Song of the Self
Embodied Voice, Movement, and Meditation
October 2—4, 2026
Highlights
Overview
“Play is the highest form of research.” ~ Albert Einstein
Join Francesca and Katie for a playful and deep exploration of our innate creativity in community!
How will we access our unique Songs?
In a word, PLAY!
Through playfully engaging our voices, our bodies, and mindfulness practices, we’ll support one another in exploring our innate creativity.
As we connect with ourselves, with one another, and with the beauty of Nature, we can allow ourselves to be guided by curiosity, and our songs will reveal themselves in all their shimmering beauty!
What will we do on this retreat?
- Explore our voices through exercises that make it easy and fun to make sound and sing
- Learn to deeply listen and respond instinctively and with ease
- Engage in movement practices to free our bodies and voices
- Do a Sound Walk on the land
- Create earth altars with natural objects and sing them together
- Experience a Sound Journey
- Unlearn things we’ve been taught that stifle our creativity and enjoyment!
There will also be plenty of down time to rest and integrate our explorations.
During our free time, you may choose to:
- Join us for a chocolate tasting and tour of Moka Origins
- Receive bodywork at PureRejuv
- Take a yoga class
- Read and journal
- Walk on lovely trails on the property
- Rest!
You will leave feeling connected to yourself, to others, and to this beautiful planet, ready to continue your explorations of your innate gifts!
Early bird price of $300 before June 1!
As of June 1, the price is $350.
You will pay the Himalayan Institute directly for your room and meals when you register.
Francesca Genco
Francesca Genco, MA, is a singer and sound healer, yoga instructor, bodyworker, and interdisciplinary arts teacher. Francesca has released two albums, Numinous River (2008) and Lullabies for a World in Transition (2012). Her singing is featured in many films and TV shows, including Neill Blomkamp’s film Elysium and the BBC’...
See Full Bio and Upcoming Events
Katie Down
Katie Down, LCAT, MT-BC, MMT, MM, is a licensed creative arts therapist, music psychotherapist with post-graduate certifications from the Trauma Studies Program at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy; EMDR Levels 1, 2, 3 with Laurel Parnell at the Open Center in NY; Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction with Paulette...
See Full Bio and Upcoming Events
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.
Registration
Dates
Friday, October 2, 2026 @ 7:00 pm–Sunday, October 4, 2026 @ 12:00 pm
Tuition
$350 per person + accommodations
Early bird price of $300 before June 1!
Register Now
Early bird price of $300 before June 1!
Campus Info
Need Help?
Call us: (570) 253-5551
You May Also Like...
$350
per person + accommodations
Early bird price of $300 before June 1!
Early bird price of $300 before June 1!