The Awakened Journey 7-Day Meditation Retreat

5.006 reviews
Location icon
2610 Adial Road, Faber, VA, USA
Users icon
Up to 35 in group
Date
Mar 8 - 16, 2025

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

THE AWAKENED JOURNEY


A retreat during which we will be celebrating what would have been the 80th birthday of our founder, M. C. Cannon (3/14/1945 to 1/24/2019).

Everyone is welcome to relax into balance, well-being, and awakened presence; immerse yourself in heart-opening and enlightening energies. Sink into deeply renewing meditations, explore our array of Wellbeing Services, enjoy our beautiful woodlands, and spend time in good company.

Sessions include the delightfully brilliant Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda, a long-time friend of our founder MC Cannon, a Yagna (ancient fire ritual) on the full moon in celebration of what would have been MC Cannon's 80th birthday (3/14/25), and a transcendent Indian Classical music concert on the santoor.

Swami Nityananda and friends from Shanti Mandir Ashram will arrive Wednesday afternoon to join us in elevating and expanding the enlightening energies.
Note: Partial attendance for select days is not available.

“Thank you so much for the great hospitality I received during The Awakened Journey Retreat! It was exactly what I needed to restore balance and peace in myself.” - J.R.

   


 

Included in your retreat package:
*Plenty of time to relax and rejuventate.

*A week immersed in the enlightening, empowering, and radiant Sourcefield that is the heart of Sanctuary.

*Comfortable rooms.

*All meals: Enjoy our delicious plant-based meals with animal protein options.

*Daily meditation with Synchronicity High-Tech Meditation soundtracks.

*Daily presentations on different Holistic Lifestyle topics with long-term Sanctuary staff. (Optional)

*Wednesday afternoon Tea with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda followed by three days of programs.

*Yagna, a transcendent ancient fire ritual by Swami Nityananda with Brahmin Priests in honor of MC Cannon on the full moon of 3/14/25.

*Illuminating santoor, classical Indian music, concert by Vinay Desai from the Shanti Mandir Ashram.

*Explore the beautiful early springtime while walking through the forest for exercise or time to commune quietly with nature.

*High-speed WiFi in all buildings.

*One Transcendental Journey empowerment session. The High-Tech Meditation music moves you into a transcendent state of expanded consciousness while aroma generators and light therapy complete a transporting environment. People often share creative inspiration, enlightening insight, deep clearing, and life-changing revelations.

"If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and be at peace and find joy, I highly recommend that you come to this very special space. It’s sacred and it’s beautiful and I can’t recommend it highly enough." - Anele A.

 





What’s not included in your retreat fee:
*Airport transfers. For a list of transfer services and other helpful travel resources, click here: Traveling to The Sanctuary

When should you arrive?
All arrivals should be by 3:30 pm on Sunday, March 9th, as the retreat begins at the 4:00 pm Meet and Greet. You may arrive on Saturday, March 8th, or Sunday March, 9th, and check in anytime after 11:00 am. You also have the option during the registration process to add additional nights (including meals) before Saturday. Guests add days to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Sanctuary.

Additional Wellbeing Services:
*For a full list of additional services to complement your stay, click here: Wellbeing Services

>>CLICK HERE FOR HELPFUL INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
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Swami Nityananda Bio



Gurudev Swami Nityananda was raised from birth in an environment of yoga and meditation. His parents were devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda and Baba Muktananda. He was trained from childhood by Baba, and in 1981, Baba declared that Swami Nityananda would succeed him to carry on the lineage.

Gurudev learned the various yogic practices, including meditation and Sanskrit chanting, and studied the philosophies of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism. In 1987, Swami Nityananda founded Shanti Mandir as a vehicle for continuing his Guru’s work and subsequently established four ashrams. In 1995, at the age of 32, at a traditional ceremony in India, the saints installed him as a Mahamandaleshwar in recognition of his spiritual attainments.

His humility, devotion, patience, and acceptance are palpable, his clear English and his knowledge of the Western culture allow audiences to grasp the traditional Vedic teachings with ease. While carrying the traditional teachings, he makes spirituality a practical part of modern daily reality, guided by the prayer “May all beings be content.”


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Getting Here

Location icon Sanctuary Retreat Center, 2610 Adial Road, Faber, VA, USA

Accommodation

We offer several accommodation styles, from cozy modular cabin rooms to comfortable Lodge rooms. Lay back, relax and allow yourself to restore in the tranquil countryside. High-Speed WiFi is available everywhere. Air Conditioning, everywhere. Cable or satellite TV nowhere. Plenty of clean towels provided.

Modular Cabin Single Twin Bed

Accommodation
Modular cabins are centrally located within walking distance to main program facilities. These on-site rooms are individual single occupancy rooms. Each room is tastefully decorated with a twin bed, plenty of storage, and a comfortable chair and side table for reading or working. Bathrooms are shared. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. Price includes all meals.

Sanctuary Lodge Private with 2 Twin Beds

Accommodation
Bright and comfortably appointed rooms each with two single beds. All have ample storage. Each room has access to a shared bathroom. Most rooms are accessible inside the main building; some have deck access. All rooms have beautiful views of the surrounding forest and countryside. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. The Sanctuary Lodge is located on the property, a short walk through the woods or drive from main program buildings with a large, convenient parking area. Price includes all meals.

Sanctuary Lodge Shared with 2 Twin Beds

Accommodation
Bright and comfortably appointed rooms with two single beds, shared with a same-sex roommate. Each room provides ample storage and access to a shared bathroom. While most rooms are accessible inside the main building, some offer direct deck access. All feature beautiful views of the surrounding forest and countryside. Complimentary high-speed WiFi is included. The Sanctuary Lodge, located on the property, is just a short walk through the woods or a quick drive from the main program buildings. The lodge also offers a spacious, convenient parking area. Pricing: Includes all meals.

Sanctuary Lodge Queen Bed - For 1 Guest

Accommodation
Beautifully appointed room with a comfortable queen bed. Plenty of closet space and dresser storage. All rooms are bright and tastefully decorated, with forest and countryside views. Each room adjoins through a hallway to a large shared bathroom. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. The Sanctuary Lodge is located on the property, a short walk through the woods or drive from main program buildings with a large, convenient parking area. Price includes all meals.

Sanctuary Lodge Queen Bed - For Couples

Accommodation
Beautifully appointed room with a comfortable queen bed. Plenty of closet space and dresser storage. All rooms are bright and tastefully decorated, with forest and countryside views. Each room adjoins through a hallway to a large shared bathroom. Complimentary high-speed WiFi. The Sanctuary Lodge is located on the property, a short walk through the woods or drive from main program buildings with a large, convenient parking area. Price includes all meals.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Sanctuary is a place of peace, joy, and inspiration where you can connect with your inner self. You will feel the palpable energetic vortex of warmth that draws in people from all over. Enjoy the good company of like-minded people on a similar path of naturally expanding consciousness and increasing holistic awareness as you share life experiences.

Meals

Menu

Menu Types

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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So relaxing
I was able to shut my phone off and be in the sanctuary space for a few days and it was so relaxing. Jim made delicious food for every meal. His flourless chocolate torte was heaven. Ben and Julie were very gracious and always checked in when they saw me to see if I needed anything. During the personal retreat there is plenty of alone time. I found a large field and journaled, napped, and read. It was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much

5.0
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Restorative and Insightful
Friendly staff. A place where one doesn't have to always understand what's happening in order to have an experience that is beyond words (including these words).

5.0
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Silent Treat Exceptional
I particularly love silent retreats. The first retreat I ever came to at the Synchronicity Sanctuary was a week-long silent retreat. I was drawn to it because it was silent. And it gave much more than I ever expected. Even though the recent silent retreat was a short one of three days, it packed a powerful punch. I was very aware of feeling even more connected to my fellow participants, to myself, and to Source...in the Silence. I felt connected to everything at a deeper level, at the level of essence. I am most grateful.

5.0
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Excellent personal retreat experience
I really enjoyed my 3 nights at the Sanctuary. I scheduled my stay between organized retreats, and enjoyed the more private atmosphere that resulted. It was nice to have access to group meditation sessions before breakfast and dinner, as well as to use the many lovely spots available for solo meditation, both inside and outside.
The staff was lovely and I was impressed by all the little details of my stay that they got right, including my own personalized schedule waiting on the counter of my cottage. They give you full control over how you spend your time - a completely silent retreat, one filled with group sessions and wellness treatments, or something in between.
The food was excellent, and they even made accommodations for my diet (though I told them beforehand it wasn't necessary). Even the weather didn't seem too bad - despite a hot July, the temperature was rather pleasant under all the trees.

I felt my time at the Sanctuary was very well spent, and it's difficult not to fantasize about going back for another visit soon.

5.0
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Nourishing, blissful, and inspiring
The Sanctuary Retreat Center is a special magical place and I’m deeply grateful for being able to experience it. My Personal Retreat was divine, filled with wonderful surprises and blessings. The entire staff was warm and welcoming as well as fully present and wise. The food was plentiful and delicious. The meditations and wellbeing services were uplifting and healing. The lodging and grounds were beautiful and peaceful. I honestly can’t say enough about it all. My stay felt like being embraced by a big warm loving hug. I left feeling nourished, blissful, and inspired. I’m looking forward to when I can visit this very special place again. - Paula