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
CANCELLATION POLICY
Prama institute and Wellness Center reserves the right to cancel a ‘Prama Wellness Center Organized’ program at any time. If the Prama Wellness Center cancels a program, you will be given a minimum of 1 weeks notice and receive a full refund. Cancellations by Prama Wellness Center can be transferred to other Prama organized programs.
Refunds are available (less a $100 processing fee) up to fourteen days before the start date of the program. If a cancellation occurs between fourteen and three days before the start date of the program, your fee can be transferred to any other Prama organized program (less a $100 cancellation fee) within one year. No credits or refunds are available for cancellations three days or less before the start date of a program, or for no-shows, or for leaving an event early. People cancelling 14 days or less before the start of a program can also transfer their space and fee to an unregistered participant. Please allow seven days for processing of fees.
Event Tickets are non-refundable.
Cancellation/Transfers
If you cancel.…..
14 or more days before a retreat - You will be refunded money minus a $100 processing fee to your credit card or via check.
72 hours to 13 days before your retreat - You will be given a gift certificate code in your email that will be valid on any Prama facilitated retreats for up one year from your cancellation. The amount will total what you paid for your retreat minus a $100 processing fee. This is transferable to someone else.
72 hours or less before your retreat - You will not be give any refunds or transfers.
REGISTER ONLINE!
Sign up for a Prama Meditation Retreat Today!
Our meditation retreats are designed to help you get away from all the noise and distractions of your everyday life so you can enjoy deep relaxation while revitalizing yourself mentally, spiritually and physically. We have a meditation retreat coming up soon – Join us!
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

Intermittent Fasting and the Longevity Diet
by Ramesh Bjonnes | May 30, 2023
Ramesh Bjonnes From August 23-27, we will feature a retreat about the practice of intermittent fasting here at Prama. There are a variety of intermittent fasting techniques, since not all forms work for all types of people. At the retreat, you will learn about all of...
The Yoga of Flow
by Ramesh Bjonnes | May 22, 2023
Ramesh Bjonnes We often think of yoga as a set of physical exercises only. But yoga also has a deep spiritual heart, especially found in its meditation practices. When we hear that yoga means union and that the practice of yoga will lead us to experience this union,...
4 Ways to Get into a Higher Gear
by Howard Nemon | May 15, 2023
Howard Nemon Last week, I wrote about a different way to think about rationalization. In the summer of 1990, my Teacher explained it as a specific faculty or ability of the mind. It is a mental process that can help the mind become more efficient and effective by...