retreat. Well done Marry Beth, thank you so much!"

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"It was my first time to this amazing retreat center, to say I was impressed is an understatement. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the cabin spaces were beautiful and roomy with a balcony overlooking the redwoods. The space where the yoga retreat was held was gorgeous, light-filled and set the tone for the excellent yoga retreat that was held there. The meals provided was over-the-top great—healthy, vegetarian and mouth-watering, and the grounds were perfect for wandering around through redwoods, gardens and Tibetan spiritual structures and flags. The feeling of welcoming and generosity abounded. Truly, a gem of a place and one that I will return to again. I left filled with gratitude."



For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins



ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace,
spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. Towels and hand soap are provided.
vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

What people are saying about our retreats:



“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings - everything was so peaceful and nurturing.”
“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”
“Wonderful teacher and participants. Gentle, nourishing, supportive community."


“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.”
“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”
“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious."