A Retreat of Presence, Stillness and Insight
Catskills, New York
May 22 - 25, 2026
Discovering the Eight Limbs of Yoga this Spring
Do you want to feel grounded in your body, clear in your mind, and connected to what truly matters?
Yoga was never meant to live only on the mat. As B.K.S. Iyengar reminds us, it is “a way of life” — a path that guides how we live, relate, and meet the world with awareness.
This retreat is an invitation to slow down and connect to your true self. Rooted in the wisdom of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, we explore how ancient teachings can support modern lives: grounding the body and nervous system, cultivating the courage to meet yourself honestly, and developing the clarity that comes from steady attention and insight.
Held at the beautiful Menla Retreat Center in the Catskills, our days are supported by clean mountain air, fresh spring water, nourishing meals, and access to both indoor and outdoor sanctuaries. During free time, you are invited to do as little or as much as you like - walk the forest paths, rest by the water, explore Menla’s nature-based offerings, or simply be with yourself in silence.
Over four days, we come together for movement, nature, stillness, and reflection.
Come as you are, no yoga experience needed.
4 Days / 3 Nights
Friday, May 22 - Monday, May 25
Daily Yoga & Meditation
Dharma Talks
3 fresh organic meals per day
Accommodation (private and shared rooms)
Yoga practice materials (mat, blocks)
Mindful nature walks
Sound healing
Spa / pool
Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali 2.29 यमनियमासनप्राणायामप्रत्याहारधारणाध्यानसमाधयोऽष्टावङ्गानि
Throughout the retreat, our dharma talks will explore the Eight Limbs of Yoga as a living, integrated path.
1. Yama - Ethical Restraints
How we relate to ourselves and others with integrity
2. Niyama - Self Cultivation
How we develop inner discipline, honesty, and care
3. Asana - Postures
Grounding awareness in the body through movement
4. Pranayama - Life Force Mastery
Working skillfully with breath and energy
5. Pratyahara -Sense Withdrawal
Reducing sensory overload to refine attention
6. Dharana - Contemplation
Training the mind to stay present and focused
7. Dhyana - Meditation
Sustained awareness with less effort
8. Samadhi - Absorption
Moments of clarity, connection, and insight
“Yoga is not merely a practice for the body; it is a way of life. The eightfold path shows how the yogi should live, think, and act in the world.” — B. K. S. Iyengar
Please note:
The room photos are for reference only. The actual room you stay in may vary.
In the Private and Double Room with Shared Bath, the bathroom might be shared with more than 2 people depending on the number of participants.
Couples or friends are welcome to sign up separately, and we can place you in the same room as desired.
Payment Plan Available:
$500 deposit due at time of booking
$1000 due 15 days later
Remaining balance due 30 days after initial deposit
Please email us if you’d like to opt into the payment plan. We’re happy to discuss personalized payment plan if needed.
What’s not included?
Transportation to the Catskills, New York. (We will create a carpool sheet for those that need)
Spa treatments (massage, acupuncture, reflexology, herbal baths…), Temezcal (sweatlodge)
Travel insurance if desired
How to Get there?
Menla is a 330-acre private nature reserve in the Catskills, NY.
2 Hours north of the GW Bridge in NYC by car
3 Hours by bus from NYC on Adirondack Trailways to Phoenicia, NY
Your facilitators
Michael Hewett
Michael's passion is to inspire and empower people to discover and engage their purpose through the combination of Yogic arts and music. By engaging the spectrum of intelligences each of us embodies (physical, emotional, energetic and cognitive), healing, personal growth and breakthroughs are made!
Since beginning his yoga journey in 1996, he has accumulated over 33,000 teaching hours, drawing from Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, ISHTA Yoga, and Shamatha meditation.
Shelly Yang
Founder of Form + Flow. Shelly is a creator at heart and a passionate builder of yoga communities. With roots in classical Hatha, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa - and over 1,000 hours of training. Shelly is 500-hour RYT.
Shelly brings both depth and intentionality to every class she leads. Her journey has taken her across the globe, where diverse cultures and landscapes have shaped her unique approach to mindfulness, movement, and connection.
Beyond the mat, Shelly facilitates sound meditations and curates spaces for soul-nourishing practices. Her mission is to elevate consciousness and nurture the inner world of every student who steps into the studio.
Cancellations Before April 10, 2026: If you cancel before April 10, 2026, you will receive a full refund minus a $500 cancellation fee.
Cancellations After April 10, 2026: No refunds will be issued after April 10, 2026, as retreat costs are committed at this stage. However, your booking is transferable to another person you find.
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information, Questions & Registration:
Send us an email with any inquiries you may have.
Info@formandflow.co
When you’ve completed your room registration, please kindly fill out this questionnaire, we would love to know you better!
Experience Menla - Tibet in the Catskills
Experience Menla’s unique wellness facilities. From Dewa Spa to fully equipped yoga and movement spaces, fitness room, and hiking trails, there’s so much to do. Explore the surrounding Catskill Forest Preserve with guided hikes, river rafting, swimming, horseback riding, and more!
