Assisi, in the ancient Umbrian hills of central Italy, is one of those special places where the spiritual presence is tangibly felt. It offers us a glimpse into medieval Italy that cannot be found in Rome, Milan, or even Florence. This is the place where Saints Francis and Claire, and many other mystics of the past and present, communed with God. We return year after year to Assisi to absorb the blessings of the Saints and be recharged by its rich spiritual atmosphere.
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
Amen.
It is a heartfelt joy for Mirka to create retreats that journey to the country of her birth. This wonderful adventure into the heart of Italy is also an immersion into asana, pranayama, chanting, meditation, and the teachings and spirit of the ancient Seers. We will enjoy excursions to sacred sites in the area, where Francis loved to pray, like the Porziuncola and Eremo delle Carceri, and other special towns, including Gubbio and Spoleto. It is a gift to share this special place, entering together into the depth of practice, silence, and appreciation of Assisi's natural beauty.
This year we will be staying at the 3-star Hotel Dei Priori, situated in an historical building, dating back to the 17th century, right in the heart of the old city. Founded in 1923, the Hotel has been continuously renovated to keep up to date with the requirements of the modern traveler, and it has been catering to international clients for more than fifty years. The hotel will offer us delicious Italian cuisine at mealtimes and a beautiful room for our meetings and practices.
In our Silent Walking Meditation in the morning, we will have some immersion experiences at special sites around the town. The Morning Yoga Sessions will consist of a lecture followed by asana and pranayama practice. The Evening Sessions will be focused on the inner practices of meditation, self inquiry, pranayama and chanting. After dinner you are free to explore the beauty of Assisi by night, there are many things to do in the area.
The cost is US $2,475.00 including teaching, shared rooms for seven nights, and two meals a day while at the hotel. You are responsible for airfare to and from your home to Rome, and shared roundtrip transportation from Fiumicino to the Center. You are also responsible for meals away from the hotel and any additional transportation fees during excursions. If you have questions contact Mirka via phone 707-824-1093 or email mirkayoga@yahoo.com
ITINERARY
Thursday June 18th
We will meet at Fiumicino, Rome's international airport then, as a group, we will board vans and drive to the retreat center, a 2.5-hour drive through beautiful Italian countryside
5pm Opening circle
At 7pm we gather for dinner
Friday June 17th - Wednesday June 24th
7am Silent Walking Meditation to Special Sites in Town
8:30am Breakfast
10:30am-12:30pm Morning Yoga Session or Sacred Site Visit
1pm Lunch
5-6:30pm Evening Yoga Session
7pm Dinner
After dinner explore Assisi by night
Thursday June 25th
7am Silent Walking Meditation to Special Sites in Town
8:30am Breakfast
10am Checkout of rooms
10:30am-12:30pm Closing Circle
1pm Lunch
A van will be available for transport to the airport after lunch.…Download pdf version
Full Payment $2475
$2475 US Dollars
Space is limited, so please make your plans well in advance!
Deposit $275,
Balance Due in two payments of $1100 (first payment due by Feb 15th, 2009 and second payment due by May 15th, 2009)
Participation in this retreat does not fulfill the prerequisite requirement for AVI's TeacherTraining Program. Accomplish self-discovery and personal transformation.
