Awakening the Divine Warrior Within

A Spiritual Living Retreat

Paramahansa Yogananda teaches that “life on earth is a constant series of battles between good and evil. It is the duty of every human being to be a spiritual warrior against delusion.”

Life often presents us with difficult challenges, large and small. This retreat offers specific yoga techniques to help you face those challenges with confidence and strength so you can better fight the battle of life and emerge victorious.

Through specific Hatha yoga exercises designed to remind you of your body’s potential, through mental exercises where you will learn to erase thoughts of defeat, fear and worry and through guided communion with our natural soothing and healing forest environment, you will find inspiration and affirm your inner power.

When you do that, as Paramahansa Yogananda says,” you will no longer passively succumb to the soul-stultifying influence of the worldly environment” but will rise above it and overcome.”

“To him that overcometh, I will give the morning star.” Revelation 2:28

Unplugging

We are all constantly connected to technology – but what we really long for is connection with the richness of life around us. This retreat will be an invitation to power down the cell phone, unplug, and reconnect with Mother Earth through the beauty of Song of the Morning’s 800-acre forest. To support this intention this weekend, we will have a “cell phone-free” day all day on Saturday, where notes are taken down on paper and moments are captured in our memory, not on camera! All participants will be encouraged to turn off their phones and store them away in their bags. Flashlights and alarm clocks will be available to borrow for those seeking more phone freedom. We will have the option of “checking in” your phone for the weekend if you would like that level of support. You are welcome to give loved ones the Retreat Center’s phone number in case they need to contact you.

Camping & Time Outdoors

We will be inviting participants to spend as much time as possible with Mother Nature. Our indoor accommodations are nestled in the woods, while we also have quiet campsites available. Additionally, there will be an outdoor yoga class (weather permitting), a guided nature walk, an evening campfire, and time to play in the beautiful waters of the Pigeon River. Come early on Friday to set up your campsite, or if you are lodging indoors, set up your campchairs, hammock, or anything to enjoy the outdoors at our group base camp by the firepit. A program leader will be available to help you set up camp.

Selfless Service

Everyone who signs up for the retreat will select a way to pitch in during the weekend, such as setting tables, washing dishes, or chopping vegetables, to more fully experience life in community.

Spiritual Community

Song of the Morning is much more than just a retreat center – it is an intentional spiritual community! On the property is our Clear Light Community, which was founded under the vision of Paramahansa Yogananda for “plain living and high thinking.” Yoganandaji emphasized the power of coming together in shared spiritual practices and values to uplift individuals and society as a whole. He envisioned these communities as models for a future where people could live in harmony and cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more just and unified world. 

The schedule includes joining our community in group meditations and yoga – all friendly for beginners or long-time yogis alike –  and Song of the Morning’s weekly Self Realization Fellowship (SRF) Sunday Service and Fellowship Dinner. You are welcome to learn more about this yogic tradition before you arrive, but it isn’t required as we provide guidance along the way!

Lodging Fee: By clicking the Register Now button, you’ll be able to pay for your lodging, which includes the cost of meals and the retreat fee.

Retreat Fee: $150

Weekend Schedule

Friday
2:00-4:00 Arrival and registration
3:00-4:15 Hatha Yoga for early arrivals
5:00 Dinner
6:30-7:30 Introduction: Recognizing and Preparing our Inner Warrior
8:00 Meditation

Saturday
8:30-9:45 Hatha Yoga Class
10:00 Brunch
11-12:30 Yoga Techniques for awakening and strengthening the Divine Warrior within

• creative introspection
• scientific affirmation study

12:30-2:00 Free time – Snack available in Mainhouse
2:00-3:30 Guided Nature Experience
4:00 – 6:00 Dinner by the Campfire
6:00-7:45 Free Time
8:00 Meditation
9:15 Campfire, S’mores & Sharing

Sunday
8:30-9:45 Hatha Yoga Class
10:00 Closing Circle
11:00 Self-Realization Fellowship Sunday Service
1:00 Sunday Fellowship Dinner with the Community

“Realize that enough hidden strength lies within you to overcome all obstacles and temptations. Bring forth that indomitable power and energy”

-Paramahansa Yogananda

Click the button on this page to register