Spring Cleanse (Saucha)
Meditation Mini Retreat
Sunday, March 22 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | GARDINER STUDIO
hosted by: Dr. Michael LaFemina, D.Ac, MS Ed E-RYT
Mini retreat from 2024’s Meditation Teacher Training.
Join us for the second of four seasonal meditation mini-retreats this year!
In March, we will dedicate our practice and awareness to the re-opening that is possible in Spring - a new beginning after a quiet and closed winter. We will explore the concepts of cleansing from several perspectives, weaving teachings from Raja Yoga (Saucha, Asana, Pranayama, etc), Ayurveda (gunas, five elements), and Chinese Medicine (seasonal energetics, wu xing, and dietary theory).
This course is a stand-alone program, but will also serve as a great starting point for the Spring Meditation Course (“Spring Cleansing” - A Meditation Course, which will begin the following Wednesday. Details TBA).
Spring Attunement:
Breathe deep, slow down, and reconnect with yourself during a peaceful day retreat set in the heart of the Mid-Hudson Valley. Nestled in nature with sweeping views of the Shawangunk Ridge, this immersive experience offers guided meditation, gentle movement, and moments of stillness to restore clarity and inner calm. Whether you're new to meditation or deepening an existing practice, this retreat invites you to ground, reflect, and renew—surrounded by the quiet beauty of the land.
Date: Sunday, March 22nd
Time: 930a-430p (Draft schedule below)
930-11a: Introduction, Japanese Matcha Ceremony, pranayama and meditation
11:15-12:15p: Three Gunas + Saucha: the yogic practice of cleansing (discussion)
12:15-130p: Vegetarian lunch and personal time (lunch provided)
130-145p: Qi Gong (standing, gentle, moving meditation)
1:45-245p: Spring Energetics and Dietary Theory in Chinese Medicine
3-4p: Cleansing body, mind, home, and life discussion + activity
4-415p: Pranayama + Meditation
4:14-430p: Closing discussion
Location: Stone Wave Yoga Gardiner Studio
Sliding Scale Tuition: $126 - $540
What’s included: Vegetarian Lunch (if you need special considerations, please let us know)
To Note: space is limited to 9 participants. Two scholarships available for Stone Wave teachers and financial need.
QUESTIONS? Contact office@stonewaveyoga.com
frequently asked questions
Who is this course for: any person who wishes to take a retreat from the hustle of day-to-day life to align and center. If you are looking to start your year from stillness and clarity, this is for you
Do you need prior experience: no, but any experience in prayer and/or meditation is helpful.
Does Stone Wave Yoga offer financial help for this course? yes, contact office@stonewaveyoga.com
What’s included: Course Workbook, Discussions and a vegetarian lunch
Also available: Yoga mats, bolsters, and blankets
Meet Your Facilitator:
Dr. Michael LaFemina
D.Ac, MS Ed E-RYT
Dr. Michael LaFemina, D.Ac, MS Ed is a meditation & yoga teacher since 2011. He is is the founder of Meditation for Families, co-founder of Golden Light Acupuncture in New Paltz, & the in-house meditation teacher at Stone Wave Yoga, leading workshops such as Meditation 101, Meditation 201, Meditation Teacher Trainings, & Meditation Retreats.
Michael is passionate about helping students and patients achieve optimal health of body, mind, and relationships by integrating meditation practices with Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic principles. He is the founder of Meditation for Families, co-founder of Golden Light Acupuncture in New Paltz, and the in-house meditation teacher at Stone Wave Yoga.
In the past, he has taught yoga and meditation at Columbia University Medical Center, Hofstra University's Honors College, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers, and was the Mindfulness Instructor at the Tri-State College of Acupuncture. Michael lives in the Hudson Valley, NY with his wife and children.