Balancing Act:

A One-Day Retreat Presented by Yoga Health Works

Juggling aspects of our busy lives challenges us, and it is often difficult to get away for a weekend or week retreat. Thus, Yoga Health Works is offering a series of one-day retreats in beautiful Afton, VA. Connect with nature as you learn mindfulness skills that energize the brain and body and can be used immediately.  The strategies are transformative and will positively alter your response to stress, giving you a new perspective on life.

Benefits: 

• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate

• Reduces stress

• Improves productivity

• Improves sleep

• Enhances communication

• Improves mental focus

• Improves teamwork

• Reduces sick days in the workplace

When:

CHOOSE 8:30am - 3:30pm on Saturday, October 3 OR Sunday, October 4, 2020

Where:

141 Blundell Hollow Road, Afton, VA 22920

Fee:

$79 per person

Register:

Email: agnesyhw@gmail.com

Website: www.agsyogaworks.com

Costa Rica 2020

Explore and Discover: A Quest in the Osa Peninsula

Coordinated by Yoga Health Works on February 1-8, 2020

“Mindfulness of our continuous, interbreathing relationship with trees and green plants can provide us with a vivid awareness of our interconnectedness with all beings.”

~ Jan Chozen-Bays, M.D.

Yoga:

During the week, we explored the philosophy and eight branches of yoga for a more in-depth understanding of it, and learned how to bring yoga into our daily routines. Each class offered something new. In addition, Agnes was available to “fine tune” everyone’s favorite poses and answer questions.

Mindfulness & Meditation:

These tools go hand in hand and Agnes taught both; training guests in an easy-to-use method that can be implemented immediately. Guests learned a variety of techniques (walking meditation, loving kindness mindfulness, visualization techniques, body scanning, sensory awareness and using mantras).

Writing for Wellness:

Writing for wellness is not journal writing, it is a tool for you to process emotions and unfinished business- bringing better health. This technique has been instrumental with cancer survivors, war veterans, and trauma survivors. It helps immensely with daily stress and connects our mind with our thoughts and feelings. We explored the five types of writing for health: Expressive, Transactional, Poetic, Affirmative and Legacy.

Enlighten Up!

Costa Rica Luna Lodge Trip 2018:

Here's what people had to say about the trip:

"It was an all-around extraordinary experience! You are a terrific teacher/leader and I appreciate all the guidance that you offered to us...I wish it had been 2 weeks instead of one" -- B

" Luna Lodge was ideal.  I left there thinking that  -from a mind-body-spirit perspective-  I had found that balance while at LL. The atmosphere was conducive to mindfulness and meditation, and your guidance was just the nurturing we all needed to achieve it." -- K

"I truly believe my path to the future will be altered significantly by this experience." -- RC

Costa Rica Luna Lodge Trip 2018:

Agnes F. Schrider, PT and Ron Culberson, MSW, CSP, CPAE traveled with participants to Luna Lodge in Costa Rica on the Osa Peninsula on February 17-25, 2018 to explore and immerse in nature while restoring minds, hearts, and bodies. Luna Lodge is an eco-friendly  lodge nestled in the lush rainforest surrounded by beauty and exotic animal life. Activities like daily yoga, guided meditation, mindfulness, and writing for wellness sessions were conducted while participants connected with nature in this gorgeous rainforest. Guests could hike, swim, kayak, bird watch, and take cooking lessons daily. All nutritious organic meals were included.

Agnes brings thirty years of healing as a manual physical therapist and eleven years of experience as yoga instructor and mindfulness trainer.  The Yoga classes taught the eight branches of yoga through asanas, pranayama and meditation. Her yoga classes are safe for all levels of students and no prior experience is necessary. She brings a compassionate heart and humor to teaching, knowing that each of us have felt life’s bumps in some way. This is the perfect environment to connect to open the connections between your mind, heart and body.

Ron is a former hospice social worker who is now a speaker, humorist, and author of four books including "Do it Well. Make it Fun. The Key to Success in Life, Death, and Almost Everything in Between." He is also a recognized expert on the benefits of humor and laughter.

Ron demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of humor as a tool to reduce stress and see a new perspective. He helped participants understand how excellence combined with humor is a way to tackle stressful or mundane daily tasks and to create a rich and balanced life. Ron also focused on the power of perspective to manage stress, maintain presence, and live more fully.  

Each day consisted of a selection of yoga, mindfulness, and class options. Guests had plenty of time to play, as that is part of the restorative process. Everything was optional; guests could pick and choose desired activities and spend their time as they wished.  Luna Lodge hosted other activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, cooking classes, massages, and birding tours.

Agnes was available every day for questions and discussion about yoga, mindfulness or the workshops.

All participants received a writing notebook and manual with the week’s teachings that included an extensive resource list. During the week, they wanted you to absorb and experience- not worry about forgotten notes.