Yoga Book Club Retreat 2026
Friday, January 30- Monday, February 2, 2026
Nine Mountain Retreat Center
Plainfield, MA
The Yoga Book Club Retreat brings light into the darkness, both in Winter, and in our hearts. This unique retreat offers you a chance to learn, grow, share, and connect with other amazing open-minded and gentle-hearted people. Explore practicing yoga, both on and off the mat, in a safe, supportive space, while diving into this eye-opening and heart-opening book.
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown
"Belonging so fully to yourself that you’re willing to stand alone is a wilderness—an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. The wilderness can often feel unholy because we can’t control it, or what people think about our choice of whether to venture into that vastness or not. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it’s the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand."
This book explores the difference between fitting in and true belonging, what it means to be fully yourself, and how to have the courage to stand alone. "Strong back, soft front, and wild heart" is the mantra to guide you to that place of being able to Brave the Wilderness of life.
Who am I?
I am Janine Agoglia, and I've been practicing and teaching yoga since 1995. As a 53 year old Type A "recovering" perfectionist, I understand the power of yoga and meditation to energize, restore, and heal the body and mind. I went from an anxious, self-critical, stress machine to someone who knows how to be kinder and gentler with herself. I am passionate about sharing my wisdom with students, to help them let go of the stories that are holding them back from living fully embodied lives.
Yoga is not just for some bodies, yoga is for all bodies. I have seen the benefits of practicing yoga through my life to build strength, improve balance, increase mobility, and feel calm and in control over my previously racing mind. The combination of yoga and meditation, plus journaling, is my favorite toolkit for feeling my feelings, rather than numbing them, and accepting myself for who I am. I believe in non-judgment for myself and my students.
This is the 4th Yoga Book Club Retreat, and it's one of my favorites! I'm excited to share the wisdom of Brene Brown with you!
From the moment I sat in the first circle, I felt safe, even with people I mostly didn't know. Janine held the space like a loving, accepting embrace. In this space of openness and vulnerability, with other like-minded humans, I was able to deepen my self-compassion and move it from something I knew in my head to something I could feel in my heart.
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How This Retreat Works:
Read the book ahead of time. Feel free to jot down any thoughts or feelings you have along the way. I tend to underline and put post-it notes all throughout, but you can do what works for you.
We'll gather together on Friday, January 30th, 2026 at Nine Mountain Retreat Center in Plainfield, MA to discuss this wonderful book. Interspersed between book discussions we'll practice yoga to move and stretch, practice meditation based on what we're reading and discussing, and get some time outdoors (weather permitting) to walk in the woods and in the neighborhood, breathing in the fresh air.
We'll be eating delicious, homemade, locally sourced food created with love and intention. The chefs are truly incredible, and can accommodate any health or dietary restrictions. If you have any, please let me know so I can pass them along.
What past attendees are saying
Not always easy to be open and frank about self criticism but Janine created such a trusting and safe environment that everyone was able to share painful incidents without shame. There is no one better equipped to lead such thought provoking sessions than Janine and for that, I have extraordinary gratitude and an abiding love for her and her practices.
I loved the discussions - hearing each other's stories and wisdom, feeling the compassion in my heart and the connection, vulnerability and shared humanity. I also thought that the silent time allowed for me to preserve my energy well and brought ease. also, the food!!
Thank you, Janine, for your expertise in creating a trust circle for all to safely participate at any level. I felt so nourished on multiple levels; mind, body, heart, and soul. Thank you for your attention to detail and caring touch throughout the weekend! You are amazing!
A Typical Day's Schedule
8am Breakfast
9-9:30am Meditation
9:30-11am Book Discussion
11-11:45am Yoga
11:45am-12pm Silence until Lunch
12-1:30pm Lunch
1:30-3pm Book Discussion
3-4:30pm Walk Outside or Free Time
4:30-6pm Book Discussion
6-7:30pm Dinner
7:30-8:30 or 9pm Chair Yoga/Ear Acupuncture or Gentle Stretch/Meditation
9pm Silence until Breakfast
The yoga retreat is a beautiful gift in which one gets to share, grow, and be supported by the group and expertly executed by our amazing mentor and guide Janine. When the body, mind, and soul have been expertly nourished through meditation and yoga, (and amazing food!) in a comfortable and safe environment, knowledge and growth shows no limits. We leave the retreat craving more and look forward to the next opportunity to expand our consciousness with an amazingly skilled and wonderful instructor! 🙏
The Details
This retreat runs from Friday, January 30 - Monday, February 2, 2026
at Nine Mountain Retreat Center in Plainfield, MA.
Please arrive between 3-5pm on Friday January 30. We'll depart after our final discussion around 11am on Monday February 2.
There are 3 private rooms available, all other rooms are dorm-style, with plenty of comfortable, lower level beds available.
There will be a lottery for the private rooms early November 2025. If you want to be considered for a private room, please click this link and let me know. There is an additional fee for a private room.
The food is locally sourced and cooked on site with love and intention. All dietary restrictions and accommodations can be met. Please email me ahead of time so that I can notify the chefs of your needs. [email protected]
I teach all of the yoga and meditation classes, as well as lead all of the book discussions. I aim to teach all levels yoga classes according to the needs of the retreatants; every pose can be modified, as can the pace of each class. The goal of each yoga class during this retreat is to move, stretch, and breathe, as well as to undo the stiffness of sitting. Beginners through experienced practitioners welcome!
I look forward to seeing you on retreat! Please reach out with any questions at [email protected]
~Janine
Price is all inclusive for food, lodging, and activities:
Dorm-style room: $700
Private room upgrade: $120
-->Private rooms will be determined by lottery in early November. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to be considered for a private room.
Refunds will be made in full until January 10th, 2025.
50% refunds between January 11-25th, 2025.
No refunds after January 26th, 2025.
There is a payment plan available, as well as 2 scholarships. Scholarship applications are due October 31, 2025. Click this link to apply. To do a payment plan click this link. Please email Janine at [email protected] with any questions.
Purple Room Yoga is an online yoga studio that helps active adults over 50 stay active with yoga, meditation, stretching, and mindful core.
Age Gracefully with Strength, Balance, Mobility, and Mindfulness.
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