The Joy of Vegetarian Cooking
With Cassedi Carlsen and Thomas Smith
January 30 - February 1, 2026
“Receive Lord in Thy light the food we eat, for it is Thine. Infuse it with Thy love, Thy energy, Thy life divine.”Food blessing by Swami Kriyananda
Joyful Vegetarian Cooking & the Art of Self-Realization
Experience the joy of preparing healthy, balanced, and nourishing vegetarian meals inspired by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to cook with awareness, harmony, and love—transforming simple ingredients into food that uplifts both body and spirit. Learn how to infuse cooking and daily life with presence and high vibrations.
In This Retreat You’ll Experience:
- The art of creating sattwic, high consciousness meals
- Meditation techniques from Paramhansa Yogananda
- Ananda Yoga Postures to awaken and direct your energy
- Chanting and Prayer to spiritualize your life
- A peaceful retreat environment filled with community, support, and inspiration
- Tips on taking this home with you
A pure and sattwic (high-vibrational) diet supports clarity of mind, calmness of heart, and deeper meditation. As you explore the connection between conscious cooking, yoga, and meditation, you’ll discover how what you eat can help awaken higher energy, peace, and divine joy within.
Sample Schedule
FRIDAY
4-5 pm– Check-in
5:00 pm– Guided Sadhana (Energization Exercises, Yoga postures, Meditation)
6:30 pm– Dinner
7:30 pm– Opening Gathering
SATURDAY
6:30-8:30 am Sadhana
8:30 am- Breakfast (in silence)
10:00- Class
Noon– Guided Meditation
12:30 pm– Lunch
1:30 pm– Meditation in Daily Life
Afternoon- Free time for Personal Reflection, Reading, Hiking, Meditation, or other self-chosen activities.
4:30 pm– Sadhana
6:30 pm– Dinner
7:30 pm– Evening Activity
SUNDAY
6:30-8:30 am – Sadhana
8:30 am– Breakfast (not in silence on Sundays)
9:15 am– Closing Circle
11:00 am– check-out
(Optional Sunday activities at Ananda Village: 11 am Sunday Service, Lunch at Expanding Light Retreat, Crystal Hermitage gardens and shrines)
About the Hosts
Cassedi Carlsen
Cassedi brings warmth, joy, and a deep love for nature and our natural rhythms to her service at the Retreat. She supports guests in feeling at home at the Meditation Retreat, offering guidance in yoga, meditation, and spiritual living. Whether through joyfully preparing nourishing meals, or heartfelt instruction, Cassedi creates space for inner stillness and […]
Learn more about Cassedi Carlsen
Thomas Smith
A natural leader with a warm and engaging presence, Thomas is passionate about fostering spiritual community, supporting others on their paths, and continually deepening his own practice. Through his dedication to service, meditation, and spiritual growth, he strives to uplift and inspire those around him, helping them connect more deeply with their highest potential At […]
Learn more about Thomas SmithCategories : DEPARTMENT, INTEGRATION, PROGRAM CATEGORY, Salesforce, Seclusion Retreat, Specialty Retreats