Bhakti Yoga & Kirtan Benefit Day Retreat

DONATION-BASED EVENT TO BENEFIT THE IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT CENTER OF NEW LONDON, CT

Niantic Yoga Studio, Niantic, CT

Saturday, February 28th 12-7pm

The Experience

Join us for a free, donation-based Bhakti Yoga and Kirtan Benefit Day Retreat in support of the Immigrant Advocacy & Support Center of New London, CT. This gathering is both a retreat for the soul and an act of collective compassion — an invitation to remember our connection to one another while supporting immigrant families in our community.

At a moment when many immigrant families are facing heightened uncertainty, fear, and barriers to safety, the work of local advocacy organizations is more vital than ever. By gathering together in practice, presence, and devotion, we hope to support the essential work being done right here in our community — turning our collective care into tangible resources. The Immigrant Advocacy & Support Center (IASC) is a local nonprofit that stands with immigrants and their families by providing affordable, high-quality legal help, education on immigration law, and community outreach throughout southeastern Connecticut. To learn more about iASC and their ongoing efforts visit iascct.org.

This event is free to register, with a suggested sliding-scale donation of $66–$108 per person (cash or Venmo @waveyogaretreats). Please give at a level that feels aligned and accessible for you. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Donations are also welcome via Venmo for those unable to attend in person.

Pre registration is required as space is limited!

This gathering is lovingly hosted in collaboration with Wave Yoga Retreats, Niantic Yoga Studio, Empower Collective, and Grace and Soul Wellness, and made possible through the generous support and donations of many local businesses for our community raffle.

What to Expect

We will begin with a Bhakti vinyasa yoga practice led by Julia, weaving movement, breath, and music to open the heart and ground the body. From there, we will move into a heart-opening ceremonial cacao circle and guided meditation led by Monica. We’ll then gather with Bethany for breathwork and a sharing circle, where you are invited to speak — or simply listen — to what is present on your heart. The heart of our gathering will be a deeply immersive, joyful kirtan — a devotional mantra chanting experience where we sing together as one community. Kirtan, the singing of sacred Sanskrit mantras, is one of the oldest and most ecstatic forms of meditation. You’ll learn the words and meanings behind the mantras before chanting together with live musical accompaniment on traditional Indian instruments. Feel free to bring your own instrument and join in the music-making if you’d like!

Throughout the day, we’ll enjoy light bites and mocktails, and you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a community raffle featuring gifts and offerings donated by local businesses. Raffle tickets will be available day-of, with all proceeds going directly to the Immigrant Advocacy & Support Center.

your hosts

Julia Morrison

Julia, founder of Wave Yoga Retreats, is an RYT 500hr yoga & meditation teacher who specializes in curating yoga retreats around the world. Julia teaches many styles of yoga, from hot power vinyasa to meditation and yin yoga, and leads multiple immersive yoga retreats each year around the world. Julia’s teaching style involves challenging flows and creative sequencing with a focus on the union of the mind and body through the breath. Julia trained with Megan Mulrine at Yogatrotter Academy and continues to study yogic philosophy with her. Julia currently teaches at Niantic Yoga and Sweatfluence Hot Yoga.
Bethany Kowaleski

Bethany, founder of Empower Collective, is a yoga teacher, nutritionist, intuitive coach, and creator of the Empowered Self Method.
Bethany hosts weekly women’s circles at Pranayama Studio in Mystic, CT, and monthly at the Niantic Yoga Studio.
Her work helps high performing women get out of survival mode and back into alignment—body, mind, and soul.
Monica Brodeur

Monica is a 500-hour registered yoga and meditation teacher, as well as a certified Death Doula and founder of Grace & Soul. She helps souls pass with grace through peace, presence, and comfort, while also guiding students in uniting mind, body, and soul through yoga. Trained under Megan Mulrine of Yogatrotter Academy, Monica infuses her classes with pranayama and meditation techniques that encourage students to take their practice beyond the mat and into daily life. Based on the Connecticut shoreline, Monica brings a holistic approach to both her yoga teaching and end-of-life work — creating space for healing, presence, and wholeness at every stage of life.