Your breath is more than automatic—it’s transformative. In this immersive weekend with Tom Myers, you’ll explore the hidden intelligence of the breath: a full-body rhythm that dances through over 100 joints, moves your kidneys a quarter-mile a day, and touches every organ and emotion. Learn how stress, posture, and held tension interfere with the natural flow of respiration—and how reclaiming your full inhale and complete exhale can shift your physiology, your presence, and your power. Whether you’re a manual therapist, movement professional, or curious about the inner workings of breath, this retreat offers a grounded path into resilience, regulation, and renewed connection with yourself.
Continuing Education Credits provided from NCBTMB for massage therapists, NPCP for Pilates Instructors, and NASM for fitness trainers with certificate provided by Anatomy Trains.
This workshop is intended for movement professionals and manual bodyworkers, but people with an interest in anatomy and how our mind-body works are welcome. Note that there will be no diagnostic or treatment recommendations given in this class.
Starting at $465 (Tuition) + $590 (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.
Breath Awareness
Understand how breath influences every joint, organ, and emotional state.
Integrated Movement
Discover the synergy between muscle groups and how coordinated motion enhances balance and functional flow.
Whole-Body Connection
Explore the intricate relationship between pelvis, limbs, and spine, revealing how true alignment supports vitality.
Core Intelligence
Learn the layered design of abdominal fascia and muscles, and how they stabilize, support, and power movement.
Structural Awareness
Understand the subtle movements of the rib joints and how they influence every breath you take.
Applied Skill
Gain confidence in assessing and applying safe, effective manual and movement techniques for lasting results.
Dive deep into the lived experience of breath through movement labs, partner work, and hands-on applications. You’ll work directly with the bones, fascia, and musculature involved in the breath cycle—from the spine and ribs to the pelvis and diaphragm. With Tom Myers’ expert guidance, you’ll learn to identify restrictions, balance patterns, and understand breath’s ripple effects throughout the body. Expect a blend of visual learning, physical exploration, and group discussion—all within a supportive, curiosity-driven environment.
Engage in guided motion sequences that promote integrated breathing and explore how breath shapes body dynamics from head to heel.
Hone your hands to feel movement pathways and breath restrictions.
Learn the fascial lines and their impact on breath capacity.
Apply what you learn in collaborative, feedback-rich sessions.
Discover how to see patterns of tension and compensation with fresh eyes.
This workshop is intended for movement professionals and manual bodyworkers, but people with an interest in anatomy and how our mind-body works are welcome. Note that there will be no diagnostic or treatment recommendations given in this class.
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.)
Check-in Begins 4:00 pm
Dinner 6:00–7:00 pm
Property Orientation 7:00–7:20 pm
Session 1 7:30–9:00 pm
Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am
Session 2 9:30 am–12:30 pm
Lunch 12:30–1:30 pm
Session 3 2:00–4:00 pm
Free Time 4:00–6:00 pm
Dinner 6:00–7:00 pm
Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am
Session 4 9:30–11:30 am
Room Checkout 11:00 am Luggage may be held at Reception.
Lunch 12:00–1:30 pm
Breakfast 7:30–9:30 am • Lunch: 12:00–1:30 pm • Dinner: 6:00–7:30 pm
Optional activities include
Yoga • Meditation • Kirtan • Bonfire • Labyrinth • Nature Trails
Thomas Myers studied with Drs. Ida Rolf, Moshe Feldenkrais, and Buckminster Fuller, and with a variety of movement and manual therapy pioneers. His work is influenced by cranial, visceral, and intrinsic movement studies he made with European schools of osteopathy.
Prices include daily vegetarian meals from dinner on the night of check-in through lunch on the day of checkout. (Rates below are per person.)
Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.
Ideal for friends seeking hotel-style comfort and amenities.
Ideal for individuals, couples, or friends seeking simple surroundings for peace and clarity.
Note Room may contain extra single beds.
Fully furnished 665 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 2 persons)
Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.
Fully furnished 995 sq.-ft. apartment (max: 4 persons)
Note Furniture may vary; each apartment is different.
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!
Transportation Options Between Charlotte and the Center
Hickory Hop Shuttle Service Book online hickoryhop.com The Hickory Hop shuttle goes from Charlotte airport to Boone five times daily. Reservations are required, so book ahead online and be sure to confirm shuttle times coordinate with your travel plans.
High Country Limo 828.898.9595 highcountrylimo.com
Oscar’s Car Service 704.965.5800
Edwardo’s Car Service 704.949.6775
Blue Bird Transportation 828.989.7286 Blue Bird of Boone
Abby Cab 828.475.2988 abbycab.com
Uber or Lyft Book in app on arrival.
Other airports within driving distance from the Art of Living Retreat Center include
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Johnson City, TN (80 miles)
Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) in Greensboro, NC (110 miles)
Visit our directions page for more information.
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.