Move with Grace, Find your Space - Inner Kindness Sets the Pace

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Up to 30 in group
Date
Feb 20 - 22, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • Science-based self-compassion practices with practical takeaways
  • Emotional awareness training to respond with kindness
  • Yoga-based tools: poses, breathwork, meditation, relaxation
  • Joyful play and laughter to boost resilience and ease
  • Personal integration plan and community support for daily life

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

This weekend retreat offers a transformative experience designed to nurture self-compassion through an integral blend of psychology, yoga, and laughter. Grounded in science yet infused with joy and levity, you will learn to soften self-criticism, reconnect with your entire being and rediscover the healing power of community and play in a safe, nurturing space. Come as you are—leave lighter, brighter, and more connected—to yourself and to others.
Objectives:

Understand the science and practice of self-compassion.
Cultivate emotional awareness and respond with kindness.
Reconnect with the body through yoga practices like poses, breathwork,

meditation and relaxation.

Rediscover joy and play as tools for resilience.
Build community and shared humanity.
Integrate learning into daily life with practical strategies.

Target Audience:
Adults seeking personal growth, stress relief, or emotional resilience. Ideal for individuals interested in mind-body-spirit practices, those struggling with self-criticism or burnout, and anyone open to reconnecting with joy.
Testimonials:
“Sam’s joy is truly infectious. The experiential practices created a profound shift in me. When the student is ready, the teacher appears—and Sam is an amazing teacher! I’m leaving with so many valuable takeaways. I feel better equipped to give myself permission to let go and accept that everything is as it should be in this moment.” Maria Olsen
“This weekend helped me break free from outside expectations and find peace in knowing that I am enough and on my own unique journey. I feel more at peace than Ihave in a long time.” Whitney Peterson
“Sam is always amazing! I’ve taken several of her programs, and each one has been life-enriching. I love her knowledge, spirit, and infectious smile.” JoAnn Whitely





FRIDAY
3–5 pmRegistration
5–6:30Mixed Level Hatha
5–5:45Yoga Nidra
6–6:30Meditation
6:30–7:15Dinner
7:30–9Welcome and Intention Setting

SATURDAY
6–7 amIntegral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
7:10–8:40Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
7:10–8:40Joint Freeing Series with Hope Mell
8–9:30Breakfast
10–11:30Science of Self Compassion & Quieting the Inner Critic
11:45Van to LOTUS
12–12:30 pmMeditation at LOTUS
12:45–1:30Lunch
3–5Kindness in Motion: Practical Tools for Daily Life
5:30–6:15Dinner
7:30–9Satsang (gathering of the seekers of Truth)
Kirtan (Music & Chanting), Video of Swami Satchidananda
Speaker

SUNDAY
6–7 amIntegral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
7:10–8:40Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
8–9:30Breakfast
10–11:30Integration and Growth
12–12:30 pmMeditation
12:45–1:30Lunch

Getting Here

Location icon Yogaville

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

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only

LGH: Full Bed

Accommodation
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.    

LGH: 2 Twin beds

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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 icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon 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

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

Customer Reviews

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