YOGA + INQUIRY: Flowering and embodiment
Opening to self-inquiry
Weekend Retreat
Krishnamurti Center Ojai
APRIL 21-23
Program Fee: $215
Lodging Fee
Single: $285+tax
Schedule
We ask that everyone commits to attending each session when signing up for the program. Weather permitting, some sessions may be held outside. All meals are in the Krishnamurti Retreat.
Friday
3:00 pm Yoga Class
4:00 pm Opening Meeting & Dialogue
6:00 pm Dinner
Saturday
8:00 am Yoga Practice
9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Second Dialogue
1:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm Optional Gentle Hike + Meditation in Nature
4:00 pm Third Dialogue
6:00 pm Dinner
7:30 pm Optional Evening Yin Yoga & Meditation Class
Sunday
8:00 am Yoga Class
9:00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Final Dialogue
1:00 pm Lunch & Goodbyes
Program Description
Can you look at a flower without thinking?
We may have plenty of knowledge of books, but very few have direct experience of anything. -Krishnamurti
Are you interested in unfolding the mind and body through self inquiry? Do you want to approach self-inquiry from a more embodied place?
Krishnamurti frequently uses the imagery of flowering in his talks to point to a state of being. In this 3-day retreat, you will have the opportunity to fully engage in embodied self-inquiry in a reflective, sharing, and friendly atmosphere. Together, we explore the coordination of movement with breath to bring attention to the subtle movements of the body, breath, and mind. We listen to and read Krishnamurti on subjects such as sensitivity, relationship, meditation, intelligence, and transformation; we sit together in dialogue to explore these subjects. Join us for three days of movement practices, dialogue, short periods of silence, time in nature, and delicious vegetarian meals.
This weekend is an opportunity to examine Krishnamurti’s works through a refreshed lens as one engages the body, brings the full self into the group inquiry, and attends to all aspects of self. These programs are not about somehow understanding Krishnamurti more deeply through the practice of yoga or embodiment. Instead, this weekend is about utilizing various practices to become more aware of ones body and deepen a relationship with it. When the body is tuned into, there is a quality of awareness and attentiveness that is brought to the inquiry. This kind of attention can bring about a unique sense of openness and connection to oneself and others.
Facilitator
Francesca Michelle Gold (she/her) has had deep and lifelong contact with the work of J. Krishnamurti. She lived at the Krishnamurti Foundation in Ojai for a year in 2012 to engage deeply and honestly with her own conditioning. Her curiosity about herself and her quest for truth led her to visit five of the Krishnamurti retreat centers in India where she stayed off and on for two years. Francesca has been teaching Yoga and embodiment practices for over 14 years and has facilitated retreats at the KFA for over a decade. She holds a Master of Arts in Yoga Studies and a Yoga Therapy certification through Loyola Marymount University; her advanced teaching certification is through the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy. Her teaching style is methodical, intuitive, and somatic in nature. Expect to be pointed inward again and again towards practices rooted in direct observation, compassion, and meditation. She was voted best Yoga teacher in Ojai in 2022 and owns a Yoga studio and community hall in town called Breathe Ojai which houses her private practice: Namēnah Yoga Therapy.
Testimonials
Nic: “I want to thank you for the weekend and especially the “reintroduction” back to yoga for me. I can only do so much with stretching at home and this weekend has made me realize how much a classroom environment is beneficial. I drove home (4.5 hours – the yoga we did yesterday afternoon was great for that) and, after a shower, I dropped to the floor and practiced some of the poses we did. I like seeing my body become more flexible, even after just a short weekend of yoga. I want to explore even further. I enjoyed my first visit to the KFA and the weekend activities overall. Thanks again for making it a pleasant experience.”
Shalimar and Julio: “Thank you for hosting a wonderful yoga retreat weekend. We had a great time in Ojai and have been encouraging others to take your next retreat.”
Samantha Jones: “What an incredible weekend! The beauty of the retreat center and grounds, the sweet yoga and deep dialogues, plus delicious food served with love, and simple lodgings were exactly what I needed. I highly recommend anything Francesca offers but this retreat is not to be missed.”
Activities
- 4 yoga classes
- Hiking
- Lunch
- Dialogue
- Dinner
- Personal Time
What to expect
- Opportunity to turn one’s attention inward
- Yoga with a trained yoga therapist
- Lovely vegetarian meals
Who is this for
This program is a good fit for you if you…
…find it interesting to explore your inner world within the context of dialoguing with others.
…have an interest in yoga.
…are a beginner yogi or seasoned practitioner. Classes are therapeutic and address multiple aspects of a person, therefore, physical ability level doesn’t necessarily matter.
…are brand new to dialogue or are familiar with the approach. We all meet one another in a fresh way where we are at within the context of each dialogue.
Note that the first day we will discuss the process of dialogue and what it entails.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Shall I bring my own yoga mat? You are welcome to bring your own. A limited number of yoga mats will be available for use. We also provide yoga blankets and facilitator has yoga blocks she will plan to bring. Please bring any other props you’d like.
- I do not currently practice yoga. Will the class be suitable for me? The instructor/facilitator is a trained therapeutic yoga teacher with years of experience working with beginners. All levels/accessible yoga sessions with be conducted.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Meals
Vegetarian food is served with gluten-free and/or vegan options available. - Transportation:
The Ventura County Airporter shuttle from LAX to Ventura: www.venturashuttle.com
From Ventura to Ojai please contact Topa Topa taxi: (805) 312-2288 - Cancelation Policy:
If you cancel 2 weeks prior to the event you will receive a full refund, less a $20 processing fee. If you cancel less than 2 weeks before the start of the event you will not receive a refund.
English 
Spanish