Long-format Yoga Practice (Maha Sadhana)
Saturdays, 3:30-5:30 pm
February 18, March 25, April 22
at Upper Valley Yoga
Please join us for a long-format complete yoga practice, which seems to be increasingly rare in yoga studios these days. In a kind, unhurried way, we use movement and focus of the body, breath, and mind to explore the experience of yoga and being alive, tapping a deep well of potential. This class includes a bit of Sanskrit chanting, an invigorating and balancing physical practice drawing on the structure and selected postures from the Ashtanga primary and second series, along with breath technique and meditation. Along the way, we will address and perhaps uncover for ourselves some of the more subtle and esoteric aspects of yoga. No particular experience is necessary; everyone is welcome. Experienced students will find this class helpful to enrich and refine their practice.
Register here.
Yoga Retreats
Retreats provide a wonderful opportunity to get away from your usual ruts and experience more of what yoga has to offer, in carefully selected, extraordinary settings. Bask in beautiful surroundings, eat well, connect with unexpected new friends from surprisingly different backgrounds, and return home feeling healthy and refreshed, as if everyday life has a new depth and quality to it. These adventures are not quite like your typical vacation, and what you bring home with you will continue to flourish long after the retreat is over.
Past retreats:
2019
Winter Warming: A yoga retreat in Paonia, Colorado
Fire and Waves: A yoga adventure in the Riviera Maya, Mexico
3rd Annual Mountain Hut Yoga Get-Away, Colorado
2018
A Yoga Adventure in Exquisite Calm: Riviera Maya, Mexico
2nd Annual Mountain Hut Yoga Get-Away, Colorado
2017
A Mountain Hut Yoga Get-Away, Colorado
2016
International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh, India (group trip with Erica Kaufman)
Here is what people have to say about past retreats:
“Aleah!!! I want [to] thank you and you darling husband for such a wonderful weekend. I truly enjoyed everything that you both presented. It was so-sweet to connect with such an incredible, and inspiring group of people. It was meant to be. Thanks again.” – P.M.
“I had a PHENOMENAL time in Mexico, I feel so privileged to get to do that 2 years in a row!” – S.J.
“Thank you so much for a wonderful retreat experience. The company and friendship meant so much to me. It was an inspiring and heart-warming group. Thank you also for sending the great photos!” – V.M.
“Thank you for organizing and hosting a lovely retreat. The pace and activities were you arranged were just right.” – L.M.
“I’m just blown over by your sense of caring and love for everyone. It was so apparent and felt by all the details of your planning. I thought the schedule was perfect- lots of open time with soft structure. I appreciated how much permission you gave for everyone to pitch in to “help” or do their own thing- that set such a wonderful energy. The only thing I wished was that you all could have shared lying under the stars on the deck with me the second night! Thank you for all veganness of your food planning 🙂 and for taking care of my back. It was certainly the most memorable and wonderful birthday I have ever had.” – L.B.
“Much gratitude to you and Eli your for your warm hospitality and bringing together fabulous group of people. My three biggest yoga takeaways from your teachings were: 1)wrapping the shoulders, 2) The wave motion, and 3) Coming back to the center or a midline which is a good metaphor for the life of the mat! It was a perfect 50th birthday retreat for L. I really appreciated how are you accommodated her keys and lifestyle and above all the birthday cake was such a gift!” – L.D.
“… and thank you again Aleah for this opportunity! Definitely memorable!” – M.B.
“Thank you so much! The retreat was a wonderful, peak life experience. You generously shared your inspiring beauty, grace and wisdom with us. My body, mind and spirit feel fantastic!” – V.M.
“What a wonderful time. Everything seemed so fresh yesterday. I paddled to and from Masonboro [Island] today with the Ganesh and Gayatri mantras running through my mind.” – G.N.
“I really enjoyed the wonderful retreat you planned- beautiful vistas, great yoga and hiking, nice people, delicious, healthy food and your very terrific, kind husband!” – E.T.
“Great weekend. It was perfect. I gained some clarity of mind, some solitude and most importantly practicing some yoga chitta vritti nirodha. Carrying the big trash bag was also a good “yoga” practice.” – P.M.
“Thanks Aleah and Eli, for the awesome, epic weekend! Every thing about it was perfect. I don’t remember if you said this was your first yoga hut trip to ever lead, but you two seemed like you’ve been doing it for years. Very well thought out, with a good balance of activities and down time. The fine yoga and meditations and beautiful views were just what I needed, and the food was scrumbdillyicious! I hope you do one next year, sign me up!” – S.J.
Aleah Sommers 