Earth . Breath . Sound: A journey through ancient healing arts
With Pinky Dayavati Malhotra and Darlene Rich
October 12 - 15, 2026
This October, we invite you to join us in the Catskill Mountains for Earth, Breath & Sound – a four-day retreat designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and remember the peace that’s always been within you.
Held at the beautiful Menla Retreat Center, this immersive experience weaves together the healing wisdom of nature with practices that nourish your body, mind, and spirit, including:
Yoga & Meditation
Breathwork
Sound Healing
Forest Bathing
Qigong & Tai Chi
Meaningful connection, reflection, and time to simply be..
Throughout our time together, we will explore the healing connection between Earth, Breath, and Sound—grounding into the stability of the earth beneath us, awakening the life force through conscious breath, and allowing the soothing vibrations of sound to guide us into profound relaxation and inner balance. Whether you are seeking rest, renewal, or a deeper connection to your practice, this immersive journey offers space to release stress, awaken your senses, and rediscover the harmony that has always existed within.
Schedule:
Monday, October 12
Arrive & Ground (Earth)
- 1 – 3 pm Arrival & Check-In
- 4 – 5:30 pm Welcome Circle, introductions and gentle stretch
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 8:45 pm Bonfire and storytelling
Day 2 – Tuesday,Oct 13
(Breath)
- 7 – 8 am Tai Chi & Qigong
- 8 – 9 am Breakfast
- 9:30 – 11:30 am Forest Therapy
- 11:30 am -12:30 pm Kundalini (optional)
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
- 1:30 – 4 pm Free Time
- 4 – 5:15 pm Yin and sound healing
- 6 – 7 pm Dinner
- 7:30 – 9 pm bonfire and letting go ceremony
Day 3 –Wednesday October 14
(Sound)
7 – 8 am Tai Chi & Qigong
8 – 9 am Breakfast
9:30 – 11:30 am Nature Immersion( making nature mandalas)
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Kundalini
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 – 4 pm Free Time
4 – 5:30 pm Hatha and guided meditation
6 – 7 pm Dinner
7:30 – 9 pm Candlelight Yin & Closing Sound Ceremony
Day 4 – Oct,15
(Integration)
7 – 8 am Tai Chi & Qigong
8 – 9 am Breakfast
9:30 – 10:45 am Closing Meditation & Reflection
10:45 – 11:30 am Free time (check out)
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch and departures
*Please note this schedule is subject to change.
About the Leaders
Pinky Dayavati Malhotra
Pinky spent her childhood in India, where the essence of yoga was part of her everyday life. She has lived in New Jersey for the last 24 years, fulfilling a career and raising her two daughters. She loves Bollywood music and dance, enjoys a good nature walk, absolutely adores being around people. She is a […]
Learn more about Pinky Dayavati Malhotra
Darlene Rich
Darlene has been devoted to the practice and study of yoga for decades. She weaves together yoga, breath work, meditation, sound healing, Qigong and Tai Chi, poetry, and philosophy to create transformative experiences that nurture physical, emotional, and energetic well-being. She brings deep appreciation for storytelling, authentic expression, and the art of mindful living into […]
Learn more about Darlene RichCategories : Accommodations Only, Other Retreats at Menla