Unwind and Let Go: A Memorial Day Weekend Restorative Yoga Vacation

May 25-May 27, 2013

StoneSong Nature & Awareness Center
in the mountains of Western Maryland

Escape from the start of summer in the city to the sweetness of summer’s beginnings in the serene mountains of Western Maryland.  In these beautifully simple, rustic surroundings, you’ll give yourself the chance to slow down and unwind with the most settling and satisfying yoga practices.  Each day, Tara will get you moving with some all-levels active asana practice and then guide you into practices of deeply satisfying and supported restorative yoga.  Special guest teacher Susan has a soothing voice that will settle your mind in her iRest® yoga nidra sessions.  The whole weekend will leave you feeling deeply grounded, totally relaxed, and ready to take on whatever the summer demands.

Location & Accommodations

StoneSong Nature & Awareness Center is a welcoming space nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Maryland, just two hours from Washington, DC.  It is owned and operated by two amazing yogis, Mary Lou Martin and Eduardo Guedez.

On the property you will find acres of luscious land with a pond, a small creek, trees, flowers, and abundant wildlife.  Green Ridge State Forest, the second largest of Maryland’s state forests with 44,000 acres, and Rocky Gap State Park are literally next door neighbors.

StoneSong’s renovated barn includes the yoga space, kitchen, dining room, and dormitory-style lodging with men and women’s bathroom and shower facilities.  Guests staying in the barn must bring their own towels.

The farmhouse is a cozy and welcoming home, just a short walk from the barn.  Lodging in the farmhouse is dormitory-style with shared bathrooms; all towels and bed linens are provided.

The 23-acre property also provides many excellent camping spots.  Campers for the retreat must bring their own gear and towels and will have access to the shower and bathroom facilities in the barn.

Schedule

Saturday
12:30-2 pm arrival and check in
2-4:15 pm welcome, gentle active asana and restorative yoga practice
4:30-6:15 pm iRest practice
6:30-7:30 pm dinner
7:45-9:45 pm restorative yoga/iRest practice

Sunday
7:45-8:45 am all-levels active asana practice
9-10 am breakfast
10:15-12:15 pm restorative yoga stations
12:30-1:30 pm lunch
1:30-4:45 pm break  (optional nature walk/hike and massages during this time)
5-6:16 pm iRest practice
6:30-7:30 pm dinner
7:45-8:45 pm restorative yoga stations
9-10 pm iRest practice

Monday
7:45-8:45 am all-levels active asana practice
9-10 am breakfast
10-11 am restorative yoga practice
11:15-12:15 pm iRest practice
12:30-1:30 pm lunch
2 pm checkout

Retreat Leaders

Tara Lemerise, E-RYT-200, has been teaching yoga since 2005 and is known for offering clear, light-hearted, and encouraging instruction to students of all levels. From restorative postures to arm balances and everything in between, Tara helps her students delight in each moment, leaving everyone feeling more joyful and more at ease after each class.  Read more.

What is Restorative Yoga?
Restorative Yoga is a practice that uses blankets, blocks, bolsters, and other props to support your body in passive, relaxing yoga postures.  Staying in these restful poses for ten to twenty minutes each allows you to observe and learn your mind/body’s process of unwinding while providing your body a unique opportunity to renew and heal.

Special guest iRest® Yoga Nidra teacher, Susan Timmons is a longtime yogi and native Texan who especially enjoys the relaxing and easeful benefits of Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.  In 2011, Susan received advanced training from the Integrative Restoration Institute® and teaches an adaptation of Yoga Nidra known as iRest®.  When not teaching, Susan is an immigration lawyer who directs the Pro Bono Program for the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and is mom to two feline children, Mickey and Saoirse.

What is iRest® Yoga Nidra?
iRest® yoga nidra is a deeply restful guided meditation practice that helps you develop skills that enhance relaxation, release stress and cultivate feelings of peace and well-being.  Studies show that one hour of iRest® is equivalent to four hours of sleep in terms of healing benefits for body and mind.

Registration Options

Camping (bring your own gear and towels) – $325 per person
Dormitory-style lodging in the barn (bed linens provided; bring your own towels): $350 per person
*SOLD OUT* Dormitory-stye lodging in farmhouse (bed linens and towels provided): $470 per person

Above prices include Saturday and Sunday overnight stay, six delicious vegetarian home-cooked meals, and all yoga sessions.

Optional Retreat Add-ons
Start your retreat early with a Friday overnight stay:
camping – $35
barn – $60
farmhouse – $120

Pre-retreat meals: $10 per meal, per person

Massage – one hour: $80 (note: the only remaining massage appointments are during Sunday programming)

Payment Policy

Cancellations and refund requests must be received in writing prior to May 15, 2013. All refunds are subject to a $50 administrative fee. Payments can be made by credit card via PayPal or by check made payable to Tara Lemerise. If you choose to pay by check, the mailing address will be sent to you upon registration.