Awakened Journey 7-Day Meditation Retreat in Blue Ridge Mountains, VA

AWAKENED JOURNEY
7-Day Meditation Retreat | April 5 - 12, 2026


Sanctuary Retreat Center – Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains

Step into a week of deep renewal, elevated awareness, and awakened presence. Open to all levels of experience, this retreat offers a harmonious blend of meditation, contemplative learning, sacred ceremony, music, nature, and meaningful connection. You are invited to slow down, soften into presence, and immerse yourself in a heart-opening field of clarity and inspiration.

A special highlight of the week is the inspiring presence of Swami Nityananda, with friends from Shanti Mandir Ashram, who arrive Wednesday afternoon to further elevate and expand the retreat’s enlightening energies. The program includes a powerful Yagna, as well as a transcendent Indian Classical music concert featuring acclaimed santoor artist Vinay Desai and on tabla Anirudh Alva Changkakoti.

Throughout the week, guests are supported by the Sanctuary’s experienced resident staff and immersed in the radiant Sourcefield that is the heart of Sanctuary—a space many describe as deeply nourishing, clarifying, and profoundly restorative.
Retreat Highlights & Inclusions

A 7-day immersive retreat experience (partial attendance is not available)
Daily meditation with Synchronicity High-Tech Meditation® soundtracks
Daily presentations on Holistic Lifestyle® topics
Wednesday afternoon tea with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda
Yagna: an ancient Vedic fire ceremony led by Swami Nityananda and Brahmin priests
Teachings by Larry Holmes on the ancient wisdom of Kashmir Shaivism and how it relates to Synchronicity Modern Spirituality
Indian Classical music concert with Vinay Desai on santoor and Anirudh Alva Changkakoti on tabla drums
One Transcendental Journey® empowerment session, featuring High-Tech Meditation music, aroma generators, and light therapy, often described as deeply transformative and insight-rich
Comfortable accommodations in a serene, natural setting
All meals included: nourishing plant-based cuisine with animal protein options
Time to enjoy early spring forest walks, quiet reflection, and communion with nature
Access to the Sanctuary’s Wellbeing Services for additional support and relaxation
High-speed Wi-Fi in all buildings

This retreat is an invitation to rest deeply, awaken gently, and return to life renewed, carrying clarity, inspiration, and a more embodied sense of presence into your daily world.

Spaces are limited. Early registration is recommended.

“Thank you so much for the great hospitality I received during The Awakened Journey Retreat! It was exactly what I needed to restore balance and peace in myself.” - J.R.



 



Retreat Schedule




Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question below to expand.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners to meditation?Yes. Awakened Journey is open to all levels of experience, from those new to meditation to long-time practitioners. The program is designed to gently support each participant wherever they are on their inner journey.

Do I need prior experience with High-Tech Meditation® or Holistic Lifestyle® teachings?No prior experience is required. All meditations and teachings during the retreat are clearly guided and accessible to newcomers, while still offering depth and richness for experienced practitioners.

If you’d like to explore High-Tech Meditation® and the Holistic Lifestyle® approach before attending, you’re welcome to visit synchronicity.org, where you can learn more and download a free High-Tech Meditation® soundtrack.

Is partial attendance available?No. This is a fully immersive 7-day retreat, and partial attendance is not available. The continuity of the week is an important part of the depth and integrity of the experience.

Who is Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda?Gurudev Swami Nityananda was raised from birth in an environment of yoga and meditation. His parents were devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda and Baba Muktananda. He was trained from childhood by Baba, and in 1981, Baba declared that Swami Nityananda would succeed him to carry on the lineage.

Gurudev learned the various yogic practices, including meditation and Sanskrit chanting, and studied the philosophies of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism. In 1987, Swami Nityananda founded Shanti Mandir as a vehicle for continuing his Guru’s work and subsequently established four ashrams. In 1995, at the age of 32, at a traditional ceremony in India, the saints installed him as a Mahamandaleshwar in recognition of his spiritual attainments.

His humility, devotion, patience, and acceptance are palpable. His clear English and knowledge of Western culture allow audiences to grasp the traditional Vedic teachings with ease. While carrying the traditional teachings, he makes spirituality a practical part of modern daily reality, guided by the prayer “May all beings be content.”

What if my experience feels different or unfamiliar at times?Immersive retreat environments can occasionally bring forward experiences that feel unfamiliar or strong, especially for those new to this kind of setting. This does not mean something is wrong.

Periods of expanded awareness are often followed by a natural phase of integration, where old patterns or ways of understanding may reorganize or fall away.

You will be held in a warm, supportive, and nurturing environment throughout the week. Sanctuary’s resident staff are present and available, and guests are encouraged to share what they are experiencing. There is no pressure to have any particular experience or to move faster than feels appropriate.

What is a Yagna, and what can I expect from this ceremony?A Yagna is an ancient Vedic fire ritual performed for purification, harmony, and collective wellbeing. It is a deeply sacred and meditative experience, conducted by Swami Nityananda with Brahmin priests. No prior knowledge is required.

What is the price of the retreat including accommodation and meals?The retreat price* includes all retreat programming, accommodations, and meals. Single and shared options are available. Bathrooms are shared with just one other room and offer complete privacy when in use, with a lockable door.

Accommodation options and pricing:
Sanctuary Lodge – Queen Bed (1 person): $1,656*
Sanctuary Lodge – Queen Bed (2 people): $3,312*
Sanctuary Lodge – Private Room with 2 Twin Beds: $1,656*
Sanctuary Lodge – Shared Room with 2 Twin Beds (per person): $1,325*
Modular Cabin – Private Room with 1 Twin Bed: $1,656*

*Prices shown reflect the 10% Early Registration Discount for registrations completed by March 1, 2026. Standard pricing applies after this date.

What are Wellbeing Services, and are they included?The retreat schedule includes dedicated blocks of time for Wellbeing Services, should you choose to book any. These offerings are designed to complement the retreat experience and support integration, wellbeing, and balance. These include various types of bodywork as well as mental and emotional balancing technologies and techniques. We recommend booking in advance, as availability is limited. Learn more on our Wellbeing Services page.

Please note, the retreat schedule will be emailed to you approximately two weeks before the start of the retreat and most Wellbeing Services may not be available for booking until around that same time.

What is not included in the retreat fee?Airport transfers and Wellbeing Services are not included. Helpful travel details and directions can be found on our Guest Information page. Visit our Wellbeing Services page to learn more about our many offerings designed to enhance your retreat experience.

I still have questions — how do I get in touch with you?If you have additional questions or would like more guidance, please email us at info@sanctuaryrc.org or visit our Guest Information page for more helpful information.




 

"If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and be at peace and find joy, I highly recommend that you come to this very special space. It’s sacred and it’s beautiful and I can’t recommend it highly enough." - Anele A.