Coming Back to Center Yoga Retreat – Finding Stability at the Core of Our Being

Coming Back to Center is a four-night yoga retreat at Drala Mountain Center in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado, led by yoga and meditation teacher Kali Basman. It brings together Yin and Yang yoga, Shamatha and Vipassana meditation, breathwork, somatic inquiry and Buddhist and Taoist teachings, all oriented toward the belly as a source of steadiness. It is open to all levels, and suits anyone who feels scattered, overextended or pulled away from themselves and wants time in the mountains to settle.

What to Expect

The retreat is built around hara, the Japanese contemplative term for the lower belly and the inner center of gravity associated with it. Taoist practitioners cultivate a similar place, the lower dantian, as a reservoir of vitality. Over the days, practice explores the belly as both an anatomical and an energetic landscape: the diaphragm and pelvic floor, the psoas and deep abdominal body, and the relationship between breath and the nervous system. Internal Family Systems depth psychology is introduced gently as a way of understanding our many parts and inner patterns.

The days follow a steady rhythm. Mornings run from 9:30 am to noon with Shamatha meditation and active Vinyasa yoga, moving from gathering the mind and grounding the body, through box breath and deep core work, toward Vipassana. Afternoons, from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, are slower: long Yin practices on the pelvis and psoas, the three diaphragms, and the side body, obliques and breathing body. These include breathwork, guided contemplation, visualization, dyad partner inquiry, Yoga Nidra and sound bowls. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are shared, and there is open time for rest and walking the mountain land.

The retreat opens on the first evening with orientation, a community dinner and a gentle session introducing hara and Internal Family Systems. It closes on the last morning with Vipassana, breathwork and an integrated Vin-Yin practice. This is not a silent retreat. Periods of quiet are woven through, alongside conversation, partner practice and community.

About Kali Basman

Kali Basman of Kali Durga Yoga is a Dharma teacher of teachers who blends Buddhist mindfulness with Yin and Restorative Yoga rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Taoist practice. She has taught for nearly two decades and is deeply influenced by the Insight Yoga tradition and her longtime study with Sarah Powers, alongside studies with Paul Grilley and Tias Little. She holds a master's degree in public health and has completed Level 1 training in Internal Family Systems. Her teaching brings ancient contemplative teachings into close conversation with the living body, in clear and often poetic language. Students describe her sound bowl work and her depth of presence.

The Setting

Drala Mountain Center sits in the mountains near Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. Lodging options range from off-campus stays (a home, an Airbnb or camping nearby) to car camping in self-contained vehicles, platform tents in the main campus area or Maitri Village, gender-segregated dormitories, monk rooms with shared bathrooms, single and double rooms with private bathrooms, and Junior Suites in the Lodge. All meals and drinks are included, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Arrival and check-in take place on the first afternoon at the Guest Services Cabin.

Before You Go

No yoga, meditation or Internal Family Systems experience is required. Meditation begins with foundational Shamatha teachings, and options are offered throughout so you can adapt practice to your own body. Morning sessions are more active, while afternoons emphasize Yin, somatic inquiry and restorative work.

Meals, beverages, the yoga and meditation sessions, breathwork, dharma teachings, Internal Family Systems instruction and sound bowl sessions are included. Bedding is not provided for the tents, so bring your own twin sheets, a blanket or sleeping bag, and a pillow.