Vedanta Camp 2010 ~ Santa Fe

Paula Eastwood , Santa Fe, NM

For four days in July, Vedanta students were immersed in teachings by Shubhraji and in yoga asanas by Shivani, in the high desert city of Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. It was the first Yoga Vedanta Camp, and we were honored to be a part of it. There was an outline of activities for our time together, but the days also flowed with the freedom of inspired change.

Each morning, students gathered for the day at a yoga studio space for Vedanta talks, followed by short sessions of restorative yoga postures and stretches. The theme for this year’s Camp was “Surrender,” with teachings, experiential exercises and writings, guided meditation, and questions to contemplate, as homework. Chai and homemade granola snacks were available on breaks, as we connected with other participants between activities.

One of the highlights of the Camp was an outdoor excursion to the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a few minutes’ drive from the center of town. We sat in a circle on a large canvas tarp, next to a creek, spending a few hours in meditation, talk, lunch, sharing and laughter. Other experiential activities followed, such choosing a personal symbolic plant, and the reading from a Bhagavad Gita card deck done by one of the participants.

Over four days, the Vedanta Camp participants experienced a deepened connection with the Divine Self, and with others in the group. We gained more awareness of Vedantic surrender through Shubhraji’s talks and we focused that awareness with Shivani’s expert guidance in gentle asanas. We all are grateful for that opportunity to learn, share, grow and stretch ourselves, physically and spiritually.