Deep into the Heart of Yoga: Communing with the Divine

Yoga transforms lives. Students who consistently study and practice experience a deepening peace in their daily lives and a direct connection to the Divine within.

Heart practices are key to this connection and the practices conveyed at this retreat arise from ancient wisdom texts such as the Yoga Sutras, Upanishads, and Vedas.  During our retreat we will learn physical practices that lighten the body, acquire breathing practices to heighten prana, and become familiar with meditative practices that focus the mind.  Weaving these practices together masterfully, with yoga of sound, we create the optimum energy for going Deep Into the Heart of Yoga.  Step away from the noise of your routine and culture, practice with a sincere and earnest heart in a sacred space, and it will change your life and open you to the wisdom of the Presence.  Spend time journaling, meditating and walking in nature so you can attune your inner hearing to the still, small voice within. 

Retreat Leader Elizabeth Yates' open heart creates a safe, supportive space for going deep within.  She is a Structural Yoga Therapist with over 20 years’ experience practicing and teaching yoga. Her devoted study and capacity for deep love shine forth in her teaching. She does not meet a stranger and you instantly feel welcomed, at home, and valued.  The foundation of her teaching and therapy is "Adapting Yoga to the Individual" and her extensive experience working with special populations offers expertise that makes the practice of yoga accessible to all bodies.   Elizabeth is also a sincere student of Vedanta, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Christianity.

Retreat Leader Mandy Dixon discovered Svaroopa style yoga in 2003 and has been teaching this style of yoga for nine years. She grew up in a Chiropractic home which led to her passion for yoga and bodywork. She has been a licensed Neuromuscular therapist for fourteen years. Svaroopa style yoga focuses on "core opening" which releases the deeper tensions in the spine using precise alignment and props such as blankets and blocks. These deep spinal openings are relaxing yet enlivening. 

Beautiful hiking trails, Jacuzzi, porch sitting to relax and listen to the wind chimes. Two yoga classes daily and evening events. Often live music is part the ambience during dinner.
 
"Relaxation, community, spiritual connectedness, new friendships, and yoga practice.  All in one place, all in one weekend.  
 
I was privileged to be a member of Elizabeth Yates’ Summer Yoga Retreat in Dahlonega, GA.  There, a group of 21 gathered and experienced a profound weekend.  Together, we practiced yoga, restoration, relaxation, meditation and spiritual connection.  We stretched our bodies and our minds.  We took nature walks, and enjoyed early morning chats as we watched the sun come up.  Over a delicious evening meal, we shared observations of our day’s experience, and its personal impact on each of us.
 
I left the weekend feeling restored. The Yoga Retreat was a personal gift to my heart, body and soul, and reminded me of the importance of self-nourishment."
 
Retreat participant 2015
 
 
"In June, I attended a yoga retreat in the north Georgia mountains led by the wondrous Elizabeth Yates.  As I’d undergone major surgery only 6 weeks earlier, I felt unsure of the response my body would give when I asked it to bend, stretch, or balance.  In large part because of the weekend’s pure magic, my body did all I asked of it.  I felt magic in the location and beauty of the spa.  I felt magic in the friendship, laughter, and like-mindedness of the participants (none of whom I knew), and their willingness to be open emotionally.  I felt Magic in the instruction- deep, balanced, supportive, relaxing.  Many of us hoped for another immediate opportunity to recreate our time together.  I plan to attend the fall retreat not to recreate the past, but to re-energize, go deeper, and breathe deeply.  I can’t wait."
 
Retreat Participant 2016