11 Elements: A Body Compassion Fall Retreat

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11 Elements: A Body Compassion Fall Retreat

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Program Calendar
Registration Closed

11 Elements: A Body Compassion Fall Retreat

September 14—16, 2018

Registration for this event has closed

Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

Program Calendar

You are invited to join Jennifer Kreatsoulas and Kanjana Hartshorne at the scenic and peaceful Himalayan Institute in the Poconos September 14 – 16, 2018 for The 11 Elements: A Body Compassion Project Retreat, where you will rebuild healthy and compassionate connections with your true self – body, heart, and soul.

The Meaning & Mission of “11 Elements”

Every human body is made up of 11 core elements that are essential for survival. This means that everyone was born from and survives on the same set of elements that are natural to this earth. How beautiful is that?

We believe being made from the same life-giving materials unites us all in meaningful ways that can easily be overlooked in our fast-paced society. These 11 elements are also a vital reminder that our bodies are powerful beyond measure, no matter their size or shape.

In a world that thrives on unrealistic beauty ideals and external validation, we can lose our connection with ourselves and feel discontent with our bodies. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to teach simple yet powerful ways to: practice compassion and connection with your body; experience more peace and beauty in the unscripted chaos of life; develop mindfulness skills; and cultivate more gratitude for the 11 elements that unite us and the true self that makes you and your body unique.

This Special Weekend Includes:
  • 5 healing and empowering sessions on creating kind relationships with our bodies
  • Yoga practices that include poses, meditation, guided visualization, mantra, and Yoga philosophy to illuminate our discussions and cultivate self-connection
  • Meaningful and supportive discussion
  • Journaling, art, and other creative activities
  • Delicious soul-nourishing food
  • Rest and relaxation
  • Additional amenities offered at the Himalayan Institute
  • Plus a private guided hike for our group, a Fire Pit Pondside party, and a Chai Tea welcome party.
Themes we will Explore Include but are not Limited to:
  • How do I relate to my body?
  • How do I talk to my body?
  • How did my body image develop?
  • How do my emotions affect my body image?
  • How do my body language and body image affect my emotions?
  • How can we use tools from yoga therapy to help us cultivate compassion for our bodies?
  • How can we practice gratitude for what your bodies do for us?
  • How do we give ourselves permission to pursue a life beyond external validation and be freed from superficial comparisons and judgment?
  • What’s the difference between tolerance, acceptance, respect, love, and kindness?
  • How do we move forward with connection to self and others?
What people are saying…
“I highly recommend this retreat to anyone who struggles with self-doubt and body image-related issues. Kanjana and Jennifer provide a safe place to explore who you are and where you want to be.”
Catherine Loveless
“The retreat gave me the opportunity to slow down and reconnect with my body. A month later I continue to meditate every day and I have the energy to take on my day. As mental health professional, that value is unspeakable. Thank you!”
Audrey Grunst
Who Should Come?

This retreat is appropriate for women who want to explore how to feel more confident and content in their bodies. Whether you struggle with body image because of your past, weight, race, size, ability, aging, illness, or more, we invite you to join us. No yoga experience is necessary.

Contact Information:

Kanjana Hartshorne

Kanjana Hartshorne, LCSW, C-IAYT, CCFP, is a licensed psychotherapist, certified yoga therapist, Reiki Master, and clinical director of Healing Hearts Wellness, a holistic and somatic therapy group practice in Pennsylvania and Florida. She specializes in integrating evidence-based psychotherapy (IFS, EMDR, Yoga Therapy, CBT...
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Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD

Jennifer Kreatsoulas, PhD, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is a certified yoga therapist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She is the author of Body Mindful Yoga, the creator and host of Real Body Talk, an international speaker, and a mental health advocate. Jennifer provides yoga therapy online and in person at YogaLife...
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Himalayan Institute Retreat Center

For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. Home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Whether you visit for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or one of our longer-term programs, your visit to the Himalayan Institute will accelerate your personal journey of rejuvenation and transformation.
Free Wifi
400-Acre Campus
On-Site Cafe
Meditation Shrine
Wooded Hiking Trails
Pond with Kayaks
On-Site Wellness Center
Bonfires and Stargazing
Bookstore and Giftshop

Retreat Center Highlights

Sacred Space
The Sri Vidya Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Institute. This sanctuary offers an ideal setting for silent meditation and group spiritual practice, a cornerstone of the Himalayan Tradition for thousands of years. Open to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions, the Shrine provides a serene, sacred space for meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
Nourishing Meals
Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Each of our three daily meals is designed to be easily digestible and to support a meditative lifestyle. Sharing meals here naturally fosters connection, offering both deep nourishment and a sense of community.
Loving Community
The Himalayan Institute welcomes people from all walks of life. With a blend of short-term guests, long-term visitors, and a vibrant residential community, the atmosphere here is warm, inviting, and rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. It’s a place where friendships form naturally, often becoming the kind of connections that feel like family, and last a lifetime.
Rest in Nature
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation. Walking is a favorite activity, whether along our groomed trails or meandering paved roads, inviting both movement and mindful presence in nature.
Conscious Simplicity
At the Himalayan Institute, we embrace simplicity in all aspects of life, from our surroundings to our approach to yoga. By minimizing distractions, we create space to strengthen the inner self and quiet the mind. Guided by authenticity and grounded in philosophy rather than frills, we support a path of meaningful personal growth.
Treat Yourself
Our Himalayan Café serves the Institute’s signature chai, coffee, and homemade cookies and treats on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The 24/7 Tea Lounge offers a variety of herbal teas for anytime enjoyment. On campus, the MOKA Origins Factory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering handcrafted, ethically sourced chocolate and coffee, with free tours and tastings on Saturdays.
Date
September 14—16, 2018
Duration
3 days, 2 nights
Teachers

$495 per person + accommodations

Registration

Dates
Friday, September 14, 2018 @ 7:00 pmSunday, September 16, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
Tuition
$495 per person + accommodations
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