Spring Personal Retreat - Stroud Monastery
Sadly the April retreat is no longer going ahead.
However registrations are open for
23-29 September 2024
$1600 - $1900
~ Ride the wave of Spring's naturally cleansing energy and clear out the cobwebs.
~ Are you nostalgic for some 'Ashram time'...or curious to experience it?
~ Do you have a creative project you want to carve out some time for?
~ Or maybe you simply want to step off the treadmill for a while?
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Based on the structured daily routine that supports ashram life, this personal retreat offers the rare opportunity to...
The Old Monastery at Stroud provides the perfect setting to create an Ashram 'vibe'...a natural bush environment, a spacious yoga hall, simple accommodation and delightful spaces to be in sangha or on your own. Whether you are regularly on the mat or are ready to come back to a regular practice this retreat is all about creating the space for you to pause and connect with a more balanced state of body, mind and spirit.
"What is worth having & what is worth doing? 
Our sadhana space
We know from experience that in just 6 days your digestion and sleep will improve, your body will feel lighter, you will have more energy, your mind will be calmer and you will have a clearer sense of focus. You will also be on track to a more regular daily routine which lies at the heart of a yogic lifestyle.
This retreat is ideal for you if you want to:
Janaki love in the kitchen
Teaching Team:
Each member of the teaching team is an experienced yoga teacher in the Satyananda tradition, and well versed in ashram life to create the space to support your experience. 
Lalita, Vidya Shakti (in Spirit), Girishaa, Rishi, Sangita, Janaki Mata
Rishi Hridayananda – began teaching yoga in the early 1960’s and has practiced and taught the Hatha Yoga cleansing practices known as the Shatkarmas for 50 years both in Australia and India. She is the author of the book Shatkarmas - The Cleansing Practices of Hatha Yoga.
Sangita - is also a gifted music teacher whose speciality is bringing participants together through the practices of chanting and kirtan. Sangita also loves sharing yoga and meditation for people living with cancer, as this has been part of her own journey, and has ultimately been the catalyst for positive change and personal growth in her life. Janaki Mata– is also an artist and lives on the far south coast of NSW. She has a passion for the Hatha yoga cleanse practices, growing/cooking/sharing food, and living in a down-to-earth connected way amongst Nature and community. She aims to share a holistic and creative approach to daily life through the uplifting practices and teachings of Yoga. Lalita – lives and teaches in Canberra and is devoted to deepening and evolving through her own yoga, mindfulness and meditation practice and brings everything that she has learnt and continues to learn to support the wellbeing of her yoga students. Tika - Vidyashakti's beautiful daughter will be part of our seva team on this retreat. Continuing to grace us with her beautiful mamma's energy. Girishaa – is also an Ayurveda practitioner and supports women to live more consciously using ancient wisdom and practical tools to help them navigate the shifts and changes in life so they can reconnect with themselves and their dreams. "I could not speak more highly of the teachers.
Their love, care & support created a safe place where I could explore, pull apart & piece back together the pieces of me that were crying out to be nurtured, loved & cared for by soulful, wise women. Thank you, thank you thank you Om Om Om" |
Daily Programme
Mahamirityunjaya Havan
Salt Water Cleanse - Laghoo
Taking advantage of the natural cleansing energy of Spring, the salt water cleansing practice known as Laghoo will be offered on the 3rd morning. A gentle yet powerful practice to clear out the cobwebs physically, emotionally and mentally, Laghoo is one of the yogic cleansing practices known as the Shatkarmas (meaning 6 actions). These practices have been kept alive over the centuries and our beloved Rishi Hridayananda is one of the foremost masters of the shatkarmas, living and teaching them in Australia and India for 50 years. Her 'salt water' parties at Mangrove Yoga Ashram were famous and we are extremely fortunate that she continues to share her wealth of knowledge. 
Venue - Old Stroud Monastery: Built by hand in the early 1980’s by volunteers and members of the Franciscan community, our time in this charming mud brick complex feels like a warm hug. "Such a wonderful, spiritual, cocooning energy" The Franciscan values of inclusivity, simplicity, peace, hope and healing are ever-present in this tranquil bush setting providing the perfect space to pause, reflect and reconnect. Located on the edge of the historic village of Stroud in the Hunter Valley, the Old Monastery it is about 90 minutes north-west of Newcastle (not far from the village of Dungog). Some of the features of the complex include a purpose-built (yoga) practice space, a beautiful mud-brick chapel, a deliciously cozy community library/lounge area with a combustion fire-place and lots of space to pause and reflect. Watch this video to learn more about the Old Monastery. 
Quiet spaces
Accommodation Options:
The mudbrick rooms are simple in keeping with the monastery origins, yet charming. They are very well maintained and each one opens onto the natural bush setting. The majority are single occupancy however there are a few twin share / couple options available.
All bathroom facilities are shared. For those travelling by air Linen Hire is available-$10 Otherwise BYO sheets & towels. Pillows, pillow slips and doonas/blankets are provided. BYO yoga mat and supports. *** If you know that you are a light sleeper or snore please choose a single room. *** If you know you are easily disturbed please bring ear plugs. 
Twin share room
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