If you've ever suspected there was more to Yoga than the poses, you're right.

For many of us, Yoga begins with movement.

We learn postures. We learn to breathe. We notice that we feel calmer, stronger and somehow more ourselves.

But if we stay with Yoga long enough, we eventually discover that beneath the physical practice lies something extraordinary.

A tradition thousands of years old.

WHY STORIES?

One of the greatest joys of my work is sharing the stories that sit quietly beneath Yoga.

For more than two decades I've studied traditional Yoga, philosophy and mythology, and I continue to be amazed by how these ancient stories still illuminate modern life.

They're not simply entertaining tales. They're maps.

They help us make sense of uncertainty. Relationships. Loss. Joy. Purpose.

They remind us that the questions we're asking today aren't actually new. Human beings have always wrestled with them. And somehow these stories continue to offer insight thousands of years later.

I often hear people say after workshops:

'I'd never heard that story before.'

Or:

'I've been practising Yoga for years and had no idea.'

That's the experience I hope to share with you.

A WEEKEND TO RETURN

The retreat is called Returning for a reason.

Not because we're trying to go backwards.

But because so many of us spend our lives rushing from one responsibility to the next, constantly looking outward, that we lose touch with the quiet wisdom that first drew us to Yoga.

This weekend is an invitation to return.

To your practice.

To your curiosity.

To meaningful conversation.

To silence.

To learning.

To community.

And perhaps, most importantly...

To yourself.

WHAT WE'LL EXPLORE TOGETHER

Over three days together you'll enjoy:

• Traditional Hatha Yoga practices suitable for a range of experience levels

• Inspiring talks exploring Yoga philosophy and the stories of the Puranas

• Guided discussions and opportunities for reflection

• Time to ask questions and deepen your understanding

• Delicious sattvic vegetarian meals

• Peaceful walks and quiet time in the surrounding bushland

• Connection with a community of thoughtful, like-minded people

I know there are many retreats you could choose from, and I don’t take it lightly when someone decides to spend a weekend practicing with me.

Yoga has been part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. I started practicing when I was eight years old, and over time it became far more than movement or exercise for me. It became a framework for living, relating, growing, and understanding myself.

I’ve now been teaching for more than 15 years, and in that time I’ve had the privilege of guiding students through retreats, workshops, mythology immersions, philosophy trainings, pranayama practices, teacher mentoring, and yoga classes around the world.

But more than anything, I’m still a student myself.

I still love being in the practice.
I still love studying the teachings.
I still find myself humbled by Yoga again and again.

And that’s the spirit I hope this retreat holds.

OUR HOME FOR THE WEEKEND

One of the reasons I chose the Rocklyn Yoga Ashram is because it feels entirely aligned with the intention of this retreat.

This isn't a luxury resort.

It's a traditional ashram where Yoga has been practised and taught for decades.

There's something quietly beautiful about learning Yoga in a place where Yoga is genuinely lived.

The simplicity of the surroundings allows the richness of the teachings to come forward.

It's the perfect setting to slow down, immerse yourself in practice and step away from the constant noise of everyday life.

What I love most about the ashram is that it genuinely feels like stepping into another world. There is a rhythm and intentionality to life there that is increasingly rare. Morning practice, shared meals, chanting, quiet reflection, connection with nature, and community living are all woven naturally into the experience. Over the years, the ashram has welcomed retreat guests, long-term residents, yoga students, and spiritual seekers looking for a more meaningful and conscious way of living.

Accommodation at the ashram is simple, comfortable, and intentionally uncomplicated.

You’re craving more depth in your practice

• You miss the traditional roots of Yoga

• You want time away from the constant noise of everyday life

• You long to reconnect with yourself

• You want philosophy teachings that actually feel relevant and alive

• You want to practice in a non-performative environment

• You’re seeking thoughtful community with other yoga teachers and students

• You want to remember why Yoga mattered to you in the first place

Food is such an important part of the retreat experience, and one of the beautiful aspects of ashram life is the opportunity to eat in a slower, more conscious, and deeply nourishing way.

Throughout the weekend, we’ll share simple, delicious vegetarian meals prepared in the spirit of sattvic living.

In the yogic tradition, sattvic food is designed to support clarity, steadiness, vitality, and inner peace. Fresh, wholesome, balanced meals become part of the practice itself, helping to nourish not only the body, but also the mind and nervous system.

There is something incredibly grounding about gathering together around warm food, cups of tea, and unhurried conversation after practice. And much of the produce is grown on the ashram grounds themselves.

The Rocklyn Ashram has been a place of yogic practice, retreat, and community for decades, offering people the opportunity to experience Yoga not simply as exercise, but as a lived and integrated tradition.

The ashram continues in the Satyananda Yoga tradition and offers an environment where the many branches of Yoga — including hatha, bhakti, karma, mantra, raja, and jnana yoga — are practiced as part of everyday life.

Our Retreat Daily Schedule (subject to tweaking)

Friday

9-11am – Welcome and Yoga Asana

11:30am – Morning tea

12pm – Yoga Nidra

12:30pm – Lunch

1-2pm Chats, walks, meditation, reading, napping

2pm – Afternoon Tea

2:30-4:30pm –Yoga Philosophy, Mythology and Satsang

6:30pm – Dinner

7:30pm – rest, meditation, reading, quiet time.

Saturday 

6:30am – Mantra Chanting (optional)

8am – Breakfast

8:30-9am – Karma Yoga

9-11am – Yoga Asana

11:30am – Morning tea

12pm – Yoga Nidra

12:30pm – Lunch

1-2pm Chats, walks, meditation, reading, napping

2pm – Afternoon Tea

2:30-4:30pm –Yoga Philosophy, Mythology and Satsang

5:30pm Havan (physical fire ceremony with healing mantra chanting) (optional)

6:30pm – Dinner

7:30pm – rest, meditation, reading, quiet time.

Sunday 

6:30am – Mantra Chanting (optional)

8am – Breakfast

8:30-9am – Karma Yoga

9-11am – Yoga Asana

11:30am – Morning tea

12pm – Yoga Nidra

12:30pm – Lunch

1pm – Afternoon Tea, Closing Circle, Farewells

The Gift of the Forest

One of the reasons I love returning to the Rocklyn Yoga Ashram is its setting. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Wombat State Forest, it's a place where the pace naturally slows and the distractions of everyday life begin to soften.

In the Yoga tradition, the forest has always held a special significance. It is where sages retreated to contemplate life's deeper questions, where students gathered around their teachers to listen to stories and philosophy, and where a different kind of learning became possible. Removed from the noise of ordinary life, the forest offered perspective.

Even the ancient model of the four ashramas, or stages of life, recognises this impulse. The vānaprastha, or 'forest-dwelling' stage, represents a conscious turning away from constant striving and towards reflection, wisdom and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world.

While this retreat isn't about disappearing into the wilderness, it is an invitation to embrace that same spirit. For three days we'll step away from our usual routines, immerse ourselves in traditional Yoga, philosophy and the timeless stories of the Puranas, and allow the natural rhythm of the forest to support our practice.

There is something profoundly fitting about listening to these ancient stories beneath towering gums, practising Yoga among the trees and remembering that some of the greatest teachings in the Yoga tradition were never intended for lecture theatres or busy studios.

They were shared slowly, in nature, in conversation, and in the company of sincere seekers.

Your Investment

The Returning Retreat, October 23-25, 2026

Accommodation is twin or triple share with shared bathroom.

Single and ensuite options are available for an additional fee. Reach out to upgrade once you’ve booked your place.

EARLY BIRD!

$1199 AUD

(Full rate $1499)

Over this incredible weekend retreat, you will receive:

• Wholesome meals from Friday lunch to Sunday lunch

• Daily Yoga Nidra sessions, taught by ashram staff

• Daily 2-hour Asana workshops taught by Amy

• Friday and Saturday philosophy and mythology talks with Amy

• Mantra chanting, Havan and Kirtan experience

• Friday and Saturday night shared accommodation

• Opportunity for solo meditation and reflection in the Siva temple

Optional Bonus Day: Abundant Yoga Business Intensive

An intimate one-day business immersion for yoga teachers and holistic practitioners ready to grow with more clarity, confidence, and sustainability.

As well as spending the weekend immersed in practice, philosophy, and ashram life together, you’ll have the option to arrive early for an additional small-group business intensive focused on helping you build a yoga business that is both abundant and aligned.

Because so many yoga teachers are deeply devoted to their practice… but quietly struggling with the business side of things.

Not because they lack talent.
Not because they aren’t working hard enough.
But because most teachers were never actually taught how to create sustainable, supportive businesses around the work they love.

This bonus day is designed to help change that.

Together, we’ll explore the practical, strategic, and energetic aspects of growing a yoga business in a way that feels grounded, authentic, and deeply connected to your values. This is not hustle culture, performative marketing, or corporate business coaching.

It’s thoughtful, practical mentorship for people who care deeply about both Yoga and the people they serve.

During the Intensive We’ll Explore:

• Clarifying your authentic voice and offerings

• Creating sustainable and aligned income streams

• Marketing without feeling pushy or “salesy”

• Pricing, boundaries, and receiving abundance with integrity

• Building community and student retention

• Visibility and confidence as a teacher

• Social media without overwhelm

• Identifying what is actually moving your business forward

• Reconnecting with your purpose and long-term vision

Over the years, I’ve supported yoga teachers around the world through retreats, immersions, workshops, mentoring, coaching programs, and the Abundant Yoga Teachers Podcast. What I care about most is helping teachers build businesses that support their lives and wellbeing rather than draining them.

Date: October 22, 2026
Investment: $500 AUD
Includes: Lunch and full-day intensive
Limited to: 10 participants only
Suitable for: Yoga teachers, trainees, coaches, and holistic practitioners

This is intentionally being kept very small so there is plenty of space for personalised support, meaningful discussion, and individual coaching throughout the day.

I genuinely believe it is possible to grow a thriving yoga business without abandoning your values, exhausting yourself, or disconnecting from the heart of the practice. If you’ve been craving time to step back, think clearly about your business, and receive genuine support around your next steps, I’d love for you to join me.

Returning is an invitation to rediscover the depth of Yoga.

Together we'll spend three days exploring the practices, philosophy and stories that have shaped the Yoga tradition for thousands of years. Through traditional Hatha Yoga, mythology from the Puranas, meditation, discussion and shared ashram life, you'll experience a side of Yoga that many practitioners never encounter in regular weekly classes.

Whether you're a Yoga teacher or a sincere student, this weekend is designed for those who suspect there is more to Yoga than the poses.

It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a living tradition, deepen your understanding and return home with a renewed appreciation for the wisdom that sits at the heart of Yoga.