Yoga, Mindfulness & Goal Setting Retreat in the Texas Piney Woods

The weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Each day starts and ends with a yoga and meditation class, and the rest of the time is a mix of workshops, free time, and optional activities. The first evening includes a Yoga Nidra session where, through deep relaxation, you're guided to plant a seed idea that might shift a deeply held belief that's been holding you back. Subsequent workshops cover the Eightfold Path, Raja Yoga as a way of life, and how it lines up with Western psychology and the chakra system, goal setting from values and vision down to tactical and process goals, and practical ways to reduce boredom, anxiety, and improve concentration. The final session looks at how to boost motivation and track progress toward your dreams.

Charles MacInerney is the lead teacher. He holds the highest level of recognition from the Yoga Alliance (E-RYT-500) and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (1000-hour Yoga Therapy Certification). With over 45 years of personal practice and 30 years of teaching, he brings together Eastern philosophy and Western science in a way that's down-to-earth and often funny. He's written a book called 'Toxic Goals, Flow and the Pursuit of Excellence' that approaches goal setting from a yoga perspective.

The retreat is held at the Grove Lodge at Camp Allen, a facility run by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas since 1921. The lodge has a covered front porch and a large private deck for outdoor yoga, a lounge, a dining room, and a full kitchen. There are eight bedrooms with two to three beds per room, but the retreat is limited to 14 people so everyone gets a bed and no one has to use a top bunk unless they want to. Bed linens are provided, and there's a laundry room on site.

Participants often come alone. The small group size makes it easy to meet people, and the meals are a chance to chat and make friends. Recent groups have included people with no yoga experience, others who've practiced for years, and a couple of yoga teachers—everyone found it challenging but accessible. The retreat is about what you need, whether that's a full schedule or just a quiet weekend away.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in the Grove Lodge - 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - 3 days of yoga classes - Daily meditation classes - Daily pranayama classes - Workshops on yoga philosophy, goal setting, and concentration - Course manual, retreat handouts, and notebook - Meeting like-minded people and making new friends - Specialized workshops - Parking - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Travel to the retreat center - Massage (available at extra cost)