The Yoga of Aging, Dying & Becoming
AUGUST 8 - 11
Synergia Ranch, New Mexico
“The retreat was 'life-changing' for me. I am far less afraid and much more at ease in my own skin. My heart has opened in an unexpected way. There are no direct correlations I can draw from the yoga, meditation, or written exercises we participated in, or the silence we kept. It’s the whole experience you so carefully and joyfully constructed, the perfect retreat, moment by moment. You’re masterful in the work you do and the magic you create." –Deb, Palm Springs
From the moment we are born, we enter the adventure of aging. As we grow older and begin to meet the realities of aging and dying with greater awareness—whether they evoke fear, curiosity, or awe—it can be a profound spiritual practice to pause and examine our relationship to death.
Aging itself is a spiritual journey, one that brings us closer to our essence through increasing self-awareness. When approached with intention, practices such as yoga and meditation can deepen and accelerate this process. As yogis, we come to recognize change as constant—and to meet it as an ongoing practice. In this way, we begin to prepare for what might be called both the Great Letting Go and the Great Becoming. By relating to change as an impersonal process, we cultivate nonattachment and reduce unnecessary suffering—a principle at the heart of many spiritual traditions.
What distinguishes this retreat is a somatic, mind–body approach to the great thresholds of impermanence, change, aging, and death. Through silence, meditation, breathwork, movement, journaling, yoga, heart circles, dharma talks, and ritual, these themes are not simply discussed—they are lived. Drawing from both classic spiritual texts and contemporary insight, the experience becomes immediate, embodied, and transformative.
"THE RETREAT WAS SOUL-SHIFTING FOR ME."—VICTORIA, OAKLAND
Within this shared container, we explore the Buddha’s teachings on the Five Remembrances and the Five Kleshas, the hero’s journey as expressed in the Katha Upanishads, and contemporary perspectives such as Frank Ostaseski’s The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.
We are all on this journey, making the retreat accessible to people of all ages and spiritual backgrounds.
“A PROFOUND AND POWERFUL RETREAT. AN INTIMATE ENVIRONMENT FACILITATING FREINDSHIPS.”—HANNAH, BERKELEY
“YOU’VE GIVEN ME THE IMPETUS TO MAKE THE CHANGES I’VE BEEN AFRAID TO MAKE…I LOVED SEEING YOUR MAGIC, HOW MUCH YOU KNOW AND HOW LITTLE YOU TAKE YOURSELF SERIOUSLY.” —MICHAEL, SANTA FE
“Honestly, this three-day retreat had what felt like a month-long impact--it was that profound of an experience. You know just how to balance movement with stillness, speaking with silence, laughter with tears, engagement with rest, and being in community with time for solitude. If you've ever lived somewhere with distinct seasons, you know that feeling of appreciation for contrast. The environment was amazing as was the food, but had we been at a high school gymnasium, I suspect the same magic would have been felt by all. Green Gulch Farm was simply the icing on the cake. Exceeded all of my expectations... Thank you, David!”—Bruce, Berkeley
"David!!! That last breathwork exercise at the end of the day clearly took a lot out of me, so Sunday (and probably yesterday also) was a reset day for me emotionally and physically—proof that you did something amazing and right.
You were able to help bring my grief and loss to the forefront, which is always welcome and a needed release for me. So, I am grateful for that and for you on so many levels.
The time we spent in the yurt was comforting and insightful - and a needed reprieve from the world. You are remarkable. I am impressed with your words and guidance through it all.”—Laurie, Sausalito
REGISTRATION
- Single Accommodation with bath: $1600. (Limited: 3) Single room deposit $800.
- Couples' Accommodation with bath: $2600. (Limited: 3) Couples' room deposit $1300.
- Single Accommodation/shared bath: $1200. (Limited: 6) Deposit $600.
- Shared Accommodation/shared bath: $980.(Limited: 4) Deposit $490.
Limited to 20 participants.
The price includes dinner from Saturday evening through lunch on Tuesday, your room, all instruction, tea service, meditation cushions, a bonfire, and crickets. Not included: yoga props! Please bring them with you. Double rainbows are likely!
Your deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations made 30 days or less before the start date are fully non-refundable.
Located 30 minutes from the center of historic Santa Fe and 45 minutes from Albuquerque, Synergia Ranch Retreat Center is set on 111 acres of high-desert prairie, dotted with pinon and juniper trees. A few airlines fly to Santa Fe, but most fly to Albuquerque.
The weekend after our retreat is the Indian Market in Santa Fe (30 miles from Synergia Ranch). It is one of the largest events in the state, attracting an international audience. It's well worth attending—hotels and restaurants fill up quickly for this weekend—book in advance.
Tentative Schedule:
Saturday, August 8
3:30 Check-In & Room Assignments
5:00 Yoga - Studio (Chair Practice)
6:00 Dinner
7:15 Opening Circle - Bonfire
Sunday, August 9
NOBLE SILENCE
7:00 Meditation & Qi Gong
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Viloma Pranayama & Meditation
9:30 Prana Qi Practice
10:30 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Free Time
2:30 Yoga Nidra & Somatic Movement
3:00 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
4:30 Partnering Practice
6:00 Dinner
7: Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
Monday: August 10
NOBEL SILENCE
7:00 Meditation & Qi Gong
7:45 Breakfast
9:00 Viloma Pranayama & Meditation
9:30 Prana Qi Practice
10:30 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
12:30 Lunch
1:00 Free Time
2:30 Yoga Nidra & Somatic Movement
3:00 Journaling/Dharma Topic/Heart Circle
4:30 Partnering Practice
6:00 Dinner
7:00 The Great Letting Go Ritual
Tuesday: August 11
NOBEL SILENCE
7:00 Meditation & Qi Gong
8:00 Breakfast: Deliberate Speaking
8:30 Room Check Out
9:00 Yoga, Meditation & Journaling
10:30 Heart Circle
12:00 Lunch
Indian Market, Santa Fe, Friday, August 14-16
WHAT TO BRING
New Mexico is a high-altitude desert. August is warm and dry, with occasional afternoon thundershowers that can cool evening temperatures.
Flashlight, overnight kit, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a journal or notebook, and an eye pillow (optional; don't worry if you don't have one), or a scarf, bandana, or eye mask to cover your eyes.) Yoga props: Synergia does not offer any other props besides cushions and chairs. Please bring your mat and any additional props to ensure your comfort.
Please bring an altar item—something sacred or meaningful to you. This is not a gift giveaway, but it will be an essential element for this retreat. It can be a memento, a photograph, a sacred object, a book, or a letter... something easy to travel with but something significant to you.
“What a lovely retreat experience with you, and I appreciate the way in which you always hold big energy and the moment--with openness, creativity, and love...and always along with a big dollop of humor. This retreat unearthed and moved me in ways that helped me embrace the themes and experiences of aging and dying, as well as the richness and joy of accepting that inevitability. Loved the way that you intermingled a variety of supportive practices from different traditions with journaling and some small group conversations amidst the backdrop of silence and the beauty of Green Gulch, which allowed us all to both rest and engage more deeply. Thank you so much for your presence and your teaching!”—Odin, Berkeley
