Divine Mother at the Yoga Ashram
for yogis, meditators, & spirituality lovers
Yoga Retreat at Sivananda Bahamas Ashram
on the beach of Paradise Island,
October 8-13, 2026
Informational Meetings:
You can either contact me to talk or join a meeting, or attend a
Sivananda pranayama and asana class, 5:15-6:45pm, $20
at Burcham Park (by swing set and KU Boathouse).
(inclement weather location: Elevate Arts of Wellness, 1401 Mass St. Lawrence, KS)
"Divine Mother at the Yoga Ashram"
We will dive into Navaratri over the 6 days we are there:
Oct 8-10th
Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the Divine Feminine lasting for nine days and nights, during which various forms of the Devi are worshipped. Navaratri celebrates Her various incarnations and victories over the forces of chaos and evil within the Macro levels – Universe or the Earth as well as Micro level – the Human heart and mind.
The first 3 nights are dedicated to the aspect of Durga that facilitates the removal of negativity by forceful resolve and action. The second 3 nights are are dedicated to the aspect of Lakshmi that facilitates the removal of negativity manifesting goodness and light. The last 3 nights are dedicated to the aspect of Saraswati that facilitates the removal of negativity by the Realization of the Absolute Divine Truth.
Day 1. From Breakdown to Breakthrough
The Awakening of Sri Durga
Day 2. From Success in life to Success of Life
The Awakening of Sri Lakshmi
Day 3. And the Truth Shall Set you FREE
The Awakening of Sri Saraswati
Oct. 11-13th
This auspicious holiday Navaratri will be celebrated with special pujas (prayer ceremonies) led by the ashram’s Vedic priest, Krishnan Namboodiri, we well as stories and sacred chants honoring the Divine Mother. Join us on these special evenings to celebrate and honor the beauty of communion, the freedom of letting go, and the inner wisdom that is your true nature. Connect to the very essence which bestows wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, and knowledge upon you. Open your heart to the blessings of the Divine Mother.
You can see ashram Program details here and here.
In addition, Shannon will lead 4 group reflection sessions to further our
Journey with Goddess, Nature, and Prakriti.
10:30-12pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
Friday & Monday "Hu are you"
(Hu is the pronoun for Godde, universalist Sufi term for the divine essence vibrating in all people and forms, like Om.
-Introduction to our 4 sessions together.
-Who are you on the earth plane and spiritual plane?
-Ashram Welcome and History tour.
-Pair shares (what most moved you about the Breakdown to Break Through and other evening talks, or from being at the ashram? What's your relationship with the Goddess and nature?)
-Chant or movement practice to connect with Goddess energy.
-Closing ceremony
Saturday and Sunday: Forest Therapy
90 minutes of shinrin-yoku (Forest Therapy) practice to further know Godde/Hu/prakriti.
Organized by Shannon Gorres, with a group of 6-10 lovely folks.
Shannon shares,
"This ashram has been transformative for me, because of the deep lineage of classical yoga and vedanta. The swamis (monks) are gentle, solid, and inspiring. I love the Sivananda motto: Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize. They honor all religious paths. This ashram supports a wide range of physical and mental levels; you can make your day as relaxed or intense as you want it to be."
Sivanandabahamas.org/about-the-ashram says:
"We offer a rare combination of traditional ashram and modern yoga retreat. More than just a yoga center, we are an ashram, a spiritual community and study center, established in 1967 by Swami Vishnudevananda. Our yoga vacation daily schedule is the same everyday and designed to fully immerse you into the yogic lifestyle and experience the benefits. No one is required to attend the full schedule, but we do ask that you take part in one of our yoga classes and attend at least one satsang a day."
Why go with our group?
1. Shannon will teach you about Satsang before we go (what the chants mean, how the lineage approaches teachings), as well as the yogic 5 points, and plan logistics (and can help you decide what to pack!). This can really sweeten your experience.
2. Support in not traveling alone (for example, getting a taxi or swimming in the ocean). The ashram does not provide beach support, but Shannon can show you where to snorkel.
3. People to share and process the experience with (at brunch and dinner conversations and more).
4. Save lodging cost if you want to share a bedroom with a roommate.
5. People to continue to grow with after returning home (ongoing conversation about what it means in your life).
Investment
Current estimated cost for 6 days and 5 nights are below. Participants will independently book our flight and lodging.
Total retreat cost ranges from $1,500-3,000, depending on the lodging you select and cost of flight.
Your costs include: Deposit with Shannon, Ashram lodging and program, Flight, $45 taxi, and any extras you choose on site (ex. booking a massage or buying a treat in the boutique).
~Deposit:
$400 non-refundable (cash or check) deposit due to Shannon upon signing up.
Meeting dates to prepare in August and September are TBA; the group will decide exact dates.
~Lodging:
The ashram has a wide range of housing, from dorm style to deluxe beachfront rooms. You will choose your preferred lodging style and rate. The lodging cost includes all meals and daily classes.
~Flight:
Shannon is flying on a flight leaving Kansas City at 7am, costing approximately $750.
(Options for smaller budget: fly on an earlybird flight leaving around 5am. You will arrive in Nassau at the same time.)
Travel to the Bahamas requires a passport.
Shannon has:
1. Contacted the Ashram to confirm availability and lodging options, and put together this info package.
2. Researched which dates offer the most affordable flights and great ashram programs.
3. Spent 7 weeks at the ashram over 4 trips, with insights to offer.
4. Spent 17 years practicing yoga and facilitating workshops.
Questions?
Contact me or come to a yoga class!
Let's thrive together!!!
