It is that time of year again- Retreat Time!

Big Basin Redwoods Yoga, Meditation, and Hiking Retreat!

May 13th – May 15th

 Big Basin Redwoods State Park, CA

Living In Rhythm: This weekend we will practice Yoga and meditation in nature, how it was originally intended to be practiced. The traditions of Yoga and it’s sister science, Ayurveda, emphasize the importance of living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the world around us and within us. You will learn how to intelligently attune your yoga and meditation practice to the natural world’s seasonal and yearly cycles, even biological rhythms such as your heart beat, your breath cycle, and sleep cycle. In fact, the term vinyasa yoga means “to place intelligently in a cycle,” which could mean placing a peak posture in your sequence, or adhering to seasonally and age appropriate yoga, diet, and lifestyle routines. We will learn what practices are best for ourselves as unique individuals and how, through that inner connection, we connect to the entire cosmos.

Special for One Yogi or Yogini: $ 219 

Special for a Couple/2 friends: $199 per person 

Our View:

Please Note: Yoga practice will be moderate/all levels perhaps more gentle based on who comes; please speak with me on the phone if you are not familiar with my teaching style and we do not know each other already. We are “off-roading” our practice this weekend and we will not have an indoor space to practice. We are not going to be practicing on even ground, and we will probably practice in tennis shoes. This is an adventure! Yoga in nature means fresh air and vibrant Prana to pump us full of life’s energy, and it could also mean bugs and rain! Prepare for anything. Price of Retreat includes camping this time. It does not include your transportation to the park. I have a limited number of spots. My last retreat sold out, so sign up fast!

Please commit to this retreat when you sign up; no refunds  will be permitted. I recommend you purchase travel insurance. Exception: this trip is subject to weather related cancellation. I do recommend travel insurance in any case.

Register above, or Click here to register and pay via Paypal. Or use this direct link to register: https://form.jotform.com/60618916983165

 

You can also pay by credit card via square, cash, or check in class where I can also provide you with a receipt.

 

After registering, about a week prior to the event, you will receive some more details and guidelines.* I am SO excited to see you there! Price Includes 8 hours of Meditation and Yoga practice, including lecture/discussion of Ayurveda and Yoga. Price does include camping this time- limited spots available. State Park Camping include restrooms and paid shower facilities. We will all be camping as a group between two campsites and one additional site will be kept clear for practice purposes. 

Only two cars are allowed per camp site so ride sharing may be necessary.  Vehicle fees will be charged by the park. 

 

Updated Schedule: (please note, food is only provided if you enroll in the catering option for $75)

Friday and Saturday evenings: Community gathering and s’mores- 7pm-8:30pm (or until later- but quiet time starts at 10pm and we need to respect that wholeheartedly). Please, no beer or anything else this time. Last time, beers were fun and fine, but this time I want to challenge us all to build community while sober!  Possible bonus evening meditation Saturday by a babbling brook at 7pm TBA…

Saturday and Sunday Mornings: Meet at site 170

Light Breakfast: 8am (probably fruit and energy bar/granola bar/cereal assortment)

9am-9:30am- Hike to Yoga practice spot (easy to moderate hike). There is a bathroom on the way.

9:30am-11am Prana Yoga session amongst the beautiful redwoods in one of our spots!

11am-Bathroom break and Hike to Meditation spot

11:30am- noon Hike back to camp for Lunch (we should arrive back between noon and 12:15pm** Saturday, Sunday we will get back earlier to check out on time)

Lunch: About 12:30pm -Fresh organic deli-made sandwiches will be provided to catering opt-in folks- you will be able to choose fillings. Plus chips etc.

Saturday afternoon: Lecture 3:30pm-6pm at campsite or quite nearby in nature- meet at site 170

Lecture Outline: Introduction to Ayurveda and Living in Rhythm

• Ayurvedic Dosha Quiz- Find out Your Type!

• What is Ayurveda? What is yoga?

• The 20 attributes of nature- to see the patterns of life/Ultimate Life Hack

• The 5 elements as they relate to yogic and ayurvedic philosophy, and most importantly, your life

• The three doshas (bodily types/humors), their attributes and elements

• Vikruti and Prakruti- Your type: genetics and epigenetics via Ayurveda

• Rtucharya- Seasonal Rhythms for your type

• Dinacharya- Daily Rhythms for your type

• Lifestyle practices for your type

• Yoga postures for your type

• Meditation for your type

• Breathing for your type

• The 3 mental humors to balance psychology (Prana, Tejas, and Ojas)

• The 3 Gunas or states of awareness and you (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas)

• The Seven Chakras (wheels of energy)

• Questions if we are not catatonic with information overload!

• Medicine Making for your type

Saturday dinner: 6:00pm (probably grilled veggies, veggie burgers, baked potatoes possibly…) – meet at site 170

Sunday afternoon– Retreat ends after lunch, giving you time to explore Big Basin’s hikes on your own (preferably with a buddy!) and time to get home.

To enroll in Organic Catering from New Leaf Grocery for the entire retreat, Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon lunch and smores supplies each night (excludes Friday dinner) , by May 3rd please send $75 to Cassandra McDonough on Facebook or via Paypal -email me above for correct Paypal email address (choose option send to a friend). You can also square me or give me a check in class. Please also email me ASAP by May 9th only if you have dietary preferences (Gluten Free, Vegetarian, vegan, alergies, etc.) There is a cafe at park Headquarters (open 10am-4pm) with coffee , smoothies, salads, etc.

 

**Please be open to “the flow.” We may spend a slightly  longer or shorter amount of time depending on what feels right in the moment for the majority of the group. The schedule may change at a moment’s notice, but will be adhered to in general.)

 

Previous Retreat Photos:

 

  

 

 

 

New weekend retreat! Now in Big Sur!!

 

 

Sun, Moon, and Fire Big Sur Retreat

 

(Yoga in the Redwoods!)

 

October 24th and 25th, 2015

 

Striking a balance between the energies of the Sun and Moon is the foundation of yoga practice. In fact, it is the very meaning of Hatha Yoga, Ha meaning sun, Tha representing the moon, and yoga meaning the union or coming together of these two extremes. The Sun is the active part of ourselves, the heating, go-go-go, get things done half; The Moon is the more restful, surrendering, introspective aspect of our lives. When the Sun goes out of balance, we get burnt out from too much ‘heat,’ too much “doing,” too often; when the Moon dominates too much, we lack vitality, and perhaps even become weak in our bodies. Come find a balance between these two polar opposites in my Sun, Moon, and Fire Yoga retreat. It is essential for everyone to learn how to tend the inner fire on an ongoing basis, so as not to set the body ablaze, nor let the fire feel too dim. We will learn the foundation of the yoga philosophy, Sun and Moon breathing techniques,  and embody this understanding with our asana (postural) practice.

 

Schedule:

 

Saturday and Sunday morning  8am- 11am (3 hours EACH morning) at the Henry Miller Library. Includes a full posture (90 mins approximately) practice, breathing and meditation, a blissfully long savasana, and at least a one hour discussion. All sessions will be held outdoors among the beautiful redwood trees on the deck.

 

Saturday evening 7:30-9:30pm Fire Ceremony and meditation at Ventana Campground.

 

Friday night bonus meet and greet: 7:30- 8:45pm at Ventana Campground. (Park at Ventana Inn)

 

Pictures of Yoga Deck surrounded by Redwoods that we will actually be practicing on:

 

 

The redwoods Grotto we may choose to do our discussion in:

 

 

Ventana Campground:

 

Early Bird Special for One Yogi or Yogini: $ 219 (ends October 5th)

 

Early Bird Special for a Couple/2 friends: $199 per person (ends October 5th)

 

After October 5th: $249 per person

 

After October 5th: $229 per person for two friends/a couple

 

Your payment includes a donation to the Henry Miller Library!

 

Click here to register and pay via Paypal:  http://form.jotform.us/form/52646100724145

I have reserved only FIVE tent spots at Ventana Campgrounds. Camping is available for an additional fee: $110 for two nights. It is a fancy campground! I have not raised the price, this is the actual cost. Only one car per camping space is allowed at the space itself, but other cars can park in the overflow parking lot! Five people can camp per space. Please inquire right away to reserve your spot! UPDATE: I only have 1 camping spot left for purchase and some room for some single travelers perhaps in others. Please speak with me directly if you are interested!     Ventana Inn is a luxury accommodation option which would be quite convenient if you are not into camping. Their restaurant is a top of the line, farm to table delight. There are many hotels in the area. October is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Big Sur, and the warmest, so it is typically a wonderful temperature outdoors and at the beach! The whales’ activity has been off the charts lately, so prepare to see some whales breaching!   Check the Big Sur Lodge and Airbnb for other accommodation options.   Please bring a sticky yoga mat, two yoga blocks, a yoga strap, and plenty of bottled water as the sink water at the library is non-potable. Please bring sunscreen and other sun protection as necessary. October is one of the warmest months of the year in Big Sur, and dryest. Please commit to this retreat when you sign up; no refunds  will be permitted. I recommend you purchase travel insurance. Exception: this trip is subject to weather related cancellation. If weather or does not permit us to practice, I will refund your money fully or partially depending proportionally on how much we can practice. I do recommend travel insurance in any case. Click here to register and pay via Paypal:  http://form.jotform.us/form/52646100724145 You can also pay by credit card, cash, or check in class where I can also provide you with a receipt. After registering, you will receive some more details and guidelines. I am SO excited to see you there! Price Includes 8 hours of Solar and Lunar Yoga practice and discussion, plus a BONUS 1.25 hours Meet and Greet Friday Night if you can make it from the Bay Area by then. Price does not include accommodations.

 

 I Can’t Wait to See you There!!!

 

The Retreat below has been Postponed!!!

 

Lunar Yoga and Soma Vinyasa:  A Relaxing Yoga Retreat in the heart of Wine Country! 

 

It’s a SIESTA FIESTA!!!!

 

Friday June 26th- Sunday June 28th 2015

 

Mayacamas Ranch in Calistoga, CA

 

Summer time is the perfect time to indulge in a super-relaxing weekend of yoga in the heart of Napa Valley. We will dive deep into the lunar aspect of yoga, which is the restful, relaxing, and rejuvenating aspect. The lunar side of yoga is meditative; it heals that which is hidden deeper within us, and that which requires deep stillness in order to uncover. It is also essential and practical: we cannot function well in a constantly depleted and stressful state of being. Soma Vinyasa, which honors the moon, is the yogic elixir of replenishment for this chronically stressed-out state. I cannot wait to help you experience the dramatically helpful relaxation tools of yoga, which you can then take home for everyday use. Make this weekend what you want it to be: a fun weekend of wine and unwinding with your partner, a weekend getaway with a group of friends, or a deeply healing personal retreat. In any case, let us bask longer in the blissful states we only so briefly encounter in weekly classes. May we all learn how to to move in a peaceful way  both on and off the yoga mat!

 

Pricing: Includes Accomodations for two nights (Friday and Saturday),  All meals – Organic Farm to Table Cuisine, and 5 Lengthy Yoga Classes/Sessions, a Salt Water Pool and Private Lake to Soak in!

Early Bird (Before Midnight March 25^th) Pricing:

 

Manzanita House* (Shared bathrooms)-  $595

 

 Double Occupancy* $695

 

Single Occupancy: $965 

*We have contracted a set amount of each room for our stay. First come, first served. There will only be about two spaces in the Manzanita or dorm style house! 

BRINGING FRIENDS ?

 

Bring 1 person and receive  $50 off per person.

 

Bring 2-4 people and receive  $65 off per person

 

Bring 5 or more people and you will each receive $75 off !

 

 

Non Early bird- Starting March 26^th 

 

Manzanita- $645

 

Double Occupancy: $745

 

Single Occupancy: $995

 

 More about Mayacamas: Pictures and Website here: http://mayacamasranch.com/

 

We should have a nice Mountain View to practice with!

 

We will be in the Rock Rose Meeting Room (Pictures On Website)

From the website: “Surrounded by 360 degree views of Mt. St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains, take in some of the most breathtaking views in the wine region while lounging and swimming in our salt water pool. Soak in our relaxing jacuzzi, a perfect place to start or end your day. Mayacamas Ranch hiking trails range from easy to intermediate and wind through chaparral, fragrant bay and madrone forests, and a natural spring. Our exclusive, secluded Hidden Lake features a picnic area and hiking trails. Explore our Mayacamas organic garden, full of cutting flowers and many of the fruits and vegetables in the recipes we cook for you…”  

Check out their great Reviews on Tripadvisor. 

 

The first 8 people who register will receive a free gift! 

 

This retreat is limited to 12 people only and may sell out! Please register right away to secure your spot and get the early bird discount. Bring a friend or several for the best deals possible!

Fresh and Organic Farm to Table meal times are 6:30 for dinner, 8:30 for breakfast and 12:30 for lunch, except for last day when lunch is 12pm and departure is at 1pm. Meals include dinner on Friday (arrival night), 3 meals on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday (departure day.) Guests must depart the property by 1pm on Sunday, and arrival begins at 4pm.  

All scheduled times and activities subject to change in the flow if need be. Please double check your schedule, as this retreat is non refundable. I recommend you buy travel insurance just in case.  I recommend that we know each other or speak on the phone to review your expectations before you purchase this fabulous adventure!   If you are coming with a regular student of mine, please talk with them about my teaching style beforehand at length to get a good idea of what you’re in for, and feel free to also chat with me on the phone about it. 

Real Self Confidence, Self Love, and Self Care! A Yoga Workshop and Healing Event

Registration is now Open! Join me for a very special healing experience this coming Oct 25th at Adhikara Yoga Studio in SF. At 1:30pm we will move through a specially designed “Ritual” Class for Deep and Powerful Transformation around Confidence. We will cut through limiting beliefs about our worth through a 90 minute yoga practice, followed by an hour of deep healing work. Cassandra will draw on her many years of experience as an energy worker, using a powerful form of energy healing known as lightwork, as well as tools learned from the shamanic traditions of Peru to access the roots of our beliefs in the subconscious mind. If you are serious (but not humorless) about healing, you do not want to miss this! This will be appropriate for folks regularly attending at least a moderate level vinyasa class, even if still a beginner; 3 months of yoga experience is recommended. Please ask me directly if you have doubts about your mobility/ability but want to participate.

Time: 1:30-4:00pm Where: Adhikara Yoga Studio SF, 4229 18th St, accessible by public transport via Muni Castro stop
Early Bird Pricing: $35 by October 23th at midnight $45 Thereafter

You can pay in cash, check, or credit card directly to me in class if you currently attend, or below online! Please note that you cannot register on Adhikara’s website.  Email me ASAP or register online to reserve your spot.

Click here to register online!

      I am THRILLED to announce my upcoming Tahoe Yoga Retreat, August 15th-17th 2014! All levels are welcome, however, six months of practice in Vinyasa yoga is highly recommended.

Sun, Moon, and Fire Lake Tahoe Retreat

August 15th-17th, 2014

Striking a balance between the energies of the Sun and Moon is the foundation of yoga practice. In fact, it is the very meaning of Hatha Yoga, Ha meaning sun, Tha representing the moon, and yoga meaning the union or coming together of these two extremes. The Sun is the active part of ourselves, the heating, go-go-go, get things done half; The Moon is the more restful, surrendering, introspective aspect of our lives. When the Sun goes out of balance, we get burnt out from too much ‘heat,’ too much “doing,” too often; when the Moon dominates too much, we lack vitality, and perhaps even become weak in our bodies. Come find a balance between these two polar opposites in my Sun, Moon, and Fire Yoga retreat. It is essential for everyone to learn how to tend the inner fire on an ongoing basis, so as not to set the body ablaze, nor let the fire feel too dim. We will learn Sun and Moon breathing techniques, the foundational yoga philosophy, and learn to embody this understanding into our asana (postural) practice. Schedule: Friday Night: 7:30-9pm – Our BONUS session: Optional Meet and Greet and Lunar/Restorative Yoga @ Wanderlust Yoga Studio, pictured below with it’s beautiful decor, flooring, and mountain views. Sat AM- 8:45am: Meet For Tram up to High Camp. Please Note: You MUST be on time! This is a private tram for our yoga group and a few others with the studio. No other tram will be going up until 10:40am! 9:30am-12pm: Solar Yoga and Meditation/Discussion ( 2.5 hours) at High Camp, Squaw Valley Resort. (Don’t worry, in our moring sessions we will only do a full 90-105 minute posture/asana practice, including savasana, breathing, etc! The rest will be meditative and/or discussion) Check out the absolutely stunning backdrop we will have, pictured below! We will have this gorgeous space almost to ourselves. We will be going up before the public is allowed up there (high camp opens to the public at 11am, when we will be finishing asana). Another group who will be doing Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga will be using the Pool, but that’s it, and it is a very big space! 12-4pm: 4 hours to enjoy lunch and activities at high camp (there are several restaurants there)– hiking, swimming, sunning, etc. , (or go shopping, walking, etc. at @ Squaw Village, or Go to Lake Tahoe…) Approximately 4pm: Take tram down to village. Please Note: trams run about every 15 minutes and it takes about ten minutes to get down to the village/parking lot/studio, but you can go back down earlier instead 4:30-6pm- (1.5 hours) Yoga Talk/Off the Mat Practice: Balancing the Sun and the Moon in your life @ Wanderlust Yoga Studio 6-7:30pm Dinner Break 7:30- 9 pm Lunar/Restorative Yoga Practice (1.5 hours)- @ Wanderlust Yoga Studio. Sunday AM- 10:15- 12:45pm Balancing Fire Yoga and Meditation/Discussion (2.5 hours) @ Wanderlust Yoga Studio Lunch- 12:45pm Post Lunch: Swim and Sun at Lake Tahoe with Cassandra, or Hike, Bike, or Walk in the many gorgeous  National Forests and Parks all Around, or get an early start home! Pricing: Early Bird Special for One Yogi or Yogini: $ 219 (ends July 27th) Early Bird Special for a Couple/2 friends: $199 per person (ends July 27th) After July 27th: $249 per person After July 27th: $229 per person for two friends/a couple on Square MarketYou can also pay by credit card, cash, or check in class where I can also provide you with a receipt. After registering, you will receive a registration form via e-mail, as well as some more details and guidelines. I am SO excited to see you there! Price Includes 8 hours of Solar and Lunar Yoga practice and discussion, plus a BONUS 1.5 hours Friday Night if you can make it from the Bay Area by then. Also included is one tram ticket round trip to High Camp Saturday Morning- a $40 value. I have a very limited availability of condos at Squaw Village I will personally be renting out and can re-rent to interested retreat goers. The discounted rates are available only through me and are as follows: $149 for a one bedroom condo, $229 for a two bedroom per night plus taxes and fees. The two bedroom condo sleeps six, the one bedroom sleeps 4; if you want to share such a condo with other retreat goers, please let me know ASAP. Price does not include taxes and fees, and availability is not guaranteed. Ample lodging is available at Squaw Valley, within short walking distance to the studio. Camping is also readily available in the area. Please also see Squaw’s site for the food and restaurant options, as well as activities and hikes, at high camp and in the village. Retreat price does not include accommodations, meals, or travel expenses except for one tram ride round trip to high camp on Saturday. I am doing this in large part because I want people to be able to camp or stay in luxury based on their budget and desires. I also know we have so many varied tastes in food that we are better off fending for ourselves. There are many healthy restaurants in the Squaw Village where the studio is located. All scheduling times and activities subject to change in the flow if need be. Please double check your schedule, as this retreat is non refundable, except in the event of a cancellation of the retreat. I recommend that we know each other or speak on the phone to review your expectations before you purchase this fabulous adventure!

Warrior of Light Call 1 Recording: Samskara and Chronic Stress Elimination

 

Please enjoy the recording from last night here! Fast forward 13 minutes to save time! Try getting it from facebook  https://www.facebook.com/IntuitiveHealingYoga or from below! .  Enjoy!

Upcoming Workshops and Retreats

Relax Deeply !

Feeling Tired, Overworked, Burnt out even? Relax Deeply: A Special Workshop for Everyday Warriors Are you struggling with fatigue and/or anxiety from hard work? If you feel overworked at the office, at home, or at the gym (or all of the above!), this special workshop is designed especially for you- the everyday warriors- with deep resting in mind. Those simply seeking an indulgent rest are also welcome! Duke University, in a recent review of over 100 studies, has declared that Yoga is particularly beneficial amongst exercise for mental health, including anxiety and depression. Discover the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra, a hypnotic guided relaxation translated as “yogic sleep,” as well as a truly restorative yoga practice that will leave you feeling as if you just had a spa treatment. Relaxing breath techniques and some gentle movement will be offered, though we will mostly practice the art of doing nothing! Where: Pacific Athletic Club, Redwood Shores, CA When: November 16^th 11-12:30pm in Studio 2 (Time has changed!!) Price: Free for Members, $20 for non-members Spots are limited! Please register by calling the club to ensure your spot.

Tired Warriors: FREE Group Training!

When I announced that my hypothyroidism has been miraculously overcome, I received an overwhelming demand for the information on “how I did it.” The truth is, I gave it everything I had. Every bit of my yoga training, holistic healing training, energy work, nutrition expertise (I have many spent years in deep study of food!), and supplement knowledge went into this deep level healing. It was NOT easy. Thank goodness I had so much wonderful training under my belt, or else I might have had to take that pill for the rest of my life! I would like to empower you with what I think helped me most and coach you, as I think this type of healing requires expertise. I am currently designing group training to teach those who are serious about healing how to do just that, particularly in the area I have the most expertise- the emotional body and other CHRONIC STRESS that is often a residue from WAY BACK WHEN! Whether you suffer from hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue, or any other form of burn out, you are welcome on the call. Even if you have something else entirely going on- like cancer- this is an amazing complementary healing I believe in with my heart and soul. Since this is my first time doing this kind of thing, I am going to offer the first series for FREE! Please join me by emailing me.

Coming soon!

Warrior of Light Training Part 2: Ashtanga and The Steps to Yoga

Can be taken independently of Parts 1 and 3. Topics Including: the 8 limbs of yoga (Ashtanga)- Yama (ethics) , Niyama (self-discipline), Asana (posture), Pranayama (Breath), Pratyhara (sensory withdrawal) Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), Samadhi (absorption/bliss), I am/I am THAT consciousness- using relationship with the world to awaken to our highest self and realize bliss, The 3 Stages of Yoga, and Svadhyaya (self-discovery and examination to foster growth) Date, Time, and Place TBA soon; sign up for my monthly newsletter  to get updates!

Warrior of Light Training Part 3:  Maps of the Energetic Body

Can be taken independently of Parts 1 and 2. Topics Including: The Koshas (5 layers of the body), Nadis (energy lines), Chakras (energy centers, their meaning, location, and healing), Vayus (movements of Prana), Gunas (Fundamental Tendencies of Nature), 3 Subtle Bodies Date, Time, and Place TBA soon.

Warrior Of Light Training Part 1: How to Live Your Yoga

This is an all levels workshop on how to be a yogi all the time, especially while off of your mat. How does one deal with life’s challenges successfully? What is a yogi to do when the going gets tough? My aim is to empower you with the essential yogic techniques for living a conscious life. The training will give you tools you can take home, written down for you in a handout that you can literally turn to when you need help skillfully approaching life.  Let us shed light on the darker and more hidden aspects of our selves so that we can be Warriors of Light! Topics include Riding the Wave of Sensation for shedding bad habits, Breaking through repetitive life patterns (does the same bad thing seem to happen to you over and over again?), Essential Pranayama (breathing techniques), Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep or very deep progressive relaxation), the 5 causes of Suffering (Kleshas), Yoga with a Staff (pictured below), Meditation, and more! Don’t worry, this course is full of discussion and relaxation- it will only be about one quarter “exercise” yoga, which will be offered at a moderate intensity, suitable for all levels. I am planning on offering two more Warrior of Light Training Series that can each be taken independently, but all three together are designed to be a cohesive course on what it REALLY takes to BE a yogi! When and Where: Next workshop TBA