Winter Solstice at Magic Forest
SaturDAY December 20,12pM-9PM
Yoga - Pranayama - Mantra - Sauna - Pot Luck Meal
Take a day in nature to reconnect, restore, and reflect as the solar year draws to a close. This retreat unfolds step by step, with each practice preparing the body and mind for what follows. We will explore core ideas from Sankhya—the philosophical foundation that underlies much of classical yoga. Sankhya means “correct knowledge.” We will study concepts such as prakṛti and puruṣa, the pañca mahābhūtas (five great elements), the indriyas (senses), and how these principles help us understand experience, perception, and inner freedom. This is a yoga day retreat rooted in Indian (from India) knowledge systems and practice. Our intention is to offer sincere study, simple practices, and grounded community time in a natural setting.
Retreat Schedule
12:00–12:30 PM | Welcome Circle
We begin with a simple welcome, introductions, and a brief overview of the day. We’ll take a moment to set a simple focus for the day, then cover practical details so everyone feels oriented and at ease.
12:30–2:30 PM | Yoga for All Levels + Breath work
We begin with the body. In the yogic tradition, the body is a mirror of the larger universe. After a short introduction and mantra, we’ll move through an all-levels practice followed by guided breathwork and a quiet meditation. We will touch on classical yogic frameworks such as nāḍīs, chakras, vāyus, and kośas as they relate to the practices we’re doing.
2:30–4:00 PM | Fireside Talk + Sankhya Teaching
We’ll gather outdoors by the fire for a teaching session on Sankhya and its 25 principles. This portion is a study and reflection period: learning, contemplation, and simple quiet practices connected to the themes of the day.
4:30–9:00 PM (or later) | Optional Sauna + Closing Reflections + Potluck
We close the day with an optional sauna in a unique, community-built structure, followed by a closing circle and a shared meal together.
For those who choose to participate, this is a quiet, guided heat-and-rest experience—simple, meditative, and deeply grounding. The warmth, the steam, the fire, the cool air outside, and the stillness of the forest naturally bring us into contact with the elements we’ve been studying through the day. It’s a powerful way to settle the mind, soften the body, and integrate the practices of yoga, prāṇāyāma, mantra, and Sankhya reflection.
The sauna portion typically lasts about two and a half to three hours, with plenty of opportunities to rest, cool down, and rehydrate. You are always free to step out or skip this portion entirely—no pressure, no pushing, and no expectations.
Afterward, we’ll gather around the fire for closing reflections and then enjoy a potluck meal together.
Experience the Magic Forest!
The Winter Solstice Retreat will be led by Andrew Eppler and Mila Rybakova-Eppler and friends
Andrew is the director of Ashtanga Yoga Studio and creator of the Mysore Yoga Traditions film. He has been immersed in yoga practice and study for over three decades, with a focus on classical yoga, mantra, prāṇāyāma, meditation, and the philosophy that supports these practices. Andrew’s aim is to offer a grounded, sincere space for practice and learning—centered in yoga and Indian (from India) knowledge traditions.
Mila is a Ukrainian national and longtime yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience. Her work is shaped by Ayurveda, women’s practices, and seasonal rhythm. In this retreat she will guide yoga practices and share reflections on winter solstice themes from her Slavic heritage, helping participants feel at home in their bodies and connected to the turning of the seasons. Together, Andrew and Mila welcome people from all walks of life to a warm, respectful, practice-centered experience.
About Our Sauna
This structure was built from a personal vision, in honor of Andrew’s father, Ray Eppler, who spent many years gathering friends and community in this very spot for heat-based practice, reflection, and fellowship. Guided by hands-on experience and a simple love for building, Andrew and friends created a one-of-a-kind space using stucco, river cane and steel—forming a dome designed for seated sauna and deep rest.
We want to be very clear and respectful in how we describe this: this sauna is not affiliated with any Indigenous ceremonial practice., and we do not claim connection, permission, or lineage from Indigenous Nations. This is simply our own community-built, wood-fired sauna structure, offered in a straightforward way as part of a yoga retreat.
For those who choose to participate, this is an optional sauna experience: warm, simple, and grounding—an invitation to breathe, listen inward, and share a peaceful evening together.
Safety is central. Participation is always optional. Hydration and cooling breaks are encouraged, and anyone who feels overheated or uncomfortable is welcome to step out at any time, without question or pressure.
Andrew and Mila
What’s Included
Yoga for all levels
Mantra chanting
Mudra
Breath work
Philosophy of yoga
Sauna
Fresh well water for refilling bottles
Pot luck meal
What to Bring
Yoga mat
A personal water bottle (required)
A vegetarian dish for after the event
Comfortable clothing suitable for yoga
Shawl/wrap, swimsuit, blanket (bring extra blankets to stay warm)
Towel and extra dry clothing
Musical instruments or meaningful objects you enjoy
*Do not bring drugs or plant medicines of any kind. Please attend this event clean and clear with sincere intention. If you’d like to prepare, consider a light meal and avoiding alcohol and other intoxicants.
📍 Location: Magic Forest, 20180 Fulkerson Rd, Noble, OK 73068
✨ Join us in Magic Forest for a day of practice and study—through yoga, breath work, philosophy, sauna and community. A rare chance to restore balance, connect with community, and return home feeling clear and refreshed.
*Because of the inherent risks associated with yoga, breath work (pranayama) and sauna, each person is required to sign a waiver stating that are aware of the risks and take full responsibility for their own wellbeing when they arrive to the event.
We have limited space so we do ask that you fill out the form to register for the event.