Your Day at Ananda
However long your stay with us – whether it be one day, one week or longer – your experience at Ananda will include lessons and practices based on techniques informed by the teachings of Self-realisation, and many joyful and inspiring moments with the community residents whom you will meet during their service, at meditations, in the dining room and at evening events.
How your day is organised:
From 7.00 to 8.45
MORNING SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
The Energisation Exercises, Ananda Yoga and meditation are taught and practised. Each session builds on the previous one thus allowing you to develop a daily routine which you can practise at home.
At 8.45
BREAKFAST IN SILENCE
One of the principal reasons why we tend to lose our balance is that we are continually distracted by an enormous amount of external stimuli. A refreshing period of silence during breakfast helps us to begin our day from the strength of our inner centre.
From 9.30 to 10.30
KARMA YOGA
Between breakfast and morning lessons there is a short period dedicated to the practice of ‘Karma Yoga’. This ‘yoga’ guides us in practices which help us to remain focused and bring new attitudes, energy and enthusiasm to the ordinary activities of the day. During this session, teachers and guests work together to create a tidy and uplifting atmosphere within and around the temple.
From 11.00 to 13.30
MORNING LESSONS
Made up of practical exercises, lessons and engaging group discussions. A short break half-way through the morning is anticipated.
At Ananda there are brief periods of silence following the morning and evening meditations during which mind and soul have the possibility to absorb and enjoy that which we have experienced during the meditation.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Very often, for those who would like, Wednesday mornings are programmed for a guided visit to Assisi, the city of Saint Francis.
At 13.30
LUNCH
Lunch is not in silence but rather a joyful moment of sharing with other guests and the community residents. Afterwards you will have free time to relax, read or take a walk, enjoying the beautiful nature that surrounds the centre.
From 16.15 to 17.30
ANANDA YOGA
Sessions are offered almost every afternoon in addition to other sessions which integrate the practices of the morning. They are conducted by highly experienced teachers and are adapted to both beginners and those who practise regularly.
In the afternoon
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS AND LESSONS
Additional afternoon sessions are scheduled in some courses such as intensives, Ananda Yoga Super Intensives and courses delivered by the three teacher training schools of the Yogananda Academy.
From 17.45 to 19.30
AFTERNOON SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
The Energisation Exercises, Ananda Yoga and meditation are taught and practised. Each session builds on the previous one thus allowing you to develop a daily routine that you can practise at home.
At 19.30
DINNER
The first part of dinner takes place in silence. On Thursday evenings our Ananda Joy Choir performs a concert of musical pieces composed by Swami Kriyananda.
From 20.30 to 22.00
EVENING ACTIVITIES
Comprised of a variety of inspiring activities such as kirtan (devotional chanting); theatre; choir concerts; presentations and events; practising Yogananda’s method of sending healing vibrations to others; devotional songs.
Climate and Clothing
Ananda is 16km from Assisi and is nestled in the heart of the Umbrian hills, at approximately 800 metres’ altitude.
We always advise you to bring a woolly jumper, even during the Summer months, as there is always the possibility of rain! Also advised are: a comfortable pair of shoes and clothes adapted to yoga (appropriate for a spiritual environment). These items are necessary: a torch, an alarm clock and a pair of slippers.
The following equipment necessary for your practice is provided by us: cushions for meditation, mats and blankets for yoga. Should you use a towel as part of your yoga practice you will need to bring that with you.
