Find new ways to nourish yourself. Eliminate old patterns that keep you stuck. The Inward Bound Meditation & Yoga Retreat is the perfect opportunity to begin or continue on your journey towards self discovery, peace, and healing. 

You’ll find yourself in the perfect setting to explore and discover some answers to the age-old questions, Who am I?, What is my purpose in life? and, What do I really want?  You’ll also discover new ways to access your own energy systems, inner peace, and strength. You’ll be instructed in an ancient, powerful meditation technique where you’ll gain access a deep silence, reduce stress and its effects, and reconnect with your spirit. You’ll become familiar with your body’s unseen energy systems, how they work, and how to access healing on all levels, physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.

For four full days you’ll be expertly guided by Sarah McLean and Andrea Hanson - both have been extensively trained and have been certified by Dr. Deepak Chopra. They’ve designed this retreat specifically to help you to:

-purify, energize and balance your mind and body through the yoga of breath practices (also known as pranayama);

- discover and move energy throughout your body with gentle Kundalini Yoga practices; -enliven your senses and your intimacy with nature in the wilderness meditation practice; -discover the silence, nourish your mind & body, and glimpse your soul in a series of powerful group meditations;

-bring your awareness to your essence in the meditation in activity practices;

-open yourself up to your intuition and listen your heart’s desires through creative journaling practices;

-discover how to eat with appreciation and how to maximize your digestion with mindfulness, gratitude and compassion practices;

-and feel the subtle energies as you hike to energetically powerful spots in the red rock's glorious wilderness. 

During your retreat you’ll also meet privately with a facilitator for further instruction on meditation, yoga, energy work for emotional blocks, or a life coaching session. And after you return home, you’ll work with them again by phone to be sure you are on the right track.

You’ll be served delicious, healthy gourmet cuisine, stay in serene deluxe accommodations, and have full use of the resort and spa facilities.

Option 1 -The cost of the retreat is $545 which includes the Inward Bound Retreat and 1 private 50 minute consultation.

Option 2-$675 includes the Inward Bound Retreat and 1 private 50 minute consultation & private instruction in Primordial Sound Mantra Meditation as recommended by Deepak Chopra

RETREAT SCHEDULE

DAY ONE               Thursday, October 9

1:00 – 4:00 pm   (Optional Primordial Sound Meditation Instruction Available)

5:30                          Welcome Dinner

7:30 – 9:00 pm   Evening Program - Meditation & Yoga, Journaling, the Power of Silence

DAY TWO               Friday, October 10

6:00  am                 Sunrise Meditation

6:30 – 10:30 am Breakfast Optional Hiking, Spa Treatments, Private Consults

10:30 am               Morning Retreat Program

12:30 - 5:00 pm Lunch, Optional Classes, Spa Activities, Private Consultations, Treatments

5:00 pm                 Group Meditation

6:00 pm                  Dinner

7:30 – 9:00 pm   Evening Program

DAY THREE         Saturday, October 11

6:00 am                 Sunrise Meditation

6:30 – 10:30 am Breakfast, Optional Hiking, Spa Treatments, Private Consults

10:30 am               Morning Retreat Program

12:30  pm             Group Lunch

3:30 – 5:30 pm  Adventure Inward into the Heart of Nature at Snow Canyon

6:00 pm                Dinner, Optional Classes, Spa Activities, Private Consultations, Treatments

DAY FOUR             Sunday, October 12

6:00 am                  Sunrise Meditation

6:30 – 10:30 am Breakfast, Optional Hiking, Spa Treatments, Private Consults

10:30 am               Morning Retreat Program

12:30  pm              Group Lunch

3:30  pm                 Celebration Journey & Closing Circle

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About the Facilitators:

About Sarah McLean: 

Deepak Chopra, author of Perfect Health, Debbie Ford, author of Secrets of the Shadow, Gary Zukav, author of Seat of the Soul, and Byron Katie, author of Loving What Is, have something in common: each one of them hired Sarah McLean to facilitate the sharing of their knowledge and talents with the world.

Since 1990, Sarah worked closely with these pioneers developing mind/body health centers, education programs, curriculum, and events worldwide for them. She had a rare and wonderful opportunity to become immersed in their wisdom and knowledge. She served as the Education Director at the Chopra Center, director for the School for The Work of Bryon Katie, and is now the founding director of the Sedona Meditation Training Company – an organization providing programs based on her experience including meditation training, retreats and self-discovery workshops.

Sarah lived and studied in India , was a two-year resident in a Zen Buddhist monastery, and has journeyed through Europe, the Middle East, and Asia by bicycle in search of the secrets of this life. Quite obviously, Sarah makes it a priority to learn about and discover who she really is, explore her connection to spirit, and how to how to maintain health and wellness. She is a dedicated facilitator for those seeking ways to access inner peace and their full potential.

About Andrea Hanson:

Andrea has studied and taught ancient and contemporary healing practices in over 11 countries and extensively in the United States for over 25 years.  As an international educator and facilitator, she has worked with healing masters of many disciplines and has a deep understanding of the psychology and the true energetic nature of healing. She is a Certified International Kundalini Therapist, Certified Primordial Sound Meditation Instructor, Certified Creating Health Instructor, Certified Level VI Training in Power Practitioner and has had Extensive Training in Energy Medicine Technology.

Andrea is a facilitator of Emotional Fitness at the Red Mountain Spa and former Chopra Center Instructor and Program Director. She will lead energizing breathing and gentle yoga and exercises each morning as well as presentations of energetic anatomy and energy healing. She’ll help you to find out who you really are and how to access your true power.  Andrea’s passionate mission is to be instrumental in creating the experience of perfect health and total peace as the way of life for all. Andrea is creator and owner of Merging Rivers Healing Practices.

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What People Say about their experiences at the Inward Bound Retreats

“People seek self-awareness and healing.  I, for one, have searched for meaning and purpose for my entire adult life.  If it’s in the self-help or psychology section of Amazon, I’ve read it.  I’ve attended every ‘You Can Do It’, ‘Go for Your Dream’,’ ‘Buy Low; Sell High’ seminar out there. Thank you for doing what you do so well.  The retreat was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.- this journey inward was so profound for me, is actually still quite a shock….. Before the retreat, my spiritual path was sinuous and sporadic at best.  Now it is the only thing on my “to-do” list.”  Jeanna Z, Chandler , Arizona

“Learning to meditate was like that moment standing on top of the mountain and seeing the whole world lay out at your feet.  A feeling of being a part of something much larger than yourself and at the same time knowing it was always within you.  There is this image in my mind of the swirling pinks and purples of the rocks against that dark and moody sky that day when I opened my eyes after meditating for the first time.  It was as if the world had polished itself just for me. Sarah is a catalyst for positive energy.  Perhaps what I liked best was the open, forthright manner in which the information was presented.  And finally the personal feeling of blending in, like an old friend.” Carol S., Detroit , Michigan

 “Your workshop was captivating and extremely practical.  Andrea, you imparted very new information to me in a very understandable way.  My outlook on myself and my life has totally shifted and I feel in control of my health for the first time in years.  Thank you so much and please let me know of your next retreat.” Tom M., Ivins Utah

“Andrea, I got home and expected to crumble when re-entering my living situation.  To my great surprise I reacted totally differently.  I simple can’t find the resentment and jealously. I actually have compassion for the people I thought were causing me such pain.  I cannot express what a miracle this is for me.  I have struggled for years with those negative emotions and they are gone! I feel the pounds of heavy dark weight that were dragging me down have lifted.” Aimee F., New Orleans , LA

“Your Kundalini Yoga class was an amazing experience.  It was the first time I really had an identifiable, re-creatable sense of my energetic Self.  In the past this kind of experience seemed to be the “luck of the draw” or “a fleeting coincident”. It was invigorating and relaxing all at the same time. I feel so much more settled with myself and lighter on all levels. Thank you.”  Lorayne M., Seattle , WA

“The Yoga breathing and meditations you gave me are working!  My asthma has lessened and I am becoming clear about what my life purpose is.  I am being drawn strongly to organic farming.  With my background, this is a natural. Prior to the Yoga and breathing therapy and meditations, I had the belief that I could never do what I love.  Thank you. My Life is so bright now.” Pat P. Providence, RI

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FAQ’s about Meditation and Yoga 

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini means pure awareness. Kundalini Yoga is a vast and marvelous practice that raises and distributes that pure awareness within your energetic field and body.  The practice of this transformational Yoga takes you from a sense of self that is limited and guarded, to the sense of your true identity of infinite and whole. Kundalini Yoga is so effective because it is so comprehensive and do-able. It is called the Yoga of “householders” and is for people who are coping with the daily challenges and stresses of these times of holding jobs, raising families, managing businesses and managing relationships and the self in these highly stressful times.  It includes physical exercises, breath, music and mantra -- all designed to balance the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system and enable us to harness the energy of the mind and emotions so we can be viable, effective, compassionate and purposeful. It is a gentle and powerful practice and virtually anyone can do Kundalini Yoga and benefit.

What are the Benefits of Kundalini Yoga and Breathing Techniques?

In this age of energy and information, it is imperative we understand our body’s energy systems. When we understand how our unseen energy systems work, we can cleanse, strengthen, and protect them from the enormous energy overload of these times.  Kundalini Yoga as taught and introduced in the west by Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D. in 1968 is designed to do just that.  Kundalini Yoga practice is designed to give you “hands on” experience of your energy systems, your highest purpose, and your consciousness and sense of limitless potential.

What is meditation to you and how would you define it?

Meditation is a name given to the many techniques that turn your attention inward.  It has been practiced for thousands of years. Originally, people used it to deepen their understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. Around the world, meditation continues to be a spiritual and religious practice, and now it is becoming mainstream. Over 6 million Americans say they practice meditation.

Meditation is not about forcing our mind to be quiet; rather it's a process to rediscover the quietness that is already there, and is ever-present. Behind the screen of our internal dialogue (60,000 thoughts a day) is the silence of pure awareness - a silence that is not disturbed by thoughts of the past or concerns of the future.  With a regular practice of meditation you can cultivate a true sense of inner peace and balance.  It is a proven tool that allows each person to fully experience the life that they were meant to live.  And, it is a way to create world peace, one person at a time. 

The practice of meditation also allows you to access a naturally-occurring rest state; and according to research it is actually different from sleep; the rest is much deeper and at the same time, you are more alert. It is sometimes called the state of restful alertness . This helps to reduce stress and improve your sense of well being. But, like exercise, you can't just know ‘how to do it’ to get the benefits, you actually have to do it.

What is Primordial Sound Meditation?

Primordial Sound Meditation is a meditation technique which is practiced in silence. It is derived from the yoga tradition of India . Yoga means union-the union of environment, senses, body, mind, and soul.  This union is described in an ancient text known as the Yoga Sutras written by the sage Patanjali, who says yoga is the progressive settling down of the mind into the field of pure silence, which is usually overshadowed by the activity of the mind.

This ancient meditation technique has been revitalized from India by Deepak Chopra, who makes it available as the cornerstone of healing and self-discovery. It is a simple, silent, mantra-based meditation technique which uses primordial sounds, or sounds of nature, and incorporates the sounds into a mantra chosen for you based on your the time and location of birth. When you meditate you use your personal mantra and it will serve as a vehicle to connect you with deeper aspects of your awareness.

During Primordial Sound Meditation our minds become quiet and because our minds and bodies are truly connected, our bodies settle down and gain the deep rest necessary to release stress and fatigue. There is no need to change your beliefs or your religion.  All you need is the desire to find peace.

What are the Benefits of Meditation?

For a growing number of people, perfectly healthy people, meditation is used as a means of stress reduction - it is good prevention.  You see the many advertisements for medication for digestion, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and sexual problems; it is no wonder that meditation is needed now more than ever. Each one of these disorders are either caused by or made worse by stress - and  more than 60% of all doctors' visits these days are due to stress related complaints. And medications don't treat the cause, only the symptoms.  Meditation treats the cause. Stress.

Meditation also aids in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and the practice has also been used to help people quit smoking, conquer drug and alcohol addictions, reduce blood pressure and reduce symptoms of PMS, anxiety, stress, and depression.

Some other psychological benefits can be a calmer manner, a clearer mind, better decision making, and being in the present moment, rather than agonizing over the past or worrying about the future.  Those who meditate report higher levels of self-esteem, and are less dependent on what others think or say about them to feel their value as a human being. 

Meditation also helps you to clarify your true intentions and desires, increase your intuition, and develop a peaceful mind. It has been proven to improve memory, creative thinking and concentration. Rarely is there a reason not to meditate.

What is Energy Psychology?

Energy psychology applies principles and techniques for working with the body’s physical energies to facilitate desired changes in emotions, thought, and behavior. Energy psychology has been used interchangeable with “energy-based psychotherapy,” or simply “energy therapy,” and it is also an umbrella term for numerous specific formulations, such as Thought Field Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques, and Meridian Therapy methods and many others.

Energy therapy provides the understanding and experience of who we truly are. Through meditation, yoga and the energetic, vibrational approach to the body, we have the direct experience of our true power and abilities.  We come to realize we are fully capable of orchestrating the health and well being we desire and living the live we have only dreamed of until now.