JOY OF MEDITATION RETREATS
What is a Joy of Meditation Retreat?
The Joy of Meditation is a retreat to explore the philosophy, science, and experience of the meditation practice. Whether an advanced meditator or someone new to the practice, you will benefit greatly from this transformative weekend get-away.
Throughout history, different cultures have always used forms of contemplation to enrich their experience of life and find inner happiness. We will explore the evolution of meditation and how it is practiced today. We will also delve deep into its physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, supported by ancient knowledge and new scientific discoveries.
Most importantly, of course, is the actual practice of meditation. There will be ample opportunities to meditate, in group and alone, sitting still and moving. Our experienced meditators at Prama will answer questions and provide guidance along the way.
The Joy of Meditation retreat will help you:
- Listen to your inner wisdom
- Spend time with nature
- Enjoy silence
- Reset your life
- Develop a positive habit of meditation
- Strengthen your powers of intuition
- Tap your source of spiritual love
- Balance caring for self and others
GUIDED MEDITATION
Each meditation retreat begins with a time of instruction, demonstration and training. Meditation is the most important aspect of this event and you will have ample time to practice various types of meditation techniques. If you are already used to meditation, you will be encouraged to use the techniques you have learned before. Individuals who are new to the art of meditation will be given plenty of help and support to learn and use the techniques taught by the instructors.
REJUVENATING YOGA CLASSES
We incorporate yoga classes in our silent meditation retreats that will help relax the body and achieve deeper understanding. Our yoga teachers will help you get the most out of your practice, whether you are a beginner who has never practiced yoga or you have an established yoga practice.
VEGETARIAN CUISINE
Among the benefits and amenities that Prama offers retreat participants, healthy, nutritious meals are of the utmost importance. Healthy meals and habits are the key to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle. One of the greatest benefits of coming to a meditation retreat with vegetarian meals is that you will return home with improved digestive health. We have the capacity to accommodate all dietary restrictions including a gluten free diet, just let us know in advance so we can prepare for you!
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Arrival Day
3:00 – 5:00 Arrival/Registration
5:00 – 6:30 Yoga Class
6:30 – 6:45 Break
6:45 – 7:15 Retreat Orientation
7:15 – 7:30 Group Meditation
7:30 – 8:30 Dinner
8:30 – 9:30 Evening Program
9:30 – 10:00 Free Time
10:00 Lights Out
Full Retreat Day
6:30 – 7:00 Wake-up
7:00 – 8:15 Yoga class
8:15 – 8:30 Break
8:30 – 9:15 Group Meditation
9:15 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 –11:30 Morning Program
11:30 – 12:30 Free Time
12:30 – 1:00 Group Meditation
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:30 Afternoon Program
3:30 – 4:30 Free Time, Journaling
4:30 – 6:00 Yoga Class
6:00 – 6:15 Break
6:15 – 7:00 Group Meditation
7:00 – 8:00 Dinner
8:00 – 8:30 Free Time
8:30 – 9:30 Evening Program
9:30 – 10:00 Free Time
10:00 Lights Out
Departure Day
6:30 – 7:00 Wake-up
7:00 – 8:15 Yoga class
8:15 – 8:30 Break
8:30 – 9:15 Group Meditation
9:15 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 –10:30 Free Time
10:30 – 11:00 Visualization, reflection and journaling
11:00 – 11:30 Group Meditation
11:30 – 12:00 Sharing Of Experiences
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch and Departure
MEDITATION RETREAT FACULTY
Dr. Howard Nemon
Howard has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 45 years. After receiving extensive training in the US and India, he has been sharing his knowledge and experiences of the science of yoga throughout the US and abroad. In 2006, he was a co-founder of the Prama Institute and has been one of the main faculty since then. His workshops and retreats focus on personal growth, lifestyle change, holistic health, the practice of silence, meditation, community building, and social transformation.
Dr. Sid Jordan
Sid has combined a career as a licensed clinical psychologist and yoga teacher since 1971. As a clinical psychologist, he taught psychotherapy and community psychology in the Department of Psychiatry and served as director of the Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Services in a community center at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC over a period of 25 years. Since 1994, he has been developing a green intentional community north of Asheville on 140 acres of land.
Susan Rae
As a certified yoga instructor since 2014, Susan enjoys teaching her class, “Yoga for Self Love”. She also teaches Qigong and likes to engage her students in both practices to cultivate present moment awareness, loving kindness, and ease and lightness in body, mind, heart and soul. Susan regularly teaches at Weaverville Yoga and offers outdoor classes during the warmer months in a valley at her Weaverville home. Susan is a certified Reiki practitioner and is available for energy healing sessions.
RECENT MEDITATION ARTICLES
How healthy is your mental diet?
Our consumption never stops. Emails, phone calls, text messages, podcasts, social media, television, conversations, and the constant stream of information flowing through our screens continually fill our minds with new ideas and impressions. Sometimes the steady barrage of bad news or conflicting opinions becomes overwhelming, and we simply need to stop listening. We need quiet moments to recover our balance.
Connecting with Ourselves and Others in Silence
Many people search for a silent meditation retreat because they want peace, clarity, or a break from the constant noise of everyday life. What often surprises them is that one of the greatest gifts of a meditation retreat isn’t simply finding quiet within themselves—it’s discovering a profound sense of connection with others.
From Awareness to Action: Navigating Mental Health with Meditation
As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the conversation surrounding our internal well-being has never been louder. While the stigma is finally fading, the sheer scale of the challenges we face remains significant. Understanding the scope of the issue is...
