Join Anjali Deva {CAP} and Gaby Colletta {AHC, E-RYT, YACEP} in Idyllwild, California for a 4-day immersion into the ancient practices of Ayurveda and Yoga. Nestled in an alpine forest and mountain country, we will reconnect to nature and explore the foundations of a 5000-year old science to self-healing, longevity and renewal. “Ojas” is the Sanskrit word for the subtle essence that bolsters immunity, vitality and resilience. Through holistic health practices we will explore ways to cultivate Ojas. Enjoy embodiment practices of yoga to deepen connection with self. Discover daily rituals to align with energetics of the season and support self-care. Learn how to infuse your meals with Ayurvedic principles and presence using spices and culinary herbs to maximize digestion. Drop into communal connection and slow living. This is for rejuvenation, renewal and inspired learning.
Ayurveda is a traditional healing system and science from India dating back at least 5,000 years. This living body of wisdom uses many different modalities for healing, including using food as medicine, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, bodywork and extensive detoxification practices. In India, Ayurveda is still practiced as a complete medical system with its own hospitals, treatment centers, and pharmacies that dispense herbal medicine. Here in the United States, Ayurveda is better known for its emphasis on preventative health, promoting a holistic lifestyle, and being a sister science to Yoga. Ayurveda’s emphasis on cultivating a balanced state for mind, body and spirit through diet and lifestyle changes makes it an accessible science for anyone wanting to improve their life. Ayurveda’s emphasis on holistic nutrition teaches us to use food as medicine—eating correctly for our dosha and for the season at hand. Ayurveda believes that agni, or the digestive fire, is the foundation for the health of our entire mind and body.
In this retreat, we will cover the foundational elements of Ayurveda so we can best get to know ourselves, our dosha’s, and the rituals we need to create an individualized self-care routine.
Explore embodied connection through daily asana yoga practices infused with seasonal Ayurvedic wisdom.
Each class is guided with mindfulness, somatic inquiry, alignment foundation, and Ayurvedic principles to integrate body, mind and heart. Morning Asana is inspired by solar energy, a mindful Vinyasa class unfolding consciousness through the dance of breath with movement. In the afternoon, we wind down the day with a lunar-inspired practice such as Restorative, Aromatherapy Grounding Flow, or Yoga Nidra. One can expect meditation, pranayama, breath awareness, mudra and mantra.
Whether a seasoned practitioner or new yogi, instruction and variations are offered for each individual to explore one’s potential. Our retreat includes 5 yoga practices: one grounding practice, afternoon practice, three solar morning yoga classes, and one restorative yoga nidra.
Ayurveda’s emphasis on holistic nutrition teaches us to use food as medicine—eating correctly for our dosha and for the season at hand. Ayurveda believes that agni, or the digestive fire, is the foundation for the health of our entire mind and body. Current research on the microbiome continues to prove the importance of the gut-brain connection and to demonstrate the link between healthy digestion and the functioning of many other systems in the body.
In this retreat, we will learn to cook seasonal appropriate meals that offer variations for each dosha. All of the food prepared will be organic, seasonal and local where possible. We can support any dietary accommodations, please just let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.
Idyllwild, CA is in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California. A high elevation getaway with views of grand mountains and tree-lined valleys below, Idyllwild has been a retreat destination for many since the early 1900’s. With fresh crisp air nestled high above the clouds, we are only two-hours outside of Los Angeles though it will feel like a far-away destination. Surrounded by luscious pine trees, a running creek, incredible sunsets and a true place of solitude and tranquility, we chose Idyllwild because it is a true gem. Ayurveda believes that we are impacted by the environment we spend time in, choosing Idyllwild as a magical backdrop for our retreat was a given!
Our mountain sanctuary is called the Pathway, a round home nestled in the heart of the Idyllwild forest, surrounded by the beauty of the woods. Enjoy morning practices in the open air deck against the backdrop of the sounds of Nature, explore the land and meander the hiking trails, drop into slow living with a hot tub soak under the stars or a gathering around the fire. Our retreat space is spacious, peaceful and invites relaxation and renewal.
We offer tiered pricing with various accommodation types. Our intimate gathering is limited to 10 participants. Accommodation types include:
Although we encourage disconnection from technology, our retreat space does have WiFi.
Anjali Deva, CAP
Anjali Deva is an Ayurvedic practitioner and educator. Her private practice, Rooted Rasa, specializes in an integrative and trauma-informed approach to Ayurveda. Anjali founded Mādhya Way, a school for Ayurveda. Her compassion-based approach is useful in alleviating anxiety, depression, PTSD, digestive disorders, and women’s health issues with a holistic framework. Anjali has been greatly fortunate to have been introduced to Ayurveda and Yoga at a young age by her father and mentor, Arun Deva. Her clinical experience began at Hope Integrative Psychiatry overseen by Omid Naim, MD. Her familial lineage is rich with the desire to preserve and maintain these healing arts. Driven by her aspiration to better understand the connection between food and mood, she has trained with Kerala Ayurveda Academy, Loyola Marymount’s Yoga and the Healing Sciences Program, and with various teachers both in the United States and India. Her strong passion for digestion and mental health provides others with a holistic approach to finding their inner harmony and resilience for healing. Anjali is dedicated to sharing the Wisdom of Ayurveda for the benefit of all living beings.
Learn more at rootedrasa.com and follow her on IG: @anjali
Gaby Colletta, E-RYT 500, YACEP, AHC
Gaby is a Yoga, Ayurveda and Meditation Teacher with over 12 years of practice in integrative wellness and healing arts. She facilitates nature-based retreats, guides mind-body courses and coaches individuals on how to create an ecosystem of internal resources that increase resilience and unveil intrinsic potential. Her teachings weave together the Ancient traditions of Ayurveda, Buddhism and Tantra, alongside modern-day neuroscience, somatic psychology and Earth wisdom. Gaby received her Ayurvedic training at the California College of Ayurveda in 2017 with additional study under Dr. Lad. She holds a Masters in Integral Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies and currently offers therapy. Gaby is faculty of the Lakshmi Rising School of Yoga and Wellness and co-founder of ClimbWell, an organization devoted to exploring the intersection of rock climbing, mindfulness and personal development.Through the tapestry of mind-body practices, Gaby shares tools for deeper intimacy and understanding one’s intuitive abilities, mental power and pathways to freedom.
Learn more at www.gabycolletta.com and follow her on IG @wanderingvayu
7:00 AM Coffee, Chicory Tea, Warm Lemon Water
8:00 - 9:30 AM Elemental Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
9:30 - 10:30 AM Nourishing Breakfast & Free Time
10:30 - 12:00 PM Ayurvedic Workshop
12:00 - 1:30 PM Collective Cooking Lessons
1:30 - 3:00 PM Nourishing Lunch & Free Time
3:00 - 4:00 PM Meditation / Self Reflection Circle / Nidra / Sound Bath
4:00 - 6:00 PM Free time & Rest
4:30 - 6:00 PM Optional Collective Cooking Lesson for Dinner
6:00 PM Nourishing Dinner, Free Time, Relaxation & Rest
Check-in: 3:00 PM Thursday // Checkout 11:00 AM Sunday
For cancellation policy details please review: www.gabycolletta.com/embodied-ojas-policies OR www.rootedrasa.com
Enjoy a spacious full size bed (either top of bottom bunk) in a shared room with 1 other participant.
Enjoy a queen bed in a private room to yourself.
Attendees devote a few days to practicing with the teacher(s) and community throughout the day and then spend the night at home or in local accommodations that they arrange on their own. This option includes all retreat activities and meals. You are welcome to hang out after dinner, enjoy the amenities of the retreat space before heading back to your own accommodation.