We spoke with one of our retreat facilitators, Sami Jackson of Seva-Yoga to learn more about Seva, her philosophy and her approach for Seva-Yoga’s retreats.
We (Sami and her retreat partner Ruby) both approach our teaching as an act of service (Seva), compassion and dedication to others. Seva is a Sanskrit word meaning selfless service, and is perhaps considered the most important part of any spiritual practice. It lies at the heart of the path of karma yoga—selfless action—and asks us to serve others with no expectation of outcome. We also encourage attendees to examine their own acts of Seva and might even offer up opportunities of Seva for them to engage in at the retreat.
Yoga has so profoundly changed both of our lives. We believe just the experience of a yoga retreat can be so healing and insightful, but we also recognize that not all have the ability to afford regular classes, much less a retreat. We respect this by keeping our pricing at just enough to cover our costs to the retreat center, the materials for the retreat, with any extra going toward the next retreat deposit.
Ruby and I were both trained in classical Yoga, myself Raja, and Ruby in Kali Natha. After her mother, a student of mine, introduced us in 2013, we quickly recognized the kindred spirit of hearts seeking a deeper path over a predominately physical practice. That was the beginning of what would evolve into years of wonderful collaborations.
We are dedicated to offering accessible practices of asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, and Kirtan at our retreats. Sharing our love and knowledge of the yogic path through sessions that incorporate chakra balancing, uses of mudras, crystal and sound healing, yoga nidra, meditation, manifestation and intention… while being lighthearted and having fun. Always inviting questions and dialogue among the participants. The evenings are truly something special, including a ceremonial aspect to honor the time we are going to spend in communion with one another and ourselves, a sacred sound bath and weather permitting we have a drum circle around the fire.
We encourage anyone wanting to experience a yoga retreat in a non-judgemental, safe and inviting space with others from all walks of life, all shapes and sizes to join us on a Seva-Yoga Retreat, we are certain they will not regret their investment in themselves!
About Sami Seva Jackson
Sami Seva Jackson is a Yoga Alliance E-RYT 500/YACEP teacher and has been practicing yoga since
2003. In July 2008 she received her 200-hour Raja Yoga teacher training certificate from The Sierra
Center for Yoga Studies, in California, under the guidance of Bhavani Girard and Richard Valdez. In
January of 2018 she received her 300-hour certification through Etowah Valley Yoga, in Cartersville
GA. Sami has over 4,000 hours of teaching experience and over 200 hours of certified training thru
Yoga Alliance approved providers and other instructors.
Click here for more information about Sami’s upcoming retreat – Seva-Yoga’s Be Aligned Yoga & Meditation Retreat, June 3-5, 2022.
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