2023 Art of Living Retreat Center Program Guide

The Retreat Experience Rest. Rejuvenate. Transform.

Today, life is more demanding than ever. You’re expected to excel at work, home, relationships, and living well. Sleep, health, and wellness are often compromised in the bargain—something that a quick break away (often an even more exhausting endeavor) cannot repair. These days, more people than ever are seeking holistic wellness retreats that rejuvenate, educate, and nourish the body and the soul.

If you’re struggling with overwhelm, anxiety, depression— or just exhausted from the stress of life—we can help you.

If you’ve lost sight of what is vital to your well-being or want to explore new ways of self-care and relaxation—we can guide you.

Far more than a vacation, our retreats are immersive experiences that ignite personal transformation. In this nurturing, healing environment, surrounded by a like-minded, nonjudgmental community, you’re free to practice new tools and techniques, discover new perspectives, and learn new ways of being.

You’ll experience delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals, invigorating all-levels yoga, guided meditation, time in nature, Ayurvedic body treatments, and so much more.

Take a break from everyday life and return home deeply rested, reinvigorated, and enriched. You’ll continue to experience the benefits long after you leave. ■

Signature Meditation Retreats

Nurture. Heal. Grow.

Start your journey toward optimal health and happiness with an Art of Living signature immersive retreat—the Happiness Program, Silent Meditation Retreats, and the Meditation Retreat. Our evidence-based programs give you the tools you need to quiet the mind and align with the present moment for more calm, clarity, and resiliency—mind, body, and soul. ■

THE HAPPINESS RETREAT

Our most popular program!

Discover the empowering benefits of guided breathwork— life-transforming techniques for true peace and calm. Offered weekly.

THE SILENT RETREAT

Our Silent Retreat combines the Happiness Retreat and several days of silent contemplation with unique guided meditations and advanced breathing techniques. Offered weekly.

THE MEDITATION RETREAT

Work with a certified instructor to gain the confidence and skill you need to build a meditation practice that helps you find greater clarity and ease each day. Offered twice monthly.

Shankara Ayurveda Wellness Balance body, mind, and spirit.

Experience our award-winning Ayurveda health facility Shankara Ayurveda Wellness, located deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We combine ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness to bring you the ultimate therapeutic experience.

Our team of Ayurvedic practitioners and therapists are dedicated to providing excellence in Ayurvedic health and well-being. We specialize in individualized holistic care for the whole mind-body complex and the management of health conditions.

Relax and rejuvenate in the deeply healing and restful setting of Shankara Ayurveda Wellness—your journey to health and vitality begins here. ■

Ayurveda Wellness Escapes

We specialize in Ayurveda-based programs, treatments, and therapies that reset the whole person, inside and out. Along with these treatments, our inspiring accommodations, nutritious meals, passionate staff, and breathtaking environment all greatly enhance the effectiveness of your experience.

From arrival to departure, you'll be nurtured back to a deep sense of peace and well-being that carries you throughout your days. All you have to do is show up—we’ll take care of the rest. ■

Your all-inclusive escape includes

• 2-night stay in Retreat or Hotel Room

• Ayurvedic Treatment(s)

• Access to R&R activities

EnhancE your stay Add an Ayurvedic Consultation to your program. (Included with Discover Ayurveda Solo Retreats; additional cost for all other programs.)

COME ALONE

Discover Ayurveda Solo Retreat

Rejuvenating Bliss Solo Retreat

Men’s Weekend Solo Retreat

BRING A FRIEND

Couples Retreat

Girlfriends Retreat

Mother–Daughter Retreat

Our Founder

Gurdev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian, spiritual leader and an ambassador of peace and human values.

Through his life and work, Gurudev has inspired millions around the world with a vision of a stress-free, violence-free world. He has designed programs that provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life and has established nonprofit organizations that recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality, and religion.

EXPLORE THE LIFE, WORK, AND WISDOM OF GURUDEV srisriravishankar.org

2023 GURUDEV EVENTS Insightful. Inspiring. Uplifting.

August 31–September 4

Gurudev returns in August for special instances of our Happiness and Silent Retreats for anyone who has not taken the Happiness Program, an Art of Living Course, YESPlus, or SKY Breath meditation workshop. And for those who have never taken a silence course with Gurudev, we invite you to Dive Deep Into Silence.

Don’t miss these programs with live master sessions with Gurudev! aolrc.org/srisrievents

Join us at the World Culture Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC, September 29–October 1! Mark your calendar with the most vibrant colors imaginable, because we’re about to make HISTORY…

Renew, groove, dance, sing, and connect with millions of people who long for more unity and less division at this free event.

#WCF2023 is a unique three-day experience featuring incredible voices, talent, and creativity from around the world. It’s going to be EPIC, and we can’t wait to celebrate with YOU!

Get your FREE passes wcf.artofliving.org

POST-WORLD CULTURE FESTIVAL SILENT RETREAT

Visit the Art of Living Retreat Center after the festival for a very special silent retreat. Learn more at aolrc.org/wcf

Guest Faculty Events

Transformative programming with today’s renowned teachers, thought leaders, authors, and speakers. aolrc.org/calendar

Self-DiScovery

September 15–17

Become the BeSt you

Utilizing the Enneagram to Better Understand Yourself and Others

ashton WhitmoyEr-obEr

Discover your personality type to find out what motivates you and those around you.

Self-DiScovery

September 15–17

changing our viewS on the enD of life

hospicE nursE JuliE

mcFaddEn & hospicE

nursE pEnny smith

Being prepared can take the mystery and fear out of the dying process.

September 22–24

maSter your intuition

A Weekend Group Healing Event matt Kahn

Join intuitive healer, best-selling author, and YouTube sensation Matt Kahn to turn up the volume of your senses and become more aware of the messages the Universe has for you and those you love.

Are you ready to clarify the confusion, release the frustration, and come into a higher living alignment with the Universe? If so, you are ready to master your intuition once and for all.

Self-DiScovery

September 22–24

how to Be (with) your Self

tina liFFord

Join Tina Lifford, award-winning actress and CEO of The Inner Fitness Project, for an empowering weekend that will strengthen your ability to move beyond limiting thoughts and behaviors, teach you to interrupt old patterns, resolve unresolved issues from the past, and stretch into a better relationship with your Self.

You’ll take home new actionable skills that bolster your personal power and reinforce a sense of what is possible for your life.

Self-DiScovery

September 29–October 1 the unafraiD Storyteller

Tell Your Story with Authenticity

John roEdEl

People are craving authenticity, let’s give it to them.

Through journaling, group interaction, creative exercises, physical movement and handson activities, this high-energy experience with poet, writer, and comedian John Roedel provides you with the tools to tell your story without fear of what the world will think of you.

yoga

Sept 29–Oct 1

rewire anD inSpire Bring Joy to Movement

lara hEimann

As bodies of energy, we shine brighter, move lighter, and feel more joy and gratitude when we remove clutter in our bodies and optimize our input.

Self-DiScovery

October 6–8

you are not Stuck

The Power of Soul-Guided Choices

bEcKy VollmEr

Don’t miss this dynamic program of guided breath, purposeful movement, and self-exploration to take your next steps on life’s journey.

October 6–8

finDing your authentic voice

The Power of Your Story

dr. bErticE bErry

Sociologist, author, storyteller, and mother

Dr. Bertice Berry helps you reclaim the power of your own authentic voice through effective storytelling, the coaching tools of Sherapy, and journaling. You will take home a personalized internal diversity assessment, new ideas, a commitment to self-care and lifelong learning, effective storytelling, and active listening skills.

vIsIt thE EvEnt PAGE to watch videos with Dr. Berry aolrc.org/drberry

October 13–15

a Better Back Moves to Help Your Spine

Last a Lifetime

Katy boWman

Feel-good backs allow us to move more freely in our lives and are a conduit to a greater number of activities—sports and fitness, professional or yard work, or caring for the others in our lives.

Katy’s workshop is the user’s manual for your back you were never given. It’s never too late! Come learn to move in a way that will nourish your spine as you move through your life.

yoga

October 20–22

yoga your way

JEssamyn stanlEy

Jessamyn brings The Underbelly, her virtual yoga studio, to life. We invite you to escape playfully and prioritize rest. You are welcome to join guided movement and meditation at your leisure as you connect with the teacher within and discover your own unique approach to intuitive movement.

Jessamyn’s approach to postural yoga offers accessibility for a variety of body shapes. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with your breasts, butt, or stomach in a yoga pose, her classes offer options to support your practice. Open to everyone.

October 20–22

Being human takeS practice

JEFF WarrEn

Explore what meditation teaches us about being human with Jeff Warren, meditation instructor and awardwinning co-author of the best-selling book, Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics. Jeff guides a variety of adventurous practices as a way both to highlight the underlying skills and principles of meditation and to empower each person to learn what works for them. Excitement will be had, as well as peaceful sighing and many terrible jokes.

Spirituality

October 27–29

connecting with Spirit Awakening Your Psychic Senses

bill philipps

Psychic medium Bill Philipps connects you to the world of Spirit in this exploration of your own intuitive abilities. Learn to quiet the rational mind to gain a better understanding of yourself and those around you.

Self-DiScovery

October 27–29

Soul Shift

Consider Your Response. Shift Your Habits. Love Your Life for Real. rachEl macy staFFord

Learn to face powerful truths, shift your responses, and replace self-defeating habits with practices rooted in self-awareness, healing, and compassion.

health & wellneSS

November 9–12

the ultimate longevity workShop

Prevent and Reverse Disease and Maintain Excellent Health

Until 100

JoEl Fuhrman, md

Dr. Joel Fuhrman—family physician, nutritional researcher, and bestselling author—offers this unique, intensive experience in using nutritional interventions for common health conditions by applying his 30 years of medical experience and exceptional insight into the science behind the effectiveness of diet to reverse disease and enhance longevity.

Spirituality

November 10–12

the art & maStery of life

don miguEl ruiz, Jr & don JosE ruiz

Join Toltec masters don Miguel Ruiz Jr. and don Jose Ruiz for a lifechanging experience in their newest workshop to discover the pathway to personal freedom.

Experience firsthand the transformative power of the Toltec teachings with practical exercises and reflections designed to help you find peace and personal freedom in your own life, right now.

November

Dr. Angelo Dilullo leads this semisilent retreat designed for those committed to an investigation into their deepest nature—that unnameable “something” that has been stirring inside.

You’ll be completely supported as you begin—or continue—your journey into waking up and creating a profound sense of liberation and enlightenment. Open to everyone.

Group Experiences

Connect. Empower. Inspire.

Bring your group to the Art of Living Retreat Center— you’ll work with a retreat specialist to craft a perfect workshop, conference, or meeting. In addition to breathtaking views, the Center offers spacious venues and rooms for events of almost any size!

From A–Z Accommodations and meals, tea & coffee, snacks, parking, daily workshops, and access to our entire campus and its amenities can be included in your package.

Props and A/V We provide yoga mats, blocks, straps, back jacks, and blankets, and have a variety of A/V equipment on site to accommodate any typical presentation.

Workshops You and your guests have access to our daily schedule of signature workshops in meditation, yoga, Ayurveda and more.

You’ll receive hands–on support throughout the entire process, so that you can focus on your attendees while we attend to all the details. ■

REqUEst A cOnsULtAtIOn, schedule a site visit, and experience these serene mountains for yourself aolrc.org/events

Teacher Trainings

SCIENCE + LINEAGE + EXPERIENCE

The Sri Sri School of Yoga aims to provide a comprehensive and multidimensional yoga education offering programs that are deeply rooted in ancient yogic science and give you a unique experiential understanding of yoga in its purity.

SRI SRI YOGA 200H ONLINE & HYBRID

Dive into authentic yoga with inspiring trainers in a serene mountain setting or online from home. Rooted in science, experience, and a lineage of yoga masters, SSYTT enables excellence in teaching through self–practice, service, and expansion of the true Self.

CHILDREN’S YOGA 95H ONLINE & HYBRID

Our 95H Children’s Yoga Teacher Training provides a strong foundation in a broad spectrum of areas to confidently and compassionately teach yoga to kids aged 4-17 in a fun, safe, deeply rewarding, and beneficial way.

PRENATAL YOGA 100H ONLINE

Empower expectant mothers with the wisdom of yoga when you diversify your yoga teaching career with this specialist training for every trimester of pregnancy.

Plan Your All-Inclusive Stay

to regiSter

Signature meDitation retreatS for Those who want to start or deepen a meditation practice.

• The Happiness Retreat

• Silent Meditation Retreats

• The Meditation Retreat

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reSt & relaxation retreatS for Those who want a more self-guided experience.

• Flexible schedule—do it all, or do nothing

• Choose how long (2-night minimum)

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ayurveDa wellneSS eScapeS

for Those who want to experience the bliss of Ayurveda.

• Ayurveda Bodywork, Treatments, and Therapies

• Lifestyle Consultations

• Daily R&R workshops and Activities

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gueSt preSenter eventS

for Those looking for a more scheduled program on a topic of their interest—transformative programs with renowned teachers, thought leaders, and subject-matter experts

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Call 800.392.6870

We are happy to answer your questions and help you choose a program that fits your interests.

Go online aolrc.org Get detailed program information, register for the experience of your choice, and chat with us.

Email info@aolrc.org Send us a message.

Shankara ayurveDa wellneSS

Add a healing arts treatment, therapy, or consultation to your stay— the perfect accompaniment to any program.

We highly recommend booking sessions at least two weeks prior to your arrival to ensure availability. aolrc.org/treatments

accommoDationS

Your reservation includes your room, three vegetarian meals daily, and access to our gorgeous grounds and facilities. You may also participate in R&R activities, featuring a variety of meditation, yoga, healing arts, ancient wisdom, and creative arts workshops.

• Hotel Rooms—King or full beds, refrigerator, TV, private bath (Private and shared available.)

• Retreat Rooms—Comfortable, simply furnished, twin beds, private bath (Private and shared available.)

• Apartments—fully furnished, kitchenette, balcony, washer & dryer, TV

A sAMPLE DAy

• Start with a nourishing breakfast in the Dining Hall.

• Stretch and find your center in morning yoga.

• Learn the art of tea leaf reading.

• Relax in late morning meditation.

• Meet up with new friends for lunch.

• Get creative with a pottery class.

• Restore with an Ayurvedic treatment.

• Take an afternoon yoga or meditation class.

• Immerse yourself in the great outdoors with a guided or solo nature walk.

• Try something new at dinner.

• Experience evening kirtan—meditative music and chant.

our Food philosophy

• We are a vegetarian, mostly wholefoods kitchen.

• The ancient science of Ayurveda inspires us.

• Our menus are welcoming, inspiring, and accommodating.

• We have the utmost respect for our community and planet, and are mindful of the impact of our kitchen.

fInD OUt MORE about dining at the Center and our food philosophy aolrc.org/dining

LET’S BE FRIENDS

Follow us on social media for articles, recipes, contests, tips, specials, and more.

our mission

The Art of Living Retreat Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to reawaken the human values of compassion, love, togetherness, joy, and harmony in order to realize a true representation of a one-world family—a place that unites people from all walks of life in the spirit of wisdom, celebration, and service to the world. aolrc.org/donate

Find these presenters and more extraordinary programming this year at the Art of Living Retreat Center—a sanctuary for personal transformation, spiritual journeys, and holistic wellness. aolrc.org/calendar

639 Whispering Hills Rd, Boone, NC 28607 800.392.6870 | aolrc.org