Cameron's Staff Pick iconCameron's Staff Pick

The Life-Force Academy Immersion

Location icon
375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States
Date
October 7 - 11, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Awaken Your Life-Force This Winter Solstice

Step into the stillness of winter and ignite the fire within. Join Jai Dev Singh and the Life-Force Academy this Winter Solstice for an immersive four-day retreat at the majestic Menla Mountain Retreat in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York.

As the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky, we’ll gather in sacred community to honor the turning of the season—a powerful time for renewal, clarity, and vision.

Over these four transformative days, you’ll be guided through:

Elevating yogic practices that infuse your body and mind with vitality, strength, and life-force
Heart-opening meditations to align you with your soul’s true rhythm and purpose
Potent Dharma teachings to illuminate your path and awaken inner wisdom

All set amidst the serene beauty of Menla, known as the "garden of the Medicine Buddha"—a sanctuary of deep healing and one of the great homes of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

Jai Dev will be joined by two extraordinary guests: the soul-stirring, etheric vocals of Simrit, and the profound, inimitable wisdom of Bob Thurman—one of the leading voices of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

The impact of an experience like this extends far beyond the retreat itself. It’s a reset at the deepest level—an energetic renewal that will carry you into the new year with clarity, confidence, and momentum.

You’ll be surrounded by inspiring people from around the world—practitioners and seekers who, like you, are ready to live with greater purpose and authenticity. Together, we’ll dive into the heart of these sacred teachings and awaken the powerful current that flows through each of us.

This is more than a retreat. It’s a rite of passage into the next chapter of your life.

NOTE TO LFA MEMBERS & COURSE OWNERS: Email support@jaidevsingh.com to receive your $650 per-person discount.












Schedule


Wednesday, October 7

3 - 6 pm Check-in and Registration
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7 pm Evening Program

Thursday, October 8 - Saturday, October 10

4:30 - 7 am (Optional) Sunrise Sadhana: Early Morning Yoga & Meditation
7 - 8 am (Optional) Kundalini Yoga Basics
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 1 pm Morning Session
1 - 2 pm Lunch
2 - 4 pm Free Time
4 - 6 pm Afternoon Session
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Evening Program




Sunday, October 11




4:30 -  6:30 am (Optional) Sunrise Sadhana: Early Morning Yoga & Meditation
7 - 8 am (Optional) Kundalini Yoga Basics
7-11 am Check-out of Rooms
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9 am - 12:30 pm Morning Session

Final Class Ends at 12:30 pm


12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch and Departure

* Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.

Getting Here

Location icon Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

Accommodation

Deluxe King

Accommodation
Deluxe King Room with King Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This Space is not ADA compliant. Deluxe King Rooms are Available only in Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Queen

Accommodation
Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Standard Single - Shared Bath

Accommodation
Menla Private Queen Room with Queen Bed and Shared Bathroom Public Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available This lodging type is not ADA Compliant Private Queen Rooms with Shared Bathroom are Available in Thimpu House, Panther Cottage and Potala House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Standard Double Full - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Standard Double Twin - Shared bath (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Deluxe Double Room with Two Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning This lodging type is not ADA Compliant. Please note that due to the stairs we recommend that guests with mobility issues book other accommodations. Deluxe Double Rooms with Shared Bathrooms are Located in Thimphu * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Accommodation
Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Accommodation
Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Economy Quad - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Accommodation
Standard Quad Room with Quad Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom Accommodations Fee Includes All Meals. High speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a quad shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others.

Customer Reviews

4.79 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Invigorating experience
Equinox Embodied was an amazing retreat. The yoga and Pilates classes were well executed and the yoga nidra and sound baths were so relaxing . The retreat was filled with thoughtful surprises and close attention to details. The magic of Menla enhanced the experience. I went home feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. Thank you Kim and Whitney!

5.0
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Beautiful Retreat
Menla’s grounds are truly special, tucked into the gorgeous Catskill mountains, you truly cannot beat the location. There is a pond, a creek, hiking trails and multiple places to explore. I felt such peace joining this retreat between the beautiful itinerary and the space it was held. Highly recommend a retreat at Menla.

4.0
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Equinox embodied retreat
I loved my time at menla while attending my retreat. The space is so beautiful and all of the staff is so kind. I also really enjoyed the spa where I was able to get a massage. My room was beautiful as well. I would love to come and stay here again.

5.0
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Beautiful and Sacred Visit
The architecture of Kevin Courtney's teachings and the structure of his fellow teachers' offerings was truly brilliant and got us into a place where, by the end, you are as tapped in as you can possibly be.

The beauty and sacredness of the land on which Menla is sits is very much a part of the experience and deeply woven into the fabric.

The grounds, lodging, staff, and delicious meals were all exquisite as well. We felt cared for and held in every way.

5.0
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Absolutely Perfect!
I adore Menla Retreat Center. This is my second time attending a retreat at Menla. The land is so peaceful and serene. The staff is lovely, the spa is beautiful, and the food is really good. I truly enjoyed my time here and will visit again!

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