Skalitude Yoga Retreat & Solstice Celebration
Yoga, The Earth & Stars & New Awakenings
with Kat Allen
June 17-20, 2011
Our 12th Annual Retreat is set for the weekend just before the Solstice this year (Friday-Monday), and I can't tell you how excited I am to head back to the pristine forests, hills and log cabins of the Skalitude Retreat Center!
Fresh mountain air, gourmet vegetarian cuisine (the last three year's by Len Yen were wonderful and he returns this year to feed us again!), and all-levels yoga will stimulate our ability to “receive and radiate,” and open to what it means to truly be Alive. Experience heartfelt connections to self and the sangha (community) by exploring yoga postures, Authentic Movement, breath practice, sound and chanting, visualization and meditation. A Summer Solstice party on Sunday night includes chant and song, dance and drum to welcome celebrate deva energy, earth's energy beings, and the height of the Sun.
This year, as every year, a major focus of the retreat is activating Presence through Yoga, Meditation, Nature and Community. Of Special Focus this time will be an introduction to the spiritual-philosophical aspects of astrology. Our good friend Merritt Green, a passionate student of western astrology, will talk about why astrology can enrich our lives and understanding of ourselves, both personally and for the collective.
During the weekend we will also have a strong focus on meditation, and will return to some of our favorite practices: classical yoga meditation, including mindfulness, mantra and breath awareness, Metta practice (Loving-Kindness) from the Buddhist tradition, and tantric meditation, utilizing visualization, breath awareness and the chakras.
In terms of the yoga, this retreat is meant for all levels of practitioner. Our focus is the NOW, and to watch for striving, judgement or constriction of any kind, in order to release, relax and let go more and more deeply. That doesn't mean we won't challenge ourselves in the yoga practices! The morning classes will be sure to enliven and get your energy unblocked and flowing freely, while the late afternoon classes will focus on gentle movement, pranayama, restoratives and meditation.
Having free time in the afternoon will allow you to fully explore the 180 acres belonging to the Center, settle near the watering hole to cool down, or even go into Winthrop or Twisp for a latte. After dinner, we always gather for satsang; we may chant, meditate or discuss spiritual topics or philosophy.
There is also a commitment to the environment, evidenced by the solar panels for heating showers and the compost toilets in the bunkhouse. Single, double and triple rooms are available in the log cabin and bunk house; you can find exact lodging information on the Skalitude website. Log onto as well for information about their eco-friendly approach & activities: www.skalitude.com.
Cost of the retreat: $ 440; Camping $390
Includes instruction, lodging (2 per room), solstice party, all meals and taxes. Be sure to let us know if you have any food restrictions. Registration in the form of a check may be sent to:
The Four Aims Center
7301 Bainbridge Place SW
Seattle, WA 98136
You may place a $150 returnable deposit (up till 7 days before the retreat), or pay the full cost. You can also use PayPal for a small additional fee.
Carpools:
We will be arranging carpools from Seattle; call Kat for connections.
Basic itinerary:
Morning energy practices and meditation 7-8 am
Breakfast 8-9 am
Yoga class 9:15-11:45 noon
Lunch 12:00-1 pm
Free time, guided hikes 1-4 pm
Afternoon mixed practice 4-5:30 pm
Dinner 6-7 pm
Evening gathering 8-9 pm
We have been blessed to gather for 11 years running. Why don't you join us, for the 1st time or the 10th, in this magical setting that is sure to replenish you, and awaken the joy and wonder of life!
From Skalitude’s website: http://www.skalitude.com
The name 'Skalitude' comes from a Salish word that means 'to be in harmony with Nature'. We at Skalitude Retreat believe in treading lightly on the earth, and our electricity comes from a solar power system. Skalitude is home to majestic Ponderosa Pine, a family of coyotes, white-tailed deer and occasional black bear. It is heaven for nature enthusiasts, with each season offering its own special gifts.
Hikes around Skalitude range from a 20 minute stroll through the meadow, hour long hikes that take in old growth pines and views of snow-capped peaks, to all day hikes including to the top of Lookout Mountain, with stunning 360 degree views of the Sawtooth range and the Columbia basin.
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