Immerse in a retreat container that teaches through embodied experience. Learn to incorporate ecstatic and contemplative approaches to any work or practice — this could be teaching, medicine, visual art, yoga, psychotherapy, parenting, dance, writing, mindfulness, relationships, communication, storytelling, music and beyond.
Cultivating the Ecstatic Body is a transformative retreat and teacher training program that seamlessly blends the profound practices of Yin Yoga, Thai Massage, Tea Ceremony, Ecstatic Poetry and Music, Sauna-Hamman Experience, Ritual Movement and Dance, Nature Connection, Storytelling, Contemplation and Meditation in Community, and Celebration. This unique container is designed for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their authentic path or calling, aspiring to cultivate a state of ecstatic embodiment and heightened awareness for a better world.
OVERVIEW
In this five day retreat we will learn how to incorporate contemplative approaches to any practice, developing deeper awareness, presence, and energy. No rush, no pause. Embark on a journey of self-discovery which seamlessly weaves together the wisdom of Yin Yoga, the therapeutic art of Thai Massage, the presence and nourishment of tea, community embodiment, and deep relaxation within a supportive environment. Each offering joins together to offer a holistic approach to nurturing the body, mind, and spirit.Â
IN THIS 5-DAY RETREAT WE WILL
Practice Yin Yoga with a Touch of Thai Massage – Experience the deep meditation of long held postures targeting the connective tissue, the more yin parts of ourselves, and the stories we carry in our body, while receiving Thai yoga Massage threaded with live ecstatic poetry and music.
Learn an introductory Thai Massage sequence – A sacred healing art from Thailand combining acupressure, dynamic stretches, loving kindness and somatic awareness in a practice that can be shared anywhere. Grounded in Buddhism and Ayurveda, with an integrative modern massage influence.
Tea Ceremony – The profound practice of sitting in presence with leaves in a bowl, an ancient ritual art of meditation and contemplation that awakens our own authentic wisdom and gratitude.
Sauna-Hammam Experience – A fusion of Scandinavian sauna and purification with Turkish Hamman herbal scrubs, acupressure, and hydrotherapy, all from Shambala’s floating sauna on the lake.
Ritual Dance and Somatic Movement – Qi Gong, Walking Mediation, Ecstatic Dance and free movement for activation and exploration.
Ecstatic Poetry and Sound – Immersive and meditative listening and writing practices, threaded with live world music to activate the whole body as a listening instrument.
Nature Connection and Storytelling – Explore the stories unfolding within the natural world while inviting the stories carried in our bodies to speak in communion. What stories are you ready to learn more from, which stories are you ready to release?
Celebration – Gather in celebration of a shared life of presence, limit, and loving kindness.
“Eric and Diana created an exquisite and cozy atmosphere. I had a felt experience of my individual space that supported a journey within meanwhile held in a group container that felt safe and guided with a positive energy. The experience they created was deeply healing and nurturing.Â
“What an absolutely incredible, healing, and nourishing experience this class was! Eric and Diana made the perfect team as they guided us to a blissfully relaxing state. Between Eric’s soothing voice and talent for playing multiple, unique instruments and Diana’s magical touch and innate ability to know what a body needs and deliver it, I wanted to stay in this dreamy class forever! So grateful for you both!”
A TEACHER TRAINING WITHIN A RETREAT ENVIRONMENT
Our aim is to create a space where one may study and practice sincerely while also experiencing deep relaxation. In this unique container, space is embraced in which to integrate and crystalize understanding. Set against the backdrop of a serene lake in the Swedish forest, Shambala Gatherings is a sanctuary within its natural surroundings. This is a perfect setting for a retreat which provides nurturing space for self-reflection and growth, within inspiring and robust learning sessions of practice, discussion and embodiment. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in workshop practices and experiences, explore surrounding nature, take time for personal reflection, connect with like-minded kindreds, enjoy restful sleep, and immerse themselves in time-honored practices and deep inquiry.Â
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
Get 1000 SEK off until the 30th of April, then the price will increase automatically.
This Retreat is suitable for yoga teachers and practitioners at all levels of experience.
Enrollment is limited for this program; register early.
SPONSORSHIP
We are offering one sponsored spot for this retreat!
This is an opportunity for someone who is struggling financially but wants to join Eric and Diana on this journey. Send us an email at ShambalaGatherings@gmail.com and tell us more about you!
Although this workshop is not a Jamtse Yin Yoga Teacher Training, both Eric and Diana have co-taught Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings with Biff Mithoefer for 10 years. Â These approaches and principles will be gently incorporated into how we gather, as well as our explorations of somatics, storytelling, and the Yin Yoga practice.
You can view our accommodation options below.
Please note that bringing your own tent is also an option.
For more information on our rooms and facilities, please visit our The Place page.
Twin Bedroom Shared
Triple Bedroom Shared
Soulpad Glamping Tent (double bed) – lake view, heating and electricity
Your Own Tent
DAILY SCHEDULE
Arrival: Tuesday afternoon Sept. 10th before Dinner
Departure: Sunday Sept. 15th after Lunch
8:15 – 9am  Morning practice (optional)
9:00Â – 10:30Â Â Breakfast (in silence)
10:30 – 1:30pm  Morning Session
1:30 – 3:30pm  Break ~ Lunch at 1:30
3:30 – 6:30pm  Afternoon Session
6:30 – 8:30pm  Break ~ Dinner at 7:30
8:30 – 10:00Â Â Evening Session, Sauna, etc
meet the team
TEACHER’S BIO
Eric Archer Dahlberg
Eric Archer Dahlberg is the Creative Director of Hudson Valley InterArts, an expressive and community driven art center in New York’s Hudson Valley. Eric has been faculty at the world renowned Omega Institute in New York for 10 years teaching Yin Yoga, mindfulness and meditation, and contemplative and expressive arts. He is also a senior Jamtse Yin Yoga Teacher who has been assisting and co-teaching Yin Yoga Teacher Trainings with Biff Mithoefer for 10 years. Eric has developed mindfulness meditation programs for the Millbrook School and the Finger Lakes School of Massage, and produced the local lecture and arts series ‘Everyday Expert’ in the Hudson Valley. Along with his teaching, Eric is performing musician, artist, woodcarver, naturalist and ecstatic poet. He has collaborated with Prema Mayi on her Bhakti and mantra offerings, and has worked as a multi-instrumentalist musician and composer who has toured internationally, including with the Gipsy Kings. He lives in the Shawangunk Ridges of New York State.
More information at EricArcherArts.com
Diana Brenes Seiler
Diana Brenes Seiler LMT, is a seasoned bodyworker and teacher, dancer, yoga practitioner and instructor, and a lover of spontaneous adventures in nature. With 20 years of experience giving Thai Yoga Massage and 15 years teaching professional massage, Diana brings a sustained passion in sharing healing touch with others. Along with being a LMT, she is a Certified Hatha and Yin Yoga Instructor and Certified Health Coach with a deep care and concern for the health of the Earth and humanity. Her goal in instructing yoga is to be a conduit for inspiration and hope to flow; to inspire self confidence and clarity in those moving and breathing in the container she creates for gracefulness and alignment. Through her offering of Thai massage to participants during the Yin Yoga practice she brings presence, intuition and therapeutic touch to assist the recipient in finding greater ease and peace in body-mind-spirit. Diana is also the Director of Soil to Soul, a program of the Holistic Health Community, bringing free healthcare and Earth connection to her local community in the Hudson Valley of New York.
More information at HudsonValleyThaiMassage.com
MORE at Shambala
GALLERY
How to get here
Shambala Gatherings
Borntorpet 1
Skinnskatteberg
Sweden
Located just two hours away from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the area is easily accessible by air, train and car, making a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
- Coming by air: The nearest airport to Shambala is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden. You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.
- Coming by train / bus: We are fortunate to have a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg only 5 minutes ride from the center. We offer free pick up services from this station in summer.
- Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.