Take a break from the pressures of daily life and immerse yourself in a peaceful retreat dedicated to meditation, yoga, personal growth, and inner well-being.
Nestled in the rolling foothills of Northern California, Ananda Dhiira offers a tranquil environment where you can disconnect from distractions, slow down your pace, and reconnect with what truly matters. Surrounded by forests, fresh air, and beautiful natural scenery, this retreat provides an opportunity to nourish your body, calm your mind, and deepen your connection with yourself and others.
Whether you are completely new to meditation or already have an established practice, this retreat offers a supportive environment in which to learn, grow, and experience the benefits of yogic living.
Over the course of three days, you will participate in meditation sessions, gentle yoga classes, uplifting mantra chanting, inspiring workshops, nature walks, and healthy vegetarian meals. You will also have opportunities for personal reflection, meaningful conversation, and one-on-one guidance from experienced meditation teachers.
This retreat is not about escaping life—it is about learning practical tools that can help you live with greater clarity, balance, purpose, and peace long after the retreat has ended.
What to Expect
During the retreat, we follow a simple and nourishing daily rhythm designed to support both relaxation and personal growth.
Each day includes:
* Guided meditation sessions
* Gentle yoga classes suitable for beginners
* Mantra chanting and music
* Workshops on meditation, yogic philosophy, health, and personal development
* Time in nature
* Opportunities for questions and discussion
* Delicious vegetarian meals
* Quiet time for rest and reflection
Participants often tell us that one of the most valuable aspects of the retreat is the opportunity to step away from constant stimulation and experience a simpler, more intentional way of living.
Meditation
Meditation is the heart of the retreat.
Our approach to meditation is practical, accessible, and suitable for people from all backgrounds and belief systems. Through guided practice and personal instruction, you will learn techniques that help calm the mind, reduce stress, increase concentration, and cultivate inner peace.
Meditation is much more than a relaxation technique. It is a method of self-discovery that helps us access deeper levels of awareness, wisdom, and happiness that already exist within us.
Whether you are sitting for the first time or returning to a long-standing practice, our teachers will help you develop a meditation routine that you can continue at home.
Mantra Chanting and Meditation
A unique feature of our retreats is the practice of Kiirtana, a form of mantra chanting accompanied by music and movement.
Many participants are surprised by how powerful this practice can be. The combination of music, rhythm, movement, and focused awareness naturally quiets mental distractions and prepares the mind for deeper meditation.
Rather than being a performance or religious ritual, Kiirtana is a joyful and uplifting practice that helps create a sense of inner calm, openness, and connection.
For many people, it quickly becomes one of the most memorable aspects of the retreat experience.
Yoga for Relaxation and Balance
The yoga practiced during the retreat is gentle, accessible, and designed to support meditation.
These classes emphasize awareness, relaxation, flexibility, and balance rather than athletic achievement. The movements are simple enough for beginners while still offering benefits for those with previous experience.
Yoga sessions help release physical tension, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and prepare the body for meditation.
Participants are always encouraged to work at their own pace and modify practices as needed.
Nature and Outdoor Experiences
Nature is an important part of the retreat experience.
Ananda Dhiira is located in a peaceful rural setting surrounded by trees, wildlife, and open skies. Throughout the retreat there will be opportunities to walk, relax outdoors, and enjoy the beauty of the natural environment.
Weather permitting, we will also visit the nearby South Yuba River, one of Northern California’s most beautiful natural areas. Participants often enjoy swimming, meditation by the river, and simply spending time immersed in the sights and sounds of nature.
Many people find that being away from urban distractions and spending time outdoors greatly enhances the benefits of meditation and self-reflection.
Healthy Vegetarian Meals
All meals served during the retreat are vegetarian and prepared with an emphasis on freshness, simplicity, and nutrition. The special diet presented is the “sattvic vegetarian” diet, which excludes onions, garlic, mushrooms, and eggs. We also have vegan and gluten-free options available.
Our meals are designed to support both physical well-being and meditation practice. Whenever possible, we use organic ingredients and accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies with advance notice.
Sharing meals also creates opportunities for conversation, friendship, and community.
Personal Guidance
Throughout the retreat, participants will have opportunities to ask questions and receive individual guidance from the teachers.
Whether your interest is meditation, yoga, healthy living, stress management, or spiritual growth, our teachers are available to support you on your journey and help you develop practices that fit your unique needs and goals.
Participants who wish to learn a personal meditation technique may schedule an individual meditation lesson following the retreat. These lessons are offered free of charge. If you choose to stay at Ananda Dhiira after the retreat for additional instruction, normal accommodation and meal fees will apply.
Benefits of the Retreat
Many participants report experiencing:
* Reduced stress and anxiety
* Greater mental clarity and focus
* Improved emotional balance
* Increased energy and vitality
* Better sleep and relaxation
* A deeper sense of purpose and meaning
* Stronger connection with themselves and others
* Practical tools for maintaining well-being in daily life
While every person’s experience is unique, most participants leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and better equipped to meet the challenges of everyday life.
Your Teachers
The retreat is led by Didi Ananda Acira and Dada Diiptimanananda, experienced meditation and yoga teachers who have dedicated their lives to sharing these practices with others.
Together, they have taught meditation and yoga internationally for many years and have guided hundreds of people in developing a deeper and more meaningful spiritual practice.
Their warm, practical, and down-to-earth teaching style helps create a welcoming environment for participants of all backgrounds and experience levels.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is suitable for:
* Beginners who want to learn meditation
* People looking to reduce stress and improve well-being
* Yoga practitioners interested in a more meditative approach
* Individuals seeking personal growth and self-discovery
* Those looking for a meaningful retreat experience in nature
* Anyone interested in developing a sustainable spiritual practice
No previous meditation or yoga experience is required.
Come as you are, and discover how a few days of meditation, yoga, nature, and community can create lasting positive change in your life.
