Art of Living Retreat Center Spring 2024 Program Guide

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.

GIVE TODAY aolrc.org/donate

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

The Retreat Experience Rest. Rejuvenate.

Transform.

Embark on a revitalizing journey this spring by immersing yourself in a retreat where nature’s awakening mirrors the potential for your own inner vitality and renewal. Spring’s vibrant energy serves as an ideal backdrop for rejuvenating both body and mind. Taking a retreat during this season allows you to harmonize with the natural rhythms of growth and transformation, fostering a profound connection with yourself and the surrounding world. Embrace the spirit of spring as a catalyst for personal renewal through transformative practices such as yoga and meditation.

Engage in outdoor activities like hiking and mindfulness walks, leveraging the season’s energy to inspire renewal and vitality while deepening your connection with both yourself and the natural world. At the Art of Living Retreat Center, break away from routine, recharge, and embrace the transformative power of the changing seasons. Indulge in delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals, invigorating all-levels yoga, guided meditation, time in nature, Ayurvedic body treatments, and more.

Take a hiatus from everyday life, return home deeply rested, reinvigorated, and enriched, continuing to experience the benefits long after you leave. Embrace the opportunity to reconnect with yourself and nature, allowing the spring retreat to be a cornerstone

Meditation Retreats

Start your journey toward optimal health and happiness with an Art of Living signature retreat. Our immersive programs give you the tools you need for more calm, clarity, and resiliency in you life.

THE SILENT RETREAT | OFFERED WEEKLY Our Silent Retreat combines the Happiness Retreat and several days of silent contemplation with unique guided meditations and advanced breathing techniques.

THE HAPPINESS RETREAT ART OF LIVING PART I | OFFERED TWICE WEEKLY

Our most popular program! Discover the empowering benefits of guided breathwork—life-transforming techniques for true peace and calm.

DIVE DEEP INTO SILENCE ART OF LIVING PART II | OFFERED MONTHLY

This advanced program is designed to provide an optimal environment to break free from a busy mind, dive deep within, and experience transformative shifts. Prerequisite Art of Living Part I.

THE MEDITATION RETREAT | OFFERED MONTHLY Work with a certified instructor to gain the confidence and skill you need to build a meditation practice and find greater clarity and ease each day. Also, acquire a personal mantra—a charged sound that makes meditation effortless.

NEW! ART OF LIVING PREMIUM RETREAT | OFFERED MONTHLY

Two powerful experiences in one! Learn Sudarshan Kriya, as taught in the Happiness Retreat, and acquire a personal mantra—a charged sound that makes meditation easier, introduced in the Meditation Retreat.

Don’t miss! The inaugural on-site Art of Living Premium Retreat, March 14–17, is being led by Art of Living Senior Teacher Swamiji! Visit our website to learn about this program and Swamiji. aolrc.org/premium

aolrc.org/signature

Create your own bliss. R&R Retreats

Take a much-needed vacation from the stress and distractions of daily life with an all-inclusive R&R Retreat. While you're here, enjoy a variety of daily classes and activities, including

• Daily meditation and all-levels yoga classes

• Ayurveda education workshops

• Cooking classes

• Evening Kirtan

• Creative experiences, and more.

You may also explore the beauty and abundance of our outdoor spaces and walking trails.

Add an Ayurveda treatment or two, and you’ll emerge completely rested, restored, and revived. ■

LEARn MORE & SEE thE ActIvIty SchEDULE aolrc.org/rnr

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. ■

Coming this spring—Floatation Therapy! Enter a zero-gravity environment designed to help your mind, body and spirit to relax, recover and reset.

828.802.4025

Ayurveda Wellness Escapes

Escape to pure bliss.

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. ■

• 2-night stay in Retreat or Hotel Room

• Ayurvedic Treatment(s)

• Access to R&R activities

Your all-inclusive escape includes LEARn

• 3 delicious meals a day

• Daily yoga and meditation

• Access to all campus amenities

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

Discover Ayurveda Solo Retreat

Rejuvenating Bliss Solo Retreat

Men’s Weekend Solo Retreat

New this spring!

WOMEN’S NATURAL TRANSITIONS

Ayurveda's Holistic Approach to Menopausal Wellness

A 4-week online retreat for women of all ages.

Are you on the verge of menopause, feeling uncertain, or even a bit apprehensive about what lies ahead? While societal views on menopause have often been negative, this transition can be a period of introspection and empowerment. Discover the art of graceful transition at our exclusive Ayurveda retreat, designed for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Ayurveda knows that each woman’s experience of menopause is different—a cookie-cutter approach to navigating these important life stages often lacks the personal approach your body and mind require. Our experienced Ayurvedic practitioners and wellness experts have curated a program designed to address the specific needs and challenges of perimenopause and menopause, promoting balance and harmony in every aspect of your being.

Program Highlights Includes

Introduction to Ayurveda and the Chemistry of Your Body

Introduction to Dinacharya and Other Self-Care Practices

Common Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Imbalances and Remedies Using Diet, Lifestyle, and Herbs

Yoga and Meditation for Easing Physical and Emotional Symptoms

Discussions on Important Topics Such as Mental Health, Heart Disease, and Hormone Replacement Therapy

• 2.5 hours of weekly prerecorded education & insights

• 1-hour live weekly Saturday lectures, cooking demos, experiential practices, & Q&A

• Informative workshops in women’s health, Ayurveda, & holistic wellness

• Digital workbook, quizes, & handouts

• Personalized Ayurvedic consultation to address your unique needs during this profound life stage

• Access to a members-only Facebook group & six monthly live follow-up sessions

Guest Faculty Events

Every year, we extend invitations to globally acclaimed educators, influential thinkers, authors, and speakers specializing in wellness, self-discovery, creativity, spirituality, relationships, and beyond— welcoming them to the Center to impart their expertise, perspectives, and inspiration to you.

New programs are being added daily, visit aolrc.org/calendar.

HealtH & Wellness

April 5–7

WHEN THE BODY SPEAKS

Fascial Resilience & Autonomic Balance tOM MyErs

The esteemed author and founder of Anatomy Trains guides this enriching experience of discovering inner ease, vitality, and freedom of movement through the holistic approach to understanding body patterns.

Meditation & Mindfulness

April 11–14

nurturing tHe spirit

Awakening Your Soul Essence

anthOny prOfEta

Anthony Profeta, a meditation instructor, mindfulness authority, and sound specialist, leads you on a transformative voyage into the profound realms of your spiritual path.

In a safe, supportive, and nourishing environment, experience guided physical movement, meditation, mindfulness exercises, sound bathing, and one-on-one sharing, to rejuvenate your body, cultivate inner peace and clarity, and foster meaningful connection and personal growth.

self-discovery

April 5–7

a renaissance of your oWn

A Reimagination Workshop rachEl carglE

Join Rachel E. Cargle for a transformative experience tailored to those ready to recalibrate their lives and embark on a personal renaissance—a unique journey of self-discovery.

Emerge transformed, armed with a blueprint for harnessing the power of imagination—the realm that transcends boundaries—in order to live in harmony with your highest values and construct a world free from oppressive structures, both personal and societal.

HealtH & Wellness

April 19–21

WHERE THE HEALING HAPPENS

Transforming Symptoms in the Lower Four Chakras dr. larry Burk

Embark on a profound journey of self-discovery in an immersive weekend retreat to unravel the mystery behind persisting physical symptoms and delve deep into transformative self-healing methods.

self-discovery

April 12–14

THE SACRED REBEL RETREAT Learning to Love Every Part of Yourself ruthiE lindsEy

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary voyage of self-discovery and healing, where you’ll reconnect with the radiant, whole, and divine essence that is your birthright.

828.802.4025

self-discovery

April 19–21

tHe reMeMbrance

Finding Freedom in the Now lOriE ladd

Are you ready to navigate this miraculous human evolution with ease, grace, and peace? Join best-selling author and spiritual teacher Lorie Ladd for a transformative journey into the depths of self-exploration, liberation, and profound alignment with your soul’s essence.

Through group discussions, meditation, mindfulness exercises, and hot-seat personal Q&A opportunities, you are guided to soar out of dis-empowerment and into sovereignty, transform fear into love, and shift from suffering to freedom.

HealtH & Wellness

April 19–21

THE WAY OF MIRACLES

Accessing Your Superconsciousness

Mark MincOlla, phd

Dr. Mark Mincolla guides you to explore your superconscious mind, using research, exercises, and meditations to embolden you as a Miracle Maker in your life.

yoga

April 26–28

YOGA RETREAT FOR WOMEN OF COLOR

Maya BrEuEr & kiEsha BattlEs

Visionary Maya Breuer and the insightful Kiesha Battles invite you on a transformative journey of embracing balance, harmony, joy, consciousness, and peace.

self-discovery

April 26–28

HEALING ABANDONMENT AND OVERCOMING SELF-SABOTAGE susan andErsOn

Join best-selling author and founder of the Abandonment Recovery and Outer Child Movements Susan Anderson for a highly effective program of emotional and spiritual healing that provides the means to reverse the universal wound of abandonment.

self-discovery

April 26–28

discovering HealtH WitH tHe eMotion code dr. BradlEy nElsOn

In this workshop, veteran holistic physician and best-selling author Dr. Bradley Nelson guides you through his proprietary The Emotion Code®–an easy, yet powerful, proven approach to energy healing that quickly releases trapped emotions to resolve underlying physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances for a healthier, happier life.

Through lectures and live demonstrations, learn how to find and release trapped emotions, muscle testing, and use The Emotion Code® to help yourself and others.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn more about energetically healing yourself and others with the powerful modern tool of The Emotion Code®.

self-discovery

April 26–28

tHat sucked. noW WHat?

How to Embrace the Joy in Chaos & Find Magic in the Mess dr. nEEta Bhushan

Embark on a transformative weekend intensive led by world-renowned emotional health advocate Dr. Neeta Bhushan. Neeta guides you through this deep dive using the five stages of the Fly Forward framework—empowering you to rise up and break through to lasting, audacious resilience.

828.802.4025

HealtH & Wellness

May 10–12

NURTURE YOUR SOUL

A Sanctuary of Feminine Essence faith huntEr

Hosted by global wellness expert Faith Hunter, this loving program is tailored for mothers, daughters, and sisters of all forms— and serves as a beacon of presence, balance, and heartfelt connection.

self-discovery

May 10–12

self-discovery

May 10–12 MODERN ALCHEMY OF THE HEART Embracing the Love Frequency adOra Winquist

Renowned healer Adora Winquist leads this transformative retreat designed to unlock your inner alchemist and rekindle the sacred fire within.

A WEEKEND WITH YOUR ANGELS

Accessing Angelic & Heavenly Guidance for a Joy-Filled Life charlEs VirtuE

Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting realm of angels, led by renowned angel expert, author, and medium Charles Virtue, accompanied by angel reader, medium, and animal communicator Peroshini Naidoo. Discover the profound connection waiting to be forged with these celestial beings, dedicated to guiding and uplifting us in our life’s voyage.

creative expression

May 17–19

YOUR SACRED STORY

Transform Your Life Experiences Into Writing and Art

Mari andrEW

Writer and artist Mari Andrew has crafted this retreat for anyone who has compelling life experiences, adventures, or unique perspectives but feels unsure about how to share them creatively. The weekend workshop focuses on transforming personal stories into various mediums— writing, art, songs, or film—and is open to those who are not professional writers or artists but wish to explore a new creative outlet in a beautiful setting.

HealtH & Wellness

MAY 17–19

Healing your sole A Stepwise Approach to Building Forever Functional Feet

katy BOWMan

Join best-selling author, speaker, and a leader in the Movement movement, biomechanist Katy Bowman on an immersive journey, where self-assessment tools and targeted exercises become your allies in addressing present foot concerns and fortifying against future challenges.

Katy will unravel the intricacies of your body’s lower components, revealing the interconnected dance of toes, feet, ankles, knees, and hips. Through this exploration, discover the art of harmonizing their movements to support a life of pain-free, effortless walking or running.

This retreat warmly welcomes all individuals, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast aiming to sustain an active lifestyle or someone grappling with foot-related impediments.

self-discovery

May 17–19

CHOOSING WHOLENESS OVER “GOODNESS”

ElisE lOEhnEn

Using the superstructure of the best-seller Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good Loehnen and life coach Courtney Smith help you get in touch with your appetites, desires, needs, and wants, bringing them into conscious awareness. You’ll leave more in touch with yourself, a greater ability to self-regulate, and feeling empowered and in control of your daily life.

self-discovery

May 24–26

poetry unbound live

pádraig Ó tuaMa

Embark on an enchanting journey into the realm of poetry with Poetry Unbound, a captivating retreat guided by the celebrated Irish poet and theologian, Pádraig Ó Tuama.

Through immersive sessions featuring close readings and thought-provoking prompts, we promise a transformative and unforgettable journey into the poetic landscape.

self-discovery

May 24–27

REFILLING YOUR WELL

Tools to Soothe & Stabilize the Nervous System

priti rOByn rOss

Priti Robyn Ross—an author, inspirational speaker, and international workshop leader renowned for her more than 25 years of soul coaching and global inspiration—has crafted a retreat that invites you to rediscover serenity and restore balance.

self-discovery

May 24–27

MEDITATION & MODERN LIFE

A Zen Meditation Retreat

dan ZigMOnd

Whether you’re brand new to meditation or you’ve been practicing for years, join us in learning how to bring meditation into your life and mindfulness to your work and home—today and every day. Come reclaim a healthier and happier way to be.

outdoors & nature

June 6–9

A HIKING RETREAT IN THE BLUE RIDGE MTS

gary MarcOccia & dr. laura kOniVEr

Professor, naturalist, and hiking guide, Gary Marcoccia, and holistic physician, grounding advocate, speaker, and author, Laura Koniver, lead a hiking weekend that gives you the approaches, mindsets, and warmups to regularly ground and center yourself in today’s hectic world.

self-discovery

June 26–30

TRUSTING OUR TRANSFORMATION

Nourish Your Embodied

Evolution with Movement and Ritual

rOchEllE schiEck

Join Rochelle Schieck, the creator of Qoya, for a 5-day retreat designed to embrace the beauty of accelerated change in both our individual lives and the world around us.

self-discovery

June 21–23

soul & cellular alcHeMy

Healing Ancient Wounds and Transcending Dimensions

sOphiE fraBBOta

Join Sophie Frabotta, a leader in the field of Spiritual Life Coaching, to unveil your soul wounds, evoke healing on the cellular level, hold Divine energy, and enter 5D consciousness.

self-discovery

June 20–23

Healing tHrougH

feMinine practices

An Immersion into the Ancient Wisdom of Womanhood dr. aManda hansOn

In a program unlike any other in the world, clinicial psychologist and transformation coach Dr. Amanda Hanson promotes the mastery of feminine energy.

During this immersion into the ancient wisdom of womanhood, journey into the wilds of your feminine soul and discover the magic of vibrant and radiant self love.

Open to women age 21 and over.

828.802.4025

coming this summer/fall Don’t miss

lOrna ByrnE | august

Connecting to Hope & the Love Within Us

paul sElig | august

Experience the Divine

JEff WarrEn | nOVEMBEr Being Human Takes practice

traVis EliOt & laurEn EckstrOM | august Inner Dimension Community Yoga and Wellness Summit

angElO dilullO | dEcEMBEr MEditatiOn rEtrEat

thE

The Art & Mastery of Life

JOEl fuhrMan, Md | OctOBEr

The Ultimate Longevity Workshop

JEssaMyn stanlEy | OctOBEr

Yoga Retreat

nEdra

raM dass lEgacy | august

3rd Annual Summer Mountain Retreat

More

programs are being added daily—check out our online calendar for the latest events, trainings, and retreats!

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, 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 on 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.

* NEXT ONLINE & BOONE CAMPUS SESSION Sep 15–Oct 5

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

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 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.

Page 14 or aolrc.org/calendar

to register

Go online aolrc.org

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

Call 828.802.4025

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

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 movement 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, whole-food based 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.

• Love is at the core of all we do in our kitchen.

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

gEtting hErE

The Center is just a few miles from the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock in western North Carolina, and an easy 2-hour drive from the Charlotte airport, as well as surrounding east coast states. aolrc.org/directions

Renowned for its scenic beauty, the area is home to aweinspiring natural wonders and the stunning Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through the valley below, offering an inspiring arrival to this peaceful sanctuary for the soul.

Rachel Cargle, Dr. Bradley Nelson, Katy Bowman, and more!