Nervous System Healing
Release stress and anxiety, calming the mind and body.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress, shame, and self-doubt can weigh us down, leaving us disconnected from our true selves. This retreat offers a restorative weekend experience designed to help you soften those burdens, release urgency, and reconnect with the innate worth that has always been within you. Guided by Sara Raymond, a compassionate trauma-informed hypnotherapist and somatic coach, you’ll engage in embodied healing practices including somatic exercises, hypnotherapy, and myofascial release, all aimed at nurturing your nervous system, releasing stored emotions, and awakening a sense of deep peace. Leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and empowered to move forward with clarity and self-trust.
Starting at $410 (Tuition) + $616 (Lodging + Meals) plus tax
SAVE! Add a day or two and save 20% off our R&R rates. Select your added day(s) on the Registration page.
Nervous System Healing
Release stress and anxiety, calming the mind and body.
Self-Compassion
Let go of shame, silence negative self-talk, and cultivate a compassionate inner voice.
Inner Peace
Create space to fully relax, restore your energy, and reconnect with joy.
Inner Child Healing
Heal emotional wounds and reconnect with your authentic self.
Greater Self-Worth
Reconnect with your innate value and foster deep self-trust.
Emotional Resilience
Learn tools for lasting emotional healing and strength.
Throughout the retreat, you’ll experience a blend of gentle movement, guided mindfulness, and profound emotional release. The practices you’ll engage in will allow you to unwind, calm your nervous system, and deeply reconnect with your body’s wisdom. Sara will lead you through myofascial release techniques and guided hypnosis to help you heal emotional wounds, release self-criticism, and embrace your inherent worth. By the end of the weekend, you’ll leave with new tools for cultivating emotional resilience and the ability to feel safe and whole again. Reawaken joy and self-trust while integrating practices that support lasting change.
Learn self-massage techniques to release stored emotions and relax your nervous system.
Learn techniques for calming and regulating your nervous system to reduce stress.
Experience deep relaxation and healing through hypnosis and guided meditation.
Deeply reflect and explore your inner wisdom through thoughtful journaling exercises.
Reconnect with your body’s wisdom through somatic mindfulness and body-based healing exercises.
This experiential retreat offers a well-balanced schedule that combines structured educational sessions with flexible time blocks – ensuring you have ample opportunity to engage in learning while also allowing personal time to explore the retreat center, participate in activities, and enjoy moments of reflection and relaxation.
(Program schedule subject to change.)
Sara Raymond is a trauma-informed hypnotherapist, somatic coach, author, and founder of The Mindful Movement. She brings a grounded, compassionate presence and a deeply integrative approach to her work.
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.