The Yoga of Parenting: A Yoga and Meditation Day-Retreat
February 29, 2020
Caguas, Puerto Rico
Being a parent is one of the most challenging and overwhelming things in the world, and it comes with huge responsibility, yet we are given very little guidance about how to do it effectively. Many of us end up yelling, discipling, reprimanding, threatening and/or lecturing our kids on a consistent basis. Although we crave better connections with our child(ren), our parenting strategies often just seem to cause frustration and anxiety for everyone. This retreat, through the lens of yoga philosophy, will offer practical tools to support you to let go of some of the parenting patterns that do not serve your relationship with your child(ren) and it will introduce tools for more effective parenting and connection. You don’t need to have children in order to attend this retreat. Parents-to-be and people who want to reflect on how they were parented, in order to improve relationships with other people, are all welcome.
Yoga with a view: Perfect spot for optional sunrise yoga
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In this retreat, we will workshop the following topics:
What is behind our behavior as parents? Non-judgmental study of ourselves
The way that we were raised and the insecurities that we learned during childhood influence how we parent our children (and how we interact with other loved ones). These childhood experiences affect how we are triggered and how we react when things don’t go according to plan. In addition, societal norms influence the expectations that we place on our children. We will explore the patterns that we get stuck in and help break unconscious, negative cycles by
What is behind our children’s (or other loved one’s) behavior? Supporting emotional outbursts and finding compassion
When our children (or loved ones) are behaving “badly”, we often take it personally, instead of looking at it from their perspective. We will consider the needs of our children and what they are trying to communicate through their behavior. We will also think about how our children might view us as parents and what kind of messages our parenting sends them. Understanding the underlying causes of our children’s behavior will help us in
This day-retreat will be interactive, fun, and down to earth. It is suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to advanced students of yoga.
What is behind our behavior as parents? Non-judgmental study of ourselves
The way that we were raised and the insecurities that we learned during childhood influence how we parent our children (and how we interact with other loved ones). These childhood experiences affect how we are triggered and how we react when things don’t go according to plan. In addition, societal norms influence the expectations that we place on our children. We will explore the patterns that we get stuck in and help break unconscious, negative cycles by
- studying our self (svadyaya) in a non-judgmental way so that we can really understand the root causes of how we react to our children
- learning to pause every time we are triggered, so that we can respond rather than react
- practicing how to deal with our own emotions in a productive way (rather than ignoring or denying them). By sitting with our emotions, we are better able to deal with them, instead of just dumping these unprocessed feelings onto our children (or our loved ones)
What is behind our children’s (or other loved one’s) behavior? Supporting emotional outbursts and finding compassion
When our children (or loved ones) are behaving “badly”, we often take it personally, instead of looking at it from their perspective. We will consider the needs of our children and what they are trying to communicate through their behavior. We will also think about how our children might view us as parents and what kind of messages our parenting sends them. Understanding the underlying causes of our children’s behavior will help us in
- finding compassion for our children, even in their darkest moments
- learning to hold space for them and their big feelings. Holding space is a practice of being there for someone (regardless of their emotions) without judging, criticizing, commenting or taking it personally
- being more present and mindful in our relationships, without being distracted and/or having another agenda
- appreciating our children (or other people) for who they are, without judgment and without constantly trying to change them
- leading by example, instead of lecturing with words
- truly loving unconditionally
This day-retreat will be interactive, fun, and down to earth. It is suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to advanced students of yoga.
What you will gain from this retreat:
Join this retreat to gift yourself with a well-deserved break from parenting: enjoy yoga and meditation, time and space for yourself, journaling, a short hike and healthy vegetarian food that you don’t have to cook. Reconsider traditional parenting strategies and/or those that have been passed between generations and become a more conscious parent. Pause, reflect and return to your family life with more presence, compassion, patience, and connection.
Location:
This retreat will take place in the mountains of Caguas at Cenro Zen. It is a quiet, peaceful place, surrounded by nature and beautiful views. Travel from San Juan is roughly 30 minutes by car and carpooling is encouraged. There is a short hiking trail just across the road from the center that is maintained by Para La Naturaleza. As part of our retreat, we will enjoy this hike as well as the natural scenery of the Centro Zen. The facilities are simple, but include wonderful spaces in which to get away, contemplate and grow.
This retreat will take place in the mountains of Caguas at Cenro Zen. It is a quiet, peaceful place, surrounded by nature and beautiful views. Travel from San Juan is roughly 30 minutes by car and carpooling is encouraged. There is a short hiking trail just across the road from the center that is maintained by Para La Naturaleza. As part of our retreat, we will enjoy this hike as well as the natural scenery of the Centro Zen. The facilities are simple, but include wonderful spaces in which to get away, contemplate and grow.
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About your retreat instructor: Daniella Gould
I used to be a mum who yelled and threatened my son (now almost 12 years old) in order to get compliance as this was the behavior that was modelled to me. Whenever I did this, however, I felt unsettled by my behavior and how this behavior might affect my son. In fact, the way I treated my son led me to criticize and doubt myself and my ability to be a good parent. This in turn, led to more anger toward myself and my family: A vicious circle. Once I made a concerted effort to apply the philosophy of yoga to my parenting, my approach to how I interacted with my son (and how he responded) changed. He felt more listened to and appreciated, and he became much more helpful. Family life of course still has its ups and downs and I am still learning every day, but I am happier about my parenting approach, I’m a more confident and kind-hearted mother, and my connection with my son has grown.
Aside from being a mother (a full-time job in itself!), I own Santosa Yoga and Health. I teach public and private yoga and meditation classes, workshops and retreats. I like to incorporate yoga philosophy into all my work to help my students navigate the challenges of life with the least amount of suffering for themselves and for those with whom they come into contact. Parenting is something that many of us struggle with, so I am excited to offer this very practical training, with guidelines to help really transform your relationship with your child(ren) whatever their age. Please come and join me and check out some parenting techniques that might just be life changing for you and for your kid(s).
What people are saying about Daniella and Santosa Yoga and Health retreats:
“This retreat has surpassed my wildest hopes! This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time, and it solved some issues I’ve been stuck on” October 2019
“I really appreciate your calm and balanced approach to our topics” October 2019
“Thank you for leading by example” October 2019
“You being you inspires others to be better versions of themselves” February 2019
“Thank you for being you – you continue to teach me not to be so hard on myself. I appreciate you 😊” February 2019
“Thank you for providing such a stimulating environment giving me the time and stimulation to reflect. Much needed” February 2019
Cost:
This retreat includes a healthy vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner catered by the Centro Zen, coffee and tea, infused water, and snacks. Special diets usually can be accommodated. Also included are:
Price per couple: The Early Bird pricing before December 31 is $225 for a couple (to increase to $275 in the New Year)
Please let me know if you need a part scholarship as everyone is welcome.
Retreat schedule:
This is a full day retreat on February 29, 2020. There is an optional 6.30am yoga session that overlooks the mountains. Otherwise, the retreat runs from 8am to-8pm.
There are options for staying the previous night, either in a dorm bunkbed or camping (bring your own tent). The cost for staying overnight is an additional $30 per person and includes evening snacks, home made tea, and an evening meditation.
This is intended to be the first in a series of The Yoga of Parenting Retreats by Santosa Yoga and Health.
“This retreat has surpassed my wildest hopes! This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time, and it solved some issues I’ve been stuck on” October 2019
“I really appreciate your calm and balanced approach to our topics” October 2019
“Thank you for leading by example” October 2019
“You being you inspires others to be better versions of themselves” February 2019
“Thank you for being you – you continue to teach me not to be so hard on myself. I appreciate you 😊” February 2019
“Thank you for providing such a stimulating environment giving me the time and stimulation to reflect. Much needed” February 2019
Cost:
This retreat includes a healthy vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner catered by the Centro Zen, coffee and tea, infused water, and snacks. Special diets usually can be accommodated. Also included are:
- parenting workshops
- yoga sessions
- breathwork and meditation sessions and guidance on how to breathe and meditate
- a short hike
- time to reflect, journal, and share experiences with other parents in a beautiful location
Price per couple: The Early Bird pricing before December 31 is $225 for a couple (to increase to $275 in the New Year)
Please let me know if you need a part scholarship as everyone is welcome.
Retreat schedule:
This is a full day retreat on February 29, 2020. There is an optional 6.30am yoga session that overlooks the mountains. Otherwise, the retreat runs from 8am to-8pm.
There are options for staying the previous night, either in a dorm bunkbed or camping (bring your own tent). The cost for staying overnight is an additional $30 per person and includes evening snacks, home made tea, and an evening meditation.
This is intended to be the first in a series of The Yoga of Parenting Retreats by Santosa Yoga and Health.