Healing Retreats in Pennsylvania

Directions for Tenemos Retreat Center  in West Chester, PA in the Metro Philadelphia Area.

From the East:

From the East: Take PA turnpike to the Downingtown Exit. Get off in Downingtown and take 100 South to the route 30 Bypass West.
Go west on bypass to the Thorndale exit, route 340. Turn left on the exit ramp onto Marshallton Thorndale road. Take this approx 4.5 miles. As you near the turn for telegraph road you will see Highland Orchards on your right. Go about 2/3 of a mile more (past highland orchards) to the next stop sign and turn right onto route 162 W (telegraph road). Go past Distinctive Gardens on right, after stopping at stop sign go straight through the intersection continuing on 162 W, turn for temenos is on your left about 1/8 mile past intersection. Go up the hill and park in lower lot. The Farm House is around the corner from the retreat center. Proceed past the first turn for Temenos, got to Broad Run Road (next left) and turn left – Farm house is about an 1/8 mile down Broad Run (dirt road) on the left. Park in parking area up the driveway and behind the buildings. Call Judy at 484 885-8906 for directions if lost.

From West Chester: Take Gay Street to Bradford Ave, turn right on Bradford and then right at the bottom of the hill to get to 322, turning left onto 322. (Do not take 162 W at this point – there is a detour) stay on 322 going out of town – towards Downingtown to Sugarsbridge road traffic light, turn left onto sugarsbridge. Go about 1 mile then turn right onto telegraph road. Go about 1 more mile Go past Distinctive Gardens on right, after stopping at stop sign go straight through the intersection continuing on 162 W (telegraph road), turn for temenos is on your left about 1/8 mile past intersection. Go up the hill and park in lower lot. The Farm House is around the corner from the retreat center. Proceed past the first turn for Temenos, got to Broad Run Road (next left) and turn left – Farm House is about an 1/8 mile down Broad Run (dirt road) on the left. Park in parking area up the driveway and behind the buildings. Call Judy at 484 885-8906 for directions if lost.

From the South coming north on 202 : Take 322 Bypass (sign says To Downingtown ) around West Chester to 322, turn right onto 322 and go to Sugarsbridge road traffic light, turn left onto Sugarsbridge. Go about 1 mile then turn right onto Telegraph Road. Go about 1 more mile Go past Distinctive Gardens on right, after stopping at stop sign go straight through the intersection continuing on 162 W (telegraph road), turn for Temenos is on your left about 1/8 mile past intersection. Go up the hill and park in lower lot. The Farm House is around the corner from the retreat center. Proceed past the first turn for Temenos, got to Broad Run Road (next left) and turn left – Farm house is about an 1/8 mile down Broad Run (dirt road) on the left. Park in parking area up the driveway and behind the buildings. Call Judy at 484 885-8906 for directions if lost.

How to Choose a Yoga Retreat – 8 Things to Consider

Are considering a yoga retreat?

You have allocated the time and money and are committed to a meaningful experience. How do you know what to expect from your upcoming retreat? A little forethought, research and proper planning can make your retreat a profound life experience a la Eat, Pray, Love.  Were you looking for somethg just for yourself so you can just focus on your own inner journey or did you want a romantic retreat for couples?

A little online research will show that there are terrific retreats all over the globe. The abundance of differing techniques, varied locations and contrasting practices may be a bit overwhelming. Here is a checklist of considerations that might help finalize your choice, according to Jasmine Kaloudis, who teaches Yoga Retreats near Philadelphia

1. Instruction – Just as you know there are many forms of yoga, you also know each variation has a different instructional style. Make sure the teaching style at your retreat is to your liking and within you ability. Is it vinyasa yoga, hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, restorative yoga, hot yoga, bikram yoga, power yoga, acro yoga, beginner yoga, kundalini yoga, anusara yoga? Watch some yoga videos on youtube of the different yoga styles so you are familiar with the style taught or go to that kind of yoga class before the retreat.
2. Goals – Make sure you understand the goals of the yoga retreat you will be engaging and that their goals match well with your personal aspirations. Again, research is the key. When setting your goals, think both long-term benefit and short-term benefit. If the program does not give you a sense of these benefits, speak to a coordinator.
3. Facility – Get an understanding of the program’s facility and how the yoga program utilizes the retreat’s facilities. Practical ramifications of this information may affect how you will dress and therefore the clothes you need to pack. Are you looking for something luxurious like Miraval or would something spartan, clean and more budget-friendly like Kripalu serve your needs?
4. Experience – Cross-reference your own research with the first hand or word-of-mouth experiences of previous attendees. Don’t be afraid to ask if they would return or what their progress has been since visiting the retreat. Do a google search for reviews of the retreat or ask if you can speak with someone who experienced the retreat.
5. Travel – Just as you plan your itinerary, make sure there are no holes in your travel plans. Some retreats are in outlying areas. Verify and confirm all return-trip information weeks before departing. Check the weather as well before you are traveling. Investigate the cancelation policy in case of inclement weather.
6. Budget – Your budget should include all costs associated with travel and the yoga retreat.. Be especially clear about meal and travel provisions. It is safe to say that every yoga retreat has its own standards. Are extras such as spa treatments, mats, blocks and other classes included or are they extra?
7. Experience – Many yoga retreats cater to practitioners of different levels. Some retreats are prone to accept beginning students while others prohibit the beginner. Most important is matching your experience level with the program’s stated experience levels. Are you looking to do an intensive program with 6-8 hours of yoga a day or would 2-3 hours be your pace? Find our the schedule before hand if you can.
8. Climate – Do you want to be in the tropics so you can lay in the summer when you are not in a down dog? Do you want to be able to hike in beautiful surroundings? Do you want to be able to ski and do more winter-y activties? Make sure to look into the other non-yoga activities and what the average temperatures are (in the water as well), it’s not so fun to swim in the Pacific Ocean in the middle of winter.