Spring Detox: Unplugged Meditation and Movement Retreat

Name: Spring Detox: Unplugged Meditation and Movement Retreat
Start: 2025-04-25
End: 2025-04-27
Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Rating: 5

5.0013 reviews

191 Cragsmoor Road Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Up to 25 in group

April 25 - 27, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Intimate setting with personal access to the teachers
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Shamatha and guided meditations
Daily yoga
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with trails through beautiful flora and fauna

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Anna

John

Madalina

Bob

Kati

Anna Winkler

Anna Winkler has been practicing and teaching yoga since 1989, when she certified with the Sivananda Yoga Organization, in both India and Canada. She served as a volunteer staff member there for 6 years, assisting in Yoga Teacher Training courses and modeling for 2 yoga books, among other things. Anna has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 1997 (with Eddie Stern and other authorized teachers), and teaching Ashtanga since 2002. She has been studying and practicing Iyengar Yoga at Studio Yoga in Madison, NJ since 2007, where she received her second 500-hour teaching certificate. Anna teaches an Alignment Based Hatha Yoga class. Her Ashtanga classes are also alignment influenced. Anna has been teaching in the Maplewood, NJ area since 2001, and is the founder and director of Shakti Yoga & living arts (since 2005). Anna is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant.

John Henderson

John Henderson has studied Buddhist philosophy and practiced meditation for nearly 30 years. Since 2003 he has been a senior student of the Dharmakaya Center’s founder, Rimay master Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche. John has applied the teachings in his professional life as a serial entrepreneur, leading both healthcare and real estate businesses, and as a board member of numerous not-for-profit organizations in the Northeast. He has been teaching at the Center since it opened in 2017, offering dozens of programs in person and online, as well as providing individual meditation guidance to our retreatants and our volunteers. COMMENTS FROM FORMER STUDENTS

"John models the attributes that I am always working on developing. Graciousness, patience, compassion. It's one thing to teach it, another to live it."
“John was fantastic. His teaching has changed my life for the better.”
“I absorbed more from John’s teachings than from any other Buddhist materials I’ve seen.”
“I really enjoyed this experience – a weekend I will never forget which may have changed my view on a few things.”
“John’s teachings were excellent. He provided very clear explanations and was generous with his time with answering questions.”
“The balance of teaching/questions, contemplation and meditation practice was optimal. I have a much better understanding of the practice and its relevance in my life.”
“John was wonderful. Full of warmth, wisdom and patience”
“I feel calm and re-energized. I am excited to restart my personal practice and feel inspired to apply a number of new techniques that enrich my daily life.”
“John is an excellent teacher. I really appreciated how he adjusted his planned presentation to accommodate our many questions”

GUIDED MEDITATIONS (please click to link to the meditation)

Madalina Blanton

Madalina Blanton is a Reiki Master Teacher, Family Constellation facilitator and spiritual artist with a practice based in Maplewood NJ. She has been certified as a Reiki Master Teacher and Spiritual Counselor after a 550 hours program at the Open Center in NY, taught by the late Margaret Ann Case. After a successful career as a designer of children's books Madalina decided to dedicate her time to healing practices. Through her personal healing journey, she learned that lasting transformation happens when we bring awareness to all aspects of our being and fully engage our soul energy. She brings gentle care, compassion and deep attention to her clients, blending her knowledge of the visual arts, her passion for energy work, homeopathy and nutrition to help her clients and students reawaken their own source of creativity, expanded energy and ultimately their well-being. www.soultoearthhealing.com

Bob Blanton

Bob Blanton has over 40 years of experience in the martial arts, 25 of which have been dedicated to the study and practice of Tai Chi and QiGong. For over 10 years Bob has devoted his time to a deeper study of the principals and forms of these arts. In addition to teaching private and group classes, he has participated in numerous demonstrations and competitions.

Kati Walker

Kati has been involved with the healing arts for many years. She holds various certifications including Hatha Yoga Instructor, Yoga for Cancer Survivors, Ayurveda, Healing Touch, Reiki, and Sound Healing. She completed her 200 hour Yoga certification in 2009 and continued her certifications with Yoga for Scoliosis, Principles of Restorative Yoga and Cancer Survivor Teacher Training. As her practice has developed, her appreciation has grown for the subtler qualities of yoga, including the spiritual aspects and stress management. Kati met Master Teacher Suren Shreshta in 2007 and advanced her knowledge of sound healing. She is currently one of the Certified Teachers of the Atma Buti Sound and Vibrational School in Boulder, Co. The Tibetan Singing Bowls are an ancient art used in our current culture to support physical and mental relaxation. Kati has a successful practice in New Jersey and is honored to continue this Ancient Modality. www.katiwalker.com

Details of this retreat

A DHARMAKAYA CENTER RETREAT
Disconnect from your devices and reconnect with nature, the present moment, and your inner being. Five teachers guide you through a range of powerful practices—including shamata, yoga, walking meditation, guided compassion meditation, personal outdoor meditation, reiki, qi gong, and singing bowls. You will find yourself refreshed, recharged, and reconnected to yourself.
"This is my favorite program of the year. I leave completely re-energized."
"Each of the teachers were exceptional, accommodating, and extremely knowledgeable. Each one gave something precious to take home & carry with me—this weekend was such a gift."
BRING A FRIEND DISCOUNT: Do you know someone who would like this program, but hasn't been to the Center? Bring them, and you both get a 10% discount on your entire program package. For the discount to apply, there must be two reservations, at least one of whom has not taken a Dharmakaya Center class previously. At checkout, apply the Discount Code: BringAFriend. May not be combined with the Early Bird discount.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE: We are pleased to be able to offer partial scholarships for this program. Please apply here.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
During this restorative weekend you will engage in six distinctive, accessible meditation and yoga practices and their philosophical underpinnings. These practices each help build the resilience, openness and stability with which to move through daily life. The weekend includes teachings, discussion and practice, allowing us to explore how each form of meditation is helpful and how they complement each other.

Stillness Meditation: Linked to serenity, stillness meditation is designed to quiet an active mind by focusing on the breath, concentrating on a single topic, or practicing a centering meditation that helps release painful emotions and negative thought patterns.
Walking Meditation: In essence, walking meditation is an examination of time; we will use it to help root our awareness in the present moment.
The Three Moment MethodTM: An accessible meditation technique for everyday use developed by Trungram Gyalwa Rinpoche.
Qigong: Using Hunyuan Qigong as a starting point, we will explore the use of mind-intent in the development, nurturing, gathering, moving and storing of Qi. We will also practice Zhanzhuang Gong, still standing meditation.
Reiki: Exploring meditative practices from the tradition of the Reiki System of Natural Healing, we will do a series of centering practices and breathing exercises to increase energy awareness and energy flow.
Tibetan Singing Bowls: Sound and vibration with Singing Bowls can be used to achieve deep relaxation, reduce stress and create a healthy flow of energy through the physical and etheric body.
Yoga: We will practice mindful movement, coordinated with the breath, followed by guided relaxation, in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of body and mind, and enjoy a deep sense of well-being.

Together these practices provide a strong mind-body foundation to help transform daily living.

When not in class, relax in the Center’s beautiful, tranquil environment. Enjoy the view from the patio, explore our woods trails, walk the labyrinth, curl up with a book in the library or contemplate the stars while sitting by the fire pit.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Shamatha and guided meditations
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful flora and fauna
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat

OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program. It is appropriate for meditators at all levels and the mindful movement can be completed at your own skill level.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Friday, April 25

3:00 PM
Check in begins

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:30-9:00 PM
Welcome and Introduction

Gentle Guided Yoga

Saturday, April 26

7:00-8:00 AM
Morning Yoga

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30-10:30 AM
QiGong

10:30-11:00 AM
Free time

11:00 AM-12:00 PM
Meditation

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00-2:30 PM
Free time

2:30-3:30 PM
Reiki

3:30-4:00 PM
Free time

4:00-5:00 PM
Walking Meditation

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:30-8:45 PM
Tibetan Singing Bowls

Sunday, April 27

7:00-8:00 AM
Morning Yoga

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:30-10:30 AM
Walking Meditation

10:30-11:00 AM
Free time

11:00-11:30 AM
Meditation and Reflection

11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Q&A

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure Read More

Schedule

7:00-8:00 AM - Morning Yoga
8:00-9:00 AM - Breakfast
9:30-10:15 AM - Meditation
10:15-11:00 AM - Free time
11:00 AM-12:00 PM - QiGong
12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch
1:00-2:30 PM - Free time
2:30-3:30 PM - Reiki
3:30-4:00 PM - Free time
4:00-5:00 PM - Meditation
6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner
8:00-9:15 PM - Tibetan Singing Bowls

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, 191 Cragsmoor Road Cragsmoor, New York 12566

Directions

CAR. You will find a link for driving directions on our website. The parking lot is immediately to your left when you enter the Center grounds. You may drive up and drop your luggage at the Welcome Center, but may not leave your car unattended there; someone will be happy to shuttle you back down to the parking lot.

TRAIN. From Newark, La Guardia and Penn Station, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, New York, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

BUS. From New York City, you can take the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, New York, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

PLANE. Newark, La Guardia and Stewart Airports all offer convenient services. From Newark or LaGuardia you can complete your trip by train; from Stewart you may rent a car or take a taxi service. Read More

Accommodation

Our two residence halls offer a simple, peaceful environment that supports your retreat experience, with rooms for those on both personal and solitary retreats. Each room has a meditation cushion and zabuton. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner with the resident community, as well as towels and housekeeping. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation and other activities (although separate tickets are required for all ticketed events). • Our junior suites have a double bed, private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. • Our private rooms have a double bed and room for private meditation, with a shared bath. Rooms may be shared by those in a committed relationship.

Commuter

Our Commuter Fee covers the costs of all meals during your retreat and the use of all our facilities. Read More

Private Room: Single

This comfortable room has a double bed and ample room for meditation. It is outfitted with a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object; it shares a bath with one or two other rooms. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room rate includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day; in addition, there is a tea station on every hall. Read More

Private Room: Couple

This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall. Read More

Junior Suite: Single

These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station. Read More

Junior Suite: Couple

This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Read More

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

Perched atop a wooded hillside in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is surrounded by 90 acres of forest. The Center opened in 2017 and was purpose built to support retreats. With only 20 bedrooms, our retreats are small, keeping the retreat experience intimate. People regularly comment both on the cleanliness of the buildings and on the total sense of peace that envelopes you when on campus. Read More

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Ancient wisdom describes food as a source of prana, or life force. The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing was founded on the premise that nourishing food is integral to wellbeing. Our chefs are passionate about creating meals that are both flavorful and healthy. We use the freshest, most nutritious, least processed foods available; when possible our ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. To promote good health, we serve delicious, varied, nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. All our meals are served on a buffet, with ingredients listed next to each dish, enabling guests to avoid dairy, as well as glutens, nuts and other allergens. Read More

What's Included

During this restorative weekend you will engage in six distinctive, accessible meditation and yoga practices and their philosophical underpinnings. These practices each help build the resilience, openness and stability with which to move through daily life. The weekend includes teachings, discussion and practice, allowing us to explore how each form of meditation is helpful and how they complement each other.
Stillness Meditation: Linked to serenity, stillness meditation is designed to quiet an active mind by focusing on the breath, concentrating on a single topic, or practicing a centering meditation that helps release painful emotions and negative thought patterns.
Walking Meditation: In essence, walking meditation is an examination of time; we will use it to help root our awareness in the present moment.
Qigong: Using Hunyuan Qigong as a starting point, we will explore the use of mind-intent in the development, nurturing, gathering, moving and storing of Qi. We will also practice Zhanzhuang Gong, still standing meditation.
Reiki: Exploring meditative practices from the tradition of the Reiki System of Natural Healing, we will do a series of centering practices and breathing exercises to increase energy awareness and energy flow.
Tibetan Singing Bowls: Sound and vibration with Singing Bowls can be used to achieve deep relaxation, reduce stress and create a healthy flow of energy through the physical and etheric body.
Yoga: We will practice mindful movement, coordinated with the breath, followed by guided relaxation, in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of body and mind, and enjoy a deep sense of well-being.
Together these practices provide a strong mind-body foundation to help transform daily living.
When not in class, relax in the Center’s beautiful, tranquil environment. Enjoy the view from the patio or a nearby hike, curl up with a book in the library or contemplate the stars while sitting by the fire pit.

What's Not Included

Airfare
Transport

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Catherine • Dec 14, 2024

5.0

Verified

thanhgiving retreat

hello

My retreat was great met alot of interesting people from everywhere as far as Brazil and China most people were from New Jersey. The food was great. I was in the yoga class on a chair and then decided I wanted to sit on the mat i miss and landed on the floor. There was so many people that just jumped out to help me. The place is very peaceful it feels like one big family. Catherine Asaro Read More

Laura • Feb 01, 2023

5.0

Verified

Peace in a comfortable environment

From the moment I arrived I was impressed with how peaceful and immaculate the entire facility is. The rooms had exactly what I needed with a comfortable bed and pillows, meditation table and cushions, and a desk. Towels were provided as well. Vegetarian meals were delicious. I was able to immerse myself in the silent meditation retreat and focus on deepening my practice. This is a perfect place for me and I’m already planning my next retreat. Read More

Anonymous • May 18, 2022

5.0

Verified

Beautiful spot

Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities. Read More

YELENA • Nov 10, 2021

5.0

Verified

Amazing place Amazing experience

If you are looking for a place to unwind and grow spiritually while eating the best food this place is for you. Brand-new beautiful facility, super friendly stuff and relaxing atmosphere - I don’t know the better way to spend a weekend. I enjoyed my stay and I’m coming back! Read More

Debra • Sep 03, 2021

5.0

Verified

fantastic experience

I was in a wonderful art work shop and it was amazing. Accommodations where beautiful. Food was delicious and fantastic.
Beautiful grounds lovely walking experience. . The staff was delightful. Read More

Spring Detox: Unplugged Meditation and Movement Retreat

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Anna Winkler

John Henderson

Madalina Blanton

Bob Blanton

Kati Walker

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions