Charles MacInerney has practiced yoga and pranayama for more than 50 years and has been teaching for over 30 years, helping students discover the transformative power of these ancient practices. In 1989, he founded Expanding Paradigms, through which he began teaching yoga full time, publishing a newsletter, and presenting at regional, national, and international conferences. Charles has extensive experience integrating yoga and pranayama into hospitals, corporations, universities, and government agencies, making these practices accessible to people from all walks of life.
Charles is the founder of YogaTeacher.com, co-founder of the Free Day of Yoga, the Living Yoga Teacher Training Program and the Texas Yoga Retreat, and has led retreats around the world since 1992. A frequent contributor to yoga publications, including Yoga Journal, he has written and contributed to several books on yoga and is the author of Toxic Goals, Flow, and the Pursuit of Excellence, which applies yoga philosophy to the art of setting and achieving meaningful goals.
Friday 8:45-10:00pm
The Meditative Breath — Breathing Into Stillness
Join us for a workshop that reveals breath not just as a wellness tool, but as a direct path into meditation. Moving through grounding pranayama, concentration-building techniques like Alternate Nostril Breathing, and an energizing round of Breath of Fire, we’ll build toward a guided somatic meditation journey that gently carries the mind from its usual waking state into deep, still awareness — all while remaining consciously present. Along the way, discover how the breath sharpens concentration, calms the nervous system, and supports physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This workshop is perfect for practitioners ready to move beyond technique and into the profound stillness that breath can open, whether you’re deepening an existing practice or seeking your first taste of meditation through breath.
Intensity of Practice: 2 – All Levels
70% Pranayama, 10% Meditation, 20% Discussion
Sunday 7:00–8:30am
Walking Meditation
Discover the serenity of the Austin Hill Country during our early morning walking meditation. Begin by exploring the ashram’s grounds, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature and wildlife. Then, ascend to a breathtaking scenic overlook just in time to witness the sunrise casting its warm glow over the temple and fountains. Guided by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, this meditation experience will lead you towards inner peace, harmony, and heightened awareness. Embrace the journey within as you delve into mindfulness, finding stillness and serenity in the beauty of the present moment.
Intensity of Practice: 4 – All Levels
10% Lecture, 90% Walking + Meditation + Pranayama