Awaken the Heart
Bhakti Retreats
SURYA: July 24-26 & CHANDRA September 25-27
Vichara Yoga Shala
Join Tiffany, Sraddhā and Alexander for a heart-centered weekend immersed in the sacred gifts of Bhakti Yoga — the yoga of devotion, love, and surrender. Together, we gather to chant, sing, celebrate and amplify the joy of the Heart in all forms through Kirtan, Puja, Yoga, Meditation, Sacred Sangha Moments & Nature Immersion.
What is Bhakti?
Bhakti yoga is the path of loving devotion, often called the “yoga of the heart,” focused on total dedication to the divine. A bhakta comes to see all of their life as an expression of surrender and faith to the higher power that makes their life possible and beautiful. Bhakti is a letting go into the intuitive trust of the heart’s wisdom and a blessed celebration of all that we have the opportinity to be grateful for.
On Awaken the Heart retreats, you will have the chance to feel into this intimacy with life and to let go in into it’s embrace amongst a community of like minded seekers of happiness and truth.
Our time together will include
Kirtan & Sacred Chanting
Devotional chanting to uplift and awaken the heart
Puja & Ritual
Traditional Vedic ceremonies to celebrate the sacred
Heart-Centered Yoga & Meditation
Embodied practices to root, open, and inspire
- Vedic Storytelling & Teachings — Timeless tales and reflections to inspire the soul nourishing moments immersed in the blessing of mama nature
- Cedar Hot Tub Enjoyment — Soak, relax, and integrate beneath the open sky
- Nourishing Organic Meals — Mindfully prepared, autumnal vegetarian feasts
- Sacred Community Connection & Lots of Joy — Sharing space with like-hearted souls
SURYA Weekend Flow
Friday, July 24
5:00 pm — Opening Circle
6:00 pm — Yoga
7:00 pm — Nourishing Communal Dinner
8:00 pm — Evening Kirtan & Sacred Storytelling
Saturday, July 25
8:00 am — Morning Puja, Yoga & Meditation
10:00 am — Nourishing Organic Brunch
11:00 am — Kirtan & Sacred Chanting
1:00 pm — Forest Walk / Nature Bathing
4:00 pm — Kirtan & Satsang Talk
6:00 pm — Nourishing Organic Dinner
7:00 pm — Evening Kirtan & Storytelling Nidra Yoga
Sunday, July 26
8:00 am — Morning Puja, Yoga & Meditation
10:00 am — Nourishing Organic Brunch
11:00 am — Kirtan & Sacred Chanting
1:00 pm — Final Circle
CHANDRA Weekend Flow
Friday, September 25
5:00 pm — Opening Circle
6:00 pm — Yoga
7:00 pm — Nourishing Communal Dinner
8:00 pm — Evening Kirtan & Sacred Storytelling
Saturday, September 26
8:00 am — Morning Puja, Yoga & Meditation
10:00 am — Nourishing Organic Brunch
11:00 am — Kirtan & Sacred Chanting
1:00 pm — Forest Walk / Nature Bathing
4:00 pm — Kirtan & Satsang Talk
6:00 pm — Nourishing Organic Dinner
7:00 pm — Evening Kirtan & Storytelling Nidra Yoga
Sunday, September 27
8:00 am — Morning Puja, Yoga & Meditation
10:00 am — Nourishing Organic Brunch
11:00 am — Kirtan & Sacred Chanting
1:00 pm — Final Circle
Location
Held in the serene forested hills of Wakefield, Quebec, this intimate retreat is an invitation to let your Heart be nurtured and nourished. Over two soulful days and evenings, we will root into the heart’s deepest longing for peace, presence, joy, and truth.
Whether you are new to Bhakti or deeply steeped in the joy of its rich practices, this weekend is designed as a nourishing immersion into the simple — yet profound — art of devotional presence and celebration.
Your Hosts:
Tiffany Nicholson-Smith
Tiffany is an International Teacher of the Heart, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and founder of Vichara Yoga & RASA Ayurveda. Known for her joyful energy, clarity, and heart-centered presence, Tiffany seamlessly weaves together the teachings of Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda, and Tantra. She resides at “The Shala” in Wakefield, offering classes, retreats, and Ayurvedic consultations both locally, online and worldwide.
Caroline Śraddhā Monette
A devoted Kirtan leader and student of Sanskrit, Mantra and Yoga, Śraddhā has been guiding sacred song circles since 2007. Her grounded energy, soulful presence, and beautiful voice create a space where hearts open, voices rise, and connection to source deepens. Śraddhā is passionate about offering Kirtan as a joyful and healing path toward inner liberation and divine connection.
Alexander Bon-Miller
Alexander is an educator, mentor, and devoted student of the inner life whose path has been rooted in spirituality, growth, and service. For over a decade, he has offered the heartbeat of kirtan through percussion, supporting sacred song with rhythm, sensitivity, and joy. He brings enthusiasm and service, helping those who attend retreats to feel comfortable safe and held.