A Sunday Excursion to a Norcal Ashram
About 10 years ago, a TV news photographer friend gave me a fabulous birthday gift. It was a book called “Yoga Vacations, A guide to International Yoga Retreats.” All 253 pages of fabulousness lists yoga retreats and ashrams in the U.S. and abroad. One could truly spend a lifetime visiting all of them. I recently had a full circle experience, after discovering one of these places was almost in my backyard. Well backyard may be a bit of an exaggeration. I would say an hours away is pretty close. Nonetheless, I gave the Ashram Yoga Farm a call one day. The volunteer who took my call was super sweet. They invited me for their open house. So, one Sunday morning I took the staff up on their offer. The drive is about an hour away but the ashram sits way back off of a dirt road on a huge farm nestled in the Foot Hills of Northern California.
Open House meant a full day including a tour, yoga practice and meditation plus Ajurveda meal. The Yoga Farm has several educational programs and year round teaching training programs.
What I found most fascinating is the place is run completely by volunteers. Once I reached the grounds after the bumpy drive, you really could feel the heavens touching the earth. The place has amazing energy.
The history behind the Yoga Farm is pretty incredible. It was founded in 1971 by Swami Vishnudevananda. For over 4 decades, serious yoga practitioners from all over the world have visited the place seeking peace, quiet tranquility, health and enlightenment.
There are animals roaming all around with tiny little cabins that can be rented year round. The land is green with organic gardens, flowers, trees and rolling hiking trails. The tour the guide offered the group included a small hour of physical practice, which is Sivananda with an emphasis on Hatha Yoga. The class focused on breathing. It included 12 basic postures and their variations offered in a both a meditative and relaxing pace.
Later in the day, the staff of volunteers prepared a delicious Ajurveda vegetarian meal. The Sivananda practice focuses on mindful eating as well as mediation and physical yoga. No meat, fish, fowl, eggs, garlic, onions, caffeinated beverages or alcoholic beverages are served. I was skeptical about no garlic and onions. Surprisingly, the food was super clean and delicious.
The visit wrapped up with one last meditation session. The open house visit was free. No charge. You have to call and register but it is offered for all who would like to visit on Sundays. Definitely give the staff a call to make sure its being offered. You can reach the Yoga Farm in Grass Valley California at 530-272-9322. wwww.sivananda.org.
Our host invited me back and she said she will introduce me to their current Swami during the next visit. I cannot wait!! Stay tuned for more On the Mat, Off the Mat from Yoga Farm. There will be more trips in my future.
