living the mythology of
50 postures
The Stories behind Yoga Poses
Core Liberation Sequences
Warrior Series: Transforming fear into protective strength
Kali Series: Cutting through unconscious patterns
Bird & Animal Series: Reclaiming instinctual wisdom
Twist Series: Inner revolution and shadow integration
Goddess Series: Awakening fierce compassion and power
Each segment weaves together physical alignment, breath awareness, energetic principles, and archetypal storytelling, creating a comprehensive journey from personal transformation to collective awakening. The practice becomes a vehicle for transforming both individual and collective suffering into liberation.
Join us for an immersive 3-day retreat: "The Stories Behind the Poses - Awakening Through Sacred Movement" Journey deep into the heart of yoga through ancient mythology, embodied practice, and transformative storytelling.
Over three powerful days, we'll explore how traditional pose stories can unlock your spiritual potential and transform both personal and collective suffering into liberation Each day weaves together precise physical alignment, breath awareness, and archetypal storytelling.
You'll learn how each pose creates specific energetic mandalas for awakening, while working with divine archetypes like Shiva, Kali, and Hanuman to access your own innate wisdom and power.
We will listen to stories, sing, embody the asanas, meditate: both walking and sitting and be together in community during the most challenges times on our planet.
Hybrid Retreat: Zoom and In-Person in Berkeley
More FAQ’s at the bottom of the page.
Teacher
Samir was born and raised in the spiritual heartland of India, dedicating himself to the profound wisdom of his ancestors' ancient traditions.
He spent 17 years deeply engaged in ancient spiritual practices, particularly Kashmir Śaivite Tantra and the original teachings of Buddha. His life's aim is to preserve these sacred lineages in their pristine form and transmit these for the sake of life on Mother Earth (Pṛthvī Mātā, the 'Vast One'). The foundation of his practice is rooted in silence, cultivated through thousands of hours of meditating in stillness, later enriched by Bhairava's path of dark retreats and Aṣṭāṅga Yoga.
His path was profoundly shaped by three transformative years serving in Gandhi's ashram among India's underprivileged communities, where he experienced firsthand the union of spiritual practice and selfless service.
By reviving these ancient traditions, Samir offers a holistic, profound, and direct path out of suffering, his approach being that of 'múla-dassávì', one who sees the root of things. Through his teachings, Samir weaves together traditional wisdom with a systemic understanding of planetary well-being, making these profound practices accessible while maintaining their authenticity and depth.
Connect on Instagram and his Signal based free trauma therapy mutual aid network (Healers without Borders)
Day 1: Awakening Sacred Subtle Body
Morning: The Body as Temple
Moving beyond the first arrow (inevitable pain) to release the second arrow (optional suffering) through embodied wisdom. Awakening body-mind-breath awareness through precise alignment and energetic mapping. Understanding the body as cosmic temple where Shiva and Shakti unite, while working with breath locks (bandhas) and energy seals (mudras) to unlock dormant potential and release deeply held patterns.
Afternoon: Warriors of Liberation
Exploring how each asana creates specific energetic mandalas that dissolve limiting beliefs. Working with poses to transform personal struggles into spiritual strength, transmuting fear into courage and anger into fierce compassion. Understanding how unconscious patterns create suffering and using sequences to break through these limitations and tap into the archetypal journeys and energies of Gods, Goddesses, Wild Animals & Sages.
Day 2: Embodying Sacred Archetypes
Morning: Divine Energies
Cultivating the three primary archetypes: Warrior (strength/protection), Lover (devotion/connection), and Sage (wisdom/discernment). Awakening the fierce compassion of Kali through goddess poses to cut through delusion. Channeling Hanuman's devotional power to transcend perceived limitations. Moving through shadow aspects of each archetype through targeted sequences.
Afternoon: Animal & Bird Wisdom & Shadow Work
Exploring animal poses to reclaim our primal wisdom and instinctual freedom. Using twists and inversions to shift perspective and release attachment to fixed identity. Understanding how animal poses connect us to instinctual wisdom beyond mental conditioning. Deep dive into unconscious patterns through specific asana families.
Day 3: The Alchemy of Liberation
Morning: Energy & Transformation
Transforming emotional and energetic blocks through targeted asana sequences. Working with breath as the bridge between individual and universal consciousness. Understanding how each pose creates specific energetic pathways for kundalini awakening. Using mudras and mantras to amplify the transformative power of practice.
Afternoon: Integration, Awakening, Dancing & New Years Celebration
Advanced sequences combining multiple archetypal energies for deep transformation. Creating sacred space where personal liberation serves collective awakening. Final integration through group practices celebrating our inherent unity and freedom. Closing ceremony weaving together all elements through conscious movement and ritual.
FAQs
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This retreat uniquely combines traditional yogic practices with mythology, storytelling, and transformative work, weaving together physical alignment, breath awareness, and archetypal exploration.
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No, this retreat is open to all levels of practitioners, from beginners to advanced. The practices will be adapted to accommodate different experience levels.
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The full 3-day in-person retreat operates on a dana (donation) basis of $550-$750. A 2-day option is available for $350-$550 sliding scale.
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Full refunds are available until the end of day December 21st. Retreat starts on December 28th so there is ample time. No refunds will be issued after this date.
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Yes, this is a hybrid retreat offering both in-person participation in Berkeley and virtual attendance via Zoom. All sessions will be recorded and available for 7 days after the retreat ends.
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December 28 (9am-4pm PST), December 29 (11am-5pm PST), December 30th (11am-5pm PST). Each day is divided into morning and afternoon sessions, focusing on different themes like sacred subtle body work, archetypal embodiment, and transformative practices. There will be a lunch break between sessions where participants can explore local dining options.
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Water, tea, and light snacks will be provided throughout the day. In-person participants will need to arrange their own lunch during the break. There are many dining options available in the Berkeley area.
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Virtual participants will be able to join all sessions via Zoom, with interactive capabilities to ask questions and receive guidance. The experience is designed to be equally meaningful for both in-person and online participants.
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Yes, all sessions will be recorded and available for replay for 7 days after the retreat ends, allowing participants to review the material or catch up on any missed sessions.
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While the retreat draws from traditional spiritual teachings and practices, it is not affiliated with any specific religion. The focus is on personal transformation and practical wisdom that can benefit anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.