Yoga Nidra Retreat: Rest, Restore, and Remember Who You Are

There is a particular kind of rest that sleep alone does not give you. In this Yoga Nidra retreat at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, John Vosler guides you into the liminal space between wakefulness and sleep, where tension held in the body, emotions, and mind can be released systematically and without effort. Yoga Nidra, or "yogic sleep," asks very little of you: show up, lie down, and let go.

Over five days on the Big Sur coast, this yoga retreat combines gentle movement, guided meditation, and deep relaxation to restore the body and clear the mind. It is designed for anyone who feels tired, lost, or caught in habitual patterns that keep calm and clarity out of reach. The invitation is to remember the unchanging presence beneath your thoughts and feelings, a steady inner ground from which life becomes easier to navigate.

Set in the contemplative landscape of Esalen, with its coastal beauty and hot springs, the retreat offers the time and quiet to move from unconscious, automatic living toward a more aware, deliberate way of being.

What to Expect

The retreat unfolds as a gradual descent into rest and reflection, led by John Vosler throughout.

- Yoga Nidra practice: guided sessions that take you into the state between waking and sleeping, where stored physical, emotional, and mental tension can release.
- Gentle movement and guided meditation: practices that work with both body and mind and help you set clear intentions.
- Observing without judgment: learning to experience your emotions fully while knowing there is steady ground beneath you.
- Practical tools: ways to find your footing when you feel lost, tired, or confused, and to meet life's challenges as opportunities.
- Bringing it home: exploring how this awareness can shape your relationships, your work, and your time alone.

You leave with a deeper sense of your own wholeness and a set of practices to return to long after the retreat ends. There may also be opportunities to practice outdoors.

About John Vosler

For over twenty-five years, John Vosler has taught how our thoughts, emotions, and physical being are connected. Through meditation, movement, and holistic bodywork, his Los Angeles-based wellness practice has supported clients ranging from executives and athletes to busy parents and burnt-out professionals. They are drawn to his intuitive awareness and his knowledge of the science of meditation, and his humor and compassionate heart make the work joyful. John holds a degree in Human Development and multiple certifications in healing modalities, and he is a Senior Teacher at the Amrit Yoga Institute.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. Bring blankets, a yoga mat, an eye pillow, and anything else you need to lie comfortably on the floor for extended periods. Since some practice may happen outdoors, pack layers for changing conditions. Esalen has posted a travel advisory regarding Highway 1 road closures, so review the current advisory before planning your journey. The retreat can be booked with on-site or off-site accommodation, and scholarship applications are available through Esalen. For optional preparation, the organizers recommend Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep by Kamini Desai and Yoga Nidra: A Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing by Richard Miller.