Berkshire Yoga Festival 2026

We all have the recurring experience of frustration and suffering - from different causes, and at different levels of intensity - throughout our daily lives. In response to this recurring experience, we seek to release suffering and find fulfillment outwardly and, as a result, become entangled in what the Ancients called the ‘world of name and form’. This misguided seeking perpetuates the recurrence of unresolved issues, frustrations, tension, and suffering that we all experience throughout our lives.

Deep methods of Inner Practice evolved in the tradition of Tantric Laya Yoga through which we can break this recurring cycle, realize our true nature, actualize our innate potentials and, ultimately, become free. These methods of practice relied on complex symbol systems.

In this series of three classes, we will explore two of the most important symbol systems, the methods of practice evolved to work with them and, finally, how to integrate these symbols and methods into our personal practice.

In this first 90-minute session of the series, we will
- Explore the cakra symbol system as a “microcosmic” map that reveals both our dysfunctional patterns and our innate untapped potentials.
- Introduce the methods of Bhūta Śuddhi and Cakra Sādhana
- Work with these methods in a practice focused on the Anāhata Cakra

This gently contemplative session asks: what would happen if we brought consent into the heart of our yoga? Is there a way to be together, side by side, and cherish our uniqueness, our differences, and even our brokenness together? If we pause to notice the moment in which we decide to say either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the practice, what might we achieve, on the mat, off the mat, and in the world?
These surprisingly profound enquiries will be explored through quiet movement, a little optional pair work, and a nourishing yoga nidra together. Suitable for anyone ready to think a little deeper about what it is we’re doing, alone and together, on the mat.

Take time to pause, reset, and improve your sleep. This experiential workshop blends neuroscience, mindfulness, and practical tools to show why sleep matters and how to harness it for healing, resilience, and overall wellbeing. Leave with strategies you can use immediately to sleep better and feel more at ease each day.

Using gentle movement and relaxation techniques, we’ll explore:
-The Neuroscience of Sleep: Understand how sleep supports resilience, emotional regulation, memory, and overall wellbeing.
-Mindfulness Practices to Cultivate Ease: Learn how compassion, interoception, and moment-to-moment awareness can calm the nervous system and prepare your body for restorative sleep.
-Practical Sleep Strategies: Evidence-based routines, environmental adjustments, and behavior changes to address sleep challenges.
-Hands-On Practice: Experience techniques you can use immediately to improve rest and recovery.

Led by Becky Acabchuk, PhD, neuroscientist and sleep specialist with experience teaching high-performance teams, this workshop will leave you grounded, informed, and empowered to optimize your sleep and enhance your daily energy, focus, and wellbeing. What to Bring: A journal and pen.