Road Scholar : Home
Body, Mind and Spirit: Living a Balanced Life

Program Number: 21133RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Montreat, North Carolina
Price starting at: $558.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Health & Fitness
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Learn the secrets to personal well-being through a combination of unconventional yet proven techniques that you may never have considered. Learn how to easily integrate body and mind through simple breathing and stretching exercises. Enjoy a chance to embrace your silly and creative side in a safe setting, allowing you to build new neural pathways and discover unexpected talents. Also, explore the Psalms of the Bible not just as religious texts, but as literary entities that convey fundamental facts of the human condition in graphic power and poetic beauty.




Highlights

• With a retired licensed physical therapist, practice methods for breathing, posture and stretching that have been shown to improve, prevent and even reverse health problems.
• Learn the fundamentals of neurobics, the scientifically grounded program designed to stimulate the growth of new brain cells and neurological connections.
• Study the biblical Psalms in a literary and psychological light that just may reveal to you previously overlooked aspects of your character, needs and aspirations.



Activity Particulars

All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.




Date Specific Information

9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Montreat Conference Center.




Montreat

Originally founded as a spiritual retreat center, Montreat, nestled on Lake Susan at the foot of Graybeard Mountain, continues to be a peaceful destination for those seeking respite. Footpaths weave through the 4,000 acres of surrounding woodlands and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer other recreational opportunities.
Accommodations
Beautiful conference center overlooking small lake in the center of Montreat. Spacious lounges, classrooms, fireplace and dining facilities in same building.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Maya Andrau
Maya is a retired licensed physical therapist, and holds a bachelor's in physical therapy from Columbia University and a master's in social anthropology from New York University. Her extensive post-graduate education included universities in Holland, England and Austria, as well as Duke University. After traveling through or living in 20 foreign countries and 31 states, she now enjoys living in the mountains of North Carolina, cultivating vegetables, fruits and flowers.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
  Montreat, NC 5 nights
 Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.
  Contact info: 401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/accommodations.htm
  Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, a clock radio, kleenex, closets and bed lamps. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.
  Facility amenities: Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby private baths for all participants. Television and courtesy telephone in the lobby
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after:  Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 - 5:30 PM, at the Assembly Inn. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30pm. You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
12:30 PM, at the Assembly Inn. We will have a mid morning break to facilitate check out of the hotel (checkout required by 11 a.m.) You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. None needed
  Parking availability:
Free parking at the Assembly Inn in Montreat.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreat, NC
  Nearest city or town:  Black Mountain, NC; nearest large town: Asheville, NC
  Nearest highway: Route 9 to Interstate 40
  Nearest airport:  Asheville Regional Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Montreat, NC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Knoxville, TN

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours, all interstate 
 

Greenville, SC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1 1/2 hours, all interstate 
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
same as listed for airport
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles
   

arrange for transport with Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat; she will coordinate times with other participants.
 

Charlotte, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours, all interstate 
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Black Mountain Cab Service
phone: 828-230-1121
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$55
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

35 miles
   

Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat can arrange shared rides. The base price is $55, and more is added per person for additional passengers, and the total divided among all. For example, 3 people in one trip would be $75 and $25 per person. 2 people -- $33 per person 4 people -- $22 per person 5 people -- $19 per person 6 people -- $18 per person
 
Driving Directions
  From All Points - to Interstate 40 Come to Western North Carolina via Interstate 40; use exit 64 for Black Mountain/Montreat/Route 9 (15 miles east of Asheville, NC). At the exit, turn north on Route 9 (go through one traffic light, across a railroad track and another traffic light, and up the hill to the traffic light). Go straight across where Route 9 becomes Montreat Road, and travel approximately two miles to the Montreat entrance (stone gate). From the gate, continue approximatley 1 1/2 miles to the middle of the conference center. The Assembly Inn is on the hill on the left, across from Lake Susan.
Elevation Note: Participants may wish to hike on their own in surrounding mountains, which peak elev. exceed 5,400.

Equipment Requirements: Anyone wishing to enjoy outdoor activities (walking, hiking) should bring hiking boots or shoes with tread on bottom.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 4 - 5:30 p.m. Pull up to the portico to unload your luggage, and then park in any of the marked parking spaces along the Assembly Inn drive or by the lake.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. All meals are served buffet style. Dinners are usually a choice of two entrees (try them both of you want), vegetables, bread, a complete salad bar, fresh fruit, and lots of yummy desserts. Fresh-brewed iced tea (sweet or unsweet) and coffee available, as well as water and a variety of milk options.
 Evening: Our opening program/orientation will be from 7 - 8 p.m. We'll spend some time learning a little about Montreat, going over the schedule, meeting your instructors, getting to know each other a little. We know you'll be tired from your travels, so we'll end by 8 and you may enjoy refreshments and fellowship in the lobby, or retire to your room.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2:
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Is breakfast your favorite meal of the day? You're in the right place then! Breakfast options change each day, but will incorporate lots of your favorites. Biscuits and gravy, french toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, oatmeal (not the package kind either), and lots of others. Standard offerings include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, baked pastries, orange juice and another juice option. Fresh coffee or hot tea will start your morning off right!
 Morning: Our first morning class, we will begin our exploration of the Psalms with Jim Chatham. “Psalms, the Poetry of the Human Struggle” Psalms 22 & 23 What does each of these psalms say on its own? What was the Psalms collector suggesting by placing them side-by-side? What situation in your life and mine does this tandem address, and with what message? We will take a fresh look at the best known psalm in the Bible, plus its next-door neighbor. We'll have a mid morning break and then come back to class for our presentation on Total Conditioning with Maya Andrau. We'll discuss and experience Abdominal Breathing, Anatomical Plumb-line, Foot-care massage, Center of Gravity, Aerobic overview, Stretching/Strengthening (neck, shoulders, spine, hips/legs, Relaxation (toes/ankles)
 Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Mondays are typically our "build your own sandwich bar" day. Fresh-sliced sandwich meat, a variety of bread offerings, lettuce and tomato slices, and some potato or macaroni salad to join the sandwich... or perhaps a bowl of soup. Don't pass up some crunchy chips and a cookie or brownie for your sweet tooth!
 Afternoon: Welcome to our first class on Aerobics for the Brain! This is an opportunity to explore and discover more about the wonders and workings of the brain in a relaxed atmosphere that invites spontaneity and a sense of adventure. It’s not a typical “instructor-at-the-podium” setting, but instead we’ll be seated in a circle and also gather in small groups each day. Improvisation is the heart of this class, along with music and movement that also help sharpen the brain, but have no fear, this is a comfortable and non-threatening environment that’s easy on the body, especially for someone who might need to sit, or for those in a wheelchair. Individuals can choose to participate or observe anytime. Daily handouts, a bibliography and website links will be provided. The Brain: Amazing – Astonishing – Riveting – Reassuring: Today we’ll discuss the cognitive functions of the brain, myths about the brain as we grow older, and we’ll explore the scientific research and practice of using neurobics in our daily lives. After class ends, there'll be an opportunity for a Walk Around Montreat (guided tour of grounds) or free time
 Dinner: Dinner, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Yep, it's time to eat again!
 Evening: Evening program, from 7:00 to 8:00 games/cards and tv available in the lobby for fellowship. Perhaps a movie on a big screen, if the group is interested
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. another yummy breakfast is served in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Try something you have tried before (or at least in a long time).
 Morning: Early morning lecture on the Psalms with Jim Chatham. Psalm 51 This psalm is radically counter-cultural, out of sorts with the way the world lives. And yet, it stands as the center-document in a major biblical message, spoken from cover to cover. What is the psalm saying? What does it tell us about ourselves and about God? What does it challenge us to do? We'll have a mid morning break and then come back to class for our presentation on Total Conditioning with Maya Andrau. We'll discuss and experience Intercostal Breathing, Posture (sitting, elbows, low back support), Massage (stroking, raking) Body Mechanics (lifts), Aerobics, Stretching/Strengthening (neck, shoulder, spine, hips/legs), Relaxation (knees, hips/buttocks, low back/abdomen)
 Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Have some fun with lunch today! Our "taco Tuesday" menu means you can build your own tacos, taco salad, or whatever "Mexican entrée" combination you'd like to make. Chips, melted cheese, salsa (as well as jalapeños if you're so inclined) make it a perfect escape from the ordinary. Leave room for some cobbler and ice cream!
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, we're back to exploring Aerobics for the Brain! Neuroplasticity: This will be an opportunity to understand more about how the human brain is able to reorganize and restore itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. We’ll also look at the benefits of movement and exercise and how important it is in keeping our gray matter sharp and focused. After class, there will be an opportunity for those who would like to take a guided hike in the mountains (or Free Time)
 Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Typically our "holiday dinner," enjoy fresh baked ham and turkey with all the trimmings, (dressing, green beans, bread, sweet potato casserole and scrumptous desserts)... but no relatives to worry about and no dishes to wash.
 Evening: 7:00 - 8:00 evening program: Evening programs are typically a fun event -- a dance, a concert, or a storyteller games/cards/tv available in lobby for fellowship and optional movie on big screen.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Have you tried the biscuits and gravy yet? Go ahead.... just once! You can go back to your cereal and banana when you get home!
 Morning: Our morning starts out as usual with our discussion of the Psalms with Jim Chatham. Psalms 89, 90, & 91 How is the believer to respond to drastic, overwhelming trauma? What shall we make of it when the train really wrecks? The trauma for Israel was the destruction of Jerusalem, the Holy City. There were no easy answers, but these psalms, linked together, form a delicate reply we might never imagine. We'll have a mid morning break and then come back to class for our presentation on Total Conditioning with Maya Andrau. We'll discuss and experience Upper Chest Breathing, Posture (plumb-line guage -- wall side hold), Massage (kneading), Body Mechanics (lift and lower weight), Aerobics (resting pulse), Stretching/Strengthening (neck, shoulder, spine, hips/legs), Relaxation (upper back/chest, fingers, wrists)
 Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Well, yes... you've figured it out... we do lots of "comfort food." We're supposed to... right? You're on vacation... you're learning and relaxing? Wednesday's lunch is usually chicken sandwiches and a baked potato bar.... so smother your baked potato with broccoli and be good... or add cheese and bacon and sour cream... it's up to you! Have some fresh fruit instead of a dessert this time.
 Afternoon: Free time to explore the area! We'll provide a listing of area attractions and directions for explorations on your own! Here without a car? No worries... if you haven't made a friend to explore with, we'll help you figure out something fun to do.
 Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Evening: Wednesday evening class is on Effective “Active” Listening: A time to hone our mental skills and fine-tune our senses that help with communication and memory retention.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m., we'll have another good, hearty breakfast in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Morning: Our early morning course will explore Psalm 103 with Jim Chatham. God's forgiveness is one of the greatest blessings in life, cause for exhilaration. But what happens when God forgives people we don't want forgiven? Exodus 34, Psalm 103, Nahum, and Jonah—together—portray a drama that takes place deep within the human soul, very familiar to us. We'll have a mid morning break and then come back to class for our presentation on Total Conditioning with Maya Andrau. We'll discuss and experience Combination Breathing, Posture (contractions, concentric, eccentric, static), Massage (tapotement, hacking, cupping), Body Mechanics (push/pull), Aerobics (target heart rate, heart recovery rate), Stretching/Strengthening (shoulder, spine, hips/legs), Relaxation (elbows, shoulders)
 Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Afternoon: This afternoon, we'll cover "Recognizing Faces – Remembering Names" A concern many people have, especially as we age. We’ll talk about short-term and long-term memory issues, and how we can navigate the challenges of remembering more efficiently on a daily basis. "Food for Thought" A lively team-building exercise about the foods we eat and how brain function is affected. We’ll wrap up our time together with a checklist of innovative ways to promote good brain health and function. Other topics we’ll explore during the week (as time allows or as pertains to the topic) "Music and the mind" ... "Health benefits of laughter" ... "The power of play" ... "Non-verbal communication" ... "Attitude is everything" 3:30 - 5:30 free time
 Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room
 Evening: 7:00 - 8:00 evening program: games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship (no movie tonight).
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. breakfast in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. It's your last chance to try Ronnie's biscuits and gravy! Don't leave Montreat before you do!!!!
 Morning: Today, we finish up our discussion on the Psalms with Jim Chatham. Psalms 136, 137, & 138... Psalm 137 is the most horrible psalm in the Bible, speaking words that are bitter and vicious. Some have wanted 137 deleted. But when it is clustered between 136 and 138, the result is electric, showing us ourselves in full view, and issuing a redeeming, much-needed word. We'll listen for the word... We'll have a mid morning break for refreshments and to facilitate checking out of the hotel (checkout required by 11 a.m.) Then, our last opportunity for discussion and experiencing the course on Total Conditioning with Maya Andrau (but we've learned so much, we'll keep doing what we've learned!!!) Explore "Che-Che" Breathing, Spinal Elongation walk, Trigger point compression massage, Body Mechanics (2 person lift, carry & set-down), Aerobics (exercises while sitting), Stretching/Strengthening (shoulder, spine, hips/legs), Relaxation (neck, face) 12:15 - 12:30 closing program and saying good-byes
 Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 lunch in the Assembly Inn Dining Room (those who cannot stay for lunch may request a box lunch to take with them)
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Montreat, NC Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Asheville Chamber has specific information on Asheville and the surrounding area. Plenty of shops and places to visit! Enjoy a trolley tour of the city... For additional information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org
  Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt's 255-room mansion built at the end of the 19th Century, with a magnificent art collection and gardens covering 35 acres. For additional information, visit www.biltmore.com
  Black Mountain / Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce located in downtown Black Mountain. Phone number 828 669-2300 Quaint small town with lots of unique shops to explore. Several of these shops are "art" based -- with items the owners make. Information on all area attractions! For additional information, visit www.exploreblackmountain.com
  Black Mountain Golf Course
Boasts the world's longest fairway. Beautiful course with views of the mountains on all sides. For additional information, visit townofblackmountain.org
  Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachians -- and offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Hiking trails abound, both in Montreat and in the surrounding area with seasonal flora and fauna.
  Carl Sandburg Home
A simple farmhouse and goat farm donated to the Park Service by Mrs. Sandburg after the famous author and poet's death. Video about the Sandburgs--his literary work--and hers in breeding goats. House kept as though they could come home any minute! For additional information, visit nps.gov/carl
  Cherokee Indian Village
The Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Unto These Hills outdoor play (seasonal). For additional information, visit untothesehills.com
  Chimney Rock Park
Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Enjoy an elevator ride up 26 stores in a granite shaft to the chimney level. Gorgeous views from the top of the "chimney," and lots of hiking trails. Admission fee required. For additional information, visit chimneyrockpark.com
  Folk Art Center
Home of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild (located on the Blue Ridge Parkway) in east Asheville For additional information, visit southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html
  Grandfather Mountain
Located in Linville, NC; attractions include a mile-high swinging bridge, natural habitat area, and hiking trails For additional information, visit grandfather.com
  Harrah's Casino
Harrah's Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation For additional information, visit www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/index.html
  Linville Caverns
A 35-minute walking tour through caverns deep under the Humpback Mountain. For additional information, visit linvillecaverns.com
  Thomas Wolfe Home
The childhood home of the famous author -- includes a video about him. House has been made into a museum. For additional information, visit www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/wolfe/wolfe.htm
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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