New Year's Silent Retreat: Transform Yourself, Transform the World

"Whatever change we want to happen outside should happen within."
— Swami Satchidananda
Ready to welcome the new year with intention, peace, and self-discovery? Start your journey inward at our Silent Retreat, held at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a haven for reflection, renewal, and healing.

This annual retreat is designed for those seeking to escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Through the powerful practices of mouna (silence), yoga, and meditation, you will rediscover your inherent nature of peace and joy in a peaceful oasis. Swami Satchidananda taught that inner transformation is the key to outer change. When we nurture peace and happiness within, we naturally radiate positivity to the world around us. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and mindfulness.
What awaits you:

Healing Silence: Discover the power of quietude for deep personal insight and lasting serenity.
Guided Practices: Experience yoga philosophy, meditation, breathwork, postures, and relaxation led by experienced instructors.
Support & Connection: Reach out with written questions, or opt for private mentoring, so your journey is always supported.
Open to All: Whether you’re new or experienced in yoga and meditation, everyone is welcome.

Take a break from daily demands and reconnect with your inner joy. Leave feeling restored, inspired, and equipped with simple tools for lasting happiness and well-being.
Testimonials
Ahh. All the Yoga, food, good thinking, time walking, tea, chanting, and meditating were so restorative. The staff was always joyfully caring for my needs without me even asking—especially in the dining hall and Yoga classes. — Abbey Camel
Silence—so refreshing! Environment—so uplifting! Community—So inspiring! — Betty McGonagle
I needed to reset physically, mentally, and spiritually. I needed my world just to stop so I could rest and regain inspiration and well-being. I received what I sought! A beautiful experience of silence and support. I have never felt so optimistic about a new year! Each of the Yogaville staff is a gift to each of us, retreatants. Thank you. — Sheila Sheppard 
I’m so impressed by the warmth, love, commitment to detail, and making everything as perfect as possible. You have high standards for yourselves and your program, but you are so flexible and loving at the same time. — Kathryn Biegman
Beautiful and restorative experience. I was able to reset, rest and access an important part of myself. I feel deeply nourished and ready to reintegrate back into my homelife. — Claire Pallandre



View Daily Ashram Schedule →





MONDAY




5–6:30
Integral Yoga Hatha – Mixed Level with Sridevi



Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2 with Saci


5–5:45
Yoga Nidra with Atman F.


6–6:30
Meditation


7:30-8
Orientation


8–8:30
Journey into Silence with Avi


8:30–9
Cello with Tanya Anisimova




TUESDAY




5-6:15 am
Integral Yoga Meditation


6:15-6:45
Introduction to Meditation with Seated Posture with Ranjani


6-6:45
Integral Yoga Meditation with Vani / Saci


7-8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1 with Matt



Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2 with Vyasa



Integral Yoga Hatha- Gentle/Chair with Achala


10–11:30
Pranayama for Health and Happiness with Satya


11:45
Vans to LOTUS for noon meditation


2:15-2:45
Talk on Karma Yoga with Mataji


3–4:30 pm
Karma Yoga


5–6:30
Integral Yoga Hatha – Mixed Level with Carter



Restorative Yoga with Satya



Inversion Workshop with Snehan


7:30–8:30
Kirtan, Deep Relaxation, and Group Meditation




WEDNESDAY




5-6:15 am
Integral Yoga Meditation


6:15-6:45
Guided Meditation with Ranjani


6-6:45
Integral Yoga Meditation Saci/Vani


7-8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1 with Ranjani



Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2 with Mitra



Joint Freeing Series with Hope Mell


10–11:30
Q&A with Rev Paraman


11:45
Vans to LOTUS for noon meditation (Kailash puja??)


3–4:30 pm
Raja Yoga with Swami Karunananda


5–6:30
Integral Yoga Hatha – Mixed Level with Vyasa



Restorative Yoga with Sridevi



Relax and Breathe; Pranayama with Satya



NEW YEAR’S EVE PROGRAM


9–11
Kirtan, Video, Speaker, Fire Ceremony


11:10
Vans to LOTUS


11:20-12
Cello with Tanya and Midnight Meditation




THURSDAY




5-6:15 am
Integral Yoga Meditation


6:15-6:45
Guided Meditation with Rev Lakshmi (m)


6-6:45
Integral Yoga Meditation with Linda/?


7:30 am
Transportation for 8am puja


7-8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1 with Rev Surya



Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2 with Snehan


10–11:30
Kirtan followed by Walk for Peace


12 pm
Group Meditation


12-12:45
Laugha Yoga with Bharata


3–4:30
Raja Yoga with Swami Karunananda


5–6:30
Somatic Movement and Dance Experience with Saci



Integral Yoga Hatha – Mixed Level with Carter??



Relax and Breathe; Pranayama with Satya


7:30–9
Chants and Meditation for World Peace




FRIDAY




5-6:15 am
Integral Yoga Meditation


6:15-6:45
Guided Meditation with Rev Lakshmi (m) / Linda


6-6:45
Integral Yoga Meditation with Jivana??


7-8:30 am
Neuro-Yoga Hatha Class – Dr. Mala Cunningham
(Hatha and other practices to reset your Vagus Nerve)



Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1 with Jivana?



Integral Yoga Hatha – Chair Yoga with Sridevi


10-10:45
Kirtan and Taking it Home with Avi


10:45–11:30
Sharing Circle and Evaluations