Inviting Summer: in Loving Presence through Yoga, Kirtan & Sound

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE

▹ Grounding morning yoga flow (hatha)

▹ Yoga accompanied by live music

▹ Kirtans & voice activation

▹ Soothing sound baths

▹ Deep rest through yoga nidra

▹ Centering meditations

▹ Daily wood-fired sauna on the lake

▹ Nourishing and delicious plant based meals

▹ Somatic dance journey

▹ Afternoon slowing down yoga

▹ Circles & ceremonies

THE ESSENCE OF THIS RETREAT

As the sun brings nature into full sprout and bloom here in Sweden, we invite you to expand your heart presence with us. Tuning into the shift towards summer as the sun moves towards the brightest time of year, we tend to our inner light, to re-ignite and be reminded of the truth of our loving essence.

THROUGH LAYERS OF BODY, MIND & SOUND, ARRIVING IN THE HEART

In this retreat we come together in deep body awareness and heart expansiveness. Music, sound, movement and stillness merge through the experience with at least one yoga session a day accompanied by gentle live music, yoga nidras followed by sound baths and sessions of voice activation and kirtan.

YOGA, MOVE, CONNECT & SING

The yoga and free movement in somatic dance invite us to feel what is alive within and to move more easily into the deeper layers of our being, also supporting the experience of inner yoga. In the mornings, we explore mobility and fluid, breath-led movement. The afternoon sessions are slower and softer, gradually moving toward a more yin-inspired practice.

During somatic dance, you’re gently guided through the body, always moving freely and in connection with the elements, visualizations, and your own felt sense.

In inner yoga practices such as meditation and bhakti, we’re invited to turn inward and reconnect with our deeper sense of wholeness. Kirtan helps quiet and center the mind in a trance-like way, while also awakening feelings of celebration, expansiveness, and playfulness. It is often known as the yoga of loving devotion.

Each day we gather, also to reflect and share in circle. Spending the days retreating together we make space to come back to our inner presence, so we may feel a deeper connection also to others and the earth.

WE WELCOME YOU

Whether you’re familiar with the practices or curious, the only thing you need to bring is an open heart-mind. No previous experience of yoga or kirtan is needed for your attendance. We explore through the body and voice with curiosity, without expectations or performing. All is welcome and already in perfect tune, as we express the voice of the heart and increase our inner listening.

We warmly welcome you to join us, as we arrive home: in introspection, relaxation, playfulness and connection.

THE FOOD

The kitchen at Shambala is the heart of the place. The food is prepared with love using the best possible, mainly organic, ingredients and combined with care to ensure nourishment throughout the retreat. Every meal is delicious, abundant, vegan, Ayurveda-inspired and gluten-free. All meals and hot drinks are provided and we will often enjoy our meals on the sunny deck overlooking the lake.

THE PLACE

Shambala Gatherings is a beautiful retreat center and yoga community in the middle of the Swedish forest. Located just two hours away from Stockholm, the area is easily accessible and makes a great option for a short break wildlife destination.

The dense forests of Bergslagen around Skinnskatteberg, are a fantastic place to encounter the very best of Sweden’s wildlife. Other than enjoying its abundant flora and lush beds of moss, the magnificent ”king of the Swedish forest”, moose – otherwise known as elk – can be seen here in its natural habitat, and the many lakes and watercourses are home to the beaver. The area has also proven to be one of the best regions in Sweden to see other wildlife such as wolves, bears, lynx and owls. 

ACOMMODATION

At Shambala, beyond being a retreat space, we cultivate a way of living deeply rooted in the yogic values of simplicity, presence, non-attachment, contentment, and communion with nature. Rather than luxury, what we offer is intimacy and a sense of belonging. Therefore, our accommodations are simple and mostly shared, with a variety of twin rooms, triple rooms, and glamping tents.

The guiding ethos is one of community and sustainability, creating a vibe that is understated, modest, welcoming, and easy. If you do feel a strong need for a single room, you can write to us at shambalagatherings@gmail.com – a single room may be available for an additional fee.