Although many would opt for a stress-free life, it is inevitable that we all have to face various challenges throughout our journey. In some cases, we meet them with ease and poise, but at other times we fail to muster the proper resources and fail miserably! Many tools can be developed for dealing with trying situations. During this retreat day, a set of time-tested tools that have been passed down for generations will be presented by the instructors. H.H. Swami Sivananda Ji loved to say “an ounce of practice is better than tons of theory”. We will share some valuable pointers, after which it is up to each one of us to put them into practice.

Schedule

8:30–9:00am  Introduction, Shanti mantra chanting, meditation with Gajananam.

9:15–10:15am  Soaring above it – the art and science of Positive Thinking with Gajananam

10:30–12:00pm  Yoga for Relaxation and Stress Reduction with Swami Sivasankariananda

12:00–1:00pm  Lunch break

1:00–2:00pm  Healing by Facing the Issues with Jyoti Rout

2:15–3:15pm  Getting to the Root of It All Through Self-Inquiry with Gajananam

3:30–4:00pm  Q&A with the Instructors

Instructors

Gajananam is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnu-devananda Ji. He has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over three decades and has been studying Vedanta in a traditional manner at Arsha Vidya since 2013. Gajananam holds yoga and Vedanta classes in Fremont, CA, where he offers seekers guidance on the path of self-inquiry.

Odissi Guru Jyoti Rout is a prominent Indian classical dance teacher and choreographer. She has received numerous awards and is the founder-director of Jyoti Kala Mandir College of Indian Classical Arts, which teaches and promotes Odissi dance and music in the USA and India. Jyoti is the mentor of hundreds of students of all ages and walks of life.

Swami Sivasankariananda is the director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles. She is a certified yoga therapist and teaches at the Sivananda yoga teacher training courses and retreats in the US and abroad. All derive great joy from her classes, which she considers as an act of devotion.

Additional Information

– Kindly be ready with a bolster or blanket and a towel or flat cushion for the yoga session.
– The personal connection is an important dimension in these teachings. As this is not possible at the moment, we recommend that participants keep their videos on during the classes, as this can help bridge the virtual gap.

– The donations for this program will help support the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles, as well as organizations or individuals who have been affected by the pandemic.
– No one will be turned away for lack of funds.