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Yoga With Rumi
Konya, Turkey
May 25-31, 2025
Compassionate embodiment with yoga, Zikr & poetry in the Ka’aba of Lovers
Rumi has been a constant source of inspiration along my path; his teachings lift me up when I’m down, help me collect the pieces when I’m broken and remind me to continue deepening my devotion. Best of all, his message echoes that of yoga. This retreat brings us to his hometown and sets the stage for combining yoga, Zikr and an exploration of the teachings found in Mawlana's poetry.
It’s been 10 years since I wrote the lines above and this program continues to be one of my favorites. The core remains the same; somatic explorations adorned with heart-centering practices, intentional sightseeing and opportunities to take-in Konya’s Sufi landscape. But the emphasis, at this stage, is on slowing down, stabilizing the nervous system and learning to cultivate a felt sense of safety.
In a word, Yoga With Rumi is an embodied experience that invites you to come home to yourself with presence and compassion.
“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come.”
—Mawlana Rumi
Coming Home
Coming home to yourself has to do with recognizing you are worthy of love, learning to be the provider of it, and growing your capacity for holding a compassionate space for all the aspects and versions of yourself that did not have their needs met at some point in the past.
Practically speaking, it looks like learning to slow down, ground, and check-in with yourself habitually. With time and practice, you become more attuned to your body, aware of what arises in the way of sensations and emotions, and able to contain both joy and hardship with compassion.
The willingness to meet what’s uncomfortable, honor pain, and tend to our wounds with a more open heart and unconditional love is what’s referred to as safety or secure-connection. Cultivating safety gives way to confidence, trust and intimacy in one’s relationship with self and others. Its equivalent on a devotional level is faith.
“What is the body? That shadow of a shadow of your love, that somehow contains the entire universe.”
—Mawlana Rumi
The Practice
The scope of the practice is holistic but grounded in body-awareness. It’s designed to not only give you a direct experience of feeling safety and experiencing heart-centered connection but, as well, to empower you with tools and insight to continue holding space for yourself long after our time together. Following are its core elements:
Hatha Yoga
Our daily yoga class starts from a seated position with grounding and orientation practices before we slowly build up.
It’s an invation to slow down, ground, and practice tracking sensations. The 90 minute class emphasizes right-breathing, alignment and intentional rest. And, sometimes, I weave a poem or Zikr into it.
Above all, it’s simple, approachable and suited for all levels including absolute beginners.
Somatics
Somatic denotes that which is “of or related to the body. “
It includes invitations to notice what’s happening in the body, track sensations, practice containment and support your nervous system’s innate capacity for self-regulation.
These pauses to check-in or feel and invitations to explore pop-up beyond scheduled sessions; we bring them along on walks, play with them at the park and, sometimes, even make use of them while we wait for dinner.
Heart Practices
Beyond a vital organ and the chakra that goes with it, the heart is a sacred space we’ll look to connect with and seek guidance and inspiration from.
Heart practices include poetry discussions, recitation of Zikr, meditations, cultivating compassion, and keeping the company of like-hearted humans or what we call Sohba.
Alongside Zikr, we’ll work with sound and mantra to discharge and regulate the energies and emotions in our body.
“Look inside yourself; everything you want, you already are.”
—Mawlana Rumi
Konya
The Ka’aba of Lovers
Konya is an enchanting place with undeniable beauty.
Exquisite mosques, mausoleums, monuments, and museums attest to endless layers of culture and civilization and the local markets offer a thing or two of interest, as well. But, Konya’s real appeal—its magic!—has to do with Rumi and the Rose Garden.
The garden is the spiritual center of the city—a thing of beauty—and the destination for millions who make their way to the Ka’aba of Lovers each year seeking inspiration and heart connections. We’ll meet some of them, count ourselves among them, and stay at the finest boutique hotel in town overlooking the Rose Garden and Rumi’s maqām, or resting place.
When we’re not in practice, we’ll visit the shrine, wander the medieval streets, and engage in sightseeing with intent as we uncover the beauty and mysticism of the town that once served as the seat of the Seljuk Empire. A favorite of every group I’ve brought to konya is the Sema, or whirling ceremony and, if we’re lucky, we’ll get to meet Mawlana’s 22nd generation granddaughter who carries the mantle of his teachings.
Schedule (tentative)
8.15AM | Morning walk & somatic practices
9.30AM | Breakfast
10.30AM | Free time
12.30PM | Yoga
2.00PM | Free time
3.00PM | Workshop / sightseeing with intent
6.00PM | Poetry or Zikr circle (every other day)
7.00PM | Dinner
“We are stars wrapped in skin. The light you are seeking has always been within.”
—Mawlana Rumi
The Investment
Double room | $1,900
Single room | $2,500
✓ Book by April 7th & save 10%
✓ Refer friends & save a further $100 each
What’s Included?
Just about everything!
6 nights at HICH Hotel
Breakfast each day & a couple of dinners
An unforgettable whirling ceremony (Sema)
Guided tour of Konya
Visits & meditations in very special places
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Tools, insight & support to empower your journey of wellbeing
An unforgettable experience in the Ka’aba of Lovers for a small group
HICH Hotel
HICH Hotel is a multi-award winning boutique hotel comprised of 2 historic houses renovated to modern standards.
It’s comfortable, charming, located at the heart of Konya’s old town and overlooks Rumi’s Rose Garden.
HICH has just a handful of rooms including a select few with views of the Rose Garden and 2 suites are available upon request.
About Me
I’m a human being in awe of the beauty, grace, and intelligence of the natural world, a student of various wisdom traditions, and a yoga teacher of more than 11 years. At present, I’m learning to surf and working towards certification as a Somatic Experiencing therapist and Trager practitioner.
For over a decade, my practice has been to heal my body and mind, give roots to my heart, and expand my capacity to hold a safe and compassionate space.
As a teacher, I look to inspire heart-centered humans who seek to be more present, regulated, and safe in their existence. And, I empower them with the very tools and insight that have served me on my path.
I love this program as it combines key elements from my own journey and practice in a town that feels like home.
“There is a morning inside you, waiting to burst open into light.”
—Mawlana Rumi
A Seamless Experience
I plan and execute my Conscious Travel Experiences with plenty of care and attention to deliver seamless and nourishing experiences. Here’s some key info to help you make your travel plans and get the most out of the program:
Plan to arrive in Konya by 3PM on May 25th, settle-in and then meet the group for dinner at 6PM
We conclude on the morning of the 31st after a short final practice and an early breakfast.
And, if your circumstances permit, I recommend staying on in Konya to further integrate your experience and explore some of the town’s magic.
The 2017 ed. of YWR drew a beautiful & diverse group of heart-centered humans from Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Paris & London.
Whirling ceremony captured by Meriam Smyej on retreat in 2022
Poetry circle overlooking the Rose Garden
Meeting Esin Çelebi, Rumi's 22nd generation granddaughter, in 2019
The minbar and mehrab at the Aladdin Mosque where Rumi gave the Friday sermon and led prayers.
A whirling ceremony is a wonder to witness. This shot was captured by Meriam Smyej, from Morocco, in 2019.
The Whirl captured by Meriam Smyej
A lesson in whirling given by a woman whirler, June 2019
"This is the Ka'aba of Lovers, whoever comes here broken leaves whole."
Sheikh or Dede presiding over the whirling ceremony (photo by Meriam S)
The year I took my Mother to Konya was a special one.
At the Mevlana Foundation in 2017
The first group I took to Konya in 2015
Plaque at Rumi's Maqqam
HICH Hotel, our home in Konya
Caligraphy workshop
Another poetry circle
Sema at the Mevlana Cultural Center
The Ka'aba of Lovers feels like home
“Look carefully around you and recognize the luminosity of souls. Sit beside those who draw you to that.”
—Mawlana Rumi
FAQ
Are flights included?
Flights are not included but I can put you in touch with my travel agent to assist you, if you like. Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off will be provided for all participants.
I’ve never done yoga. Is that OK?
Absolutely! My yoga classes are super approachable, as are all the practices I lead. Every retreat begins with a foundational class, I make a point to explain things clearly, and I always offer plenty of support to my students, as well as modifications for those who have injuries and/or health conditions. For more about my Hatha Yoga classes, check out this video.
I don’t live in Egypt. Can I still join?
Yes! This retreat draws heart-centered humans from all over the world and Konya’s easily-accessible by flight via Istanbul.
What about the visa?
Most nationalities can get the Turkish visa online.
Egyptians 20 to 45 years must apply for the Turkish visa in-person and obtain a permit from the Egyptian government to travel to Turkey.
How can I book my spot?
Please register here to get all the info as soon as it’s ready to be announced.
Do you offer a couples discount?
Yes, I offer a discount for nuclear family members and married couples sharing a room. After registering, please contact me via WhatsApp on +201211277710.
