Nature Reconnection Retreat: Crafting a deeper bond with the Earth
with Annette Naber, PhD
June 12 - 14, 2026
Embark on a transformative journey that will deepen your connection to the natural world. Through nature activities, reflective practices, journaling, creative art making and hands-on learning, you will reconnect with the wisdom of the land and your own intuitive self.
Coupled with the nature activities enjoy complimentary yoga and meditation classes, inspirational spiritual talks, organic vegetarian food (vegan options), and walking forest trails on the 800-acre property including along the James River. Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville is a serene oasis in the heartland of Virginia.
Participants will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of their role in the natural world and forge a renewed kinship with Nature
- Learn to observe, deeply listen, and open up all of their senses during guided nature walks
- Discover the abundance of wild food, nature’s edible pantry and medicine chest. We will identify, harvest, and prepare a few wild plants to enjoy as a delicious dish or beverage.
- Explore their own wild essence beneath the surface of modern domestic life by tapping into their intuitive connection to the wild.
- Explore how they can give back to nature in a respectful, mindful way.
- Craft their own personalized sustainable practices to nourish themselves and the Earth long after this workshop ends.
*Students should bring a notebook for journaling and clothing and shoes appropriate for being outside (hat, walking shoes, insect repellent).
Testimonials:
“Annette is intuitive and highly knowledgeable about the relationships between humans and ecosystems. She gave us insightful suggestions for slowing down and living more harmoniously with nature.” Georgia E., North Carolina
“Through exquisite tactile earthly contact and awareness and timeless wisdom, Annette crafts an irresistible invitation to reconnect us with Nature—our own and the Earth’s. John F., California
“Annette helps awaken your appreciation of the forces and rhythms of nature so often obscured by the frenetic pace of the digital world.” Jessy C., California
“Annette gave us down-to-earth, practical ways to loosen up, get in touch with ourselves and connect deeply to Nature. Thank you, Annette, for your wisdom, and encouragement.” Anne L, Virginia
“I found myself walking through whispering pines in a forest bathing experience with the wise and radiant Annette Naber – psychologist, nature guide, soul mirror. What a bliss that was! Magic happened. Insights poured in. Synchronicities lined up.” Crystal L., Virginia
Sample Ashram Schedule
MONDAY – FRIDAY |
|
5 – 6:15 am | Integral Yoga Meditation (with leader) |
6:30 – 7:30 | Morning Meditation |
6:30 – 8:00 | Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 1 or Mixed level |
8 – 8:45 | Puja at Chidambaram |
8 – 9:00 | Breakfast |
12 – 12:30 pm | Noon Meditation |
12 – 12:30 | LOTUS Meditation (Thurs. Fri. & Sat.) |
12 – 12:30 | Chidambaram Meditation (M, W, F) |
12 – 12:30 | Puja at Kailash (W & F) – chanting or meditation offered on all other days |
12:45 – 1:30 | Lunch |
2 – 4:00 | LOTUS open – gift store open (Friday only) |
5 – 6:30 | Mixed Level Hatha |
5 – 6:30 | Restorative (Tuesday only) |
5 – 6:30 | Gentle Yoga (Friday only) |
5 – 5:45 | Yoga Nidra (Friday only) |
6 – 6:30 | Evening Meditation |
6:30 – 7:15 | Supper |
7:30 | Scripture Study Class (Tues. & Thurs.) |
7:30 – 9 | LOTUS open – gift store open (Friday only) |
10 pm | Lights out in dorms |
SATURDAY |
|
5 – 6:15 am | Morning Meditation (with leader) |
6 – 6:45 | Guided Meditation |
6:20 – 7:20 | Morning Meditation |
7 – 8:30 | Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 1 |
7 – 8:30 | Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 2 |
8 – 8:45 | Puja at Chidambaram |
8 – 9:30 | Breakfast |
9:30 – 10:45 | Talk: Yoga in Daily Life |
10 – 4 pm | LOTUS open, gift store open |
12 – 12:30 pm | Puja Kailash |
12 – 12:30 | LOTUS Meditation |
12:45 – 1:30 | Lunch |
2 – 5 | LOTUS open (gift store open) |
4 – 5:30 | Mixed Level Hatha |
5:30 – 6:30 | Supper |
7:30 – 9:30 | Satsang (Sivananda Satsang Hall) |
10 pm | Lights out in dorms |
SUNDAY |
|
5 – 6:15 am | Morning Meditation |
6 – 6:45 | Integral Yoga Meditation |
6 – 6:45 | Guided Meditation |
7 – 8:30 | Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 1 |
7 – 8:30 | Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 2 |
8 – 8:45 | Puja at Chidambaram |
8 – 8:45 | Puja at Kailash |
8 – 9:30 | Breakfast |
10 – 11 | Talk: Taking it Home |
10 – 4 pm | LOTUS open, gift store open |
12 – 12:30 pm | Noon Meditation |
12:45 – 1:30 | Lunch |
6 – 6:30 | Evening Meditation |
6:30 – 7:15 | Supper |
10 pm | Lights out in dorms |
About the Presenter

Annette Naber, PhD
Annette Naber, Ph.D. and owner of Emerald Mountain Sanctuary, left a successful psychology career in Washington DC to become a homesteader and land steward in the Virginia Highlands. She teaches foraging classes and facilitates forest bathing tours and nature reconnection retreats. She is also a nature photographer and writer. Her first book, Seasons of a Wild […]
Learn more about Annette Naber, PhDCategories : Programs, Retreats, ZDated Programs