Course: The Art of Presence (4 sessions)
Saturday, March 8, 2025 – Saturday, March 15, 2025 PDT
WITH VANI DEVI
IN PERSON OR ONLINE
Online registrants will receive a Zoom link on the start day of the retreat.
“Past is gone, future is yet to come. The present moment is all that exists.”
—Swami Vishnudevananda
In four sessions, this course explores the profound yet very practical principles of yoga philosophy, guiding participants on a journey towards deeper self-awareness, a sense of joy and inner peace. The course will be enriched by excerpts from the vast works of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda.
SATURDAY 3/8
2:00–3:30pm PST
Module 1: Mind, Its Obstacles & Transcending the Obstacles
Exploration of yogic wisdom, the mind, its workings and freedom from afflictive thoughts and behavior patterns through knowledge and guided practice.
4:00–5:30pm PST
Module 2: Concentration, and Guided Meditation Practices on Patience and Fearlessness
This session presents an overview of the 8 Limbs of Raja Yoga, focusing on the final two,
concentration and meditation.
SATURDAY 3/15
2:00–3:30pm PST
Module 3: Balanced Mind, Balanced Life
Cultivate equanimity through the exploration of the wisdom of positive thinking (Pratipaksha Bhavana) and Self-Surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana)
4:00–5:30pm PST
Module 4: Presence Through Letting Go and Transcendence
Learn methods for self-inquiry, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and auto-suggestive deep relaxation.
Program participants will join in exploration of ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical techniques, and will participate in transformative knowledge and immersive exercises that transcend the ego, embrace their true Self, so they can live from a more wholesome place of healing, authenticity, connection, joy, freedom, and peace.
– If time permits, there will be 10-15 minutes for Q&A at the end of each module.
– Through all this the participants will learn to cultivate a state of present moment awareness, equanimity, and deeper connection to their inner selves, while fostering a sense of trust, acceptance and guidance in the unfolding of life.
– Modules 3 and 4 will be taught March 15 and 16. All four modules offer many short practical, yet very effective tools for life. Attend one module or all four!
This course is for everyone—the spiritual aspirant, as well as people who simply desire a little more self-acceptance, self-nurturing, self-guidance and more joy and peace in their lives.
Course materials:
* Handouts of relevant excerpts from books by Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnudevananda, etc will be provided.
Vani Devi is a yoga teacher at the LA Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, with over 25 years of experience serving children, adults, and organizations through programs on yoga, meditation, and mindfulness. An inspiring teacher, she is committed to helping her students cultivate clarity, self-guidance, and inner peace. A long-time practitioner of yoga, meditation and philosophical studies, she is dedicated to bringing Knowledge her teachers continually share with her, to others.
What to bring
Bring a journal and pen for personal reflection. Wear comfortable clothing for deep relaxation. You are welcome to bring your own sitting cushion, otherwise they are provided.
Register