47th Annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat
A Northern California Retreat
Heart of Belonging: from Separation to Oneness
Rooted in the understanding of our interconnectedness with each other and with all creation, Mount Madonna’s annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat: Heart of Belonging invites us into satsang—a community of spiritual seekers on the path to self-awareness, healing, and the realization of our true nature. Together, in community, we can move toward awakening to our deepest Self and discovering true belonging.
“We are all one though in different shapes and forms, like a potter makes different types of pots but the clay is the same.”
Baba Hari Dass
During this year’s retreat, there are many opportunities and ways to experience belonging—in the warmth of shared meals and group walks beneath the ancient redwoods; in meaningful conversations with friends old and new; in the vibrancy of gathering together for New Year’s Eve for joyful singing and dancing; and in the deep inner work of meditation, pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (postures), and svadhyaya (self-study).
Through these practices, empathy and compassion arise naturally, moving us from a sense of separation toward the realization of oneness, revealing our belonging to our own essence and to all creation.
As the earth completes another rotation around the sun and we transition into a new year, this New Year’s Yoga Retreat offers a precious opportunity to pause—to step away from the demands of daily life, reflect on the year past, and open to the possibilities of a new cycle. Nestled among Northern California’s redwoods, with sweeping views of Monterey Bay, you will find our campus to be a sanctuary for positive transformation and nourishing time in community.
Please join us for this season of reflection, renewal, and shared practice together!
Ways to attend:
- In-person at Mount Madonna.
Tuition: $495 + accommodations & meals. - Online: Enjoy a rich and engaging program from anywhere in the world!
Tuition: Sliding scale $100+.
The retreat program will include:
- Arati (morning and evening ritual of light)
- Practices of yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation rooted in the lineage of Baba Hari Dass
- Presentations on the theme, Heart of Belonging: From Separation to Oneness
- Music, including kirtan (devotional singing)
- Time in nature and in ritual
- Opportunities to connect with old & new friends… and more!
- New Year’s Eve program
- New Year’s Day mantra yajna (ancient Vedic ritual) for peace
“When we gather together to form a sangha (satsang), we practice opening up the confines of our separate self and become a large body of love and understanding.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
New Year’s Yoga Retreat Schedule
| Sunday, December 28 | |
| 3:00 - 5:30pm | Arrival & Registration |
| 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati |
| 7:15 - 8:30pm | Welcome Gathering |
| Monday - Wednesday, December 29 - 31 | |
| 6:00 - 7:00am | Arati |
| 7:15 - 8:30am | Yoga sadhana, including pranayama & meditation |
| 8:45 - 10:00am | Yoga asana |
| 10:00am - 11:00pm | Brunch |
| 11:00 - 1:30pm | Break or mid-afternoon options |
| 1:30 - 3:00pm | Theme Presentations |
| 3:30 - 5:00pm | Afternoon asana or afternoon sadhana |
| 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati |
| 7:15 - 9:00pm | Kirtan (devotional singing) & Restorative Practice New Year’s Eve Program (7:15pm - 1:00am) |
| Thursday, January 1 | |
| 6:00 - 7:00am | Arati |
| 7:00 - 10:00am | Mantra Yajna for Peace -or- |
| 7:30 - 9:30am | Yoga sadhana & asana |
| 10:00am - 11:00am | Brunch |
| 11:00am - 12:00pm | Closing Gathering |
*Please note: Schedule subject to change. Registrants will be notified.*
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
NEW YEAR'S RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $495 + accommodations & meals. Rates are per person, and are inclusive for all days of the retreat. Rates stated here apply to this retreat only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ. Please note: no unaccompanied minors.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include meals, registration fees, and access to the Mount Madonna campus.
Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Check out is at 11:00 a.m.; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.
Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.
Accommodations & Meals
Make the Mountain Home
RAM cottages
two and three rooms
The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. All beds are singles. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, or Triple
These tasteful hotel style rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center, where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views in which you may read and relax, and a full tea bar available at all times in the conference wing of the building. Rooms that don’t have en-suite bathrooms have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers (private while in use). All beds are singles. There are no phones or TVs in any of our rooms. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Rustic Cabins
Single or Double
Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two people and feature electricity and heat but no wi-fi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Yurts
Single or Double
Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wi-fi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- or twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).
Own Vehicle
Parking Space
Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Commuting
Drive yourself
Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.
