CMP held its second family retreat from September 2nd – 4th in Payson, Arizona. It picked up from where last year’s retreat left off, exploring ‘Into The Wild’ with Sadhana Panchakam. The retreat was led by Vivekji from Niagara Falls and Brni Shubhaniji from New York. A total of 110 adults & kids signed up for the event.
The group met up early morning at Tonto Natural Bridge Park to explore the largest natural travertine bridge. After lunch everyone proceeded to the retreat site at Camp Tontozona. During check-in, each attendee was given a gift bag that included well thought of items needed for Satsang.
Vivekji led the adult group with early morning contemplation session. His Satsangs were filled with insightful messages and tactical points for everyone to practice in their daily life. For each of the 40 verses, Vivekji provided Reflection Adventure of the Day (RAD).
Shubhaniji kept the kids engaged with morning yogasanas. During Satsang she taught the kids how to live a great life by starting their day with inspiration, filling their day in doing the right things and ending their day with satisfaction. She led ‘make your Ganesha’ activity which was followed by ‘disco bhajans’.
In-between Satsangs, group activities included soccer, cricket & photo treasure hunt. Volunteers helped prepare sumptuous meals for the entire duration of the retreat. After dinner on first day, everyone sat by the fireplace and sang bhajans while for second night participated in star gazing.
For the closing ceremony everyone got blessings from the Vivekji and Shubhaniji and received a framed family picture with them. Lastly, everyone participated in Ganesha immersion at the nearby pond. As everyone packed up and drove home, all took back with them lot of fond memories, amazing spiritual experience and the joy of spending time with Chinmaya families.Also attaching few additional pictures from the Retreat:
