Overview
We are pleased to announce Mindful Harlem’s retreat! This retreat is dedicated to exploring nature, body movement, silence, and community. Mindfulness is a gate to investigate how the mind creates the abyss between what is and what we want. We don’t only ask, how is the mind created? we also inquire about how the body realizes our understandings. These seasonal retreats are created to find a place in nature to ponder, relax and tap into true wellbeing. The retreat will include:
- Nature Trails to take in the beauty and tranquility of winter
- Group walking and sitting meditation
- Deep inquiry among friends and like-minded practitioners
- Service – small daily work tasks that serve the group
- Rest and integration with Yin Yoga postures
Yin Yoga is still, deep, and quiet. Rather than moving quickly through poses, Yin Yoga consists of holding a few postures for a longer period of time. A major benefit is a myofascial release – reaching the deeper, denser, more hidden connective tissue. In doing so, it is a powerful form of meditation that contemplates the mind/body connection and activity vs. passivity.
Accommodations
We will stay in a private residence. Thus, rooms will be shared – part of the retreat will be getting cozy and making new friends. We will observe silence as much as possible in sleeping areas, and save socializing for the living room and dining areas.
If you want a private room, there are two available and the cost is $900 per room for the three-day retreat.
Transportation
Travel time is roughly 2.0 hours. We can depart from New York City on Thursday check-in at 12:30 pm. We will leave Woodstock on Sunday. If you prefer to arrive later or leave earlier, that is completely fine and at your discretion.
The best ways to reach Woodstock are by bus or car. We can try to organize carpooling, but depending on how many and when cars are going up, we cannot guarantee spots in the car. Trailways New York operates a bus from Manhattan to Woodstock 3 times a day. Tickets cost $23 – $55 and the journey takes 2 h 50 min. Alternatively, Metro-North Railroad (MNR) operates a train from Manhattan to Woodstock hourly. Tickets cost $16 – $35 and the journey takes 1 h 42 min.
Meal Plan
Food will be provided and will accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and omnivore diets. There will also be flexibility to eat out in Woodstock, which guests will cover themselves. Guests are welcome to bring their own food. There are grocery stores nearby where we will pick up supplies. In the evenings, all are welcome to indulge in a glass of wine or a cup of tea.
Photos
There are no upcoming retreats scheduled. Try out one of our online or in person programs in the mean time.