A Day at Green Gulch
Sunday, February 23, 2020 | 9:30am-5:00pm
Muir Beach, California
$130
Muir Beach, California
$130
Join teachers Julie Newbold and Amy Hephner
for a day-long retreat designed to relax, recharge and replenish.
for a day-long retreat designed to relax, recharge and replenish.
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The day encompasses morning and afternoon mindfulness practices and yoga that includes hatha flow, vinyasa and restorative asanas. Alignment details, meditation, pranayama practice are woven through the day.
A delicious organic, vegetarian lunch is also included. There will be time after lunch to walk to Muir Beach, explore the gardens, read or for personal reflection. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Appropriate instruction with options and modifications are given to assist participants in a full experience. Years of practice are not required! Just bring an open, curious mindset to the day and its activities. Green Gulch Farm Zen Center is located just a short drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of national parkland, Green Gulch is located in a serene valley the opens out to the Pacific. |
YOUR TEACHERS
Julie Newbold
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JULIE NEWBOLD
To me, a day at Green Gulch is a little slice of heaven. This year I'm thrilled to partner with my friend Amy and incorporate more mindfulness practices. I guide thoughtful Hatha Flow classes that come from Ashtanga lineage with Iyengar alignment and prop influence. 200-Hour Certification with Yoga Alliance through Maile Sivert and Caroline Kelley's training at The Mindful Body, San Francisco, California, Extensive study for many years with Maile Sivert, Rachel (Shaw) Heron and Caroline Kelley. Additional study with Charu Rachlis, Yolanda Bain and Jason Crandell. Multiple workshops and retreats at Green Gulch Zen Center, Land of the Medicine Buddha and Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Anatomy in Three Dimensions Instructor Training through Balanced Body July 2018. |
Amy Hephner, MPH
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AMY HEPHNER
Amy is a qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor through University of Massachusetts Center for Mindfulness. She came to MBSR in 2006 seeking tools to assist with her health and well being. Long hours at the computer and self-imposed demands of being a perfectionist were taking its toll. Amy was dealing with chronic low back pain from an assault in college, insomnia, hypothyroidism (her thyroid gave out from work stress which resulted in her gaining over 30 pounds within 3 months) and the final straw, chronic neck and arm pain. Amy dabbled with meditation in her 20s to help with sleep issues, but MBSR was different. The formal course gave her the means necessary to build a long term, sustainable mindfulness practice. She has experienced first hand the benefits of increased coping mechanisms, decreased pain, and a more positive outlook on life. She is proof meditation works! Amy feels she is truly utilizing her Master’s in Public Health, decades later, by sharing the gift of mindfulness with others. |
Where is Green Gulch?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why go on a retreat?
Q: I'd like to bring a friend who doesn't practice yoga or meditation regularly. Is this retreat appropriate for them?
Q: Do I need a yoga mat or other props?
Q: I don't have a car. Are there other options for getting to Green Gulch?
- All your needs for the day are met; lunch, snacks and tea are included. You just have to show up!
- It is a day devoted to self-care. And self-care is not selfish.
- Scientific studies have shown that yoga and meditation reduce stress and helps individuals build tools to manage stress.
Q: I'd like to bring a friend who doesn't practice yoga or meditation regularly. Is this retreat appropriate for them?
- Yes. I teach the yoga postures and shapes (asanas) with modifications, options and lots of props. Students are encouraged to listen to their own body's signals and give themselves permission not to create a particular shape or 'go further'. I do not practice gymnastics yoga.
- A relaxed day-long retreat close to home is a lovely way to introduce friends and family to the joys of yoga and meditation!
Q: Do I need a yoga mat or other props?
- No. While students are encouraged to bring their own yoga mat or any other personal props if they wish, the Still Water practice room at Green Gulch includes mats, bolsters, blankets, straps and blocks.
Q: I don't have a car. Are there other options for getting to Green Gulch?
- Carpooling is encouraged and Julie will help arrange carpools for registered students.
- 1. Where is Green Gulch?
The Farm & Zen Center is located just a short drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of national parkland, Green Gulch is located in a serene valley that opens out to the Pacific. More detailed driving directions are here.
2. What should I bring?
The weather can be foggy or brilliant sunshine; layers are encouraged. The Zen Center provides blankets, bolsters, blocks, and straps in Stillwater Hall, our retreat room.
Suggested items: - your personal yoga mat and any special props that you'd like
- water bottle
- suitable shoes for an optional 20-minute walk to the beach
- something to read
- $6 cash if you'd like to purchase a loaf of delicious home-made bread to take home.
3. What will the day be like?
Please arrive by 9:15. Have a cup of tea as you settle in. We will be in Stillwater Hall, next to the beautiful Densho Bell.
9:30 - 12 Opening circle, hatha flow, pranayama, guided meditation
12 - 1:30 Lunch, followed by free time (option to walk to the beach). The first 10 minutes of lunch at Green Gulch are silent.
1:30 Sweet treats and tea
1:45 - 4 A more restorative focus, breath work, guided meditation, closing circle
4. When is payment due?
Payment of $140 is due January 22nd and you'll receive further instructions from me as we get closer to that date.
5. I've never been on a yoga retreat before. Is this appropriate for me?
Absolutely. This day is appropriate for all levels, all ages. Whether you are new to yoga and are curious about a retreat experience without making an overnight commitment or if you are a seasoned practitioner and yearn to be back on the land, in person, practicing with others, this is a day for self-care for all. And questions about poses, alignment and breath practices are always welcomed and encouraged!
6. I don't have a car. Can I ride with someone?
Yes! Carpooling is encouraged. Email me if you have space in your car for others or if you need a ride and I'll help coordinate.
7. Will the room be crowded?
No. I'm capping our group size at 13, including me. I believe smaller is better. With 12 students, there will be plenty of time for hands-on assistance for those that want that level of feedback from me as a teacher. While there is space for more mats on the floor in Stillwater Hall, a group size of 13 means we'll have plenty of room to spread out and lots of space between mats.
7. Are masks required? What about proof of vaccination?
At this time, Green Gulch's protocol for COVID is vaccinations are required and masks required indoors if the county requires it.
8. What's the ventilation like?
Stillwater Hall, our practice space, has two doors and many windows that we can open for ventilation and cross-breezes. Green Gulch itself if very open and spacious and set in a beautiful spot in nature. While we won't practice outdoors, stepping out for a cool breeze and (hopefully!) warm sunshine is literally out the door. Check out their website for more photos and descriptions.
9. Sign me up, this sounds wonderful!
Registration is full, and you are welcome to join the wait list. Email me to reserve a wait list space today.