North Carolina

Movement Meets Mindfulness: Intermediate Yoga at Montreat

Program No. 24011RJ
Deepen your practice by connecting mind, body and spirit during lectures and classes with the introduction of mindfulness and meditation techniques from expert instructors.

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At a Glance

Link breath, movement and mindfulness with Road Scholar during a week of limber learning as your understanding of yoga and how it can vitalize your daily life grows. Expert instructors will help connect a base knowledge of postures and breathing to mindfulness and meditation techniques during this yoga program for intermediate students. Each day will include a morning and afternoon yoga practice for strengthening, healing and relaxation, as well as lecture time to address yogic concepts. Join expert yoga instructors and other intermediate students as you integrate an understanding of yoga history, mindfulness and meditation into your practice.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Designed for intermediate yoga enthusiasts, those that have a moderate amount of yoga experience.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Connect mind and movement as instructors help you introduce mindfulness, meditation and awareness of your energy centers into your yoga discipline.
  • Develop your understanding of yogic principles and concepts with expert yoga instructors in the classroom, then put what you’ve learned into your practice.
  • Learn how improving core strength supports overall mental and physical health, prevents injuries and helps you get better sleep.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, a live performance or event, and a value-priced single room. Opportunities are available for traveling companions to attend a different program at Montreat during the same week. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available. For an easier yoga experience, check out "Yoga for Wellness and Daily Living: The 8 Limbs of Yoga" (#22381).
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Martha Nelson
Martha Nelson is a yoga instructor, potter and workshop leader. She graduated from Warren Wilson College with a B.S. in intercultural studies and had her first experience on the potter's wheel while living in a village in Sri Lanka. She completed her advanced yoga certification, 500 CYT, at the Asheville Yoga Center. Martha balances her time teaching pottery and yoga, playing old-time bass and enjoying family life in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Martha Nelson
Martha Nelson View biography
Martha Nelson is a yoga instructor, potter and workshop leader. She graduated from Warren Wilson College with a B.S. in intercultural studies and had her first experience on the potter's wheel while living in a village in Sri Lanka. She completed her advanced yoga certification, 500 CYT, at the Asheville Yoga Center. Martha balances her time teaching pottery and yoga, playing old-time bass and enjoying family life in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
Profile Image of Tracy Bailey
Tracy Bailey View biography
Tracy has been on the program staff of Montreat Conference Center since 1986. She began working with Elderhostel programs in 1989, and in 1997 assumed the additional role of on-site coordinator. A native of the area, she graduated from Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in 1981. Her favorite hobbies are hiking, pottery and reading. Tracy married Sam in 2007, and added three daughters to her family. In addition to her own grown children, she and Sam have been foster parents since 2010. They have four grandchildren.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Aug 11 - Aug 16
  • Aug 11 - Aug 16
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
  • Oct 20 - Oct 25
  • Nov 03 - Nov 08
  • Dec 08 - Dec 13
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Aug 11 - Aug 16
  • Aug 11 - Aug 16
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27
  • Oct 13 - Oct 18
  • Oct 20 - Oct 25
  • Nov 03 - Nov 08
  • Dec 08 - Dec 13
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Montreat, NC
D
Assembly Inn

Activity note: Inn check in from 3:00 p.m., remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously)

Afternoon: Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 3 - 5:30 p.m. Pull up to the porch of Assembly Inn to unload, then park your vehicle in any marked spot along the Lake or Assembly Drive. You will be sharing the Inn this week with a group of pastors studying "The Art of Transitional Ministry." Program Registration. Remember to bring your vaccination card. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. A relaxing treat after your day of travel... enjoy Montreat's dinner buffet... select one of two main entrées (or have both), good-for-you vegetables, a full salad bar, bread, and of course, something for your sweet tooth. Sweet and unsweetened tea, coffee, variety of milk choices, as well as cold or hot water (with tea or hot choc).

Evening: Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will also meet the instructor. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. Sleeping and dining facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required. On some evenings, there will be entertainment such as a concert, dance, or storyteller followed by opportunities for fellowship in the lobby of the Inn. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll finish up around 8:00 p.m. with some “get to know you” activities and then have refreshments and fellowship in the lobby. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead

DAY
2
Linking Body Mind and Breath, Walk around Montreat
Montreat, NC
B,L,D
Assembly Inn

Activity note: Gentle stretches with Martha, 7:30 - 7:45; a full day of yoga instruction and practices.

Breakfast: Is breakfast your favorite meal of the day? If so, you're in for a treat! Breakfast options change daily, including dishes such as biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, hash browns, French toast, pancakes, oatmeal (not the packaged kind either), and more. 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! Our breakfast buffet is served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room (early morning coffee is available around 6:30 a.m.) Come to the lobby from 7:30 - 7:45 for some gentle stretches with Martha Nelson

Morning: Following the path of linking mind, body and breath we will look at our relationships between the inner world and the world outside. Lecture focus will be on the relationship of “prakrti” (universal material substance) and “purusha”(the Self). Yoga practice “on the mat” follows during final hour of morning session. We'll have some refreshments mid-morning to keep us going!

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Afternoon: Our focus of discussion examines the “gunas” or three primal qualities followed by a gentle afternoon practice. Our class time will conclude around 3:15 and after which you'll have the opportunity to take a guided tour of Montreat or enjoy free time.

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Evening: Evening program, a storyteller or musician(s) from 7:00 to 8:00. Games/cards and tv available in the lobby for fellowship.

DAY
3
Concept of “prana” and the “chakras," Hike in the Mtns
Montreat, NC
B,L,D
Assembly Inn

Activity note: Gentle stretches with Martha, 7:30 - 7:45; a full day of yoga instruction and practices

Breakfast: In the Assembly Inn Dining Room, early morning coffee will be out around 6:30 a.m. Come to the lobby from 7:30 - 7:45 for some gentle stretches with Martha Nelson

Morning: Today, our focus is on understanding the concept of “prana” which refers to vital energy and the “chakras” or energy centers in the body. We'll start out with a morning lecture on "prana" and then practicing on the mats. We'll have a refreshment and fellowship break mid-morning.

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.

Afternoon: Focusing on the “chakras” followed by a gentle practice. 3:30 Those who are interested may enjoy a hike in the mountains (weather permitting) Free Time

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.

Evening: Tonight we'll venture into nearby Black Mountain for a visit to the White Horse Music Hall. It's open mic night! The entertainment value is the experience of having a fun night out with your friends, not the caliber of the lineup! Adult beverage available for purchase... try a local brew!

DAY
4
“Mudras”...a point of inner stillness and calm, free aft/eve
Montreat, NC
B,L,D
Assembly Inn

Activity note: Gentle stretches with Martha, 7:30 - 7:45; a half day of yoga instruction and practices

Breakfast: Breakfast is served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Come to the lobby from 7;30 - 7:45 for some gentle stretches with Martha Nelson

Morning: “Mudras” meaning hand postures can lead us toward a point of inner stillness and calm. This morning, we will learn about “mudras” and practice meditation. Mat practice of flowing poses ends the morning session.

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.

Afternoon: Free time to explore the area or just to enjoy some quiet time!

Dinner: Our farm to table meal served in the Assembly Inn dining room.

Evening: Free evening

DAY
5
Building on the deeper practices. "Marga,"
Montreat, NC
B,L,D
Assembly Inn

Activity note: Gentle stretches with Martha, 7:30 - 7:45; a full day of yoga instruction and practices

Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast is served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room. Come to the lobby from 7:30 - 7:45 for some gentle stretches with Martha Nelson

Morning: We build on the deeper practices of yoga as we explore the limbs of concentration and meditation. Learning to let go of the business of the outer world and connect internally can be challenging and healing. Today, we seek the path, “marga” through sound and voice. Mantra is the focus of discussion. Chanting of mantras as a contemplative practice followed by an hour of mat “flow” practice.

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Afternoon: Lecture on the path or “marga”, and then a gentler, restorative practice. 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: Free evening to enjoy fellowship and prepare for departure tomorrow. (Make sure you've signed up for a box lunch if you cannot stay through lunch on Friday).

DAY
6
final session together, lunch and departures
Montreat, NC
B,L

Breakfast: Breakfast Buffet, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room.

Morning: We culminate our week together with meditation practices, discussion and final group practice. Morning: Meditation practices. Reviewing the week and sharing resources. Final group practice. (checkout of the Inn is required by 11 a.m., so please plan to check out before class starts or allow yourself time before 11).

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 in the Assembly Inn Dining Room (Box lunches will be available for those who cannot stay through lunch)






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