Art & Spirituality Retreat 2023

A Weekend of Chanting, Meditation, and Workshops at Ananda Gaorii Ashram

Reflecting on the incredible experience at the weekend retreat at Ananda Gaorii Ashram, a sense of gratitude and inner peace fills the heart. The retreat blended spirituality and art seamlessly, offering a profound journey into the depths of the creative and spiritual self.

Arriving at Ananda Gaorii Ashram, nestled on 13 hectares of farmland just an hour away from Copenhagen, the serene and natural environment immediately embraced us, becoming our home for the next three days. The peaceful oasis surrounded by nature provided an idyllic backdrop for the retreat.

Accommodation options were diverse, ranging from separate dormitories for both men and women to the opportunity to camp on the beautiful grounds. The choice to stay in the dormitory was made, providing a comfortable and clean space to rest and rejuvenate during the retreat.

The yogic vegetarian diet served at Ananda Gaorii was a delightful surprise. Most of the meals were vegan, with a vegan alternative for dishes containing dairy products. This diet excluded foods like fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and mushrooms, as they are considered disturbing to the mind. The food was not only delicious but also nourishing, perfectly fuelling the physical and mental activities ahead.

The retreat program featured a wide array of activities catering to both the artistic and spiritual aspects of life. The schedule was thoughtfully designed to balance yoga, meditation, workshops, and communal activities.

Friday marked the beginning of the journey, commencing with a warm welcome and program introduction. The evening continued with a heart circle and mantra chanting, fostering a sense of unity and connectedness among participants.

Saturday proved to be a day of exploration and creativity. The day began with an invigorating yoga class, followed by chanting and meditation sessions. Workshops took center stage, offering diverse activities from exploring key concepts in meditation to choral singing, creating reggae music, and delving into the joy of fantasy. The cultural evening, featuring performances by participants, beautifully showcased the creative talents within the group.

Sunday, the final day, provided an opportunity for reflection and closure. The day unfolded with yoga and meditation sessions, along with a dramatic presentation of Prabhat Samgiita. The closing circle brought everyone together, allowing the sharing of experiences and insights gained during the retreat.

Throughout the weekend, immersion in a community of like-minded individuals who were open to self-expression and personal growth was an enriching experience. The collective meditation and chanting sessions facilitated a profound connection with the inner self, offering a deep sense of peace and clarity.

Departing from Ananda Gaorii Ashram on Sunday afternoon left a feeling of transformation. The weekend had provided an opportunity to explore the intersection of art and spirituality, discovering new forms of expression, stimulating the imagination, and meeting wonderful people along the way.

The retreat at Ananda Gaorii Ashram was a truly magical experience, highly recommended to anyone interested in embarking on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and inner peace. It was a weekend that left a heart full of gratitude and a mind enriched with new experiences and insights.