47th Annual Liberation Yoga Retreat
A Northern California Retreat
Transform your mind, change your world
Join us, online or in person, for our 47th annual summer retreat as we journey into the transformative power of Yoga.
Methods for transforming the mind and heart take many forms – gratitude practices, mindfulness, movement, music, and more. You are invited to explore the time-honored practices of Yoga, including pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (postures), meditation, self-inquiry, chanting, and devotion. Each method offers a way to shift your inner landscape – nurturing the body, settling the mind, and awakening the heart.
Supported by the stillness of nature, the rhythm of shared practice, and the wisdom of Yoga philosophy and modern neuroscience, you will naturally observe how transformation begins within. As ancient teachings meet contemporary understanding, you will begin to experience how consistent practice can reshape your state of being – rewiring the brain, deepening awareness, and supporting a more harmonious relationship with self and world.
This retreat invites you to embrace life in all of its complexity with greater awareness, wisdom, and care. As inner clarity deepens, so too does your capacity to respond with intention, integrity, and compassion, in service of both personal and collective healing.
At this four-day retreat you will experience:
- A welcoming and grounding opening circle; and an integrative and connecting closing circle
- Morning and evening arati (ritual of light)
- Practices of pranayama (breathing techniques), asana (postures), and meditation
- Presentations and reflections on the theme, “Transform Your Mind, Change Your World” through the timeless teachings of Yoga
- Kirtan (devotional singing)
- Time to spend exploring the beautiful redwoods and meadows, visiting with others over tea or a meal, or enjoying a wellness treatment (advance reservations recommended)
Spend a long weekend away from the demands of daily life and step into a nourishing space supported by community, nature, and daily practice. Together, we’ll explore the Yoga of transformation and cultivate the inner clarity that sparks true liberation, within and beyond.
Our Campus
The Environment
Northern California
Overlooking Monterey Bay
The Mount Madonna campus is centrally located in California, with close proximity to Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, and near to the greater San Francisco Bay Area.
The property features miles of beautiful walking or jogging trails through redwood forests and serene meadows with magical sunset viewing points and clear skies for stargazing.
Basic Schedule
| Wednesday, July 2 | |
| 3:00 – 5:30pm | Registration |
| 5:15 – 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Arati |
| 7:15 – 8:30pm | Welcome Gathering |
| Thursday – Saturday, July 3 – 5 | |
| 5:45 – 6:45am | Shat Karma (yogic cleansing practices) |
| 6:00 – 7:00am | Arati |
| 7:15 – 8:30am | Yoga Sadhana (breathing & meditation) |
| 8:45 – 10:00am | Yoga Asana (postures) |
| 10:00 – 11:00am | Brunch |
| 11:00am – 1:30pm | Break or Mid-Afternoon Options |
| 1:30 – 3:00pm | Theme Presentations |
| 3:30 – 5:00pm | Afternoon Asana |
| 4:00 – 5:00pm | Afternoon Meditation |
| 5:15 – 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Arati |
| 7:15 – 8:45pm | Kirtan (devotional singing) & Restorative Practice |
| Sunday, July 6 | |
| 6:00 – 7:00am | Arati |
| 7:00 – 10:00am | Mantra Yajna (Vedic ceremony) – or – |
| 7:30 – 9:30am | Yoga Sadhana + Asana |
| 10:00 – 11:00am | Brunch |
| 10:00 – 11:30am | Check out of accommodations |
| 11:30am – 12:30pm | Closing Gathering |
*Please note: Schedule subject to change. Registrants will be notified.
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
LIBERATION YOGA RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $395 + 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).
Camping
Bring your own tent
Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets. Although camping is usually available year-round, please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.
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. 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.
