The Meditative Gardener 2026

A Spiritual Living Retreat 

“Do you realize that within you, in your soul, is a superb garden? a wondrous garden of thoughts, fragrant with love, goodness, understanding, and peace, and more beautiful than any earthly flowers that grow… ” – Paramahansa Yogananda

Immerse yourself in the fulfilling spiritual aspects of gardening this season at the Phase 3 Community Organic Garden. As the vegetables and herbs begin to produce in abundance, establish a deeper connection with the propagating qualities of the earth and engage with the beauty and energy of burgeoning plant life. This is a unique opportunity to practice the principles of vibrant, awake living as introduced by Paramahansa Yogananda. As you participate in a meditative approach to cultivation, food sourcing, and communion with the essence of nature, you will feel a deeper relationship with your higher self in a way that will positively benefit you and the garden itself.

We will explore Yogananda’s discussions of the consciousness of plants, focusing on individual vegetables and flowers to learn about their unique consciousness and to receive and share their messages. Weather permitting, we will do our energization exercises, chant, and meditate in the garden, practicing gardening as a vital part of the natural world. We will Practice the Presence of the Divine while weeding and planting using organic permaculture methods, chanting, and mantra. As evening falls, we will share a meal in the garden cooked over our fire pit, followed by a time of stargazing on the Platform. Come and experience the peace, joy, and uplifting enthusiasm that meditative gardening offers.

Selfless Service

Everyone who signs up for the retreat will choose a way to pitch in over 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!

Garden Retreat Packing List

• Yoga Mat for outdoor yoga, meditation and sitting by the fire to eat
• Rain Jacket
• Sun Hat
• Garden Gloves
• Bicycle for transportation on the Retreat property (auto transport will also be provided)
• Sun Screen
• Natural Bug Repellant
• Umbrella
• Outdoor Shoes
• Flash Light or Head Lamp
• Blanket you don’t mind taking outdoors for Stargazing

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 $108 retreat fee.

Registration Details: Prices are all inclusive and show rates for your camping/lodging for two nights, meals for the entire weekend, and access to all retreat programs.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Weekend Schedule

You’ll receive a full schedule at check-in. Times may vary slightly.

Subject to change

FRIDAY

2:00 – 5:00 PM Arrival and Registration
3:30 PM Yoga Class for Early Arrivals (Wheelhouse)
5:00 PM Dinner
6:30 – 7:30 PM Welcome and Introductions (Wheelhouse)
    Review of Weekend Schedule
    Consciousness of Plants: Luther Burbank and Emoto
7:45 PM Community Kirtan and Meditation
    Chanting, Prayer, Silent Meditation, and Healing Service

SATURDAY

8:45 AM Yoga Class (Domes or Wheelhouse)
10:00 AM Brunch in the Main House
11:00 AM Phase 3 Community Garden
    Wander in the Garden in Silence
    Communication with Plant Beings
12:00 PM Spiritual Awareness in the Garden
    Interacting with Garden Plants While Weeding and Planting
    Food Vibration Chart and Bose Cresograph
1:00 PM Snack
1:30 PM Using Chanting and Mantra to Practice the Presence
    While Weeding, Watering, and Planting
2:30 PM Free Time
    Journaling, Karma Yoga, Rest, or Walk
4:00 – 7:00 PM Phase 3 Garden Outdoor Cooking and Eating
    Preparing Garden Dinner
    Planned Meal Time 5:00 – 5:30 PM
    Vertical Poem
    Wildflower Wisdom
7:45 – 9:00 PM Kirtan and Meditation (Domes)
9:15 PM Stargazing Outdoors on Yoga Mats, Weather Permitting

SUNDAY

9:00 – 10:30 AM Exercises on the Lawn by the Domes
    Closing Practice and Sharing
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Sunday Service in the Domes
1:00 PM Fellowship Dinner

Click the button on this page to register