Sanctuary in the City

A Daylong Retreat in NYC with Henry Shukman
Integral Yoga Institute, NYC
May 3, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Step away from the noise. Return to the heart.
In-person

Why here, why now?
A note from Henry:
“There are times when the world feels overwhelming, and the mind restless. In those moments, we long for a place of refuge – not somewhere far away, but within ourselves. This retreat is an invitation to step into that refuge, right here, in the heart of the city.”
Set in the Integral Yoga Institute, a sanctuary amid the rhythm of New York and a location that Henry practiced himself at for many years, this daylong retreat is a unique opportunity to reconnect – with stillness, with presence, and with fellow meditators.
What to expect on a daylong retreat?
Henry will lead you through guided meditations to help nurture your own sense of sanctuary. There will also be periods of silent practice. Henry will offer his unique teachings, combining both ancient wisdom and modern knowledge of meditation. There will be an extended Q&A with Henry to have your practice questions answered. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, there will be plenty of chances to connect with others on a similar path, sharing personal experiences and insights with each other.


How does Sanctuary help us?
Even though it often doesn’t feel like it, we each have the birthright of a place of peace within us. A place of awareness – from which we can notice experiences arising, but not be affected by them. A place where we can step back from the busyness and stress of our lives, and allow our nervous systems to rest. Where our anxiety ceases to overwhelm us but becomes fuel for our practice. The core of Henry’s teaching is this – showing us how to come back, again and again, to our very own sanctuary.
What you’ll learn from Henry?
We’ll explore the four main zones of practice — Mindfulness, Connectedness, Flow, and Awakening — found in The Way app and Henry’s book, Original Love. These foundational aspects of meditation offer explorations from the heart, of themes and practices that are central to developing and following a wholesome meditation practice. By immersing ourselves in shared stillness, we open to a deeper sense of rest and ease, allowing a more profound connection with our true nature to emerge. Through practice, reflection, and community, these retreats accelerate our journey toward a more wholehearted and awakened way of being.

About the Integral Yoga Institute of New York
The Integral Yoga Institute is a spiritual oasis of peace, and an Ashram, in the heart of the West Village. It exists to serve our community through sharing the practice and teachings of yoga to help one to realize their full potential by facilitating an easeful body, a peaceful mind, a useful life, and ultimately, the realization of one’s true Self. Its goal is to promote peace in the individual, as well as harmony and understanding in the world.
Student feedback after our recent London & Ojai retreats
I loved listening to Henry, the guided meditation and meditating with this Sangha. I enjoyed the atmosphere with its lightness and depths and still feel it inside.
The way Henry Shukman ‘landed’ us into deeper levels of consciousness — often using poetry as a vehicle for getting us there. And allowing us collectively to notice and sit with that shift without saying a word.
The immersive nature of the day. The sense of community. Henry’s teaching was real and helpful. The meditation was powerful.
Sanctuary in the City
- Guided meditations, short lectures, and poetry readings by Henry to deepen your practice.
- Live Q&A time with Henry
- Subscribe to The Way app to enjoy a 20% discount on all live events. Book through the app’s Events page to claim your discounted price. Click here from your mobile phone to go the Events page. For any questions, email [email protected].
Event Details
Cost: $165
When: Saturday May 3, 9:30am – 3pm
Where: The Integral Yoga Institute of New York, Greenwich Village, 227 West 13th St, New York, NY (between 7th and 8th Avenues)
Questions?
If you have any questions about this retreat, please contact our programs manager, Jeremy. We’re happy to answer any questions and look forward to having you join us!
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available. We warmly invite you to contact us for a scholarship if that would enable you to attend this retreat. Please contact our programs manager Jeremy for details about how to apply.
Subscribe to The Way app to enjoy a 20% discount on all live events. Book through the app’s Events page to claim your discounted price. Click here from your mobile phone to go the Events page. For any questions, email [email protected].
About your teacher
Henry Shukman
Henry is an authorized Zen Master in the Sanbo Zen lineage, the co-founder of The Way meditation app, and the Spiritual Director Emeritus of Mountain Cloud Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In addition to teaching meditation, Henry is an award-winning author and poet. His struggles and traumatic experiences as a youth, combined with a spontaneous awakening experience at 19, paved the way for Henry to develop a well-rounded approach to healing and awakening through meditation.
