Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ashram?

Our ashram is a residential spiritual community of dedicated practitioners.  We strive to deepen our practice daily and to bring what we cultivate during meditation off our cushion and into our daily tasks.  We offer daily yoga and meditation classes as well as private classes and yoga teacher trainings for our guests as well as numerous amenities to enjoy while you unplug from the hectic pace of daily life.

I’m a beginner at yoga. Will I be able to participate in yoga at Shoshoni?

Yes! Beginners are welcome. Our yoga classes are designed to be for all levels of yoga practitioners. Each yoga class is tailored to the students who are there. Let your instructor know you are new to yoga! They will offer suggestions to help you have a deeper experience of the yoga postures.

What style of yoga do you teach?

We teach ShambhavAnanda Yoga Asanas™ which begin with a strong foundation in body awareness and alignment. This approach moves you deeper, allowing you to explore your own personal experience of yoga through inner focus and surrender.

I’ve never meditated before. How do meditation classes work at Shoshoni?

All meditation classes are held in our Main Temple or in the Main Yoga Room. Filled with beautiful Hindu and Buddhist artwork, both spaces are a wonderful place to meditate. Unless otherwise noted, all meditation classes are guided. An ashram resident might teach mantra, breath awareness, heart awareness, or chanting, followed by silent meditation. On Saturdays we practice kirtan, or sacred chanting, followed by a guided silent meditation.

What style of meditation do you practice?

We practice ShambhavAnanda Yoga Meditation™. Our meditation practices are diverse yet simple, practical yet profound. They begin on the cushion and in the heart, using breath and mantra to experience what lies beyond the mind. With practice, this subtle awareness is cultivated in all life circumstances, bringing the light of consciousness with you everywhere you go.

I’m not sure I can sit on the floor for meditation.

We offer meditation cushions for cross-legged sitting on the floor, as well as chairs, in our meditation programs.

I have minor injuries, and I’m not sure I can participate in yoga classes.

Check with your yoga instructor. Many minor injuries do not prevent you from doing yoga. Your instructor will be able to offer you modifications so that you can safely practice yoga. If you have severe or debilitating injuries, or other long-term health conditions, check with your doctor before taking a yoga class.

I’ve never been to a yoga retreat. What should I expect at Shoshoni?

Shoshoni is a place to visit when you are looking for clarity and nourishment. It is a great opportunity to deepen your yoga and/or meditation practice.  Guests at Shoshoni design their own day. None of the scheduled programming is required- from art, to hiking, to yoga and meditation…each guest paves their own path.  It is a place where you can leave feeling recharged and refreshed.

What should I know about temple etiquette?

When joining our community for a program in any of our temples, we request that you observe the following etiquette:  (Our three temples include the Main Temple, the Yajna (Fire Temple), and the Ma Shrine.)

• Wear appropriate temple attire: please no jeans, shorts, tank tops or yoga clothes.  For ladies, a long skirt and blouse, a dress, or nice dress pants and blouse; for men, nice dress pants and button up shirt.
• No cell phones in the temple,  including no photography inside any of our temples.
• Please enjoy your food and drink outside of the temple.  Leave water bottles outside or on the shelf in the back of the temple.
• Remove shoes before entering.
• As a measure of respect, please do not point the soles of your feet toward the altar or teacher.
• Please do not place any of the arati items on the ground.

I have my own religious tradition. Will I still be welcome at Shoshoni?

Absolutely! We welcome people of any background. ShambhavAnanda Yoga practices can benefit anyone and most people are inspired by the deep spiritual connection that the residents of Shoshoni experience from their practice.

How long can I stay at Shoshoni?

During the summer season (June through mid-September), Shoshoni is open for two or three-night retreats on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights only. The rest of the year (mid-September through May), Shoshoni is open for two-night retreats, Friday and Saturday nights only. 

What time is check in/out?

Check in time is 3pm and check out is 1pm.  For $25 extra you can check in at 9:45am and enjoy our morning yoga class and lunch, and partake in our amenities before 3pm. However, your accommodation is not guaranteed to be available until standard check-in time of 3pm.

I’m ready to book my retreat.  What is the best way to do this?

You can book your retreat online at your own convenience, or you can call us during office hours, daily 8am to 4pm (MST).  303.642.0116.

What should I bring for my overnight stay at Shoshoni?  

We provide towels, shampoo, conditioner and body soap in all of our guest shower spaces.  It is recommended that you bring the following for your overnight stay:

• Modest, respectful dress clothing for Temple suitable for seated meditation. For women, long skirts, dresses, or dress pants with blouses are appropriate. For men, dress pants and button up shirts are appropriate. Yoga and hiking clothes will not be permitted in the temples.
• Loose, comfortable clothing for yoga.
• Swimwear for hot tub and sauna.
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Hiking boots or snow boots.
• Sun-block/sunglasses.
• Small battery alarm clock.
• Flip-flops or other shoes for indoor wear.
• Warm layers. Hat and Gloves in winter months!
• A yoga mat if you’d prefer to use your own, otherwise we have plenty!

Do you accommodate special diets?

We serve three delicious homemade meals every day.  Yes, we offer gluten free, dairy free and vegan options at every meal, and are able to accommodate lots of dietary requests.  Please note that we are not an allergen-free kitchen.  Please let us know before arriving if you have any special dietary considerations.  Thank you!  303.642.0116.

What amenities do you offer?

We have all kinds of offerings at Shoshoni.  Aside from daily yoga, art and meditation classes, we have an outdoor hot tub, an indoor sauna, a hammock forest, a pond with kayaks, and miles of marked hiking trails.  Feel free to enjoy these during your overnight or day use stay here.

Do you offer private instruction?

Yes!  We will happily schedule a private yoga or meditation session, an Ayurvedic consult, a Yoga for Wellness session or an Ayurvedic cooking class.  Please visit the office to schedule or choose any of these options while booking your retreat online.

Can I bring my pets with me?

We ask that you leave your pets at home during your stay at Shoshoni.  Thank you for understanding!

I am interested in your yoga teacher training certification program.  How should I proceed?

Great!

• Please read through our teacher trainings page thoroughly.
• It is helpful if you have the opportunity to visit Shoshoni if you have never been here before.
• Fill out our teacher training application.  One of our yoga training instructors will call or email you to set up a phone interview,
• Have your questions ready and plan to chat for about 30-60 minutes.  We like to take our time to answer your questions as well as ensure that our immersion program and style of yoga is the best fit for you.
• Please call us if you would like to set up a time to take a tour and if possible enjoy a yoga class and a meal with us for a discounted rate.  303-642-0116