EXPANDING YOUR RADIANCE: A GĀYATRĪ SOLSTICE RETREAT

Saturday, June 24, 10am – 6pm
Stowel Lake Farm, Salt Spring Island

We will gather on a stunning 100-acre organic farm on the traditional unceded territory of the Hul’q’umi’num’ and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, to explore and discover ancient yogic practices from India to invoke Goddess Gāyatrī’s blessings.

Join Satya (Vedic Priestess Temple) on the Solstice for a full day of yogic practice, contemplation, workshop, storytelling and ceremony. Sarah Jane Smith Lyons (The Nest Yoga) will support us with yoga asana and pranayama (breathwork).

Goddess Gāyatrī – the power behind the sun and mother of the universe – is the giver of knowledge, wisdom, protection, and strength. She supports us to access our deepest knowing and illuminates Truth within us.

We will learn traditional yogic practices that tune us into Goddess Gāyatrī’s gifts, while deepening into our relationship with the divine intelligence that moves through us, and the wisdom of our true nature.

Among these practices, we will work with the Gāyatrī Mantra – one of the oldest known and most powerful mantras – that is believed to contain all the knowledge of the universe. It is a yogic prayer dedicated to illuminating our intellect, so that we may gracefully make discerning choices in our lives, that support love, truth and unity – over fear, illusion and separation. This mantra also helps to remove toxins from the body, reduces stress and anxiety, and calms the mind while balancing the nervous system.

Stowel Lake Farm is just 5 minutes from the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal on Salt Spring Island, BC. A delicious Indian lunch will be served by Omja Catering. All are welcome.

This is the fourth retreat in our Living Shakti Series: Bringing the Teachings of the Goddess into Everyday Life. Read more about the intention behind this series 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 21 years. Satya carries the gift of fire ceremony and ritual by the grace of her ancestors. 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 14 years.

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

Sarah Jane Smith Lyons (The Nest Yoga)

In 2009, Sarah Jane lived at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga where she studied the Classical Ashtanga teachings of Baba Hari Dass. Since then, she has completed over 1200 hours of training with Moksha/Modo, and is certified to teach Modo levels 1 & 2 plus Modo Flow. She has also studied Yin Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, Advanced Vinyasa, and Trauma-Informed Yoga. In addition, Sarah Jane has over 5000 hours of experience teaching asana, meditation and breathwork, in-person and online at studios, retreats and teacher trainings.

While Sarah Jane teaches different styles of yoga, the underlying traditional yogic themes of self-compassion and self-study are always present. Sarah Jane is honoured to be part of this Living Shakti Series Retreat devoted to Goddess Gāyatrī. Expect a creative, intentional, and student-focused practice exploring asanas that affect the Gāyatrī-focused chakras that include the Ajna (third eye), Anahata (heart), and Manipura (sacral).

Learn more about Sarah Jane’s offerings at www.thenestyogasaltspring.com.

YOUR CHEF

Naomi Singh (Omja Catering)

Prior to moving to Salt Spring Island in 2008 to begin the journey of motherhood, Naomi worked for global aviation leaders. Both in commercial and military sectors. After the birth of her second daughter Kilaya, she realized she was “not cut out for the stay at home mom thing”. She then entered her first Saturday market, where she sold raw baklava, raw cheese cake, and samosas. Since then Naomi has grown into a successful local caterer and private chef here on Salt Spring.

“The love of food is more than its smell, flavours and colour. It’s the nourishment our bodies get from a meal made with love that nurtures the soul.” – Naomi

INVESTMENT:

$175 Before June 10

$225 after June 10

Reserve Your Spot Now – Spaces Limited

*A couple of spaces for payment plans are available before June 10. Please contact Satya to arrange.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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

2“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

3“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

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

5“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

6“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

7“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

8“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

9“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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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?

Omja Catering will serve a delicious Indian lunch. You may want to bring snacks for mid-morning and afternoon.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until June 1.

50 % refund, minus $35 admin fee June 2 – 9.

Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after June 10.

For questions please contact satya@vedicpriestesstemple.com

EXPANDING YOUR RADIANCE: A GĀYATRĪ SOLSTICE RETREAT