Transforming Fear: A Shiva Full Moon Day Retreat

Saturday, November 16, 10am – 5pm
Dharti Mata Centre, Nanaimo, BC

We will gather on a beautiful 5.5 acres of farmland and forest on the traditional unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw and Stz’uminus peoples, to explore and discover ancient yogic practices from India to invoke Shiva’s blessings.

Join Satya (Vedic Priestess Temple) for a full day of yogic practice, contemplation, workshop, storytelling and ceremony. Emmy Chahal (Healing with Emmy) will support us with yoga asana and pranayama (breathwork).

Soon we will be entering the dark cycle, when the nights are longer than the days. This is a special time to call on Shiva, and turn inwards for reflection, transformation and empowerment. We’ve been taught to fear the darkness, but it can be a powerful, transmuting force.

In the study of yoga, Shiva is the one who creates, protects and transforms the universe. He is known as the destroyer (or transformer), and he represents change in the universe. This is symbolized in the life cycle of beginnings and endings. Shiva maintains balance in this universe. He dismantles fear and lets the good grow. Shiva teaches us to embrace the inevitability of change, rather than fear it.

Change can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary for growth. Shiva reminds us that we can find strength and wisdom in the midst of it.

Shiva is also the deity of meditation, and represents inner peace. He teaches us that we can find peace within ourselves, even in the midst of chaos and turmoil.

During this retreat we will engage practices to move through and distill our challenges, and cultivate inner peace. Amid the periodic tensions of life, we will engage practices that can help us find solace, reduce anxiety, and gain clarity.

Shiva’s ability to consume poison and transform it into nectar signifies his capacity to endure hardships. We can draw strength from this, learning to face adversity with courage and faith that all challenges can be overcome.

We will learn ancient traditional practices and inquiry teachings that tune us into Shiva’s wisdom and gifts, and build a toolkit to help clear away the fear that’s getting in the way of our inner peace and our purpose. Ultimately, we will aspire to embody the Shiva that always resides within us.

Come join us in circle to transform your fears and cultivate inner peace with the grace of Shiva!

Dharti Mata Centre is an earthen yoga centre built according to yogic principles, located on the outskirts of South Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC. It is just 10 – 20 minutes from all three mainland ferry terminals. A delicious Indian lunch will be served by the Centre. All are welcome.

This is the eighth retreat in the Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Yogic Deities into Daily Life. Learn more about this series here.

OUR DAY RETREAT WILL INCLUDE:

Circles with the opportunity to share from the heart in a safe space
Roots of yoga, including traditional yogic practices
Ritual and ceremony
Storytelling and reflective writing
Discussion and group work
Bhakti (devotional) yoga, jnana yoga (self inquiry/yogic philosophy) and deity yoga
Authentic yoga rooted in ancestral teachings, practices and knowledge
All the usual yoga you find in a studio (asana, pranayama and meditation) – and well beyond
Delicious and nutritious traditional Indian lunch with chai and dessert
A stunning, sacred, earthen studio setting built according to yogic principles
Surrounded by 5.5 acres of beautiful forest and farmland
An opportunity for further study and practice post-retreat, if desired

MAINLAND FERRY INFO: VANCOUVER – NANAIMO

Hullo Express Passenger ferry from Downtown Vancouver – Downtown Nanaimo, see schedule here
Horseshoe Bay – Departure Bay ferry schedule here
Tsawwassen – Duke Point ferry schedule here

YOUR RETREAT FACILITATOR

Satya Amrita Kumari Jehman (Vedic Priestess Temple)

Born into the Vedic lineage, Satya has been living the traditional path of yoga all her life – with a more concentrated practice over the last 22 years. Satya carries the gift of fire ceremony and ritual by the grace of her ancestors from North India. She completed a year-long Yoga Apprenticeship in 2015 (Vijnana Yoga RYT200), and a deep dive study into jnana yoga (Vedic scripture study/self inquiry) with her teacher in her ancestral homeland of India amid a trio of winters from 2011-2013. While there in 2016, Satya was initiated into the Sidh Kunjika Stotram – the highest call to Maha Shakti (Divine Mother). She has been furthering her yogic studies in India with regular trips there for the past 15 years.

Satya has also completed a leadership training with a focus on Trauma-informed Leadership, Transformational Leadership, and Coaching.

Encouraged by her teachers, Satya is a facilitator of Retreats, Workshops, Ceremony, Ritual, One-on-One Guide on Salt Spring Island and surrounding communities, in India – as well as online. She offers from the deepest place in her with utmost respect and reverence to her ancestors, to You, to the Divine, and to the Self.

Learn more about Satya’s offerings at @vedic_priestess_temple (Instagram) + @vedicpriestesstemple108 (Facebook).

YOUR ASANA & PRANAYAMA TEACHER

Emmy Chahal (Healing with Emmy)

Emmy was introduced to yoga as a child through her grandmother and mother. Her ancestors are from North India, and the practice of yoga continues to connect her deeply to her heritage. With a steady yoga practice for 20 years, she has been teaching yoga internationally for the past 12 years. Emmy is particularly focused on yoga for mental health, trauma-informed approaches, and supporting women and young people through embodiment, decolonization, and embodied pedagogy.

Throughout her studies in yoga and the healing arts, Emmy has extensively trained in hatha, trauma-informed teaching, pre/postnatal yoga – and her yoga journey led her own research at the University of British Columbia on yoga in the university classroom. Emmy also facilitates cultural awareness training for yoga teacher trainings around the world. As a South Asian woman working in the North American yoga industry, her voice is dedicated to sharing the complexities of social inequity and building bridges between people of all backgrounds. Learn more about Emmy and her offerings at www.emmychahal.com.

ENERGY EXCHANGE:

$175 Early Bird Rate Before November 2

$225 Full Rate After November 2

Reserve Your Spot Now – Spaces Limited

*Rate includes a full day of programming and a three-course traditional Indian lunch (vegetarian) with chai and dessert.

*Two partial scholarships are available for BIPOC folks experiencing financial barriers before November 2. Please contact Satya to arrange.

*A couple of payment plans spots available before November 2. Please contact Satya to arrange.

0“Warmest congratulations on a wonderful retreat filled with rich teachings, beautiful yoga and delicious food. The day just could not have been better. I appreciated the depth of planning to deliver a powerful, meaningful and memorable retreat. Sharing your unique perspective on the teachings, their meanings, and how they relate to our daily challenges personally and globally was invaluable. You are wonderful teachers.” – Elaine H

1“I appreciated everything from the variation of activities, to the lunch, to the sacred space that was created. I most appreciated it was culturally/spiritually authentic. Your knowledge, study and lineage was important to me, to attend.” – Leila R

1“Warmest thanks for a truly transformative, inspirational, and motivational experience!” – Lois H

2“I LOVED the retreat. I so appreciate your retreats and each seems to come at the perfect time for me. I appreciate the richness of your ancestral tradition that you share with us. I love the ceremony, the learning about the deity, and the opportunity to reflect. And the venue and the lunch were perfect!” ~ Lesley G

3“This retreat made me feel so welcomed, cherished, and invited to surrender to the energies of the Goddess and the practices to honour her, the land, the cosmos and the people around us. I am very grateful to you Satya, for sharing this wisdom. Thanks again for the beautiful day we shared. I will carry the teachings and energies of the retreat in my cells forever more. And I look forward to attending more retreats and events with you two, as you are amazing facilitators and guides.” – Rachel M

4“I appreciated that the retreat was held with devotion, and deep respect. The teachings were shared with beauty and integrity, and this really touched my heart. I appreciated the deepening of my relationship with this beautiful deity Ganesh, and also opening up dreamscape to more guidance. The mantras continue to be resounding and have become part of my morning practice.” ~ Elisha A

5“I very much appreciated the depth of learning and the connection of ritual and ceremony to learning about the Goddess, and then also practicing asana. I had some great ’a-ha’ moments. I was very moved by the inclusion of your own lineage in the ceremony, Satya. It’s an incredible gift. I’m very much looking forward to the next retreat!” – Christie R

6“I loved the whole retreat! The highlight was the knowledge that you shared. I have never met anyone as well versed in Vedic history/culture/ceremony. So much fun to be a part of this.” ~ Heidi S

7“Thank you for sharing the wisdom/traditions of your lineage, Satya. I appreciated the chance to participate in a ritual that is outside my culture and spiritual background. I appreciated the sense of sacred community and sharing, the joining of voices in chanting – and the beautiful space, and our wonderful facilitators. The food, chai and sweets were lovely – as well as the beauty of the altar! – Shawna K

8“I loved the retreat. You both did an excellent job. You both expressed your vast knowledge very clearly. Your love and effort put into the day was very obvious. I love having the handout to refer back to. It was really cool to be part of the fire ceremony. I was awestruck watching Satya chant. I loved sitting by the fire and offering. You both are amazing and please keep doing what you’re doing.” – Kim M

10“Coming together in circle was one of the most impactful things about the retreat. The time to share considerations from the carefully crafted questions and be in ritual together. I really appreciated and felt Satya’s direct lineage to the teachings she shared. Hanna and Satya created a strong and at the same time gentle presence. The food was delicious!” – Tali H

11“I appreciated the skilled, confident and present guidance of Satya and Hanna, the beautiful space and setting of the farm, and the delicious food. There was a nice balance of inner exploration (pratyahara), both in the asana class and workshop, with group interaction. Overall this felt very balanced and nourishing.” – Agi M

12“I appreciated the sacred manner and the reverence in which the retreat was held.” ~ Anne R

13“I appreciated so much about the experience but I think that the pure loving presence you bring is what shines brightest.” – Shawna K

14“Thank you both for the beautiful day. The heartfelt practices and ceremony that you both shared continues to resonate with me. I appreciated the professionalism and organization of your offering. You both seemed well prepared, and had in-depth knowledge of the practices and ceremony you offered. You were both welcoming and I felt safe in your space. I loved how a place in the room was set up for each student. It felt like an invitation to be part of the community.” ~ Sandy D

15“I appreciated the sincerity and authenticity of the day and it was definitely a spiritual experience that has stayed with me in really beautiful ways.” ~ Jillian R

16“Thank you so much for the incredible ceremony and space holding you offered us. I had a real feeling of coming home, and I’m so grateful for that. I cannot remember the last time I attended a puja – a *real* puja, not some white-colonizer thing calling itself a puja. It’s definitely been over 20 years. I am in awe that this space was queer, feminist, and still deeply rooted in the Vedanta traditions I know and love. The physical space was one of the most sacred and love filled spaces I have been in. And it was only an hour away from home.” ~ Mel C

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SHIVA OR THE ROOTS OF YOGA. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?

Yes, this gathering is suitable for those new to Shiva and traditional yoga, as you will learn a lot about both.
All are welcome, including yogis and yoginis, yoga teachers and healing practitioners, those new to yoga, lovers of Indian culture and tradition, those interested in traditional yoga, etc.

I HAVEN’T DONE MUCH YOGA. IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?

Yes, the asanas (physical postures of Yoga) we will be doing are suitable for both beginners and experienced folks, and modifications will be included.

DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD?

Dharti Mata Centre will serve a delicious three-course Indian lunch (vegetarian) with chai and dessert. If you wish to pack further snacks, you are welcome to.

HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?

The venue is located in South Wellington on the outskirts of Nanaimo, at the Dharti Mata Centre at 2021 Brothers Road. It is a short 10-20 minute drive from Duke Point, Departure Bay, and Hullo-Nanaimo ferry terminals.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until October 24

50% refund, minus $35 admin fee October 25 – November 1.

Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after November 2.

Nor can tickets be transferred to another person after November 2.

For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com