The retreat starts at 7 pm Friday evening and ends at 3 pm on Sunday.

Yoga and Meditation Sessions: Dive into revitalizing yoga sessions that cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Charles MacInerney’s adept guidance ensures that each participant finds their rhythm, focusing on alignment, breath, and self-awareness. Meditation sessions led by Gudjon Bergmann provide an opportunity to quiet the mind, cultivate inner stillness, and explore the depths of consciousness.

Practical Spirituality: Gudjon Bergmann’s teachings on practical spirituality offer a unique approach to incorporating mindfulness, presence, and purpose into daily routines. Through discussions and interactive workshops, participants will gain insights into transcending challenges, deepening relationships, and finding meaning in their lives.

Embodied Wellness: This retreat emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness. Explore the connection between physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and learn practical techniques to achieve balance in all aspects of life.

Community and Connection: Embark on this journey with like-minded individuals seeking personal growth and transformation. The retreat fosters a supportive and nurturing community where participants can share experiences, insights, and aspirations. These workshops are highly experiential which is essential for participants to be able to absorb and integrate the information and exercises into their lives.

Please note that Texas weather can be unpredictable, so allowances will be made to the schedule if needed.

Cedarbrake Yoga Deck

Facilities

The retreat takes place in a serene setting, providing the perfect backdrop for reconnecting with nature. Cedarbrake Renewal Center offers comfortable accommodations and nourishing meals. The center and surrounding grounds provide the perfect ambiance for self-reflection and growth. Guided outdoor activities and contemplative walks offer opportunities to ground yourself and develop a sense of harmony with the environment.

Cedarbrake Renewal Center is a non-profit retreat center owned and supported by the Diocese of Austin. It is located about 1 hour North of Austin, in Belton, Texas.It is 10 minutes from Lake Belton, and 15 minutes from Temple.

We will be staying at the St. Teresa Avila House, which was recently acquired by Cedarbrake, and adjoins their property. The house features a variety of bedrooms, 2 dining rooms and a large meeting room.

There is a dedicated Yoga studio for our use complete with yoga props.

The house sits on 25 acres located on the Leon River, and adjoins and has full access to the grounds and facilities of Cedarbrake.

The grounds are heavily wooded, with lots of trails leading to scenic overlooks, fountains, park benches, gazebos, hammocks chapels, and sanctuaries, including a beautiful walking labyrinth. Benches are located through out the property for meditation and contemplation.

We invite you to explore, retreat, and awaken your spirit in the piney woods!

Meals are a highlight of these retreats. All meals are mostly vegetarian (fish option Saturday Dinner) and delicious! Charles usually likes to cook the Friday evening meal and Saturday breakfast. The subsequent meals are usually catered by our own personal retreat chef.

If you have any food items you would like to bring – supplements, snacks, etc, you are welcome to keep them in the kitchen, and use the kitchen as needed. If you have any food allergies, be sure and let Charles know at least 5 days prior to the first day of  the retreat.

Fresh fruit, snacks, and a large selection of teas will be available 24/7. If you need coffee or any other beverages, feel free to bring what you need.

During meals, students quickly make friends, and find themselves engaged is wonderful conversations.

For those preferring solitude, meals can also be enjoyed on the front porch or back deck.

What to Expect

Allow about 1 1/2 hours for driving time from Austin, Texas, or 3 1/2 hours from Houston, Texas. Please try to arrive between 5:30-7:30 p.m. Friday evening so that you will have time to fill out necessary paperwork, unpack and settle in. If you know you will be arriving later that 8 p.m. please let us know.

We will share a light Dinner at 8 p.m. We will start our first workshop on Mind Mapping at 8:30 p.m. and follow up with a ‘get acquainted’ activity.

The retreat will officially last until 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon, and facilities must be vacated by 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening.

Center:  We will be staying in the St. Teresa of Avila House which is located at the very back of the retreat center grounds, bordering the river. Cedarbrake Renewal Center is located on 75 acres of naturally wooded beauty, only 10 minutes off I-35 in Temple. They have numerous trails to walk, meditation spots such as the St. Francis fountain, the outdoor Stations of the Cross, and Stations of the Light, swings, picnic tables and gazebos provide a peaceful setting for retreat and renewal. They also have two beautiful chapels and a large labyrinth.

Food: 6 meals will be provided starting with a light meal Friday night, through lunch on Sunday. The meals will be vegetarian, but should more than satisfy most appetites. In the spirit of healthy pleasures I do not wish to deprive any one, so if there is anything you would like to bring, like coffee or snacks, please do. If you have special dietary needs please let me know in advance so we can make arrangements.

Format of Retreat: Charles has set up a 3 day schedule of Yoga Classes, Lectures, Workshops, Meditation Sessions, meals and Free Time which will be included in your hand out packet when you arrive. Please feel free to participate or pass on any or all of the events as your interest, energy and mood dictates. Some times a massage, a nap, or a walk might seem more appropriate than a yoga class or a workshop. We will also encourage group discussion. Often the best insights come from the participants themselves.

What to Bring

Towels, Bed linens and one blanket are provided. If you think you will need extra blankets or pillows please bring them with you;

You will need to bring the following:
Out door clothing for walking;
Comfortable clothing for Yoga Classes;

Yoga ‘sticky mat’ if you have one;
Any Yoga props you like to use;
Toiletries (including soap).

Optional items are:
pen and paper for taking notes;
camera;
musical instruments;
insect repellant;
Bicycle for riding trails
umbrella (just in case);
recreational equipment (frisbee, binoculars, fishing etc.);
hammock;
coffee, or snacks;
floor pillows for main meeting room;
your own meditation stool or blanket;
books that you would like to share with others.

Books: We will set up a table with a wide range of books and magazines relating to yoga, spirituality, meditation, philosophy, fiction etc. Participants will be free to borrow any of these books, but must return them to the table when not in use. If you have a favorite book or books you would like to share for the duration of the retreat, please write your name on the inside cover and bring them with you to add to the collection.

Keep in mind that Texas weather is unpredictable, so pack accordingly.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or requests please call me at (512) 459-2267, or email at charles@yogateacher.com I look forward to seeing you at the retreat soon. Namaste’

Directions to St. Teresa of Avila House at the Cedarbrake Renewal Center

Address is: Cedarbrake Renewal Center, 5602 Hwy 317 N., Belton, TX 76513

As you enter the grounds of Cedarbrake, turn Left, and follow the one way loop around the perimeter of the property until you see a sign for “St. Teresa of Avila House”. Turn left and follow drive a few hundred yards to the house. Look for a Burgundy colored Honda Pilot in the driveway.

If you get lost, you can call the retreat center at (254) 780 2436. If they do not pick up, text or callCharles at (512) 459-2267 and leave a msg and he will call back.