2ND ANNUAL
SURRENDERING
TO SILENCE IMMERSON
Dates Coming Soon…
We are beyond excited to host our 2nd annual Surrendering to Silence Yoga Immersion, where participants will engage in the art of “non-doing.” From this place, one can experience a sense of wholeness and peace that can simply be described as silence. In this 5 day yoga & meditation immersion, you will be given the daily opportunity to practice invigorating hatha yoga workshops, yoga nidra meditations, a one-day vow of silence, nature excursion, and yoga philosophy teachings that aim to inspire you to live a fulfilling yogic lifestyle.
Meet Your Immersion Leaders
A & Allie met in 2016 at their local yoga studio in Los Angeles, CA. They’ve been friends ever since.
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A’s intention as an instructor is to provide practical ways of how to make yoga part of everyday life, rather than just something you “do” when you are at the studio. Their Hatha-based classes are appropriate for students healing from injuries, beginners, or long-time students looking to be re-inspired by the roots of their practice. A believes in empowering their fellow LGBTQ+ community to take up space in primarily cis-gendered or heteronormative spaces, and stands in solidarity with the various anti-racist movements taking place across the globe. A asks people to look at yoga as not only a practice of individual healing, but a practical philosophy for liberating all of humanity. Ultimately, they believe when we take better care of ourselves we are taking better care of the planet.Credentials:
15 years of formal & consistent Yoga practice
200 HR RYT - Hatha & Ashtanga Yoga | Shiva Yoga Peeth, Rishikesh, India 2017
100 HR Yoga Therapy & Ayurveda YT | Patanjali International Yoga Foundation, Rishikesh, India 2019
Lived experience with Mata Amritananda Mayi (Amma) at Amritapuri Ashram, Kerala, India including 6 days observation of Silence
Co-Facilitator of 7 day Dance & Yoga Retreat | Chacala, Mexico 2019, 2021, 2022
Has led over 20 yoga workshops and courses on topics such as Self Realization, Enlightened Masters, Ashtanga Yoga, The Yamas & Niyamas, Silence (Mauna), 7 Chakra System, Sankalpa, Nidra, Self Study (Swadhyaya), Pranayama, and Meditation (Dhyana)
Instructed yoga to a group of domestic violence survivors | Women’s Shelter in Udaipur, India, 2019
Recurring Guest Instructor for 200 HR YTT | Rooted Heart Yoga & Wellness 2021, 2022
Yoga Instructor for non-profit Asian Pacific Development Center’s Adult Education Program | Denver, CO 2021
Private Yoga Instructor | 2017-current
Creator of Meditation Club (Denver School of the Arts, 2009-2012); Yoga Club (Emerson College 2012-2016)
Continued Education:
Yoga Nidra Immersion w/Jeremy Wolf | Denver, CO 2018
Body Reading w/Hansa Knox | Denver, CO 2019
Introduction to TRE (Trauma Release Exercises) w/Jessica Carpenter | Denver, CO 2021
Hindu Deities Study w/Tracy Chapman & Heather Lindemann | Denver, CO 2019
Introduction to Trauma Informed Yoga w/Buffalo & Sparrow | Denver, CO 2022
7 Day Meditation Immersion | Hariharalaya, Siem Reap, Cambodia 2017
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Born and raised in West Virginia, Allie Bright graduated from Marshall University with a degree in Geography and emphasis on South Asian Religious Studies. Her thesis researched the movement of Indian Gurus to the West and the sociological influence on the modernization of yoga. She is the co-creator of the Yoga Studies University Program Certificate with Dr. Jeffrey Ruff, head of Religious Studies at Marshall University. Launching in Fall 2023, it is one of only three university yoga studies programs in the country. She believes the formal study of yogic philosophy and the history of yoga will greatly benefit the modern yoga community by deepening the understanding of the practice, the self, and the world.
Credentials:
200 HR RYT - Mantra, Yoga Philosophy & Vinyasa | Vinyasa Yoga School, Rishikesh, India 2014
50 HR Laughter Yoga Certification | Guru Omo, Rishikesh, India 2014
Private Monthlong Yoganidrā and Mantra Study | Guru Omo, Rishikesh, India 2014
Co-Founder of 3 day Breath, Bliss & Self-Discovery Retreat | Ojai, California 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Has led many workshops and courses on topics such as The Ego, Jñāna, Yoganidrā, Pratyāhāra, Tantra, Hindu Mysticism, Prāṇāyāma, Svādhyāya, Advaita Vedānta, etc.
Instructed yoga for nonprofits such as Autism Services, Go Light Our World, and Water for the People
University Thesis, Indian Guru’s Uproot Yoga’s Traditions | Marshall University 2017
Co-Creator of Yoga Studies Certificate Program | Marshall University 2024
Current Editor of Doctorate Thesis on the Upaniṣads | Dr. Jeffrey Ruff 2023
Private and Group Yoga Instructor | 2014-current
Creator of Yoga Club | Huntington High School 2011/2012
Continued Education:
Quality Matters Teaching Online Training | 2022
Writing Intensive Training | Marshall University 2022
Community Based Learning Certificate | Marshall University 2022
Workshop and Lecture on the Lalitāsahasranāma | Loyola Marymount University 2019
Introduction to the Bhagavadgītā | Loyola Marymount University 2018
Roots of Yoga Workshop and Lecture | Ohio University 2017
Formal Independent Study Course on the Alchemical Body | Marshall University 2017
Accommodations & Setting
Located just over an hour from Denver, CO the Surrendering to Silence Immersion will take place in a modern, spacious mountain home nestled among the trees. With mesmerizing views of the mountains, a private hot tub, and an assortment of hiking trails at your fingertips, you will be sure to enjoy plenty of time for self reflection and silence.
Example Schedule
(All activities are optional & schedule will vary daily)
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Hatha Yoga w/A
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Breakfast
10:30 AM -12:00 PM - Silence & Self Study
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Philosophy Lecture
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Lunch
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM - Outdoor Group Excursion
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Asana Workshop
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner
7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Yoga Nidra w/Allie
Highlights
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Every yogi wants to feel strong and safe in their body, but too often yoga classes are instructed with cues that are designed to accommodate the “average” (or even advanced!) practitioner. Your body, as you know, is anything but average and deserves more nuanced instruction!
This year, expect a workshop series designed to make you feel stronger, safer, and more knowledgeable about the mechanics of your own unique body. Demystify and fine tune your knowledge of modifications as well as “advanced” yoga. Yoga is for every body!
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We will be practicing a day and a half vow of silence, beginning one evening before bed through the next entire day and ending our silence around breakfast the day after. There will also be daily silent mornings and the opportunity to choose any other time to practice silence. (You will receive special “practicing silence” lanyards you can wear to communicate to others that you are not speaking).
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There will be an optional planned outdoor excursion focused on meditation and the sounds of nature.
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We will have a special art workshop that incorporates our yoga and meditation practice. Art supplies will be provided, however you are welcome to bring some of your own favorite materials.
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There will be lectures on yoga philosophy — covering topics such as the Sanskrit language and the role of mantra, Samādhi and meditative states, Tantra, and more.
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$1750 - Single Room ($1550 Early Bird)
Your own private room with a king sized bed.
*Limited rooms available/first come first serve. -
$1550 - Double Room ($1350 Early Bird)
Your own bed in a shared room with 1 other participant. If you register with a friend or partner let us know so we can put you in the same room!
*Limited rooms available/first come first serve.
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$1350 - Quad Room ($1150 Early Bird)
Your own bed in a shared a room with 2-3 other participants depending on registration numbers.
*Limited rooms available/first come first serve.
Scholarship
We have 1 scholarship available. To apply, please contact us with a little bit about why you’d like to receive a this no-cost spot.
What’s Included
Three (3) catered, organic vegetarian meals per day; full schedule of classes and lessons; accommodations in a luxury mountain home with a hot tub, two living rooms, a yoga studio and a large deck with stunning mountain views; nature excursions; gift bags; priceless yogic wisdom and soul growth!
MORE DETAILS…
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Payments can be made via Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, Check, or Cash. Please visit this page to make a payment.
Early bird pricing ends May 1st, 2024.
A $500 deposit is required to hold your space and is non-refundable after June 21st, 2024.
Full balance must be paid by September 1st, 2024.
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Deposits are non-refundable after June 21st, 2024.
Any cancellations made after June 21st and before September 1st, 2024 will be refunded their total payment amount, minus their deposit.
After September 1st, 2024, any cancellations will not be refunded.
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Participants are encouraged to carpool however there will be enough space to park all vehicles if carpooling is not an option.
Participants must arrive on Thursday between 4-6PM and depart on Tuesday between 9-10AM. -
Rooms are available on a first come first serve basis and we will do everything we can to get you into the room you want! At the time you send your deposit, just let us know in an email your preference we will do our best to accomodate you. Note that most participants will share a bathroom. There are 4 bathrooms in the house.
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No problem! We will send a survey before the immersion to collect information on your dietary restrictions, requests, etc.
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Alcohol will not be provided with dinner, and we encourage sobriety during this immersion, however, we will allow participants to bring their own alcoholic beverages as long as they are consumed responsibly.
The same is true for marijuana.
Note that participants will be given an opportunity to consume alcoholic or NA beverages in a ritual ceremony on closing evening. -
Yoga Nidrā
Yoganidrā is an ancient meditative tradition that originated in India. The Sanskrit word ‘nidrā’ means sleep and while this practice does resemble sleep, it should not be mistaken for physical sleep. It is a practice of Pratyāhāra (sense withdrawal) which allows one to be in a meditative place to enter a state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep. It is a practice which reduces our awareness of the external world and thus allows us to go deeper within ourselves, to discover the True Self and free one from the pain and separation which the ego houses.
Mauna
Mauna is the sanskrit word for “silence.” Observing vows of silence can be a deeply transformative and introspective path; it is highly useful in increasing a practitioner's ability to concentrate and ultimately, to evoke a sense of inner quietude. We will observe 1 day of silence on the immersion and have several other opportunities for shorter silent meditations.
Tantra
The term tantra literally means “to weave.” Tantra is an often overlooked or forgotten yogic path of knowledge. Tantra in the West has been misperceived as equivalent to sex or texts such as The Kama Sutra, which has no connection to tantra at all.
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An immersion is the act or instance of being immersed, and to immerse means to engage wholly or deeply — to absorb. That is exactly what this experience is, an absorption. Together we will engage deeply with yoga. We will delve into the roots, traditions, and philosophies that make up this practice we admire and appreciate so much. This is not a “retreat” focused on luxury and relaxation, but is an immersion into the depths of yoga, silence, and self-discovery. Expect to challenge yourself a little bit… this will take your practice to a new level!
“You quiet yourself not so much through effort, but through something much more tender and deep. That is a willingness to step outside of our identity to walk in the mountains or to sit quietly: mostly just to stop and have a conversation with your heart in some way.”
-Jack Kornfield