The Art of Deep Rest

The Art of Deep Rest is a five-night yoga retreat at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, led by Carole Westerman. It brings together yoga, mindfulness, yoga nidra, and breathwork to help you rest more fully, not only at night but through the whole day. It suits anyone who feels overwhelmed, depleted, or ready to slow down, and it is especially supportive for helping professionals, caregivers, leaders, and yoga practitioners. No prior yoga experience is needed.

What to Expect

The week is built as a progressive journey. It begins with foundational practices and moves toward a broader understanding of what rest is and how to make room for it. Along the way you explore the science of stress, the nervous system, and intentional rest, then try out practical tools for everyday balance.

Sessions are experiential. You practice yoga and mindful movement, yoga nidra, meditation, and breathwork, and you work with aromatherapy, reflective journaling, guided inquiry, and group discussion. The aim is to notice how your body, mind, and nervous system respond to stress, and what helps you return to balance. You then choose the tools that suit you best for regulation, ease, and resilience.

The daily rhythm is steady. Workshop sessions run from 9:00 a.m. to noon, with afternoon sessions from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Wednesday has a morning session only, which leaves the afternoon open. Check-in begins on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with rooms available after 5:00 p.m. The retreat closes Friday with a final morning session and check-out at 1:00 p.m. The faculty may adjust the schedule.

About Carole Westerman

Carole Westerman, MA, ERYT-500, has practiced yoga since 1995 and taught since 2005, building on a meditation practice she began at age 11. She holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Psychology. Before teaching full-time she worked as a therapist, children's advocate, behavior interventionist, crisis stabilization coordinator, parent educator, childbirth educator, and mental health coordinator.

She is Director of Yoga Teacher Training Programs and works as a Leadership and Wellness Coach at Omaha Integrative Care. She also owns Evolve to Harmony, where she directs 200-Hour, 500-Hour, and Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training programs. Registered with Yoga Alliance as an ERYT-500, RPYT, and RCYT, she has created curricula for specialized certification programs in Prenatal, Yin, Restorative, and Children's yoga.

The Setting

The retreat takes place on the Omega Institute campus in Rhinebeck, New York. Guests can stay on campus in a range of lodging, from cabin rooms with private or shared baths to dorm singles, tent cabins, and camping. Tent cabins have no heat or air-conditioning, and camping has limited availability. On-campus stays include all meals, use of the walking trails and recreation, parking, and optional classes. Those who live nearby or prefer to stay elsewhere can register as commuters, which also includes meals and use of the campus facilities. Commuters check in Monday morning from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. if they have not arrived the evening before.

Before You Go

All practices are accessible and can be adapted to meet you where you are, so the retreat welcomes all levels. It is taught in English. Bring comfortable clothing, a journal, curiosity, and a willingness to slow down. Dorm and tent cabin guests should also bring their own sheets and towels, and tent cabin guests may bring a sleeping bag, or rent bedding from Omega for a small fee. Lodging is booked separately from tuition, which covers the workshop sessions with the faculty. Accessible rooms are available on request.