From Stressed Out to Blissed Out

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From Stressed Out to Blissed Out

Embracing the Perfectly Imperfect

Registration for this event has closed

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

Program Calendar
Registration Closed

From Stressed Out to Blissed Out

Embracing the Perfectly Imperfect
April 25—28, 2024

Registration for this event has closed

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

Program Calendar

Welcome to a transformative retreat where the journey is not about perfection, but about embracing the beautifully imperfect essence of your true self. Nestled in the serene embrace of nature, this retreat is a sanctuary for self-discovery, self-love, and the celebration of authenticity.

Throughout this retreat, experienced guides Cari & Diane will lead you on a profound exploration of your inner landscape, encouraging you to peel away the layers of self-judgment and criticism. Through intuitive art making, introspective workshops, sound healing, gentle yoga sessions, and beautiful ceremonies, you will learn to honor your unique journey and appreciate the beauty that lies within your imperfections.

In the company of like-minded souls, you’ll engage in conversations, sharing stories and insights that unveil the common thread of humanity — the shared experience of imperfection. Through this collective sharing, you’ll discover that your vulnerabilities are not weaknesses but rather the threads that weave the tapestry of your strength.

Nourish your body with wholesome, lovingly prepared meals that not only satisfy your taste buds but also honor your well-being. The serene surroundings provide a canvas for mindful walks, allowing you to reconnect with the rhythm of nature. In the evening, gather around a warm bonfire, where the crackling flames mirror the warmth that arises from embracing your imperfectly perfect self.

Whether you’re seeking a refuge from the pressures of daily life or aiming to deepen your self-awareness, this retreat offers a safe haven where you can learn to love and accept yourself as you are.

Here’s what you can expect:

Hatha Yoga & Restorative Yoga

Enjoy learning about the benefits and joy of yoga. Explore introductory, gentle hatha yoga exercises, breath awareness, and postures that unite the energies of the body, mind, and spirit.

Restorative Yoga enhances the benefits of yoga in completely supported and propped postures which naturally induces deep relaxation and profound therapeutic benefits. During our yoga practices you will learn ways to relieve stress, improve flexibility, enhance concentration, and promote overall well-being.

Sound Healing

Enjoy immersive vibrational experiences that combine different healing sounds and healing instruments. Sound Healing is highly effective at triggering our relaxation response, which counters the many symptoms caused by chronic stress, while helping to balance our whole being.

Wabi Sabi Art Making/Kintsugi

During our art making workshop you will be introduced to the very special process of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold. This process teaches us that our lives are infused with fragility, setbacks, and unpredictability. The bowl may be broken, but it can be pieced together with more beauty. A wonderful metaphor for life.

Crystal Healing

Learn how to make your own crystal grid for intention-setting and then experience a chakra crystal healing reiki session with a crystal singing bowl sound bath. These practices use crystals and gemstones to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Each stone has unique properties and energies that can interact with the body’s energy fields to restore balance and promote healing.

Empowering Rituals

Engage in ceremonies of self-acceptance and self-love that help you reframe negative beliefs and let go of what no longer serves you. These ceremonies focus on building self-esteem, setting boundaries, and cultivating self-compassion.

Nature Immersion

Nature gives us a perfect example of the Wabi Sabi philosophy, and has a unique way of reminding us of our own imperfect beauty. Reconnect with nature through guided hikes, mindful walks, and outdoor meditation sessions. * Weather permitting.

Healthy Cuisine

Nourish your body with delicious, nutritious meals that not only cater to your physical health but also your emotional well-being. Savor organic, locally sourced, and carefully prepared dishes.

Community and Connection

Share your journey with like-minded individuals, forming supportive bonds that can extend beyond the retreat and provide you with an ongoing network of encouragement.

The “Stressed Out to Blissed Out: Embracing The Perfectly Imperfect” retreat is a safe and judgment-free space where you can rediscover the beauty and worth within yourself. No matter where you are in your self-acceptance journey, whether you’re just starting or seeking to deepen your self-compassion, this retreat is for you. Join us for a transformative experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated,

Cari Skier

Cari Skier, MS.Ed., Certified educator, sound therapist, RYT 200, is the founder of Creative Tools for Wellness. Cari is a therapeutic art specialist, mixed media artist, certified sound healing practitioner. Known for her unique and soulful creative gatherings, Cari integrates her love of art-making with the healing sounds...
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Diane Speer

Diane Speer, ERYT-500, Yoga Therapist, CEU Educator, Holistic Life Coach. Diane’s 35-year teaching journey is rooted in a deep commitment to healthy living and a genuine desire to share the transformative benefits of yoga and mindfulness. She is dedicated to supporting others to discover health, renewed purpose, peace, and...
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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
April 25—28, 2024
Duration
4 days, 3 nights

$589 per person + accommodations

Registration

Dates
Thursday, April 25, 2024 @ 2:00 pmSunday, April 28, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Tuition
$589 per person + accommodations
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