Befriending Your Nervous System
Befriending Your Nervous System
Up to 30 in group
October 23 - 26, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Learn practical tools for navigating and regulating your nervous system
- Explore the impact of yoga on the Vagus Nerve through various modalities
- Engage in yoga, meditation, sound therapy, and writing for self-reflection
- Create a personalized "Befriending Your Nervous System" workbook
- Immerse in ashram life to support and sustain nervous system regulation
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Rachel Jensen is a Licensed Massage Therapist, certified Health Coach through Duke University, 200 and 300 HR certified Integral Hatha Yoga Teacher, and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner- a body-based approach to dealing with trauma created by Peter Levine.
A Licensed Massage Therapist for 18 years, Rachel is passionate about finding the connections between modern science, trauma research and the ancient practices of yoga, touch, and movement. In a practice focusing on trauma-informed bodywork, especially as it applies to chronic conditions of pain, stress, anxiety, and disease, Rachel has seen first hand the way somatic practices like yoga and massage can encourage and support a client’s healing journey.
An anatomy nerd at heart, Rachel is constantly inspired by the knowledge she has learned in her trauma trainings as it both supports and inspires her work on and off the massage table. Knowledge is indeed power and Rachel loves sharing her knowledge of trauma informed practices as a path to healing and as an encouragement to clients and practitioners alike. She truly believes that expanding this crucial area of knowledge allows us to better support those people we serve in our communities and practices- and in supporting ourselves. Getting to share this opportunity and knowledge with those in the Yogaville Community is a true pleasure and absolute privilege.
Details of this retreat
This workshop will help participants to build a practical toolbox for navigating their nervous systems. We will combine nervous system education, self-reflection, and yoga practices with somatic understanding and explore the question- how do we get our hands on the handles of our own nervous system? Each person is an ongoing and evolving combination of our genetics, environment, and experience. Our nervous systems can be engaged and worked with and we can become the “first responders” to support our own nervous system regulation.
This program aims to help you explore through a yogic lens, what best supports, encourages, and helps you and your nervous system to flourish and sustain itself. We will use this weekend to engage with our own nervous system, using practices like yoga, meditation, and movement to ask the questions- how does this make me feel? What supports my nervous system in my own experience and in my life? What parts of the ashram experience might help me every day? What can I take off the mat and into my daily life?
This Program Includes:
Nervous system education to help participants better understand and engage with their own nervous systems
Exploration of the effect of yoga on the Vagus Nerve
Experience with multiple modalities to regulate the nervous system- yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound therapy, writing, and more
Participation in the Ashram life and schedule to help inform and support personal nervous system regulation
A Befriending Your Nervous System Workbook built from students own reflection and experiences to take home
Testimonials:
I cannot say enough good things about the Trauma Informed Yoga Program. I attended because I was in need of healing due to having had a past trauma triggered. Raji and Vivekan are the best. I cannot wait for the next one when I can deal with my lesser issues. Satya
Raji and John brought their knowledge and energy in the most perfect way for all to accept and receive. Bharati G.
Calming and supportive environment, what more do we need? I am very grateful for the experience. Past Participant
Tentative Schedule
Thursday
3–5 pm
Registration
5–6:30 pm
Mixed Level Hatha
5–5:45 pm
Yoga Nidra
6–6:30 pm
Meditation
6:30–7:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Welcome and Introductions with Staff
Friday
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 am
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
- Or Meditation and Yoga with Staff
8–9:30 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Morning Session
11:45 am
Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
3–5:30 pm
Afternoon Session
6–6:30 pm
Meditation
6:30–7:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Evening Session
Saturday
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 am
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
- Joint Freeing Series with Hope Mell
- Or Meditation and Yoga with Staff
8–9:30 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Morning Session
11:45 am
Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
3–5:15 pm
Afternoon Session
5:30–6:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Satsang (gathering of seekers of Truth):
- Kirtan (Music & Chanting)
- Video of Swami Satchidananda
- Speaker
Sunday
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 am
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
- Or Meditation and Yoga with Staff
8–9:30 am
Breakfast
10–11:30 am
Closing Session with Staff
12–12:30 pm
Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
This program aims to help you explore through a yogic lens, what best supports, encourages, and helps you and your nervous system to flourish and sustain itself. We will use this weekend to engage with our own nervous system, using practices like yoga, meditation, and movement to ask the questions- how does this make me feel? What supports my nervous system in my own experience and in my life? What parts of the ashram experience might help me every day? What can I take off the mat and into my daily life?
This Program Includes:
Nervous system education to help participants better understand and engage with their own nervous systems
Exploration of the effect of yoga on the Vagus Nerve
Experience with multiple modalities to regulate the nervous system- yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound therapy, writing, and more
Participation in the Ashram life and schedule to help inform and support personal nervous system regulation
A Befriending Your Nervous System Workbook built from students own reflection and experiences to take home
Testimonials:
I cannot say enough good things about the Trauma Informed Yoga Program. I attended because I was in need of healing due to having had a past trauma triggered. Raji and Vivekan are the best. I cannot wait for the next one when I can deal with my lesser issues. Satya
Raji and John brought their knowledge and energy in the most perfect way for all to accept and receive. Bharati G.
Calming and supportive environment, what more do we need? I am very grateful for the experience. Past Participant
Tentative Schedule
Thursday
3–5 pm
Registration
5–6:30 pm
Mixed Level Hatha
5–5:45 pm
Yoga Nidra
6–6:30 pm
Meditation
6:30–7:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Welcome and Introductions with Staff
Friday
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 am
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
- Or Meditation and Yoga with Staff
8–9:30 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Morning Session
11:45 am
Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
3–5:30 pm
Afternoon Session
6–6:30 pm
Meditation
6:30–7:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Evening Session
Saturday
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 am
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
- Joint Freeing Series with Hope Mell
- Or Meditation and Yoga with Staff
8–9:30 am
Breakfast
9:30–11:30 am
Morning Session
11:45 am
Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
3–5:15 pm
Afternoon Session
5:30–6:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Satsang (gathering of seekers of Truth):
- Kirtan (Music & Chanting)
- Video of Swami Satchidananda
- Speaker
Sunday
6–7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 am
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
- Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
- Or Meditation and Yoga with Staff
8–9:30 am
Breakfast
10–11:30 am
Closing Session with Staff
12–12:30 pm
Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
Getting Here
Directions
Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.
Accommodation
Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory
The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)
Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.
Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.
Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room.
Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds.
Shared bathroom
Dorm rooms are not coed
Availability is Gender Specific
Private Dormitory
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only
LGH: Full Bed
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.
LGH: 2 Twin beds
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.
LGH: Queen Bed
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.
Tent-Site
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3. Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience. Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night.
Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Organic, vegetarian/vegan food
Labeled ingredients
Lacto-vegetarian
Gluten-free and vegan options
Salad bar
Large herbal tea selection
Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe
What's Included
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Meditation Sessions
- Yoga Classes
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare
Last Chance
