Pocono Mountain Yoga Retreat with Ari Halbert & Johnathan Raiss
A Weekend of Archetypal Alignmental
April 15—17, 2016
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Join Ari Halbert and Johnathan Raiss for a weekend immersion in the deep beauty of the Pocono Mountains at the renowned Himalayan Institute Retreat Center. You will be led through daily yoga classes designed to optimize well-being and self-awareness, while acquiring tools and skills to carefully develop your full movement and meditative potential. Guided hikes through the stunning wilderness will be offered, along with campfire relaxation, and many more restorative activities possible in the serene bliss of the lovely Poconos.
Ari Halbert
My first memories of yoga are from childhood, practicing asana alongside my dad, and watching him sit for long periods every morning to meditate. These influences acted as a seed that was planted in me—one which began to blossom over a decade later when I gained an affinity for books on Western esotericism, and found myself...
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Johnathan Raiss
Johnathan's first encounter with yoga occurred around the time he was sixteen, when an old friend introduced him to the practices of Ashtanga and Bikram Yoga. The unfamiliar movements and postures of these styles immediately captivated his attention, and inspired a deep curiosity that began a 10-year exploration into variou...
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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
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.