Touching the Earth: Dharma and Yoga

Touching the Earth: Dharma and Yoga is a daylong yoga workshop that brings Buddhist teachings, meditation, somatic movement and yoga asana together. It is led by Djuna Devereaux and Rolf Gates at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, and is also offered online via Zoom. It suits anyone who wants steadiness in stressful or uncertain times, from people new to yoga and meditation to long-time practitioners.

What to Expect

The day begins from a simple idea: when stress and uncertainty arise, returning to the body and to our connection with the earth can bring stability, calm and the possibility of a wise response. Embodied presence becomes a kind of taproot, grounding the body and settling the mind. From that refuge, the teachers invite participants to open toward clarity, joy and belonging.

The program runs from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Pacific time on a Saturday. It opens with meditation and an introduction to the dharma themes. Floor-based somatic movement follows, meant to release tension and fatigue. From there the practice moves into accessible yoga sequences, with meditation and teaching woven through the day rather than set apart from it.

Djuna and Rolf draw on personal stories and classical Buddhist teachings to explore what it means to be grounded in the body, held by awareness and supported by community. Expect a day that is nourishing and unhurried, with room for discussion.

About Djuna Devereaux

Djuna Devereaux has more than two decades of experience teaching the integration of yoga and Buddhist Dharma. At Spirit Rock she teaches on retreat and leads the Dharma and Yoga Teacher Trainings. She supports her primary Dharma teachers, Thanissara and Kittisaro, as a core teacher and Board Chair for Sacred Mountain Sangha.

About Rolf Gates

Rolf Gates is the author of the acclaimed book on yogic philosophy Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, and of the newly released Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness and Compassion. He conducts yoga workshops, retreats, teacher trainings, and coaching and mentorship programs throughout the U.S.

The Setting

Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre, California, is a Buddhist meditation center and the home of this program for those attending on-land. The same day is offered online through Zoom, so you can take part from home. Choose one format or the other when you register, not both.

Before You Go

This is an all-levels program. Newcomers and experienced practitioners are both welcome, and the teachers offer modifications and accessible entry points throughout. The program is taught in English.

Registration includes the full day of guided movement, yoga, meditation and dharma teaching and discussion. It also includes unlimited access to the recording, which becomes available about ten days after the program. You need to register by the deadline to receive it. Meals are not included. A yoga mat is recommended but not required.

Pricing is on a sliding scale that helps support the teachers, Spirit Rock and fellow practitioners who need to pay less. Scholarship rates are available for BIPOC participants, young adults, and those in the Mudita/Karuna category. For the online program, no one is turned away for lack of funds as space allows. If the program fills early, a waiting list is created.