What a beautiful weekend we shared at Song of the Morning for our Living in the Light retreat, held June 19–21. Timed to coincide with both the Summer Solstice and the 11th International Day of Yoga, the retreat welcomed nine participants, five of whom were visiting the Ranch for the very first time.

Designed to nourish the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit, the weekend offered guests an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and settle into a peaceful rhythm of Golden Lotus Hatha Yoga, meditation, fellowship, and time in nature.

The feedback during our Golden Lotus Hatha sessions was deeply encouraging. Several participants shared that the experience felt like “true yoga,” appreciating the meditative focus of our practice and the intentional sacred pause after each asana—a time to simply rest, feel, and absorb the benefits of the posture before moving on.

Our time together included meditation, the World Peace Ceremony, a mindful nature walk, quiet moments for journaling and reflection, and the creation of a collaborative nature mandala.

As participants wandered the Ranch, they mindfully gathered leaves, flowers, stones, pinecones, and other natural treasures. Each offering represented a personal intention—perhaps gratitude, a hope to nurture, or something they wished to release. Together these individual gifts became one beautiful expression of unity, wholeness, and our connection with nature.

On the final day of the retreat, the completed mandala was lovingly offered to the flowing Pigeon River. This symbolic act represented surrender, non-attachment, and returning nature’s gifts to the Earth, reminding us of life’s ever-changing and beautiful cycles.

Throughout the weekend, we returned often to Paramahansa Yogananda’s affirmation:

“I am submerged in eternal light. It permeates every particle of my being. I am living in that light. Divine Spirit fills me within and without.”

As the retreat came to a close, guests departed feeling refreshed, uplifted, grounded, and more deeply connected to their own inner light.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Golden Lotus Yoga Teachers Association and Song of the Morning whose love and service helped make this beautiful weekend possible.