Spiritual Living
Experience everything Song of the Morning has to offer
At Song of the Morning, everything we offer is aimed at creating the proper environment where we can live yoga together. We are inspired by the teaching of Paramahansa Yogananda who wrote, “Healthful living is to have good food, right thoughts, and contact with Spirit… Receiving food from the earth, life force from etheric cosmic energy and vitality, and unending power from the omnipresent Spirit.”
Group Meditations & Hatha Yoga
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Evening Meditations are held Tuesday-Saturday from 8-9 p.m. and include guided prayer, chanting and silent meditation. Basic instruction is incorporated to help newcomers feel welcome and supported.
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GLYTA hatha yoga classes are taught on Saturday at 2 p.m. by one of our Golden Lotus Yoga instructors. It is a gentle, meditative style of yoga. Register here.
"Yoga is the art of doing everything with the consciousness of God."
— Paramahansa Yogananda
Sundays at Song of the Morning
Every Sunday at 11 a.m., the Lodge hosts our community led Sunday Service which includes chanting, a short meditation and inspirational readings from the words of Paramahansa Yogananda. Afterwards, everyone gathers at 1 p.m. in the Main House for a fellowship dinner. All are welcome to join us for the service, the meal or both!
Walk our shrine trails
Visitors seeking a meditative experience are welcome to walk on our trails throughout our wooded 800 acres during Retreat business hours. Dedicated to our spiritual lineage, the shrines sit among the trees, river and hills nestled in the midst of the Pigeon River Wilderness Area.
“Harmony with nature will bring you a happiness known to few city dwellers.”
~ Paramahansa Yogananda
Balanced vegetarian meals
Our kitchen serves wholesome vegetarian meals using quality ingredients including vibrant produce from our organic garden during harvest season. Meals are served buffet-style in a community setting - and are always cooked with love.
Wednesday through Saturday we provide a 10 a.m. Brunch and 5 p.m. Dinner. On Sundays we only provide one meal, our community Sunday Dinner at 1 p.m.
Accommodation prices include meals for overnight guests. We offer vegan and gluten-free dishes if arrangements are made in advance during registration.
Three Hour Meditations
First Saturday of every month from 1-4 p.m.
Our three-hour meditations are an on-going tradition led by members of our Clear Light Community. Each hour of the meditation begins with a period of chanting, prayer and an inspirational reading, followed by a period of silent meditation. You are welcome to come and go on the hour during the periods of chanting, or to take a short stretching break. You may attend for any hours of the meditation you wish.
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March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 10, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7
Inspired spaces for connecting with the Divine
All of our gathering spaces at Song of the Morning were created to inspire the soul. The vibrations of sincere seekers and meditators permeates the temple spaces, and the dining hall is imbued with decades of satsang and fellowship. Accommodations are simple and comfortable, allowing guests to make the most out of their retreat experience without the distractions of our modern world.
Wheelhouse
The Wheelhouse features an upper floor for yoga classes wth expansive views of the river valley and sunset skies. Downstairs is a modest yet comfortable apartment with a full kitchen, dining area, full bathroom and futon option. The bedroom is fully furnished with a queen size bed and sitting area. Experience quiet moments with great wildlife viewing and all the comforts of home.
Lodge
Our historic Lodge has been Song of the Morning’s temple. For over fifty years devotees have gathered in the evenings to meditate together. The Lodge has four private rooms, a communal kitchen, and a cozy reading nook. Sitting up a forested hill, the Lodge is perfect for those wanting more privacy and offers easy access to trails and inspiring river views.
Domes
Comprising three 40-foot bio-dome structures with skylights with a central meeting space that accommodates yoga and other group events. The Domes are a unique attribute to our grounds that harken to the seventies era - at one point, they were covered in gold glitter! The Domes are ideal for those on a budget or wanting a communal experience featuring two large shared bathrooms, dormitory style bunk beds and 8 small private rooms.
Woodland Campsites
Enjoy the beautiful Pigeon River Forest in the rustic environment of the outdoors. With the spiritual energy of the land, fresh air, and starry nights like nowhere else, camping here is a must for nature lovers. Campers have access to our Camper Bathrooms outside the Main House and in our Shower House near the garden.
“Never lose hope. Your soul, being a reflection of the ever joyous spirit, is, in essence, happiness itself.”
— Paramahansa Yogananda
Organic Garden
At Song of the Morning, sustainability and connection to the land are important values for our residents and staff. Tucked behind our staff apartments, our organic garden grows vegetables and herbs that help feed our guests and staff every summer. There is so much joy that comes from growing our own food!
Interested in learning more? Explore our upcoming retreat all about gardening, or our summer Karma Yoga Program where you can experience the healing benefits of gardening firsthand.
Pigeon River & Swimming
Enjoying the refreshing and clean water of the Pigeon River is a must when visiting Song of the Morning during the warmer months! Ask the staff for more guidance on the best spots for access.
Gift Shop
Our Gift Shop offers hand selected items from local and global sources intended to support you in your spiritual life. From meditation shawls, spiritual reading material, and mala beads, to keepsakes and gifts for friends and family, our selections focus on supporting artists and small businesses that keep traditional handicrafts alive.
Experience a weekend at Song of the Morning
“Yoga is not a religion but a way of life, a practical science refined over thousands of years that anyone and everyone can enjoy.” —Yogacharya Oliver Black, founder of Song of the Morning