Just returned from my second retreat last weekend and now I definitely need to write a review!…read more Let's start with the food (because I arrived starved). Dinner the first night was soup, salad and bread- very light and all vegan. The meals go from completely bland to amazing Indian food that tastes so good, you'd think you ordered out. But yes, I went to bed hungry the first night-- because I arrived on an empty stomach. Lesson learned! But that night, I slept on a full sized bed in a room with two people. Peace Village provides extra blankets, bath towels and soaps upon request. It's like a hotel somehow, but donation-based! They really are looking out for your comfort and safety! The schedule is strict, almost like a monastery. In fact, they invite you to think of the place as an ashram. I spent most of my retreats taking lecture notes in a room called "The Inspiration Hall." The lecturers are content heavy and that can be a bit tedious to listen to-- But you're there to learn so much in such a short period of time! My only suggestion would be to loosen up the hourly schedule, so that there is more time for freedom- exploring, meditative walks in the trails/gardens/ponds, and journaling! There was one speaker named "Rena" from the "April 2019 Inner Power, Inner Peace" retreat who was so captivating when she spoke, I hung onto every word she verbatim but forgot to take notes! It's a bit tough for me to share a room with strangers but I love everything that Peace Village stands for; Google "Brahma Kumaris." If you don't have the means to make financial contributions, there is no pressure. I opted to buy books and CDs galore in the bookstore to show my appreciation. You can also help clean and set up meeting rooms and meal spaces. Most importantly, check the weather before you arrive because it's colder in the mountains- less oxygen and all. It was a sunny day in Manhattan when I left to Peace Village. But when I arrived, the retreat center looked like the set of a Stephen King thriller. See pictures

I am a woman. I was groped twice by one of the visiting Brahma Kumari spiritual leaders while…read moreattending a retreat at Peace Village. Peace Village leadership did nothing. While most people around seemed to think this man was charming (and the Peace Village staff kept emphasizing what an honor his visit was), I got a bad vibe from him right away. Something about him seemed off. For example, he made sexist jokes yet came off as too people-pleasing at the same time. ("If you're a man, you know the wife is the boss. You don't wanna get on their bad side, amirite? Ha-ha.") I didn't like him. I tried to avoid him, but when were separated out for small group activities, he groped me twice. Once on the buttocks, once on the thigh. There were witnesses who saw this. We were surrounded by other attendees but separated from the other Peace Village leaders. He thought he chose his perfect opportunity. I walked out of the room immediately, very shaken, and told one of the female staff members what happened. She seemed to believe me, and hugged me because I was so upset. But later that day, she said she talked to this man, and he denied having touched me at all. He said I "must have misunderstood." Furthermore, she said, there are very strict rules for Brahma Kumaris about men and women interacting; so it was "impossible" that he would have even stepped too close to me, let alone touched me. If there was any doubt in my mind, it was gone at this point. He literally assaulted me twice, and I had other people who corroborated this. And then he lied about touching me. I came to Peace Village looking for an opportunity for self-improvement. Instead, I got unwanted sexual touching and an organization that closed ranks to protect its powerful. Can you imagine how scary it is to be trapped in a place with no cell service and not even a bus out for two days? I strongly recommend you avoid Peace Village. And more broadly, be suspicious of organizations that segregate roles by gender and require celibacy of their leaders--unfortunately, it seems to be a situation and hierarchy ripe for exploitation.

Meg is a warm, caring and gifted clinician. She's authentic and dedicated to healing.read more

From the owner: Breathing Space Psychotherapy provides a space to breathe and focus on shifting what is keeping you…read morestuck in your life. We have a variety of therapists to choose from who offer support in the areas of PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, transitions, and chronic illness. We utilized talk therapy as well as body-centered modalities to heal stress and traumas that are stuck in the body, impacting the way you interact in the world. Our goal is to help you move from reacting to responding, increasing your personal power and strengthening your relationships - first and foremost, the relationship with yourself.

Literally the best yoga experience I've ever had! So personal and attentive! Will be attending…read moreagain:)

Gorgeous space, lovely people, a warm community hub for those of us interested in yoga, mediation,…read morespirituality, music, dance, awakening and thoughtful, inspiring conversations. Edmond and Cheryl not only tech yoga and meditation, they also host "Knowledge Cinema" screenings of spiritual teachers on Sundays, and mind-bending movies Friday nights. AND they serve Edmond's incredibly delicious and healthy Ayurvedic (Indian) food over wonderful conversations both nights, pretty much every week. Plus they host Dance Wave (led by eme) on Saturdays at 4pm as well occasional sacred music concerts. All this goodness is by donation and open to all! Note: Their studio is on the 4th floor of the historic Art Mission Theater building. Most people use the stairs; but if you can't walk up 3 flights of stairs, no problem, you use the freight elevator.

A very serene and beautiful place that is just a ten minute ride up the mountain from Woodstock's…read morecenter. The peace and quiet were immediately noticeable upon walking up to the grounds. Flags hung from the trees, peaceful walking paths surrounded the grounds, and we were welcomed with open arms. A bookstore is available for you to purchase any and all information related to Tibetan Buddhism. The shrine was beautiful and breathtaking. A retreat was taking place, but we were given permission to visit the shrine as they were on break. We were so appreciative and grateful for that opportunity. We were immensely interested in learning what takes place at the shrine, as well as more about Buddhism in general. A very serene and fascinating experience!

Nestled up in the Catskill Mountains houses Karma Triyana Dharmachakra (KTD for short) Thank the…read moregood Lord for 3 letter acronyms. This is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery offering a peaceful retreat from daily life. The monastery is not huge as compared to others I have visited in the past, but the architecture and colorful interior designs make it a perfect place to find inner peace, meditation and self reflection. I can't comment on the teachings or programs they offer since I'm not a practitioner, but there is a book store where visitors can purchase books to educate in the monastery teachings and beliefs. They also sell T-shirts, hoodies and sculptures. I passed a kitchen with a huge dining area but these are reserved for people who are participating in spiritual retreats and other programs offered here. The resident monks walking around are quiet, and in their own silence give off a profound welcoming if that makes any sense. Remember, you don't need to be a believer or practitioner to enjoy the monastery. After leaving here you will feel a sense of calm and as silly as it may sound a sense of enlightening and empowerment. Definitely worth the visit when you're in the Woodstock area.

I just did an overnight retreat at Sky Lake, "Listening to Silence" with Roger Guest. When it was…read moreover I felt like I was walking on air. The lodge is so peaceful, the rooms so cozy, the natural surroundings so beautiful and the people incredibly warm and welcoming. They have a number of intersting events, retreats available and it is incredibly affordable. I arrived with a broken ankle and they did everything they could to accomodate me and they did t with such grace and patience. Take the time to check their website.They offer so many variations on the "retreat" theme. This is the perfect place to go if you need a break from the noisey, turbulent world we live in.

I participated in the retreat "Listening to Silence" with teacher Roger Guest. Roger is an…read moreexcellent teacher. It was a profound benefit to me. It was a short event, all day Saturday and part of Sunday. We had a very small group which afforded me the opportunity to ask questions. I enjoyed my fellow attendees , the organization, and the food provided. Sky Lake is a beautiful location, very peaceful and quiet. I commuted. Lodging is available.