A Unique Weekend for Animal-Lovers
Spiritual Shepherd Training

2-day weekend

• Not available at this time

You’ll have the opportunity to join our experienced shepherds as they take the goats and our burro, Jenny, out to browse on Ananda land.

After shepherding the animals through the hills and valleys of Ananda, you’ll settle down for a session of chanting and stillness in a secluded natural meditation nook. We’ll lead you in a meditation highlighted by goats serenely grazing near you, as you immerse yourself in the healing essence of nature’s harmony.

You’ll begin your day with The Expanding Light’s yoga and meditation sadhana, followed by breakfast. Then, put on your hiking clothes to experience the joys of shepherding throughout the morning. During your free afternoon, you can enjoy Ananda’s peace as you wish. Saturday evening, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with the goats, as well as the chickens, ducks, and burro, and on Sunday morning there will be a “Goodbye Blessing” for the animals before Sunday Service.

This marvelous and unusual weekend will give you:

• The blessing of spiritual fellowship in a setting of clean air, expansive views, and calming beauty.
• The feeling of simple living and high thinking that has been enjoyed by shepherds with their animal companions since ancient times.
• The inner peace that effortlessly flows from a balance of exercise and meditation in natural surroundings.

This weekend will be led by Virani Ramsden, the woman who created Ananda’s goat dairy, Yogoata, and her assistant Tyler Hansen. The program will be limited to 5 participants.

Highlights of the weekend:

Friday evening

Introduction to Spiritual Shepherding
How to interact with the animals
Shepherding tips

Saturday

9:00- 11:45 Spiritual Shepherding with Goats
Free afternoon
7:30pm Optional visit to Yogoata barn (where you’ll tuck the goats, burro, ducks, and chickens into bed as the sun sets)

Sunday

9:30 Goodbye Blessing for the animals

Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.

A Unique Weekend for Animal-Lovers starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.

See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.

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