Immerse yourself in the sacred essence of yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda; renowned avatar, author of one of the world’s most acclaimed spiritual classics Autobiography of a Yogi, and beloved guru to Song of the Morning’s founder, Yogacharya Oliver Black. 

Yogananda teaches us that in order to fully experience peace, joy, love and harmony without, we must first experience it within ourselves. He teaches us how we are all essentially one with the divine omnipresence of God and how division only strengthens the false perception that we are separate from God and each other. This is why this year’s annual Yogananda retreat will focus on how to embody physical, mental and spiritual harmony through embracing our Divine Warrior within the Self so that it may ripple throughout our daily lives and exterior world, harmonizing and unifying all with Spirit.

During this special weekend you will have an opportunity to submerge into the heart of Song of the Morning; saturating in the peaceful ambiance of our 800 acres of sacred woodland forest and “Gitanjali” River during our vibrant and colorful autumnal season.

This retreat is created, facilitated and guided by our very own Golden Lotus yoga teachers and students as part of their 200 hour yoga teacher training program. It will include gentle hatha yoga classes taught by the students, traditional Song of the Morning meditations, devotional kirtan, reflective workshops, nature activities and many other opportunities to calm the mind, open the heart and nourish the soul so that we may live victoriously in harmony with all.

Retreat Fee: $108 for general attendees; $54 for GLYTA members and anyone who needs a reduced rate. In order to access this reduced rate, simply use the discount code “GLYTA Membership” when prompted. Accommodations are a separate charge. Click, “Register Now” button to see a listing of all the options, including camping, dormitory rooms and private rooms.

Covid Protocols: At Song of the Morning, we are striving to maintain a safe environment for all while also creating a retreat experience that allows for relaxation and comfort while engaging in group and yoga activities. During the times that this Retreat is gathered together inside the Domes, we have determined an approach that allows each person to choose whether or not they wish to wear a mask under agreements (outlined below) that we hope provide a feeling of comfort and safety. Of course, anyone is welcome to wear a mask at any point they feel to do so. For our community meditations and services, masks will be required for everyone in the program. Our health agreements are as follows:

1. Proof of a negative PCR Covid test will be required for all retreat participants. Results must be dated no more than 7 days prior to your arrival.
2. After testing, all participants agree to social distance and wear masks while indoors in public spaces and to avoid highly trafficked/high risk situations such as eating out at a busy restaurant.
3. All guests will be required to pass our health screening upon arrival. This will include a rapid Covid test. 
4. As the Retreat dates draw closer, our planning team will access current CDC guidelines, Covid levels in our region, and may possibly require that all participants wear a mask while indoors together even with a negative test. 

You will receive reminders of these guidelines automatically after you register. If you have any questions before completing registering, contact our office by emailing office@songofthemorning.org or by calling (989) 983-4107. 

Retreat Schedule:

Friday 

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Dinner 

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Welcoming Orientation, Mandala Opening Ceremony 

8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Song of the Morning Meditation Service

Saturday

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 am – Energization Exercises followed by Chanting & Meditation (optional) 

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Golden Lotus Hatha Yoga Class 

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Brunch 

11:30 – 12:30 p.m – Guided Meditative Trail Hike to Divine Mother and Yoganandaji’s Shrines

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Journaling Workshop

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. – Free time

4:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Book Study 

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Dinner 

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. – Golden Lotus Hatha Yoga Class 

7:45 – 9:00 p.m. – Kirtan followed by Song of the Morning Meditation Service 

9:00 – 10:30 p.m. ~ Movie showing “Awake: The Life of Yogananda”

Sunday

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 am – Energization Exercises followed by Chanting & Meditation (optional) 

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Holistic Health Workshop +  Golden Lotus Hatha Yoga Class

10:00 – 10:30 am – Mandala Closing Ceremony & Refreshments

11:00 – 12:30 p.m. – Song of the Morning Sunday Service

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Sunday Dinner