(No availability) 3 Day The Art of Living Meditation Retreat with Yoga in Boone, North Carolina
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USA Yoga and Meditation Wellness Retreat
Do you wonder what prevents you from living each moment fully and with joy? Do you often feel that your mind is too busy, too tired, or too overwhelmed by thoughts? Is that “monkey mind” causing insomnia, anger, depression, physical tension, or any of the other hosts of symptoms and diseases related to anxiety and chronic stress? The simple, powerful technique of meditation can effortlessly calm the mind, boost immunity, and decrease the physical and psychological stressors you’re experiencing.
Meet the instructors
Read more
Highlights
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Enjoy access to the grounds and facilities
- You will have personal rest and relaxation time
- Daily delicious vegetarian meals will be provided
- Complimentary tea/coffee and fresh fruit
- 2 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Accommodation
Accommodations include your room, deliciously nourishing meals, and full access to all of the gorgeous grounds and facilities, including the fitness room and hiking trails. You may also choose from the available R and R activities and programs, featuring a daily variety of meditation, yoga, healing arts, ancient wisdom, and creative arts workshops.
Hotel rooms
Located on a mountain ridge, these rooms offer beautiful vistas of either the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains or the quiet magic of the forest.
- King bed or two full beds
- Flat-screen TV
- Refrigerator
- Private bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary tea / coffee and fresh fruit
Retreat rooms
Comfortable and simply furnished, these rooms are a great option for those who desire peace and clarity, accompanied by the music of the forest.
- Twin beds
- Private bathroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary tea / coffee and fresh fruit
About the retreat center
Watch the sunrise over endless mountaintops, rejuvenate with an Ayurvedic treatment at The Spa, or feel the quiet of a walk in the forest. The Art of Living Retreat Center supports both community groups and solo travelers. This is a place to make all your own, and the staff is here to help you do just that.
Main meditation center
The main meditation center stands on the mountaintop near the dining hall and other residential facilities. Following ancient architectural principles, the hall is designed to lift the spirit and focus the mind. The main meditation hall holds up to 3,700 people.
Additional halls
Within the retreat center are seven other halls which can support retreat groups, weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, corporate retreats, church groups, and student retreats ranging from 15 to 200 people.
Dining hall
The main dining hall measures 41,000 square feet and is built to offer incredible views of the mountains and sunrise.
Residential buildings
Seventeen comfortable, heated buildings with residential apartments and hotel rooms house retreat participants and staff, many featuring stunning views of the beautiful, natural setting.
Program
Retreat goals
- Calm and clear mind
- Relieve stress
Create a lifelong habit
Anyone can learn to meditate. The key to success is a powerful technique, experienced guidance, and practice. The signature meditation retreat offers all of this and more. You’ll work with an experienced teacher to learn a technique you can easily use at home (or any where you may be, at any time), and receive individual guidance during those critical first few days of practice. You’ll learn to:
- Slow down, rest, and get centered
- Recharge your energy and enthusiasm
- Build resilience and use tools to deal with bad times
- Tune in to your true self and life purpose
Connect to the source
In Sanskrit, Sahaj means effortless. Samadhi is meditation, a natural state beyond waking, sleeping, and dreaming that is an unlimited reservoir of energy, intelligence, and creative power and a place of infinite peace and tranquility. The practice of Sahaj Samadhi meditation brings these qualities of increased energy, clarity, joy, and deep inner peace into your daily experience.
Anyone can learn Sahaj Samadhi Meditation, and become fully proficient with just a few hours of training. The benefits are rapid, tangible, and cumulative, and the practice itself is relaxing and enjoyable.
Research
- 5 times more effective when incorporated in a treatment plan than traditional treatments (drugs and/or psychotherapy) alone (Reference: 17th Annual World Psychiatry Conference, 8–12 Oct. 2017 in Berlin, Germany)
- Increased activity in the areas of the brain that process positive emotions; less in the areas associated with negative emotions (Univ. of WIsconsin)
- Reduction in disease: cancer cases reduced by 55%, cardiovascular disease cases by 88%, total medical expenses by 67% (Reference: Psychosomatic Medicine, Vol 49, Issue 5 493-507, 1987)
- Heightened clarity and perception: Higher IQ, more creativity, better focus and memory, as well as increased problem-solving abilities (References: Journal of Perceptual Motor Skills, 39: 1031–1034, 1974 and the Academy of Management Journal, 17, 362–368, 1974.
Sahaj researchers from Western University Department of Psychiatry won the top award from 17th World Psychiatry Congress in Berlin.
Features
Increased energy and mental focus
Meditation increases blood flow to the brain and better brain function helps your memory, attention, self-awareness, and self-control. Meditation reduces blood pressure and heart rate, alleviating unnecessary pressure on your heart and arteries and increases neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to organize and adapt.
It also increases the quality of your sleep by allowing you to let go of your day and rest your mind. There are thousands of studies proving better sleep quality can be life-changing.
Relieve anxiety, depression, and stress
Practical ancient wisdom for dealing with conflict and triumphing over life's hurdles. Meditation increases the production of serotonin and other chemicals in the system which play a huge role in controlling your moods. It also reduces cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress-induced hormone that suppresses the immune system and can make you feel anxious, nervous, and unsettled.
Boosted immune system
When stress is reduced, well-being increases leading to boosted immunity and reduction of stress-related illnesses. Stress has a physiological effect on many parts of the body, including digestive issues, hypertension, immune functions.
Reducing stress and learning ways to cope with the stressors of everyday life, not only lead to a healthier body, but can also help eliminate the bad coping strategies (drugs, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc.) that many adopt to deal.
Increase positive emotions
Reducing the stress in your system returns you to a natural state of feeling calm, connected to yourself, and confident in meeting the challenges of life. During meditation, the pre-frontal cortex is stimulated, the part of the brain that is responsible for concentration, focus, and problem-solving. When you meditate regularly and reduce your stress levels, hormones balance out and you feel less reactive, less defensive, and effortlessly balanced more often.
Better connections
Regular meditation rewires the brain and increases your ability to be able to consider the feelings and needs of others and how you could be of service. Meditation also helps you become more aware of who you are.
When you begin to experience a quieter, calmer, and more dynamic sense of self, relationships become deeper and more meaningful. When you’re happier and healthier, you can more easily notice and appreciate the good things in life.
Find your purpose
The more you meditate, the more you become aware of what you are passionate about and what you aren’t. Regular meditation gives rise to clarity about what is important in life and a sense of confidence to make choices that enliven your passions and cease distractions. Life has greater meaning and you feel a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Sample daily schedule
Subject to change
Day 1: Arrival day
- 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner
- 19:30 - 21:00 Session 1
Day 2
- 07:30 - 08:30 Morning yoga session 2
- 08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast
- 10:30 - 12:30 Session 3
- 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
- 14:00 - 17:00 Free time
- 17:15 - 18:00 Session 4
- 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner
- 19:30 - 20:15 Optional Kirtan - Meditative Chant
Day 3: Departure day
- 07:30 - 08:30 Morning yoga session 5
- 08:30 - 09:30 Breakfast (please checkout during breakfast; your luggage may be stored at the reception)
- 10:30 - 12:30 Session 6
- 12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
Instructors
Art of Living Faculty
The Art of Living faculty is composed of teachers from all over the world who integrate their passion for teaching with a dedication to the service of others. Inspired by their own personal experiences of transformation and joy, teachers blend ancient, timeless wisdom with contemporary approaches to well-being to bring you a heart-based approach rooted in the authentic, effective techniques of Ayurveda, meditation, and breathwork, the very best of health and wellness.
Location
Discover deep rest and rejuvenation in a pristine natural setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina. Set amidst 380 acres of pristine forest high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a tranquil sanctuary.
Distances
- Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Johnson City, TN, 80 miles
- Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, NC, 100 miles
- Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC, 110 miles
- Charlotte, NC - 2 hours
- Raleigh-Durham, NC - 3 hours
- Atlanta, GA - 5 hours
- Nashville, TN - 6 hours
- Washington, DC - 6.5 hours
Food
Nourishing body, mind, and spirit
Drawing on influences from the local harvest in Boone to Bombay and even the Caribbean, you’ll enjoy deeply satisfying vegetarian meals. Ayurvedic principles tell you to eat nature, real food grown by the sun, soil, wind, and water that is full of nature’s prana or life force. The chefs at the Art of Living Retreat Center know this and they know that food prepared with love of the planet and of the person being fed is the best food.
Main dining hall
The views from the Dining Hall and deck, combined with the food that is served, are feasts for both the eyes and the belly. Some of the most raved-about guest experiences take place right here.
The garden
A variety of fresh and delicious fruits, vegetables, and flowers are grown right here at The Art of Living Retreat Center. The garden is as much a place for nourishment of the body as it is a place of nourishment for the soul. Walk the paths as many staff, volunteers, and journeyers have before.
Sample menus
Just a little preview to get your taste buds going.
- Warm up: Northern rosemary white bean soup, semolina cakes with apple mint chutney, and mango sauce brazed cabbage, hummus and Tabbouleh with pita chips
- Fall in love: Pumpkin soup, Waldorf salad, braised parsnips, bean and lentil cakes with fresh fennel and cranberry compote, greens from the garden
- The savory sage: Sweet potato and sage soup, sun-dried tomatoes, kale and orzo salad, roasted roots salad with apple, mung bean, and rice pilaf house salad
- Cool as a cucumber: Chilled cucumber soup, black bean salad, rosemary polenta cakes, braised zucchini, house salad
- My favorite things: Zucchini soup, avocado and couscous salad, chickpea stew, honey-dill glazed carrots, house salad
- Sweet dreams: Coconut mango rice with cilantro and fennel and raisin compote, warm Tuscan bread salad with sundried tomato pesto and parmesan, sauteed mixed vegetables, apple and potato bisque with fennel compote, salad bar
The menu addresses the following allergies: gluten, dairy, nuts, soy. There would be at least one entrée on the buffet line which guests with the above allergies will be able to eat. Please choose one or more of the above four allergies if you have them.
The property is meat-free, alcohol-free, and smoke-free
To encourage a healthy environment, guests are asked to not consume alcohol or meat in the public spaces, however, guests may enjoy these items in their rooms. The property is always smoke-free.
Food allergies
Guests with food allergies are asked simply to inform the center of any allergies so they can communicate those needs to their chef. Typically, they label potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts.
Meal times
- 07:30 - 09:30 Breakfast
- 12:00 - 13:30 Lunch (included on your departure day)
- 18:00 - 19:30 Dinner
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
A retreat in the mountains
During your stay, you have time for personal R and R also. Whether you want to explore forest trails and bask in the fresh mountain air, enjoy pottery or watercolor painting classes, release stress with a therapeutic spa treatment, the choice is yours. (Additional fees may apply).
Make your retreat extra special
Combine your retreat with authentic Ayurveda for rejuvenation on all levels, body, mind, and spirit. The recommended Ayurveda treatment for this retreat is an Abhyanga massage (“Abby” for short), followed by a relaxing steam to further release stress.
Optional activities
Guided nature walks, Ayurveda cooking demos, pottery classes, and other on-campus activities can be booked at Reception upon arrival.
Activities and amenities
The center offers yoga, meditation, and philosophy workshops, as well as holistic and Ayurvedic treatments, nature trails, and a wide variety of spaces for you to rest, learn, and explore on your own.
Yoga
Sri Sri Yoga is a holistic and energizing practice, integrating mind, body, and spirit. The techniques of Hatha yoga are taught in a light and joyful, but thorough manner, useful, and suitable for everyone from beginner to advanced practitioners.
- 09:45 - 10:45
- 16:15 - 17:15
Mindfulness and meditation
Rejuvenate from within! Meditation offers deep rest for the mind and body. They also teach complementary breathing exercises to still the mind. Here, you can participate in guided meditation, with time for questions and discussion.
- 11:00 - 12:00 Mind and meditation
- 17:30 - 18:30 Guided meditation
- 19:30 - 20:15 Meditative chants / Kirtan
Kirtan
Allow yourself to settle in for a soul-stirring session of community singing with an emphasis on both ancient chant and modern melodies. Kirtan happens nightly and is a community gathering for all interested guests, staff, and volunteers.
- 19:30 - 20:15
Nature walks
The center is situated on 380 acres of a forested mountain. Two trails meander through the woods here and several nearby trails offer experienced hikers miles of in-depth exploration. Majestic sights and clean mountain air await!
Pottery studio
In the clay studio, you are free to play and learn. Gain hands-on experience in throwing on the wheel, hand-building, and decorating handmade pots.
- Friday and Saturday from 11:00 - 19:00
- Clay hand-building 55 USD (1 hour)
Facilities
The fitness room has free weights and weight machines, stationary bikes, and treadmills. The steam room is temporarily closed to comply with NC COVID-19 guidelines.
- Fitness room: Open 24/7
Labyrinth
People around the world have used labyrinths for centuries as a walking metaphor for the pilgrim’s journey, as a way to open the mind to the present moment and stay centered. The labyrinth allows for this inner journey in a unique, mountain setting.
- Dawn - Sunset
Fire circle
There’s no better way to close the day than a fire circle under the stars! If you’re interested, they love arranging lovely, end-of-day gatherings for those who wish to come and sing or chat by the warmth of the open fire.
- Saturday 19:30 - 20:15
Nearby
Boone is famous as a vacation destination, with miles of scenic trails, serene lakes, historic sites, climbable cliffs, ski slopes, horseback riding, whitewater rapids, kayaking spots, local Appalachian music, and delightful dining just steps away.
What's included
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Access to grounds and facilities (Including gym)
- 2 nights accommodation
- Daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Complimentary tea / coffee and fresh fruit
What's not included
- Airfare
- Any transfer to and from the venue
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
121 km
Transfer not provided
Driving directions from the east, west, or north (by US 421)
While it is a pretty drive, some of the turns are tricky and GPS does not work nearby, so here are the step-by-step directions along with landmarks for all main routes. Please note, for your comfort and convenience, you are requested that you please switch off your GPS once you reach Boone.
- From the traffic light at 421 and Bamboo Road, turn onto Bamboo Road | Landmark: Mobil Gas Station (Address: 2200 US 421 South, Boone, NC)
- Follow Bamboo Road for about 3 miles
- Turn left onto Little Laurel Road. If you hit gravel, you’ve just missed the turn. | Landmark: Stonework Bridge
- Drive under the bridge and go approximately 2 miles on Little Laurel Road
- Turn right onto Little Laurel Extension (0.6 miles) | Landmark: large, blue Art of Living sign on the right
- Drive half a mile, then take a hard left onto Whispering Hills Road
- Follow Whispering Hills Road all the way up to the top of the mountain
Driving directions from the south (by US 321)
- From the traffic light at 321 and Deerfield Road, turn right onto Deerfield Road | Landmark: CVS Pharmacy (Address: 2147 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC)
- Stay on Deerfield for 3 miles, until the road ends. Do not turn right before the road ends
- Turn right at the end of the road, which is the second Bamboo Road intersection | Landmark: McConnell Wholesale Motors
- After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Little Laurel Road. If you hit gravel, you’ve just missed the turn. | Landmark: Stonework Bridge
- Drive under the bridge and go approximately 2 miles on Little Laurel Road
- Turn right onto Little Laurel Extension | Landmark: large, blue Art of Living sign on the right
- Drive half a mile, then take a hard left onto Whispering Hills Road
- Follow Whispering Hills Road to the top of the mountain
- Once you reach the entrance sign: continue going straight, following the “Reception” signs. Park nearby and walk to the first floor of the large yellow building
Arrival by car
Enterprise, Avis, Alamo, Hertz, National and Budget all offer car rentals at Charlotte airport. Please contact the rental company directly for pricing. It is also often possible to take an Uber from Charlotte airport all the way to the center’s reception. This is a very cost-effective option when traveling with friends or family.
Arrival by bus
The Mountaineer Express goes from Boone to Charlotte at 9:25 am and from Charlotte to Boone at 6 pm daily, with additional times available on certain days. Please check their schedule for current timings. To reach the Charlotte bus stop, you can take the Cat5 airport express. Once you arrive in Boone, you can take an Uber to the center.
Arrival by shuttle
The Hickory Hop shuttle goes between Charlotte airport and Boone five-six times daily. Please mention you are going to the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone. Reservations are required, so please book ahead by contacting them directly. Please confirm shuttle times and coordinate with your travel plans.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 100% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
