4-Day New Year’s Meditation Retreat // Releasing into a Deeper You

Embrace a New Beginning, welcome the New Year, and explore a New and Deeper You! Join us for a revitalizing four-day retreat inviting you to release the old, delve deeper within, reconnect with yourself and welcome in the new. Experience the power of sharing your stories and perspectives with like-minded individuals as you deeply relax, detoxify, and revitalize your body and soul. Embrace this opportunity to enhance your awareness of your inner self and the world and take a meaningful step towards personal growth and healing.
 

Embark on this transformative spiritual journey that encourages you to dive deep within yourself, discover your true purpose, and master the art of guiding your life. By letting go of old, limiting beliefs, you can unlock the power of your mind to lead you toward a life filled with joy, health, and abundance. As you experience this profound inner change, you’ll notice your outer world evolving into a more positive and fulfilling environment. Harness the immense potential of your mind; it is the key to manifesting your dreams and creating the life you desire.

 

 

 

 

The Retreat is All-Inclusive

 

»  California’s Pacific Coast // Wake up to stunning views of California’s natural habitat—the beautiful winter beach and coastline, enveloped with majestic trees, dunes and regional wildlife

»  Mindfulness Practices // Elevate your spirit with guided meditation, yoga, and breathwork sessions

»  Holistic Nutrition // Savor organic, vegetarian and vegan meals for a complete detox experience

»  Cultural and Creative Enrichment // Explore with a range of cultural, spiritual and creative activities

»  Cozy Accommodations // Rest easy in comfortable, high-quality, contemporary lodging, with optional fireplaces and ocean views.

Early Bird Pricing Offer // Limited Spaces // Expires at Midnight, November 30, 2024

 

We are offering an Early Bird Special to the first 14 spaces booked. There are 10 single room spaces and 4 double room spaces available at the special, promotional rates through the end of November. Once these are sold out or the time elapses, the REGULAR pricing will be in effect. Please see ticketing section below for all the details. You’ll save $300 per registration ticket during the Early Bird promotional period.

 

 

The Location // Asilomar Conference Grounds

Asilomar boasts 107 Acres of unspoiled and protected nature to immerse yourself in the splendor of the California Pacific Coast. Enjoy a peaceful retreat and the natural beauty that provides breathtaking ocean views, wildlife watching, and stargazing opportunities. Steps from Asilomar State Beach, which stretches one mile and is made up of rocky coves and a few sandy areas, the beach is popular with surfers and kayakers and offers beautiful views and walking trails. Asilomar State Beach is part of the Asilomar Marine Reserve due to its rich ecosystem and biodiversity; fishing is prohibited.

 

The property was designated as a Historic Landmark in 1987 and boasts a rich history and unique architecture for guests to enjoy.

 

Asilomar is conveniently located near a wide array of activities and things to do in the Pacific Grove area. The area is home to the Asilomar Coast Trail, a ¾ walking trail, Asilomar Dunes Natural Preserve, a pedestrian boardwalk through 25 acres of a sand dune ecosystem, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a Federal marine protected area spanning 276 miles.

Read more here on the Asilomar website.

 

 

Accommodations

You will have comfortable rooms for a good night’s rest. Options include booking a single room with a King bed or a double (shared) room with two double beds. Rooms with a fireplace and/or an ocean view are available for an additional small fee per day (by request, based on current availability at booking). Please check out the options and pricing in the ticketing/booking section. You may add-on a fireplace, an ocean view, or both. For shared rooms, if you note that you’re registering with other family members or friends, we will put you in the same room. Otherwise, you will be paired with someone of the same gender.

 

 

 

Activities
You can choose to participate in any of the items below.

 

»  Beach Walk // Bird and nature watching + Journaling

»  Mandala and Beaded Prayer Mala Creative Session // Learn to create one or both of these beautiful spiritual tools.

» Coast Trail // Two-mile roundtrip coastal walk through the rocky shores habitat. ADA is available.

» Dunes Preserve // This quarter-mile boardwalk loop takes you through the sandy dunes and offers beautiful beach views.

»  Julia Morgan Architecture—self-guided architecture tour // The Arts and Crafts Movement
Learn more about the historic buildings and architecture designed by Julia Morgan.

»  Optional guided e-bike tour of the California Coastline (Not included in ticket price)

»  Optional Monterey Bay Aquarium (Not included in ticket price)

 

 

 

 

Schedule

Day One // Friday, Jan 31 
4:00 PM  Arrivals—check-in with the front desk and get settled in your room
5:00 PM  Welcome session, opening meditation and orientation—Scripps (Meeting Room)
6:00 PM  Dinner in Crocker Dining Hall
8:00 PM  Fireside chat + Creative Exercise—Scripps (Meeting Room)

 

Day Two // Saturday, Feb 1 
7:00 AM  Wake up Yoga/Breathwork/Meditation—Scripps
8:00 AM  Breakfast in Crocker Dining Hall
9:00 AM  Personal Time
9:45 AM  Walking Tour—Meet in Social Hall
11:30 AM  Meditation Session—Scripps
12:30 PM  Lunch in Crocker Dining Hall
1:30 PM  Free time for optional activity
3:30 PM  Creative session—Scripps
5:00 PM  Spiritual/Meditation Session—Scripps
6:00 PM  Dinner in Crocker Dining Hall
8:00 PM  Fireside chat + Creative Exercise—Fire Pit Area

 

Day Three // Sunday, Feb 2  (silent day)
7:00 AM  Wake up Yoga/Breathwork/Meditation—Scripps
8:00 AM  Breakfast in Crocker Dining Hall
9:00 AM  Personal Time
9:45 AM  Silent walk w/group—meet at Social Hall
11:30 AM  Meditation Session—Scripps
12:30 PM  Lunch in Crocker Dining Hall
1:30 PM  Free time for optional activity
3:30 PM  Creative session—Scripps
5:00 PM  Spiritual/Meditation Session—Scripps
6:00 PM  Dinner in Crocker Dining Hall
8:00 PM  Fireside chat + Creative Exercise—Social Hall

 

Day Four // Monday, Feb 3
7:00 AM  Wake up Yoga/Breathwork/Meditation—Scripps
8:00 AM  Breakfast in Crocker Dining Hall
9:30 AM  Sharing—Scripps
10:00 AM  Meditation + Closing Ceremony—Scripps
11:00 AM  Check out of room and gather for lunch in Crocker Dining Hall
Noon  Lunch + Departures

 

 

 

Making Your Way

No matter where you’re coming from, it’s easy to get to Asilomar from area highways and numerous airports. The Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) is just 8 miles from Asilomar. In comparison, Mineta San Jose International (SJC) is 80 miles North, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is 110 miles North. The San Jose and San Francisco airports are also served by the Monterey Airbus, an airport shuttle service that can bring travelers to our door.

 

Driving Directions

From San Francisco and San Jose
Asilomar is approximately 120 miles south of downtown San Francisco (about 105 miles from San Francisco International Airport) and about 75 miles south of San Jose. Take 101 South to 156 West. Take 156 West to Highway 1 South, through Monterey to the Pebble Beach / Pacific Grove exit, and turn right on Holman Highway / 68 West. Stay on Highway 68 West/Holman Highway for 3.5 miles until it becomes a city street called Forest Avenue. Continue on Forest Avenue for about 1 mile and turn left onto Sinex Avenue. In just under 1 mile, Sinex Avenue ends right at the front gates to Asilomar.

 

From Los Angeles
Asilomar is approximately 325 miles from downtown Los Angeles (about 310 miles from LAX). Take 101 North through Salinas to 156 West. Take 156 West to Highway 1 South, through Monterey to the Pebble Beach / Pacific Grove exit, and Highway 68 West. For about 3-1/2 miles, you will be on a portion of Highway 68 West, also called the Holman Highway. Stay on Highway 68 West/Holman Highway until it becomes a city street called Forest Avenue. Continue on Forest Avenue for about 1 mile and turn left onto Sinex Avenue. In just under 1 mile, Sinex Avenue ends right at the front gates to Asilomar.

 

From Salinas
Take Highway 68 West to Highway 1 South to Highway 68 West to Pacific Grove. Just past the Monterey Peninsula Airport, Highway 68 West overlaps Highway 1 for about 5 or 6 miles. Stay on Highway 68 West/Highway 1 and exit the Pacific Grove. For about 3-1/2 miles, you will be on a portion of Highway 68 West, also called the Holman Highway. Stay on Highway 68 West/Holman Highway until it becomes a city street called Forest Avenue. Continue on Forest Avenue for about 1 mile and turn left onto Sinex Avenue. In just under 1 mile, Sinex Avenue ends right at the front gates to Asilomar.

 

Airport Transportation
Local taxi companies and the Monterey-Salinas Transit bus system service the Monterey Peninsula Airport. Airport shuttle service to and from San Jose and San Francisco airports can also be arranged in advance through Groome Transportation (previously Monterey Airbus). They will pick up from either SJC (San Jose) or SFO (San Francisco) and take you directly to Asilomar Conference Grounds. The online form will ask you to enter your airport and where you’re going (Asilomar).

 

Monterey-Salinas Transit
The Monterey-Salinas Transit bus system stops at the Monterey airport. The buses are clean and wheelchair accessible. The fare to Asilomar is $1.75 one way, and the total trip takes about 30 minutes. Take any number of Monterey-bound buses. Ask for a transfer when you board. Transfers are free. Tell the driver to announce the Monterey Transit Center, where you will disembark and transfer to the #1 Asilomar bus. There is rarely more than a 5-minute wait at the transfer point. The #1 bus will let you off at the front gate to the Asilomar Conference Grounds. MST buses also have room for two bicycles per bus. For more information, visit the Monterey-Salinas Transit website.

 

 

 

 

Facilitator

About Jay Chodagam

After training as a monk and living in an ashram for 18 years, Jay was called to create experiences that combine meditation, adventure and exotic travel. His passion for adventure has taken him to over 73 countries, where he helps people develop their spiritual quotient (SQ), live happy and fulfilling lives, and transition from human doings to successful human BEINGS. With over 100 retreats under his belt, Jay’s guided meditation and breathwork tracks on the InsightTimer app and Simple Habit have garnered over 1 million views. Jay’s speaking engagements at major companies like Google, McKinsey, Gap Inc., and universities like Stanford, have further solidified his expertise. When he’s not leading retreats or speaking, Jay works as a realtor in San Francisco Bay and indulges in his love for kitesurfing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAQs 

What’s Included?

»  Your room
»  All meals
»  All sessions
»  All activities, unless stated as optional
»  Transportation during the retreat for activities

 

How can I upgrade my room to include a fireplace, ocean view room, or a room with both fireplace and ocean view? What is the pricing?
You may add your choice in the Added Services section of the Registration area. We will do our best to take care of you! The rate for a room with a fireplace adds $22 per night. A room with an ocean view adds $44 per night, and a room with both a fireplace and an ocean view adds $55 per night. Not all upgraded rooms would include a balcony. There is a limited supply of these types of upgraded rooms. If you’re interested, they are on a first-come, first-served basis and are not guaranteed to be available.

 

What if I have any other specific needs such as a chair for meditation or an ADA-compliant room?
Please let us know if you need special accommodations for your room or retreat experience. We can book you into an ADA-compliant room if you require it, and we will also have chairs available for those who don’t wish to meditate on floor cushions. If you have any other physical or wellness needs we can accommodate, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

 

Will I need to bring my meditation cushion and mat or will one be provided? What if I’m flying in?
The conference center does not provide meditation cushions and mats. We ask you to bring your own. Usually, they can be found as a set—a Zafu (cushion) and Zabuton (mat) are a combo or can be found separately. If you don’t already have them at home, they can be purchased on Amazon or your local meditation supply store. They are specialized for meditation with the right amount of support. A seat cushion with back support called a “backjack” can be a good solution if you need the extra back support. There are many other types you can find online as well. It’s best not to use/bring a regular pillow, as they don’t offer enough support. For those who are flying in, please reach out to Julie, our Event Coordinator (julie@circlekstudio.com), to let her know you may need to borrow a cushion set. We will bring a few sets for those who are flying in.

 

Is there complimentary WiFi/Internet access?
Yes! There is internet provided in all guest rooms and the social hall. The WiFi password is available from the front desk.

 

Is there early check-in that we can request?
There is no specific early check-in. If you arrive prior to 4 pm, you may ask the front desk if your room is ready. If they have your room ready, you may have the chance to get in a bit early. There is nothing guaranteed. If your room isn’t ready and you have time on your hands, you may either leave your bags in your car or ask them to be stored while you are waiting. There is plenty to do on the grounds.

 

What’s the weather like at Asilomar?
Evenings are cooler, and sweatshirts or a lightweight top layer are recommended for outdoor activities as it can cool off quickly once the sun goes down.

 

Is there a swimming pool? Is it heated year-round?
Yes, there is a pool at Asilomar Conference Grounds, and it is heated, allowing for use throughout the year, including winter. The pool is located outdoors but is heated, making it suitable for swimming even in colder months. Guests may use the pool any time of year, from dawn until dusk. It’s always a good idea to check with the Asilomar staff for current pool temperatures and any updated operating hours.

 

What will the food be like? What if I have dietary restrictions—will I be able to request specific accommodations?
Asilomar offers a range of food types, including vegetarian and vegan options. If you do have specific allergies (nuts, etc) or sensitivities such as eating gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free or grain free, etc., please reach out to Julie Keenan (julie@circlekstudio.com), our event coordinator, with your requests. We will include your requests in our discussion with their chef and staff. You are welcome to bring your own specific snacks if you require a particular diet that we cannot offer.

 

What should I wear? What type of clothing should I bring?
Casual! Layers! Casual attire is always appropriate. At Asilomar, “formal” simply means that you wear socks and your best pair of khakis. If you plan to be outside in the morning or evening (take a walk on the beach, for example), you’ll want to bring a jacket or warm sweater. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations. Bring a bathing suit if you wish to use Asilomar’s outdoor heated swimming pool. Walking shoes if you want to explore some of Asilomar’s gorgeous 107 acres; and a flashlight can be helpful if you think you’ll be walking around at night.

 

What do I do with my luggage after checkout and before lunch? Is there late checkout?
After checking out, leaving your room by 11 AM, take your luggage to your car for storage during our final lunch together. You’ll either have time on your own or an optional activity during our time prior to lunch at noon. If you’ve traveled in by plane and didn’t rent a car, please ask the front desk to store your bags during lunch, before you depart for the day. There is no late checkout for this facility.

 

Cancellations and Transfers
Cancellations can be made up to 3 days after the date you make your reservation. The reservation cut-off date is January 23, 2025. You can transfer your booking to another person until January 24, 2025.

 

 

What Past Attendees Said

This retreat helped me let go of my self-limiting beliefs and open my mind and heart. The tools I learned have helped me in my daily life, and I remain grateful to Jay—he is a gifted teacher and guide. I highly recommend this.
—Gautam M.

 

The role model of the facilitator in giving of himself was as important as the material.
—Mike K.

 

I am grateful to Jay for having the courage to dedicate his life to serving the souls of others.
—Silent retreat participant

 

I returned home and resigned from my part-time position. I told my employer that I wanted to teach holistic methods that support the soul and my beliefs. Meditation is listening to one’s soul. The experience enabled me to close the book on my story, which in turn may lead to space for me to write a book. There is only love.
—Cathy, Silent retreat participant

 

I came home happy and joyful. The outer layer of anxiety and worries diminished tremendously! Fear is gone, and I am bold now. I have a different energy, and I have revived a lot from my recent past. I am like the old me as I was 2 1/2 years ago! Thank you, Jay!
—Silent retreat participant

 

Silence is so powerful. Try to be silent at least once a month at my home.
—Silent retreat participant

 

I am going through tough relationship issues. When we did a creative exercise, I felt connected to everyone in the room. I felt I was not alone anymore. I could face the whole world, and the whole universe was ready to help me. The words from your mouth, “May all your sorrow go away, ” made me feel I had no more sorrow in my life. I’ll try my best to keep this magic going. Thank you again, brother Jay!
—Silent retreat participant

 

The people were amazing! I loved how you set up the initial norms—no titles—and the storytelling format to encourage vulnerability! I also loved the fact that the facilitators were also participants. It leveled the playing field quite a bit and focused on the beginner’s mind.
—Wise Leader retreat participant

 

Jay, I tend not to listen to meditations led by men because they can trigger me. But you provide such safety, warmth and wisdom. I love every series you’ve done. Thank you for cultivating such a thoughtful and nurturing energy ♥️
—Bianca, on the Simple Habit app