People on bridge in the redwoods for a yoga asana and meditation class at Mount Madonna

The Five Great Elements in Practice & in Nature

A Hike, Yoga Asana, & Meditation Class

In Yoga philosophy, the five elements of nature — earth, water, fire, air, and ether — are the building blocks of the natural world.  When these elements flow towards balance, a foundation is formed which allows the potential of well-being to flourish — for both the body and mind.  This practice, designed to bring awareness to the elements within and around, will include a hike to a quiet location on the Mount Madonna campus for gentle yoga asana (postures) and meditation among the redwoods.

The day’s program will also include:

  • A guided campus tour to Sunset Ridge (weather permitting)
  • Brunch and dinner in the shared community dining hall
  • Personal time
  • Option to stay for arati (ritual of light) after dinner at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
  • Option to book a wellness treatment at the Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (advance reservations recommended)

To participate in this special class, please register for a Mountain Experience day visit or book a Personal Retreat overnight stay.

Please note: All yoga classes are appropriate for ages 13+.

Sample Schedule

Saturday, August 1
10:00am Arrival & Check-in
10:00 - 11:00am Brunch
11:30am - 12:30pm Guided tour
12:30 - 4:00pm Personal time
3:30 - 5:00pm Hike & yoga class
5:15 - 6:15pm Dinner
6:00pm Arati
7:00pm Program Concludes

Schedule subject to change. Registrants will be notified.

Mountain Experience

Date

Saturday, Aug 01, 2026

Time

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Location

In-Person
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076

Presenter

  • Lori Hansen
    Lori Hansen

    Lori has been teaching Yoga for seven years and completed 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Mount Madonna in April 2024, during which she deeply explored how Yoga provides support for living in alignment with nature. As a nature lover, Lori prefers to spend her free time outdoors – walking her dog, working in the garden, hiking, rock climbing, and backpacking in the mountains.

  • Tuition & Fees

    Mountain Experience:

    • Adults: $105
    • Children ages 13 and older: $105
    • Children 5 - 12 years old: $50
    • Children 4 years and under: FREE

    Personal Retreat:

    • Rates based on choice of accommodations and number of nights.
  • Registration Details

    This special class is available to Mountain Experience day visitors, Personal Retreat overnight and other registered guests. Use the "Mountain Experience" button above or the "Personal Retreat" button below to book.

    Personal Retreat


    Useful Information

    • Included: Two vegetarian meals, a scheduled yoga class and guided walk, and access to the Temple and 380 acres of hiking trails, walking paths, and indoor amenities. Wellness treatments and Ayurvedic consultations are not included but may be booked in advance.
    • Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the day of your visit.
    • Arrival & Departure (day visit): Check in between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; and depart by 7:00 pm.