Menla, Phoenicia, NY
with Nina Rao, Shamina Rao, and Keli Lalita Reddy
Nina is so happy to be joined by her sister and yogini, Shamina and friend in practice and life, Keli Lalita --their wish is for this retreat to be restful and rejuvenating for all.Nina will share her long-standing kirtan (call-and-response chanting in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions) practice during the nightly kirtans. During the day, she will share other modes of mantra practice including longer-form prayers such as the Hanuman Chalisa and also Prayers to Goddess. Tracing the roots of mantra practice, Nina will also teach and share some fundamental Veda chants including the Gayatri mantra and Shanti mantra that we can incorporate into daily individual practice as well. Nina will weave these practices together with stories of great teachers, readings from sacred texts, and teachings of her guru Sri Siddhi Ma, and other inspirational spiritual teachers that help us on our life journey. In this intimate setting, we have a chance to share and discuss as questions, ideas, and thoughts come up. Bring an inspirational poem or piece of writing you wish to share, bring your mala for practice, bring your notebook and pens/pencils, bring your walking shoes and warm clothes if the weather permits for us to be outdoors in Nature together.
Morning yoga with Shamina will include slow flow grounding asana, pranayama and meditation with an emphasis on the connection between breath and movement. The class will be paced to provide room for stillness within the flow, to enhance body awareness with mindfulness and intention. All levels welcome!
Keli Lalita will be an accompanying musician for the kirtans, and together with Nina will teach an introduction to the Bhagavat Gita which is a foundation philosophical, devotional, sacred text. This program is great inspiration for discussion amongst us all.