Anahat Monastery Retreat at New Vida Preserve
Spiritual Lifestyle Training in the Adirondack Mountains
Welcome to Anahat Monastery at New Vida Preserve
Welcome to Anahat Monastery, nestled within the serene beauty of New Vida Preserve in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York.
Founded upon the teachings of Matthew J. Brownstein, Anahat Monastery serves as the spiritual center for:
Anahat Education Group
The Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy
Silent Light Publishers
The International Association of Interpersonal Hypnotherapists (IAIH)
Nirva Interpersonal Hypnotherapy Clinic
Join us for a weekend of renewal, learning, and inner stillness—where professional excellence meets deep spiritual practice.
Retreat Schedule
Location
Anahat Monastery at New Vida Preserve
6394 NY-86, Jay, NY 12941
Thursday, April 23
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM - Dinner & Welcome Meal
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Opening Circle, Orientation, Meditation
Friday, April 24
6:00AM – 6:25AM - Meditation
6:25AM – 6:30AM - Walking Meditation
6:30AM – 7:00AM - Meditation
7:00AM – 7:30AM - Body Practice – Yoga/Qi Kung
7:30AM – 8:00AM - Silent Breakfast
8:00AM – 9:00AM - Personal Time
9:00AM – 10:00AM - Body Practice – Standing Postures
10:00AM – 10:25AM - Meditation
10:25AM – 10:30AM - Walking Meditation
10:30AM – 11:00AM - Meditation
11:00AM – 12:00AM - Personal Time
12:00PM – 12:30PM - Lunch
12:30PM – 1:00PM - Personal Time
1:00PM – 2:00PM - Dharma Talk
2:00PM – 3:00PM - Deep Hypnosis – Somnambulism/Samadhi Practice
3:00PM – 4:00PM - Yoga Floor Poses
4:00PM – 5:30PM - Personal Time
5:30PM – 6:00PM - Dinner
6:30PM – 7:00PM - Personal Time
7:00PM – 7:25PM - Dharma Talk
7:25PM – 7:30PM - Walking Meditation
7:30PM – 7:55PM - Meditation
7:55PM – 8:00PM - Walking Meditation
8:00PM – 8:25PM - Meditation
8:25PM – 8:30PM - Walking Meditation
8:30PM – 9:00PM - Meditation
9:00PM - Conclude day in silence
Saturday, April 25
6:00AM – 6:25AM - Meditation
6:25AM – 6:30AM - Walking Meditation
6:30AM – 7:00AM - Meditation
7:00AM – 7:30AM - Body Practice – Yoga/Qi Kung
7:30AM – 8:00AM - Silent Breakfast
8:00AM – 9:00AM - Personal Time
9:00AM – 10:00AM - Body Practice – Standing Postures
10:00AM – 10:25AM - Meditation
10:25AM – 10:30AM - Walking Meditation
10:30AM – 11:00AM - Meditation
11:00AM – 12:00AM - Personal Time
12:00PM – 12:30PM - Lunch
12:30PM – 1:00PM - Personal Time
1:00PM – 2:00PM - Dharma Talk
2:00PM – 3:00PM - Deep Hypnosis – Somnambulism/Samadhi Practice
3:00PM – 4:00PM - Yoga Floor Poses
4:00PM – 5:30PM - Personal Time
5:30PM – 6:00PM - Dinner
6:30PM – 7:00PM - Personal Time
7:00PM – 7:25PM - Dharma Talk
7:25PM – 7:30PM - Walking Meditation
7:30PM – 7:55PM - Meditation
7:55PM – 8:00PM - Walking Meditation
8:00PM – 8:25PM - Meditation
8:25PM – 8:30PM - Walking Meditation
8:30PM – 9:00PM - Meditation
9:00PM - Conclude day in silence
Sunday, April 26
6:00AM – 6:25AM - Meditation
6:25AM – 6:30AM - Walking Meditation
6:30AM – 7:00AM - Meditation
7:00AM – 7:30AM - Body Practice – Yoga/Qi Kung
7:30AM – 8:00AM - Silent Breakfast
8:00AM – 9:00AM - Personal Time
9:00AM – 10:00AM - Body Practice – Standing Postures
10:00AM – 10:25AM - Meditation
10:25AM – 10:30AM - Walking Meditation
10:30AM – 11:00AM - Meditation
11:00AM – 12:00AM - Personal Time
12:00PM – 12:30PM - Lunch
12:30PM - Retreat Concludes – Participants may stay for the afternoon and evening to enjoy the grounds and the space and are welcome to stay the night if paid for. For those who do, check out is Monday morning before 10AM
Matthew J. Brownstein
Founder, Spiritual Teacher, and Meditation Guide
Matthew J. Brownstein is the Founder and Spiritual Director of Anahat Monastery and the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. His teachings blend spiritual discipline, compassion, and professional hypnotherapy to guide participants toward awakening and peace.
What You'll Experience
Spiritual Lifestyle Training with Matthew J. Brownstein
Yoga: Asanas, Pranayama, Meditation & Samadhi
Zen and Anahat Meditation sessions
Tai Chi and Qi Gong
A Course in Miracles study and discussion
Silent reflection and journaling time
Nature walks and rest periods
Nourishing vegan and vegetarian meals
Community connection and peaceful solitude
Retreat Tuition
$649 per person
Includes all classes, meals, guided practices, meditations, and activities from Thursday dinner through Sunday afternoon.
Accommodations
Guests may stay in either of two beautiful on-site lodgings:
The Mansion
A spacious retreat home fostering community, mindfulness, and comfort.
Bedroom 1
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 2
Beds: 1 King
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 3
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 4
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 5
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 6
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 7
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Bedroom 8
Beds: 1 Queen
Bath: Shared
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Shared full/half baths
Mountain view, Non-smoking, Kitchen, Lounge Area, Fireplace, Wireless Internet, Terrace, BBQ Area, Bath, Dishwasher, Hairdryer, High Chair Available, Air conditioned, Laundry Facilities, Lift/Elevator Access, Linen and Towels Provided, Iron/Ironing board, Oven, Television, Toaster, Tea/Coffee Maker, Desk, Outdoor Setting, Linen Provided, Washer and Dryer, Childrens Entertainment Area, Patio, Fridge, TV Room, Heating, Shower, Espresso Machine, Barbeque, Stove top, Dining Setting, Microwave
Queen Bed
King Bed
Estimated Range: $350 per night
(Shared bathrooms; access to common areas.)
The Lodge
A private and peaceful mountain setting a short distance from the Mansion.
King Room w/ View
Beds: 1 King
Bath: Private full
Sleeps: 2
Notes: Mountain views; 350 ft²
Large Two-Room King Suite
Beds: 2 Kings (2 rooms)
Bath: Private full + bidet
Sleeps: 4
Notes: 900 ft²; workspace
Large Open Suite w/ Two Kings
Beds: 2 Kings (open plan)
Bath: Private full
Sleeps: 4
Notes: Living area; walk-in closet; deck
Two Connecting King Rooms
Beds: 2 Kings
Bath: 2 Half + Shared Shower
Sleeps: 4
Notes: Perfect for families or friends
Two Connecting King Rooms w/ Mountain Views
Beds: 2 Kings
Bath: 2 Half + Shared Shower
Sleeps: 4
Notes: Scenic mountain views; 725 ft²
Non-smoking, En-suite Bathroom, Linen and Towels Provided, Wireless Internet, Air conditioned, Spa, Iron/Ironing board, Lounge Area, Hairdryer, Heating, Outdoor Setting, Alarm Clock
Shared Bathroom
Private Bathroom
Estimated Range: $250 per night
(Private or semi-private baths.)
Note: Some rooms include shared bathrooms. Please review carefully before booking.
Additional Details:
Bathrooms may be shared unless otherwise indicated. Guests must be 18 or older. Transportation between Lodge and Mansion is available.
Meals
All meals are vegan or vegetarian, prepared with fresh ingredients to support mindful living.
Breakfast
Fresh fruit, grains, tea, coffee
Lunch
Nourishing plant-based bowls and salads
Dinner
Gourmet vegan/vegetarian entrees served family-style
Tea
Join us for warm rooibos tea in a cozy sitting room overlooking the mountains from the mansion.
Cookies
Warm chocolate chip toffee cookies—comforting, grounding, and perfect for sustaining a meditation practice.
Halwa
Prasad is a sacred, blessed offering. Halwa is simple, warm, and deeply comforting.
Join us for a weekend of renewal, learning, and inner stillness—where professional excellence meets deep spiritual practice.
Retreat Details
Intention:
Join us for three to four days of deep immersion in a spiritual lifestyle training with Matthew J. Brownstein at Anahat Monastery at New Vida Preserve in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. This retreat offers an opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life, focus on your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and learn powerful spiritual disciplines designed to support healing and enlightenment.
About the Adirondack Park
The retreat is nestled deep within New York’s Adirondack Park, one of the largest protected natural areas in the United States. Encompassing vast forests, pristine lakes, winding rivers, and towering mountain peaks, the Adirondacks offer a rare sense of spaciousness, silence, and untouched beauty. This ancient landscape has long been regarded as a place of renewal, where nature itself becomes a quiet teacher, inviting reflection, grounding, and deep inner listening.
Surrounded by fresh mountain air and expansive wilderness, the environment naturally supports the contemplative and healing intentions of the retreat. The rhythms of nature—rustling trees, flowing water, and open skies—create an ideal setting for meditation, rest, and spiritual practice. Simply being in the Adirondacks has a calming, restorative effect, allowing participants to unplug from modern distractions and reconnect with a deeper sense of presence, simplicity, and inner clarity.
Price
The base price for the retreat is $349. All meals are catered and are vegan and/or vegetarian. The cost for three meals per day, plus snacks and beverages (including coffee and tea), is $300 total. Lodging ranges from $200 to $350 per night, depending on bed size, whether the bathroom is shared or private, the location of your stay (the mansion or the lodge), and the number of nights you choose to attend.
Schedule
The schedule may appear intense, with a significant amount of meditation, yoga, and qi gong. However, the spirit of the retreat is rooted in rest and renewal rather than rigid discipline. At the same time, the retreat holds a monastic quality, with a sincere dedication to the process of awakening and enlightenment. Compassion is at the core of the schedule, and individual needs are always respected. Participants may sit on a meditation cushion, use a seiza bench or back jack, sit in a comfortable chair, or lie down as needed. No one is pushed beyond their limits, and attendees are free to follow the schedule in a way that best supports their well-being.
In Loving Silence
Much of the retreat is devoted to quiet time. We ask that participants be mindful of their communication as we create a sacred environment dedicated to introspection and self-realization. There is, however, ample time for social connection, walks with friends, and free time to explore the grounds and the surrounding Adirondack Park. We highly recommend that you shut your cell phone, do not bring a computer, and that you unplug from the world. At the same time, we honor your need to communicate with others outside of the retreat and merely ask that any phone calls or text messages do not disturb other participants. Please silence all cell phones. You may not have cell phone coverage at the retreat due to being in a remote forested and mountainous area, yet Wi-Fi is available.
Your Environment
The April retreat brings cool, crisp days (40 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold nights (20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit). Please bring plenty of layers and be prepared for the possibility of frost or even light snow or sleet. Boots are highly recommended, along with sweaters, jackets, thick socks, gloves, and hats. April marks the muddy season in the mountains as snow melts and then refreezes at night, and trails can be wet or even icy. Flashlights are recommended for those who wish to walk between the mansion and the lodge at night, although transportation will be provided.
The retreat is located deep within the Adirondack Park, near Whiteface Mountain and the High Peaks region. While the area is generally safe, please be mindful that we share this land with bears, foxes, moose, deer, porcupines, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. The mountains themselves can also present risks. Please consult with the retreat director before undertaking any hikes outside the retreat grounds.
Please be mindful of ticks. Wear long sleeves and pants, use bug spray when in the wilderness, and inspect your body daily.
Structure
Guests may arrive any time after 3:00 pm on Friday, April 23rd. Guests departing on Sunday, April 26th may leave after the 12:30 pm lunch and pay for three nights. You may also choose to stay through Sunday night (four total nights). Sunday afternoon may be used to relax at the mansion or lodge, explore the Adirondack region, or simply enjoy rest in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Check-out for four-night guests is Monday morning by 10:00 am. Sunday afternoon can be spent exploring the Adirondacks as a group, depending on how things play out.
Lodging
There are approximately seven beds available in the mansion and about 20 beds in the lodge. Most retreat activities will take place in the mansion, which is approximately half a mile uphill from the lodge. Vehicles will be available for transportation between locations, though the walk is available for those who wish to include it as part of their daily routine.
Some rooms have shared bathrooms. You may request a private room with a private bath at checkout, though most guests should expect to share a bathroom with one or two others. Beds are primarily king and queen size, with one twin bed available for those on a tighter budget.
Food and Beverages
Vegan and vegetarian meals are provided for the duration of your stay with us. Healthy snacks, drinks, coffee, tea, and water are also provided. The lodge itself does have a café for coffee and snacks, and there is also a restaurant in the lodge, yet all meals will be in the mansion itself. We will coordinate any special meal requests after your registration.
Etiquette
While the overall atmosphere of the retreat is loving, compassionate, and free-spirited, there will also be a sense of monastic discipline, including periods of silence, extended meditation sessions, and occasional silent meals. We ask that you be respectful and mindful of the energetic container the retreat director will be cultivating. Please share any special needs well in advance and always communicate your needs as they arise.
Transportation
It is best to plan your arrival at the Plattsburgh, New York airport on the afternoon of April 23rd. We will do our best to provide transportation to and from the airport at no additional cost; however, certain arrival times may be difficult to coordinate. Please communicate with us well in advance so we can make your journey to the retreat center as smooth as possible. Plattsburgh Airport also has a budget rental car agency if you prefer to arrange your own transportation.
Other reasonably close airports include Burlington, Vermont (approximately 1.5 hours away) and Albany, New York (approximately 2.5 hours away). Plattsburgh is the closest airport. Please note that there are no Uber or taxi services available in the Adirondacks. Those who travel to the retreat via Uber or taxi from Albany or Burlington may have difficulty securing return transportation. We strongly recommend planning ahead and coordinating with us as needed to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
We understand that life circumstances can change, and we aim to balance flexibility for participants with the practical commitments required to host an intimate retreat.
Cancellations & Refunds
Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 7 days prior to the retreat start date (no later than April 16).
Cancellations made within 7 days of the retreat are non-refundable, as lodging, food, and logistical arrangements will have already been finalized.
Transfer Option
Best Practice & Goodwill
If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another person with prior written approval, provided the replacement participant meets retreat requirements.
Transfers must be completed no later than 72 hours before the retreat begins.
Exceptional Circumstances
In the event of serious illness or emergency, please contact us as soon as possible. While refunds cannot be guaranteed within the 7-day window, we will make every reasonable effort to offer a partial refund, credit toward a future retreat, or another fair accommodation, at our discretion.
Retreat Cancellation by Organizer
If the retreat must be canceled by the organizer for any reason, all payments will be fully refunded.
We are not responsible for travel costs incurred (airfare, rental cars, etc.), so we recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly encourage participants to obtain travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes, including illness, weather, or travel disruptions.
For More Information:
If you have specific questions or would like to discuss personal concerns, please contact us at 813-463-0264 to arrange a conversation with the retreat director.
You may also message us using the form, and someone will be in touch within 24–48 hours.