• Frequently Asked Questions

    Q. Do I need to be experienced with yoga to attend the retreat?

    Not at all! Everyone is equally welcome, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Previous retreat attendees have ranged from trained yoga instructors to people who had never stepped on a mat before. The yoga practices within each session are designed to be accessible to all participants, and we have had people ranging from 23 to 72. Modifications are provided so that each participant reaches a balance of challenge and ease, and expert instructor Liz Schulman leads all classes with the assistance of Amanda Amadei.

     

    Prior to the retreat, participants will be asked to complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, and a doctor’s note of permission may be required for certain conditions.

    Q. What should I bring to the retreat?

    All registered participants will receive a detailed packing list a few weeks before the retreat, but below are a few of the highlights.

    • Please remember to bring your own yoga mat, a notebook, your favorite pen/pencil (or a few), and a water bottle.
    • Fall weather in the Hudson Valley can be unpredictable, so we do recommend bringing comfortable layers.
    • While the WON Dharma Center does provide linens, retreat participants are required to bring their own bath and hand towels, as well as all necessary toiletries.
    • Finally, to ensure a peaceful and productive experience, no pets, alcohol, or illegal drugs are allowed on the WON Dharma Center campus. Smoking is permitted in designated areas only.

    Q. What will the meals be like, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

    The food we will be serving is primarily Korean and extremely delicious! All meals are vegetarian and are prepared using the freshest natural and local ingredients, some from the Center’s own organic garden! The Center’s kitchen is able to accommodate guests who need to avoid nuts, gluten, dairy, and soy. If you have a dietary restriction, please be sure to note it in your registration packet or, if you forget to mention it in your packet, to email Amanda Amadei at Amanda(at)spark-shift.com so that the kitchen can prepare to accommodate you.

     

    Meals take place at designated times and are eaten together, but coffee and tea are available in the dining room throughout the day from 6:00am-9:30pm.

    Q. How do I schedule bodywork, and what are the rates?

    Once your registration is complete, you will be given the contact information for Erin Bell, the retreat’s massage therapist, as well as the information for the WON Dharma Center’s resident acupuncturist. Massage rates are $50 for 30 minutes or $100 for 60 minutes. Shorter chair massages may be available depending on schedule. The suggested donation for acupuncture is $60. We highly recommend pre-registering for acupuncture and massage therapy as time slots do fill up quickly.

    Direct Scheduling Link - coming soon

    Q. Are all sessions mandatory?

    Sessions are not mandatory. However, we highly recommend that you attend all six core sessions so as to experience the full effect of the retreat. We have designed the schedule with ample time for naps, bodywork, hiking, and private meetings. The sunrise yoga/meditation sessions are optional, but they are a wonderful opportunity for further relaxation and self-reflection.

  • Ready to Register?

    November 2-5, 2017