45th Annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat
Dec 28, 2023 - Jan 1, 2024
Portals to Peace: Body, Mind, and Heart
As the dawn of the New Year approaches, we look forward to gathering together in community to explore various portals and pathways to peace. Our 45th annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat will provide a precious opportunity to reflect on the year past, consider where we are in the present, and imagine how we'd like to move forward into the new year.
The aim of yoga is peace, and throughout the retreat we will move towards this goal as we consider ways to skillfully direct the mind with breathing exercises, meditation, and yoga philosophy; warm the heart through music, satsang, and laughter; and tend to the body with asana, movement and nourishing food. Ultimately, we will remind ourselves that peace is always within us and that, through our bodies, minds, and hearts, we can find the way home to our essential nature.
The retreat program will include:
- Arati (morning and evening ritual of waving light at the Hanuman Temple)
- Practices of pranayama (breathing), meditation, and asana (yoga postures)
- Presentations and dialogue on various portals and pathways to peace
- Kirtan (devotional singing) and dancing
- New Year’s Eve program including
- Singing (kirtan and gospel) and dancing
- Special ritual and meditation leading to the midnight hour
- Live band and celebration
- New Year’s Day Mantra Yajna (prayers and fire ceremony) for Peace
Families are Welcome!
A children's program will be offered and a parent-led co-op will run the childcare program. Email retreats@mountmadonna.org for more information.
Tuition & Fees
In-person retreat: $200 + meals & lodging
Online retreat: Sliding scale $50 - $250
Financial Accessibility: We aim for this retreat to be accessible to all. Please email retreats@mountmadonna.org to request financial assistance.
Partial Program: If you wish to attend just a portion of the retreat, you may contact Guest Services and you will be added to a waitlist. After December 18, partial-program registrations will be accommodated based on housing availability. Contact Quincy in Guest Services by emailing quincy@mountmadonna.org or calling 408-846-4090.
The purpose of human incarnation is to achieve eternal peace. Keep the purpose of life in mind and work hard to achieve your goal.
~ Baba Hari Dass
Retreat Schedule
Thursday, December 28 - Monday, January 1
Thurs., Dec. 28
3:00-5:30pm | Registration
5:15-6:15pm | Dinner
7:30-8:30pm | Opening Gathering
Fri., Sat., & Sun., Dec. 29-31
6:30am | Arati - onsite only
7:00-8:30am | Pranayama & Meditation
8:45-10:15am | Asana
10:15-11:15am | Brunch
12:00-1:00pm | Midday Programs
1:30-3:00pm | Presentations & dialogue on the theme
3:30-5:00pm | Asana or Meditation
5:15-6:15pm | Dinner
6:00-7:00pm | Arati
Sun., Dec. 31 Special New Year's Eve Program
7:30pm to Midnight | Music, Meditation, Dance, & Celebration
Monday, January 1
7:30-10:30am | Mantra Yajna for Peace
10:30-11:30am | Brunch
11:30-12:30am | Closing Gathering
2023 Retreat Rates
Rates below are PER PERSON and include meals, lodging, and facilities use for all days of the retreat. Tuition ($200) is additional. For more information about each type of accommodation, please see images and descriptions below.
| Accommodations Type | Rate | |
| Ram Cottage #1 - Single (1 person/room, 2 rooms); Shared Bath | $996 | |
| Ram Cottage #1 - Double (2 people/room, 2 rooms); Shared Bath | $752 | |
| Ram Cottage #2 - Single (1 person/room, 3 rooms); Shared Bath | $904 | |
| Ram Cottage #2 - Double (2 people/room, 3 rooms); Shared Bath | $684 | |
| Conference Center - Single Room (1 person/room); Private Bath | $1,124 | |
| Conference Center - Single Room (1 person/room); Shared Bath | $904 | |
| Conference Center - Double in Room (2 people/room); Private Bath | $816 | |
| Conference Center - Double in Room (2 people/room); Shared Bath | $684 | |
| Conference Center - Triple in Room (3 people/room); Shared Bath | $552 | |
| Cabin - Single (1 person/cabin); Separate Shared Bath Facility | $780 | |
| Cabin - Double (2 people/cabin); Separate Shared Bath Facility | $652 | |
| Camp in Own Vehicle | $344 | |
| Commuting | $292 |
Guest Rooms
These tasteful rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views to read and relax in, and a full tea bar available at all times in the Conference wing of the building.
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Rustic Cabins
These simple rustic cabins are located in our Oaks Campground. They are a short walk to the main area, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins include electricity and heat, but not wifi or indoor plumbing. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets.
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Ram Cottages
The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram 1 offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, bathroom, and shared living space with outdoor deck. Ram 2 sleeps 6 and offers a kitchenette, and a bathroom.
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Own Vehicle
Spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. Some have access to electricity, but no other hookups. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings.
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Own Tent Camping
Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets and are available year-round. Please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.
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