While staying faithful tobryour yoga class routine is advised, there's no rule that states yogis must staybrindoors. However, practicing yoga outdoors in the suburbs comes with manybrdistractions. Buzzing bugs or whizzing lawn equipment in your neighbor'sbrbackyard can easily throw a kink in the links between your chakras. The bestbratmosphere in which to center your mind and body is one where nature andbrNamaste unite. These three American yoga foundations and retreat centers providebrthe ideal setting to get Zen. Unplug from the world and reconnect with yourbrinner spirit.
Feathered Pipe Ranch, Montana
The wide-open spaces ofbrMontana still undisturbed by strip malls and pavement make for an ideal spotbrfor a meditation and yoga retreat center. City smog is replaced with the smellbrof pine trees emanating from the forest that surrounds Feathered Pipe Ranch inbrthe state's capital, Helena. Far from the city's center, the 40-year-old ranchbrsits right in the middle of the Montana Rockies and hosts yoga retreats for thebrmind, body and soul.
Known for its variety ofbrsummer retreats, Feathered Pipe Ranch brings in special guest teachers andbrleaders in addition to its onsite staff to guide meditation and yoga classes. Abrtypical summer yoga retreat includes two classes, specific to the retreat'sbrtheme, lasting two to three hours each. These classes include practicing yogabrand other forms of meditation. An optional guided morning walk and eveningbractivity is also offered.
Your stay includesbrbreakfast, lunch and dinner each day. With access to organic produce and meats,brthe menu includes a variety of healthy dishes for each meal. In addition,brvegetarian and fish or chicken alternatives are available at most workshops.brIndoor accommodations at the ranch include four-bed rooms in the Main Lodge andbrsix double rooms with private shared baths at the Ranch Chalet. A cabin andbrcondo are also available. If you'd like to be immersed in nature, outdoorbraccommodations include yurts, tipis and tents. Foam pads, lightweight sleepingbrbags, pillows, blankets and small camp lights are provided.FeatheredPipe.com
Kalani Big Island Retreat Center, Hawaii
The 120-acre Kalani RetreatbrCenter campus, located in the Puna District, sits along the southeast coast of thebrisland. Natural attractions include Kilauea, one of the world's most activebrvolcanoes. Cliffs created from the lava offer breathtaking views of the Kalanibrcoast and a perfect spot for yoga and meditation. Not only is the retreatbra mecca for yogis, Kalani is a nonprofit organization that serves as a modelbrfor implementing best practices in permaculture and sustainability. Attending abryoga or meditation retreat here means you'll be doing good things for Mother Earth.
The six-day, seven-nightbr“Introduction to Yoga” retreat at Kalani is an opportunity for beginning yogisbrto get out of the classroom at home and explore what yoga can do for the mindbrand body in a natural setting. Attendees will review the basic principles ofbrHatha (physical) yoga and develop the spiritual and physical connection withbrtheir bodies and yoga practice.
The retreat package includesbraccommodations, meals, group classes and two 1.5-hour private yoga classes asbrwell as access to Kalani's facilities, which include a pool, hot tub and sauna.brLiving quarters include cottages, lofts, tree houses, bungalows and Halebrlodges—traditional Hawaiian two-level houses. Bear in mind there is no airbrconditioning or heating. But since you are next to the coast, wouldn't youbrrather experience island breezes than the hum of a heating or cooling unit? Thatbrsounds good to us. Kalani's dining lanai and kitchen offer cuisine thatbrincludes the flavors of Thai, Indian and Italian fare. Local tropical fruitsbrand vegetables, along with freshly caught fish, make for a refreshing menu ofbrhealthy and enjoyable meals. Kalani.com
White Lotus Foundation, California
A hidden gem along thebrcentral coast of California, the White Lotus Foundation mountain retreat centerbrsits on 40 acres in the San Marcos Pass. Located on a steep canyon, the retreatbroverlooks Santa Barbara, the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. If you'rebrlooking for calming waters, search no farther than the bottom of the canyonbrwhere the San Jose creek flows year-round. The natural surroundings of the yogabrand meditation center not only include fresh mountain air and spring water, butbralso sandstone swimming holes and hiking trails.
The foundation hosts variousbryoga retreats throughout the year, which typically fall on weekends. Thesebrretreats follow simple schedules of yoga classes, meals, self-reflection hikesbror other solo activities, group meditation and pranayama (a breathing practicebrof Hindu yoga). Yogis have the opportunity to attend a more specific retreat atbrWhite Lotus, which varies in theme each year. The latest one to take placebrfocused on pranayama, giving attendees an in-depth look at the ancientbrpractice. Yoga instructors have the opportunity to attend training retreats atbrthe center, as well.
Whether you choose to spendbrthe night in a loft or outdoors in yurts or camping tents, there are plenty ofbrsecluded places for silent reflection. Other facilities at the White Lotus retreatbrcenter include a large yoga meeting room, a kitchen and dining room servingbrgourmet vegetarian cuisine, and an underground Hopi-style "Kiva” temple. WhiteLotus.org