New Year’s Silent Retreat: Transform Yourself, Transform the World
with Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500, Swami Priyaananda, E-RYT 500 and Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT
December 29, 2025 - January 2, 2026
“Whatever change we want to happen outside should happen within.”
— Swami Satchidananda
Ready to welcome the new year with intention, peace, and self-discovery? Start your journey inward at our Silent Retreat, held at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville, nestled in the tranquil foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains—a haven for reflection, renewal, and healing.
This annual retreat is designed for those seeking to escape the noise of daily life and reconnect with their inner selves. Through the powerful practices of mouna (silence), yoga, and meditation, you will rediscover your inherent nature of peace and joy in a peaceful oasis. Swami Satchidananda taught that inner transformation is the key to outer change. When we nurture peace and happiness within, we naturally radiate positivity to the world around us. Join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to personal growth and mindfulness.
What awaits you:
- Healing Silence: Discover the power of quietude for deep personal insight and lasting serenity.
- Guided Practices: Experience yoga philosophy, meditation, breathwork, postures, and relaxation led by experienced instructors.
- Support & Connection: Reach out with written questions, or opt for private mentoring, so your journey is always supported.
- Open to All: Whether you’re new or experienced in yoga and meditation, everyone is welcome.
Take a break from daily demands and reconnect with your inner joy. Leave feeling restored, inspired, and equipped with simple tools for lasting happiness and well-being.
Testimonials
Ahh. All the Yoga, food, good thinking, time walking, tea, chanting, and meditating were so restorative. The staff was always joyfully caring for my needs without me even asking—especially in the dining hall and Yoga classes. — Abbey Camel
Silence—so refreshing! Environment—so uplifting! Community—So inspiring! — Betty McGonagle
I needed to reset physically, mentally, and spiritually. I needed my world just to stop so I could rest and regain inspiration and well-being. I received what I sought! A beautiful experience of silence and support. I have never felt so optimistic about a new year! Each of the Yogaville staff is a gift to each of us, retreatants. Thank you. — Sheila Sheppard
I’m so impressed by the warmth, love, commitment to detail, and making everything as perfect as possible. You have high standards for yourselves and your program, but you are so flexible and loving at the same time. — Kathryn Biegman
Beautiful and restorative experience. I was able to reset, rest and access an important part of myself. I feel deeply nourished and ready to reintegrate back into my homelife. — Claire Pallandre
Presenters
Swami Karunananda has had 50 years’ experience teaching all aspects of Yoga. She designed and conducts teacher training programs in Raja Yoga and in Meditation. She served as president of Satchidananda Ashram in California and in Virginia, and as director of the San Francisco and Santa Barbara Integral Yoga Institutes. She compiled and edited The…
Learn more about Swami Karunananda, E-RYT 500
Swami Priyaananda is a senior disciple of Swami Satchidananda with thirty years of experience in the practice of Integral Yoga. She served in the Integral Yoga Health Services division and the Distribution Department at Satchidananda Ashram in Connecticut, as well as Executive Secretary and Coordinator of the Living Yoga Training program at the Ashram in Virginia.…
Learn more about Swami Priyaananda, E-RYT 500
Satya Greenstone has been a student of Sri Swami Satchidananda since 1971. She has shared the teachings of Integral Yoga® in many diverse settings with students of all ages and backgrounds and combines a natural, practical, down-to-earth approach to Yoga with a gentle humor. Since 1999 she has been a primary teacher for the 200-hour and…
Learn more about Satya Greenstone, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT