Understand Trauma
Gain a thorough understanding of how trauma impacts the mind, body, and emotions—and how to heal it.
Trauma can leave lasting effects that limit your ability to live with joy and abundance, whether from a single event or repeated experiences, in childhood or more recently. It can manifest as anxiety, depression, chronic health issues, disconnection from the body, or challenges with trust, intimacy, and self-worth. Yet, healing and wholeness are within reach. Join clinical psychologist, EMDR consultant, somatic therapist, and trauma survivor Dr. Arielle Schwartz for four transformative days of mind-body healing practices designed to guide you toward post-traumatic growth.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
Understand Trauma
Gain a thorough understanding of how trauma impacts the mind, body, and emotions—and how to heal it.
Reclaim Your Body
Learn how mindful movement and conscious breathing support trauma recovery and help you feel grounded.
Awaken Self-Awareness
Master awareness of your autonomic nervous system to enhance emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Strengthen Resilience
Develop key practices to support long-term growth and healing after trauma.
Nurture Your Nervous System
Discover how the vagus nerve impacts your emotions and overall well-being, and learn techniques to support balance and health.
Newfound Friends
Share insights and connect with a supportive community on the same healing journey.
During this deeply transformative retreat, you’ll explore how trauma impacts the mind and body and learn actionable strategies for healing. With Dr. Schwartz’s compassionate guidance, you’ll experience therapeutic practices that foster clarity and empowerment. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with a personalized resilience plan, a deeper understanding of your healing journey, and the confidence to move forward with strength and purpose.
Gentle movement practices designed to release stored trauma and promote healing.
Learn techniques to calm the nervous system and reconnect with your body.
Experience vagal toning techniques to enhance resilience and emotional regulation.
Cultivate presence and peace through guided meditations and reflective exercises.
Discover how to see your trauma recovery as a transformative path to self-discovery and empowerment.
Arielle Schwartz, PhD, is a psychologist, internationally sought-out teacher, yoga instructor, and leading voice in the healing of PTSD and complex trauma.
Free activities include
Interactive Nature Hikes
Cooking Demos
Meditation & Movement Classes
Wellness Workshops
Paid activities include
Pottery Classes
Ayurvedic Wellness & Healing Arts Treatments
Take your rejuvenation to another level. Our spa offers treatments and therapies that integrate ancient Ayurveda with contemporary wellness.
Call to check availability during Shankara Ayurveda Spa business hours; seven days a week, 9:00 am–6:00 pm.
For room reservations, Ayurveda Wellness Retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:
AOLRC reserves the right to cancel a program at any time. If AOLRC cancels a program, you will receive a full refund. Some programs may have special cancellation policies; see individual workshop descriptions. For all other retreats, please be sure to check the registration page specific to that retreat.
Unless otherwise indicated, our programs are open to participants 18 years of age and older.
To encourage a healthy environment, we ask that guests not consume alcohol or meat in our public spaces. However, guests may enjoy these items in their rooms.
Our property is always smoke-free.
Yes, we ask that guests with food allergies simply inform us so we can communicate those needs to our chef. Typically, we label potential allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts. You may email us at info@artoflivingretreatcenter.org.
Thanks to the cool climate of the Blue Ridge Mountains, air conditioning is rarely needed. For the occasional warm day, there is a fan in each room to help keep you comfortable.
We do have lodging and event venues that are ADA-compliant. Due to the topography of our mountain campus, some are easier to access than others, so please speak to Guest Services (800.392.6870) prior to registering to ensure we can best accommodate your needs. We also have shuttles that run frequently throughout the campus.
We are committed to the safety of our guests and staff. Our mountaintop location and the surrounding areas are spacious, remote, safe, and secure.
You can help!
Step into a world where mindfulness meets beauty. Our gallery captures the essence of the Art of Living—from serene moments of reflection to vibrant celebrations of life, wellness, and connection.
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.