Description
One of the most courageous things we can do as human beings is to stop our internal conversations—the familiar, sometimes limiting conversations we have with ourselves. At first, this stopping can be quite disturbing, evoking a sense of groundlessness, but if we can resist the urge to fill the silence, we can engage in real conversations that more accurately reflect our true desires.
Through one-on-one sharing, walking in nature, silence, lecture, and poetry, this weekend will look at seven crucial steps human beings need to take in order to deepen the conversations of their lives—with their significant relationships, with their work, and with that tricky, moveable self continually looking back at us in the mirror.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore conversation with celebrated poet, author, and speaker David Whyte. You’ll leave with an understanding of how to engage in more courageous conversations in your life.
David is very happy to include his good friends and extraordinary musicians Owen and Mícheál ‘Moley’ Ó Súilleabháin in this weekend experience.
This program is open to everyone.
Special Event
Concert with Owen and Mícheál ‘Moley’ Ó Súilleabháin
Saturday, September 26
8:00–9:00 pm
Join Owen and Moley for an evening of song, myth, poetry, and good laughs from the Celtic tradition and beyond..
Presenter
David Whyte
Poet David Whyte is the author of ten books of poetry and four books of prose. He holds a degree in Marine Zoology, honorary degrees from Neumann College and Royal Roads University, and has traveled extensively, including living and working as a naturalist guide in the Galapagos Islands and leading anthropological and natural history expeditions in the Andes, Amazon and Himalaya. He brings this wealth of experience to his poetry, lectures, and workshops.
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Owen and Mícheál ‘Moley’ Ó Súilleabháin
Owen and Mícheál ‘Moley’ Ó Súilleabháin are brothers from one of Ireland’s most esteemed musical and artistic families. Singers, storytellers, poets, their vocal harmony and stories of life experience, mixed with a wild sense of humor, make you feel at ease, in awe, and entirely entertained. …
Rooms & Pricing
All options include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)
Private Hotel Room
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The private hotel room features either a king bed or two full beds, a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, a private bath and complimentary wifi.
Shared Hotel Room (2 People)
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The shared hotel room features either a king bed or two full beds, a flat screen TV, a refrigerator, private bath and complimentary wifi. One other person of the same gender will share the room with you.
Private Retreat Room
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The private retreat room has twin beds, a private bath and complimentary wifi.
Shared Retreat Room (2 People)
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The shared retreat room has twin beds, a private bath and complimentary wifi. One other person of the same gender will share the room with you.
Shared Retreat Room (3 People)
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The shared retreat room has twin beds, a private bath and complimentary wifi. Up to two more people of the same gender will share the room with you.
Schedule
Start Close In
September 25–27
Your Program Session Times (subject to change)
Friday 7:30-9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am–12:30 pm and 2:00–4:00 pm
Sunday 9:30–11:30 am (Room check-out is 11:00 am; luggage can be held at reception)
General Information
Arrival Day
4:00 pm Check-in begins; Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, but if you arrive early we will hold your luggage at Reception.
6:00–7:00 pm Dinner
7:00–7:20 pm Guest Orientation Session (Venue: Dining Hall)
Mealtimes
7:30–9:30 am Breakfast
12:00–2:00 pm Lunch (included on your departure day)
6:00–7:30 pm Dinner
Optional Activities
Apart from the activities in your program schedule, we offer the following optional complementary activities. (Please join only if your program schedule permits.)
7:30–8:30 am
Hatha Yoga Class | Gita Hall; during program dates only.
9:45–10:45 am and 4:15–5:15 pm
Hatha Yoga Class | Sattva Studio
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Mind and Meditation Session | Sattva Studio
1:30–2:00 pm
Yoga Nidra | Sattva Studio; Saturdays and Sundays only.
2:00–3:15 pm
Property Tour | Starts at Reception; Saturdays only.
1:30–2:30 pm and 3:00–4:00 pm
Guided Nature Walk | Starts at Reception; Saturdays only.
5:30–6:00 pm
Guided Meditation Session | Sattva Studio
7:30–8:15 pm
Meditative Chant/Kirtan | Gita Hall
8:30–10:00 pm
Bonfire | Below Veda 2 Weather permitting; Saturdays only.
Optional Activities with Additional Fees
To ensure a space, please register for these activities by calling 800-392-6870 prior to your arrival.
Mindful Painting (1 hour) $25 Sunday Only
Express your creativity through art therapy as you connect your emotions to the art of watercolor painting.
Ayurveda Cooking Class $25 (1 hour) Thursday and Saturday Only
Learn how to best nourish your specific body type and thrive in every season.
Pottery Class $30 (1 hour) Thursday to Sunday
Explore your creativity. Get hands-on experience in throwing on the wheel, hand-building and decorating handmade pots.
Ayurveda Spa Appointments (Additional Cost)
Hours: 9:00 am–6:30 pm daily
We invite you to also make reservations at our award-winning Shankara Ayurveda Spa prior to arrival in order to ensure availability. Please call 828-264-8382 for details.
Actual schedules and venues may vary; please confirm with Front Desk upon check-in.
Location
639 Whispering Hills Rd, Boone, North Carolina 28607
Discover deep rest and rejuvenation in our tranquil sanctuary set amidst 380 pristine acres high up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Boone, North Carolina—the perfect place to begin your journey to wellness.
NOTE Avoid using GPS—it will take you up a private road to a locked gate. Please use the directions provided on this site.
Distance from Nearest Airport
Two hours by car without traffic
FAQs
For room reservations, spa retreats, and Art of Living Retreat Center (AOLRC) signature retreats, we have the following cancellation policy:
- Refunds are available (less a $50 processing fee) up to eight days before your program or stay.
- Nonrefundable credit toward a future AOLRC program or stay (less a $50 processing fee) is available if you give notice between seven and one day(s) before your program or stay. Credit may be applied to any AOLRC program or stay for one year following date of issue.
- No credit or refund is available if you cancel on the arrival day, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason. No refund will be available if you attend a program and are dissatisfied with its presentation or content. 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.
To encourage a healthy environment we ask that guest to 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.
