PRESENTS
Yoga, Sex + DeathTM
Samarasa's signature course is a deeply transformative journey designed to bring you back to the truth of your own heart so you can experience the intimacy and depth you desire in relationship. Choose the format that's right for you - YSD Basics Online or YSD Intensive Retreat. YSD Level 2 is available for YSD grads wanting to go deeper.
Take a peek inside the YSD world.
YSD Overview:
Yoga, Sex + Death™is a study on the relationship between yoga, sacred sexuality, and death through a deeper examination of the two main themes that connect them:
Intimacy + Letting Go
YSD Explained
PART 1
YOGA
We ground the basic foundation of the course in yogic philosophy as we move beyond the physical body towards a deeper understanding of the subtle body. We’ll dive deeply into the chakra system – by first studying a brief overview from the more classical traditions to the new age Jungian concept of the chakra system and its relationship to yoga postures (asana). We’ll apply this knowledge to practice for releasing blockages/tensions (granthis) and purifying subtle impressions (samskaras) in the energy body for more freedom, ease, peace, lightness, clarity, an intimacy with life and a total acceptance/openness to whatever arises.
PART 2
SEX
Continuing to build on the knowledge and practices of the subtle body we learn in part 1, we begin to focus more deeply on the vital energy of sexuality and it’s 3 forces – eros, sex and love. We will closely examine our own relationship to each to discover where we’re blocked and experience how these blockages of sexual energy directly relate to all other aspects of our lives. We’ll free up this vital energy so it can begin to flow freely and life can expand beyond measure as a deep sense of connectedness to others emerges.
PART 3
DEATH
When most of us think about death (or the groundlessness of life itself), we feel sadness or anxiety in the face of such profound insecurity. In this course, we begin to see that those very feelings are the fertile ground in which we can become more courageous, wise, and compassionate towards ourselves and others. We’ll continue to build on what we’ve learned in Part 1 and 2 to learn about what sacredness means and how to attune ourselves to experience it every day, so that when death comes, it can be a vehicle for fully merging with this limitless wisdom.
Yoga, Sex + Death TM
BASICS - A Self-Paced Online Course
YSD Basics is the perfect introduction to the foundational principles of the course. It's the place to start if you want to dip your toe in before taking the deep dive into the YSD Intensive Retreat -although it's a complete and powerful journey on its own. Completion of YSD Basics qualifies you for membership as well as for Level 2.
You’ll enjoy:
- 12 Pre-recorded, on-demand video lessons that break down course material including: How Yoga Works, Polarity of Energy, Sex + Spirituality, Spiritual Support For the Dying, and so many more
- 12 90-minute practice sessions that include Tantrik Hatha, Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, + Meditation
- Supplemental reading materials to support you in your journey
- Reflective homework assignments, journal prompts, and assessments to support your integration of the material
- A self-paced format that allows you to absorb the material on your own timing
- A private online community forum exclusively for course participants to connect and receive support
Yoga, Sex + Death TM Retreat
April 30 - May 7, 2022
(Scholarships available for BIPOC + LGBTQIA.)
Investment: $3200
(10% discount for Samarasa Members)
YSD Intensive Retreat is a deep dive into the Heart through Tantrik Hatha Yoga, meditation, self-inquiry, pyscho-spiritual work, feminine embodiment rituals and death practices.
This retreat is limited to 10 participants and is open to those who identify as female.
*Price assumes a shared double room. Single rooms available for an adjusted cost.
Click below to register! Pay in full or secure your place in the circle with only a $600 deposit.
Where you’ll stay..
Villa Sumaya is the most breathtaking boutique hotel on Lake Atitlán in Santa Cruz, Guatemala. Surrounded by the beautiful colors and fragrances of lush flowers and foliage with the waves of the lake gently lapping in the background, it is a feast for the senses - both warmed by the sun and cooled by gentle lake breezes.
Villa Sumaya is an immersion into Lake Atitlán's most luxurious experiences; boasting a hot tub and pool overlooking the lake, sauna, juice bar, healing rooms, apothecary, and a renowned spa, it is the perfect backdrop for a time of withdrawal from the outside world. It is a soft place to do the deep work of self-discovery - gently and lovingly. It offers a haven for travelers from all over the world while simultaneously remaining true to its indigenous roots. All meals are vegetarian and prepared fresh on site daily. Read more here.
A non-refundable $600 deposit is required to reserve your spot. Deposit is transferrable to another YSD course.
YSD LEVEL 2
YSD L2 is for you if you have completed YSD Basics Online, YSD 6-wk Course or YSD Intensive Retreat and would like to deepen your studies. It is a mix between online and in-person sessions. Sessions not marked "In Person" will take place via Zoom
- Module 1 - Creating the Container - March 5th, 8a - 12p PST
- Module 2 - Self-inquiry + The Work of Byron Katie - April 23 + 24, 8a - 12p, 2p - 5p PST
- Module 3 - Silent Meditation Retreat - June 11 + 12 - IN PERSON
- Module 4 - Tantrik Hatha Yoga - July 9 + 10, 8a - 12p, 2p - 5p PST - IN PERSON
- Module 5 - Sexual Shadow - July 30 + 31, 8a - 12p, 2p - 5p PST
- Module 6 - Feminine Embodiment Practices - August 13 + 14, 8a - 12p, 2p - 5p PST - IN PERSON
- Module 7 - Yoga Nidra, Death + Dying - September 9 + 10 + 11, 8a - 12p, 2p - 5p PST (THREE DAY MODULE)
- Module 8 - Closing - October 1, 8a - 12p PST
Investment: $1530
(10% discount for Samarasa Members)
All modules will take place via Zoom, unless otherwise noted.
*Modules + lengths subject to change
SIGN UP NOW!What people are saying...
"I am a yoga teacher and student and have attended many workshops over the years, but I have to say that this one was, by far, the most rewarding... It gave those of us who attended an opportunity to get to know each other while submerging ourselves in the teachings so that we gained a momentum that had us all glowing, inspired and more wholehearted. None of us wanted it to end… I learned so much without ever feeling overwhelmed and always left each session feeling happy, inspired, and deeply grateful. The whole experience was life changing!"
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Amy Foreman, USA
"Yoga, Sex + Death™ was a beautiful spiritual gift. I am a 67 year-old practicing Catholic and somewhat progressive. I have some experience with yoga but I am basically a novice. I signed up because I wanted to take a fresh look at my life… It opened my eyes to so many things about myself and the world around me. Susan is amazing. She has an exceptional ability to take a ton of information and make it digestible so that it became something that we could embrace and understand. I felt like we “hung” on every word waiting for the next tidbit. As a bonus, I got to know a group of beautiful women and now I have a new yoga family. Many thanks to Susan for making it possible. Overall, a fantastic experience!!"
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Athena Chavez, USA
"Words do not encapsulate how much I benefited from the Yoga, Sex + Death™ course I participated in with Susan. My perspective on life has changed in every aspect for the better. I am more aware of who I am as opposed to flying through life as a chain of reactions to my environment. I had some reservations on time commitment due to my job and family, but I am so thankful I overcame my excuses to participate in this course. I ended the course renewed, enlightened and rich with friendship. I feel as though this class should be a prerequisite to life."
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Roxanne Benatar, USA