Aligning with the Self
Updated: Sep 30
This past August, Jules and I hosted the Align & Awaken Jivamukti retreat for the second time. Given that we had hosted it together before, how well it had gone the first time, and that it was being held once again at the same retreat centre, I was feeling much more confident and at ease this time around.
We arrived at Centre Tara and it was just as welcoming and cozy as I remembered. We were greeted warmly by Paul-Antoine, one of the centre's guardians and got acquainted with the new chef we had this year, Aurélien, who treated us to the most incredible meals throughout our stay. He really went above and beyond to make us well-rounded, colourful, and delicious food. It was a real highlight during this year's retreat!
There were many familiar faces who returned, and many new ones too... All dedicated and inquisitive yogis with a genuine interest in yoga and all of the practices. Night one started with opening circle and introductions. Last year, we encouraged people to pair up with someone they didn't know and gave them questions to ask each other. On the drive up this year, Jules and I discussed starting off more 'lightly' before diving deeper... but as it turned out, we just went right into the deep end in the introductions and it set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
Rather than questions, the participants were asked to fill in the following statements:
"What I want you to see is that I am _________, what I don't want you to see is that I am _________." to which their partner was to respond, "I see that you are _________. I also see that you are _________, and you are so much more than that."
The rest of the weekend centered around what Śrī Brahmānanda Sarasvati (one of our gurus' gurus) referred to as “the most important question, and the least often asked: ‘Who am I?’” We had the opportunity to explore this through the rigorous morning āsana practices, which were physically challenging but also filled with good jokes and lightheartedness. The longer afternoon practices which allowed for more time to explore prāṇāyāma, meditation and kriya (purification) practices, delving into more subtle aspects. The evenings which ended by cracking open our hearts through the call-and-response chanting of kīrtan; always a favourite for the group, who kept asking for more!
The assists workshop brought some exciting breakthroughs, as several people faced their fears of turning upside down and surprised themselves by trying something new and discovering that they were capable of more than they realized! The Sanskrit and Philosophy workshop got the group in touch with their inner vibration through learning and chanting the alphabet, and helped us come to a deeper understanding of the mahāvakya mantra-s, particularly so'ham (saḥ aham) — I am that. The session ended with a good story and several rounds of chanting the mantra together, giving everyone the chance to experience the profound effect of mantra repetition with our voices vibrating together as a group.
When we weren't moving through postures, meditating, breathing, or chanting on our mats, there was plenty of time to slow down and enjoy Centre Tara's beautiful surroundings; walking in nature, sweating it out and releasing tension in the sauna before taking a cool dip in the pond, enjoying a good book, working on a puzzle together or visiting the sacred trees.
The final night we sat around the fire, enjoying each other's company, sharing stories, and relishing in a chilled, fresh fruit cake, made as a special treat by our chef extraordinaire. Jules broke up a long stick into pieces and passed them around till each person had one. We then took a moment to contemplate something we wanted to let go of; something that after a weekend of steeping in the yoga practices, we realized was no longer in alignment with our Selves. We transferred whatever it was into the piece of stick, and offered it to the fire.
The practice on the last day was slow and relaxed, offering a chance to unwind after a challenging weekend together and a late night the evening before. We enjoyed a longer meditation, longer holds in the poses, and ended with a closing circle, giving everyone an opportunity to share their takeaways from the time we spent together. After practice we savoured our last meal, a fabulous brunch which we blessed with mantra. And to the surprise of some, the several-hundred-pieced puzzle was completed! The yogis who had contributed were delighted to have proved the naysayers who thought it impossible to finish within the weekend wrong.
It was a wonderful second edition of this very special retreat that I hold near and dear to my heart. It is always a huge honour and privilege to teach alongside my teacher. The first year, it was as though I still questioned whether I was a strong enough teacher, but this year I felt more at ease and more secure in my place. Jules has always believed in me, supported me, and encouraged me to continue to grow as a student, teacher, and person. As much as it is a joy to offer this retreat to the community, it is equally meaningful for me to teach alongside him and continue learning from him.
I learned in my Jivamukti teacher training that one of the ways to keep a teacher precious (or to keep a precious teacher) in your life is to ask them to teach. The beautiful thing about Jules is he (almost) always says yes! So I'm looking forward to the next opportunity... I hope you will be there too.
"I am so grateful to have been a participant in the Jivamukti retreat with Frances and Jules. They are both such exceptional teachers, and it’s a gift to have had the opportunity to spend a full long weekend with them. From yoga classes and workshops to satsangs and kirtans — we were spoiled with an abundance of meaningful moments shared both with ourselves and in community. I have returned home feeling aligned and inspired, as well as grateful for the cherished memories we created — on and off the mat."
