I came purely out of a desire to see the country and get away from NYC for a vacation. NEVER had I imagined (or planned) that I would be doing yoga two times a day for an entire week. And NEVER had Iimagined that it would influence my life in the way it has.

Our retreat together was truly a magical experience for me. It was transformative in so many meaningful and profound ways. It helped to create shifts in my body that never would have been possible if we were in NYC and I was taking classes only once or twice a week. And the frequency of our yoga practice during the retreat helped me to experience the power of yoga in ways I otherwise never would have.

It truly was a life-changing experience for me. I often think about the retreat. And, in some way, I re-visit it every time I do yoga. Our retreat together marked the beginning of my yoga practice. And the experience was so powerful that it continues to move me 2 years later. In fact, I imagine that it always will.

With love and great thanks,
Robin

Robin Nemeroff, Ph.D.
--Putting Science to Work--
The Center for the Advancement of Children's Mental Health

“ I have attended the past 2 World Yoga winter retreats. Here are some
reflections about those wonderful and memorable weeks. I have omitted mentioning the joys of simply being in these beautiful, WARM, natural settings in order to focus on the 'Yoga Group" experience:

It was healing to step out of the inertia of my usual habits, routines, and distractions by getting away, being in the midst of nature and immersed in a gentle group consciousness with plenty of opportunities for solitude. I felt I had the time and space of a week to let the wisdom of the ”still small voice” sink in, and to begin to live it’s message undistracted by NYC concerns. Being with this group in yoga consciousness brought up challenges as it created a mirror for my thoughts/reactions. I could observe my “issues” in this week-long meditation. Turning within led to answers, release, and previously untapped inner strengths.

The Dream Circle/Morning Meditation was a wonderful way to begin the day.
The benefits of 2 yoga classes each day are not to be underestimated. I made lasting freindships as well I am grateful to have bonded with some people in the retreat groups in ways that may not have been otherwise possible. There were several “aha” experiences about letting go...letting go of: things that clutter my life and my schedule the compulsion to fit in too much so that my hand can open to receive, to allow the space to be there for my life to breathe. (I write music and lyrics; inspiration only happens during the moments IN BETWEEN thoughts!).

NAMASTE.
Jim Bro
Lyricist, Musician

"The 2003 and 2004 retreats were transformative experiences for me. Middle-aged, grown children, high-stress legal career. Originally thinking that I was just going on a vacation with my friend Lucia (along with some people who, like Lucia, liked to do calisthenics), I stumbled into an experience that changed my life. Being with such supportive people, striving to do yoga, amid beautiful natural surroundings, I found myself feeling trust and pure happiness. I actually recalled such happiness only from my childhood (50-plus years earlier). The experience of trust and happiness has magically stayed with me. It affects me deeply, and enhances my experience of life and relationships. I now chant, meditate, and do yoga to re-experience the connection. I "came through the eye of a needle". Of course, I plan to attend the 2005 retreat. I'm writing this letter to invite and, hopefully, tempt others to join us. It will be a wonderful experience.

Much love,
Elizabeth State Prosecutor

“The retreat is a rich spiritual experience for me. It seems that during such a concentrated time of practices, in the company of like-minded people, there is an energy or power that is a catalyst for clarity and serenity. I find I can clear my mind enough to focus on opening the door to a pure and obstructed place. A connection with that place is what I have been seeking, but often get waylaid in my journey.

During my normal daily routine I have been prone to giving my "stuff" too much energy. Work, ego, stuff, worry, fear, vanity, resentment, jealousy, and all those mundane things fill my life, to the point where I feel like a hamster on a wheel.....going and going and getting nowhere. I become so highly identified with the work persona, the wife persona, the mom persona (that hamster on the wheel), that I lose touch with the real me. When I go on retreat, I am able to step out of the hamster-wheel and see the true landscape of my life. What emerges is a better vision of who I am, what my purpose is.

I also enjoy the deep relaxation that comes about after engaging in such powerful practices.

After the retreat last year, (my second one), I experienced a feeling of renewed hope and found strength to set about making profound changes in my life.

Those retreat days with you and the World Yoga crowd are precious to me, and essential for my spiritual development. I am so grateful for my good fortune to be able to attend.

Thank you for making this possible!

Love,
Margaret
PS... I still can't do headstand, but now that doesn't bother me!