
Humble Warrior
Trips to the Self
ruary
Trips to the Self
Humble Warrior, or Virabhdrasana in Sanskrit, is a pose named after Virabhadra, a powerful warrior in Hindu mythology. Vira means hero and bradra means friend. This warrior represents the destruction of evil, ignorance and delusion.
We named our business Humble Warrior because a warrior, to us, represents strength and bravery… and a Humble Warrior is a warrior who knows where they come from.
To us, yoga is not just a physical practice on a mat. It is meant to be something you take with you, and shared with your community.
We met in the park. Humble Warrior evolved organically from our mutual reverence for the practice, and also our insatiable love of play. It is our belief that these are not incompatible. That everyone can enjoy their practice, and find empowerment in their own body, in their own way. Our goals include inclusivity, equality, and equity for all ages, all gender identities, all colors, all ethnicities, all orientations. We challenge you to take an adventure, a trip to the Self.
A week-long immersion in the mountains of Munnar, India.
Each day of the retreat will include two yoga classes, pranayama, meditation, inspiring discussions on yoga philosophy, and time for personal reflection and journaling. In the afternoons, we’ll explore the rich culture and natural beauty of the region with visits to a nearby Ayurveda spa, where we’ll tour the medicinal gardens and experience rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages. We’ll also enjoy traditional Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances, immerse ourselves in the local arts, and head out on scenic hikes through the landscape — and with a bit of luck, we may even spot wild elephants along the way!
Rounding out our team are two guest teachers joining us on this journey, Aksharanand A S and Nev Kundacina, each of them offering their own individualized perspective and instruction. A great opportunity to experience yoga in its many different guises! The bios of each teacher is below.
Price includes shared accommodation in a hotel, two meals a day, and all activities. Airfare and travel to and from the location is not included. The house does not have yoga equipment, so you will need to bring your own mat, and anything else you like to use while practicing. We will do yoga at the hotel. Price: $2500. Early bird discount until July 31, $2000. $500 off for those that have taken a retreat with us before.
Get in touch for more info!
Nev Kundacina
Drawing from her studies, practices, and teachings of Samatha meditation, Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, as well as Buddhism, Nev identifies as a Spiritual Educator, crowned as such by one of her beloved mentors. In her offerings, Nev strives to inspire within practitioners their Divine Wisdom, and thus access their individual yet unifying connection to the Spirit. Nev aspires to awaken people’s innate sacred purpose, so we can all guide with compassion and truth, lead by wisdom, and thus contribute to healing.
Aksharanand A S
Aksharanand A S holds an Advanced Teacher Training Certificate (ATTC) in Sivananda Yoga studies and studies of Vedanta (Non-dual Philosophy). Achu has a special talent for training Yoga students, with his charismatic personality and warm presence. He has extensive experience in Hatha Yoga practice and Yoga philosophy. Achu comes from a well established family of yoga teachers in Cochin, Kerala and his mother and father have been teaching Hatha Yoga at their shala for the last 30 years.
Shane is an experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT) with a speciality in meridian yoga therapy, a certified Pilates mat instructor, and an Acu Detox Specialist (ADS) working in harm reduction for the city's most overlooked neighbors. Additionally, he’s continuing his study at Hunter College as well as the AASECT recognized Sexual Health Alliance (SC). Shane originally found his way to yoga as a way to cope with chronic panic attacks. Having just moved to the city for acting school, he’d learned the body tells a story. Yoga taught him to listen. In his classes, Shane hopes to charm his students to meet challenges with honor, humility, and humor.
For upcoming work shops, retreats, and more you can follow him at:
Lillian found yoga at an early age and immediately recognized its many benefits. She fell in love with the practice and the way it enhanced her life both physically and mentally. She completed the 200-hour training at Yoga Vida in 2018 and further studied under the guidance of her mentor, Sangeeta Vallabhan. She currently has a E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance designation.
Lillian’s classes are athletic and challenging, yet balanced, safe, and accessible to all. She believes that a mindful yoga practice extends beyond the mat and infuses everything we do. With that in mind, Lillian aims to have people leave her classes feeling stronger, calmer, and more connected to the world around them.
In 2018, Lillian climbed Mount Everest, completing the Seven Summits. She has run the New York Marathon ten times, has qualified for and run the Boston Marathon twice. She is the treasurer of The Practice Coalition, a non-profit dedicated to providing yoga for trauma to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and to taking care of the teachers who offer it. She is also the co-founder, with Shane Allen, of Humble Warrior, through which she co-organizes and co-leads retreats and teacher trainings around the globe. She holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering.
"Imagine going on a fun trip with your best friends! That’s the feeling you get on Humble Warrior’s yoga retreats thanks to Shane and Lillian’s intentional programming. Add delicious food and well-curated activities, and it’s an experience not to be missed." -- Anush
"These Humble warriors created an all-inclusive travel experience with yoga/meditation, excellent food, site-seeing and adventure! In India, we went white water rafting on the Ganges, visited the Taj Mahal and walked local areas and shopped. Lillian & Shane are a perfect complement to each other and are well organized and thoughtful. I was able to relax in a foreign country knowing I was in good hands." -- Wendy
"I am more of a solo traveler and don’t generally go on group trips. But knowing Lillian and Shane, I knew it would be a good time, and I wasn’t disappointed! The week we spent in Colombia was incredible. Great yoga and meditation, but also a fun week of activities and adventuring. The crowd they attract is also diverse and fun, and I look forward to going on another one of their retreats!" -- Martin