Tuesday, November 08, 2011

RETREAT PHOTOS BY BILL JEPSEN
Words by the Participants








I feel inspired and refreshed. This time away was much needed and now I am feeling renewed strength in my Self.

I feel a strong connection to the Dharma Yoga and the sattvic teachings.
It has pushed me to grow so much already and I have only just begun.

I love the that the teachings are strong in their roots and there isn't a taboo on the subject of God that I have found in other classes.

"Be receptive to the grace of God."

















What you said about the true Self got to me. I've heard you say it before but this time was different.









I also felt I had some “healing” in some way. I certainly can attest to the shared warm glow afterward. I hope I can hold onto this feeling!







I felt my body was strong and my mind was peaceful in the retreat! I had a good time and I am glad I did!!









Fond memories of an unforgettable week-end flood my mind as I settle in after a long day of working....:) I feel so blessed to have spent the last few days learning more about the the 8 limbs of yoga. I just can't seem to get enough of the wisdom that yoga offers.
















The retreat was even better than I imagined. I enjoyed it all, but most of all, I enjoyed our circle of "offering up" at the end...I was awed by the spirit and expertise of the those who chose to participate. Truly, I have never seen yoga performed so beautifully and freely.










....Such a lovely, energetic and memorable time together.












I can't begin to express what the retreat meant to me. Life has seemed pretty turbulent and exhausting lately. The retreat was the first opportunity I have had in months for true rest. I felt cradled in the arms of the Mother throughout the weekend. Sleep was free of interruption, solitude was peaceful, company was uplifting, devotion was heart-felt and asana was humbling. It felt like exactly what I needed to stay afloat.
















I can't wait until the next time we can do it again! I loved every moment spent with you. Peaceful, gentle night, If only I had a labyrinth to walk in the moonlight!









For me, the retreat offered a special transformation. I awakened Saturday night from a new sensation. I found that the persistent pain of an eye ailment I had developed several weeks ago had receded. I shared this news with Cara, attributing it to our breathing rituals, and she reminded me that we had done a purification ritual. She shared with me that we would do more on Sunday, and we did and as I write this to you all, I am still pain free.

I am grateful to the Universe that brings what we need. So on Sunday for the first time,emboldened by that feeling of healing, I had the courage to embrace the beginnings of two inversion postures. My fear left with my pain. So I wanted to say thanks to each of you, for you were a part of that energy, and I am humbled by the power of the experience. I move forward today still warmed by the glow of our synergy. So may I offer to each of you the blessings of peace and harmony in your day.




































Thank you to everyone who made this weekend so magical, including my nephew (who made the flyers) and brother (who took the pictures), the Port for Prayer, my Guru and teachers (who taught through me), and the participants - including the many karma yogis who helped out in various ways (including the DeKalb Four, for their lovely photo). It is their selflessness that made this such a powerful experience. Many pranams to you. Om Namah Shivay! Jai Jai Ma!







5 comments:

  1. My pranams to this beautiful sanga.

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  2. Anonymous10:31 AM

    Thanks to my fellow sadhakas and CK for a wonderful retreat. Thanks to Bill (if that is your real name :) for the pictures.

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  3. Yea anonymous it is I.

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  4. For Tina: I forgot to say this (regarding the retreat), but thanks to you Tina -- you enlarged my understanding of an area that I was unclear in: ‘End of life care/palliative care’.

    I also learned a new word: palliative.

    Ralph from DeKalb

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  5. Glad to be of service, Ralph! It was nice walking with you. Maybe next time we can get the organ in the chapel to produce music!

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