RETREATS & EVENTS
You’re Invited to Bend… & To Take The Deepest Breath You’ve Taken — On Retreat!
“… if happy I can be I will….”
— quoted from “IV” (regarding Judith Sutpen) of Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner (b. 09/25/1897)
What do you need to be happy?
To answer that question, we must first define what it means to be happy. How is it defined by the sages of various cultures? What does it mean to you at this moment? And, how do we make ourselves happy? For that matter, how can we “only be happy” for any given period of time?
Scientists, meditation practitioners, monks, and nuns have proven a link between gratitude and happiness. Even considering the possibility that there is something in your life for which you can be grateful can affect your well-being in a positive way.
So, what happens if you spend the weekend (or a week) giving thanks for what you have — as well as for what you may have in the future?
“Be joyful at your festival – you and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maid-servant, and the Levite, and the stranger, and the orphan, and the widow who live within your city.
For seven days you must celebrate the Festival to YHVH*, your God, in the place which YHVH* shall choose, because the Lord, your God, will bless you in all your produce, and in all the work of your hands, and you will only be happy.”
(*NOTE: YHVH is commonly translated as “the Lord” in English.)
— quoted from Devarim – Deuteronomy (16:14 – 15)
Every culture has rituals (i.e., meaningful traditions) marking liminal or threshold moments throughout the year. The Hebrew Bible / Old Testament outlines a series of ritual “holidays” — times when people are to gather for reflection, remembrance, and thanksgiving. The seventh and final holiday outlined in Deuteronomy is Sukkot, the Festival of the Tabernacles, which some people view as a mandate for happiness. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as the “Season of Happiness” — and you’re invited!
Join Myra K. Rucker and Bend Yoga Center for a weekend of community, ritual, harvest focused meals, yoga, and meditation — all centered around the link between gratitude, mindfulness, and happiness.
WHEN: Friday, September 25th — Sunday, September 27th, 2026 (see below for full schedule)
WHERE: Bend, Oregon (most yoga and meditation practices will be held at Bend Yoga Center, 1230 NE 3rd Street, Suite A230, Bend, Oregon 97701)
WHO: Everyone (sons, daughters, neighbors, strangers) are welcome.
WHAT: Beginning with Friday night’s festive dinner*, each day will include conversation and meditation practices to cultivate gratitude. Over the course of the weekend, Myra and teachers from Bend Yoga Center will lead five (5) alignment and breath focused yoga practices centered around gratitude and the ritual of Sukkot. There will also be guided meditation and journaling and a Saturday night Sound Bath, plus yoga-friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free fall harvest meals. All in all, it is a weekend to nourish the mind-body-spirit.
HOW: Click here to register. The full package includes all classes plus the Friday welcome dinner, a picnic snack, and breakfast on Saturday & Sunday.*
EARLY BIRD PRICE: $449 (before June 1st)
FULL PRICE: $499
CONTACTS: Please contact Myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com for retreat focused questions. Contact Bend Yoga Center (admin@bendyoga.center ) for questions about the Bend area, activities and travel questions. Also contact Bend Yoga Center with any issues while registering.
*Meals are not certified Kosher.
Travel and lodging are not included. However, we have arranged for discounted rates at Waypoint Hotel (1415 NE 3rd Street, Bend, Oregon 97701), which is within walking distance of the studio. Call the hotel directly (541) 382-7011 to make reservations. There are a variety of room options available, and all are discounted for our group. Mention that you are with the retreat from Bend Yoga Center.
At least one (1) meal and one (1) meditation/yoga practice will be held outdoors (weather permitting). Events are intended to be communal; however, quiet time will be available for anyone wishing to retreat in silence. Free time is also incorporated for anyone who wants to sightsee and/or experience Contrast Therapy.
All Times Are Pacific Time
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th:
3:00 – 4:00 PM Hotel Check In
5:00 – 7:00 PM Welcome Dinner & “Guided” Conversation
7:30 – 8:35 PM Yoga NidraSATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th:
6:15 – 6:45 AM Sunrise Meditation
7:00 – 8:05 AM Heart Opening Yoga
8:30 – 9:30 AM Breakfast
9:30 – 11:30 AM Free Time
11:30 AM – 12:35 PM Yoga in the Park
12:35 – 1:00 PM Picnic Snack in Park
1:00 – 1:45 PM Mindfulness (River) Walk
2:00 – 4:00 PM Free Time
4:00 – 5:05 PM Yin Yoga
5:15 – 6:45 PM Dinner
7:00 – 8:15 PM Sound Bath
8:30 – 9:30 PM Social Hour (Optional)SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th:
6:15 – 6:45 AM Sunrise Meditation
7:00 – 8:15 AM Morning Flow (with journaling)
8:30 – 9:30 AM Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00 AM Closing Ceremony
Yoga Sūtra 2.40: śaucāt svāngajugupsā parairasamsargah
— “From purity/cleanliness arises sensitivity to the unclean nature of one’s own body and [physical] unmixing.”
Yoga Sūtra 2.41: sattvaśuddhisaumanasyaikāgreyendriyayātmadarśanayogyatvāni ca
— “[From purity/cleanliness arises] pure wisdom of the heart, cheerfulness of mind, the power of concentration, victory over the senses, and the ability to directly experience our Self.”
### We Are Grateful for Your Presence ###
A Joyful Practice 