If you find yourself asking big questions, like “what is my purpose?” or “why do I feel stuck?” or “how do I find contentment?”, this retreat is for you. Whether you know or it or not, yoga practice is rooted in the ultimate quest for independence. Ancient yogis—meditators—sought freedom from the suffering nature of their minds by practicing yoga, studying foundational texts, and embracing the simplicity of monastic life. But short of running away to a mountain cave and meditating for eternity, we feel like freedom from our own ruminating minds is beyond our reach amidst our modern, complicated lives.

Independence Day in the United States offers us an opportunity to explore freedom during Maine’s high summer beauty. Over the course of the holiday weekend, we will study concepts from those same foundational texts that the ancient yogis studied. We will explore freedom in many forms—freedom of body, mind, agency, opinion, finances, and more. As we explore these themes, we will discuss a central question: How do I design a life that feels like me? While we do, we will delight in the simple pleasures of summer in Maine. Cold plunges in the local swimming hole at our back door. Hiking up to the Maine Huts and Trails lodges. Storytelling and s’mores by the fire. Craft brew tastings (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options). Local fireworks, of course.

Meanwhile, Santosha provides all the programming you know and love from our Holistic Retreats every day, so you have plenty of options outside the program—four daily meals, three daily yoga classes, two daily meditations, our nightly dharma talk, and more. Spend the days in reflection, then wrap up the day with a good soak in the jacuzzi, a steam in our brand new cedar barrel sauna, and a hot toddy by the fire.

$ - The value of this Specialty Retreat is the same as the value of our Holistic Retreats. Learn more about value here. Lift passes, equipment rental, ski lessons, and food/beverage purchased outside Santosha are not included.