Embodied Ojas Retreat - Yoga & Ayurveda Rituals for Rejuvenation

Idyllwild, California

GC
Gaby Colletta
  • Email address verified
26 reviews
Nov 2 - 5, 2023
Group size: 6 - 10
Embodied Ojas Retreat - Yoga & Ayurveda Rituals for Rejuvenation
Idyllwild, California

Gaby Colletta
  • Email address verified
26 reviews

Nov 2 - 5, 2023
Group size: 6 - 10

About this trip

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. 

What is Ayurveda?

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. 

Daily Yoga Movement

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. 

Nourishing Food

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.

Location - San Jacinto Mountains

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!

Accommodation - The Pathway

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:

  • Single bed in shared room
  • Full bed for self (bunk) in shared room
  • Queen bed shared with partner or pal 
  • Queen bed for self
  • King bed for self - in shared room
  • King bed with partner or pal - in shared room

Although we encourage disconnection from technology, our retreat space does have WiFi. 

Your Guides

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

Sample Schedule

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

Cancellation Policy

  • A reservation requires a deposit of $350 USD.
  • The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is canceled.
  • The rest of the payment must be paid 30 days before arrival.

For cancellation policy details please review: www.gabycolletta.com/embodied-ojas-policies OR www.rootedrasa.com

What’s included

  • Welcome Circle Ritual
  • Daily Yoga
    Solar & Lunar practices including a blend of asana, pranayama, mantra and Audra.
  • 2 Ayurvedic Workshops
    Explore the foundations of Ayurvedic health and build a sustainably holisitic routine for self-care
  • 8 Nourishing Meals
    Beginning with a grounding dinner on Thursday night; closing with Sunday breakfast. All ingredients are organic, and sourced locally when possible.
  • Singing Bowl Meditation
    Experience sound as therapy with the vibrations of Himalayan singing bowls alongside the self-healing practice of yoga Nidra
  • Cooking Lessons
    Learn to infuse your cooking with Ayurvedic principles and seasonally appropriate modifications
  • 3 Nights Accommodation
    With a hot tub under the stars!
  • Rest & renewal in nature

What’s not included

  • Travel
  • Travel Insurance

Available Packages

Single Bed in Shared Room
$1,350
Deposit:$350
Full Bed (bunk) in Shared Room

Enjoy a spacious full size bed (either top of bottom bunk) in a shared room with 1 other participant. 

$1,450
Deposit:$350
Queen Bed in Private Room

Enjoy a queen bed in a private room to yourself.

$1,550
Deposit:$350
Solo King Bed
$1,650
Deposit:$350
Retreat only - No lodging

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. 

$725
Deposit:$350
Shared King Bed
$1,350
Deposit:$350


Your Organizer


GC
Gaby Colletta
26 reviews
E-RYT 500, YACEP, AHC. Gaby is a Meditation and Yoga Instructor and Ayurvedic Health Counselor with over 15 years of practice in integrative wellness. She facilitates transformational nature-based retreats, guides mind-body courses, leads teacher trainings and coaches individuals on how to create an ecosystem of internal resources that bring forth one’s greater potential.

Reviews

RB
I attended the Alchemy of Earth Retreat for the past several years and I am never disappointed. It is always such a sweet group of people in a sweet and relaxing spot in nature by the river. Gaby and Kristin always make this experience just what I need when it comes around. The food is always nourishing and amazing. I highly recommend this retreat if you are thinking about it.
By Rahmat B for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 25, 2024
KM
Absolutely wonderful experience! This was my first yoga retreat and first real getaway since becoming a mom, and I felt rejuvenated afterward, making it a worthwhile investment in my health and mental well-being. Gabby and Kristin were lovely hosts and made us feel welcome when we arrived. The retreat house was secluded and comfortable, and our chef, Kaori, made delicious, nutritious meals that left us happy and full. There was the perfect balance of activities and rest incorporated into the weekend, with a calmness in all transitions that made the relaxation feel real, even if we were hiking up hills or warding off mosquitos in Shavasana. We're already planning our next trip and can't wait to see where Gabby might go next.
By Kelly M for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 07, 2024
Exceeded all expectations. I signed up for the yoga which was beyond amazing per usual with Gaby at the helm, but was pleasantly surprised by the botanical fabric dyeing and the introduction to Ayurvedic diet and living. Food was nourishing and delicious and the group of women friendly and funny and creative and warm. A much needed retreat! Totally recommend!!!
By Leane V for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 05, 2024
I had a fantastic time. Intentionally prepared and led by knowledgeable and fun leaders. The schedule was really tight so the days felt very full but everything was so enjoyable I don't want to complain about any of it. Gaby and Kristin create a welcoming and creative environment that sets the stage for you to engage in whatever way that serves you. Highly recommend for anyone looking for an active respite from their regular schedule.
By Emily F for Spring Alchemy of Earth 2024: Yoga + Ayurveda + Natural Dye Retreat on Jun 04, 2024
JE
This was an amazing experience and highly beneficial to my personal yoga practice, creative process and overall wellbeing. Gaby and Bevie were so lovely to learn from and be around. The professional chef, Bella, was also brilliant and the food was so good. The entire event was smooth, with enjoyable organic transitions as well as ample time for socializing and free time. Thanks to all involved, can't wait to do it again. ✨
By JANET E for Creative Roots Retreat 2024 - Yoga, Process Art + Nature in Sedona on Apr 26, 2024
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