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Samahita Retreat - Newsletter April 2011
Dear friends,
From just a quick snapshot of the world today we can see much is happening, from natural disasters, fights for freedom to human trafficking. Personally, I want to help in all of this, but how? I am so limited? Yet, at the same time we are all connected. Is not each action, word and thought of mine somehow contributing? Is it not ether improving or worsening the situation, depending on the quality of my intention to action? How do we quantify that? In a sense our world is small, it extends to that which our senses can perceive, interact with. At the same time it is as infinite as the universe and beyond. So although, ''I only did my job today; successfully, I hope'', or, ''I only took care of the kids today; lovingly, I hope.'' It has impacted this world and the life of others positively. So again I am reminded why I do all this practice - I need to work on myself, everyday. In so doing my own nervous energy refines and the good qualities of my heart can come out; compassion, kindness, generosity and care. So, keep up your connection with practice, it is good for all, even though you have to take, even sacrifice, the time to do it. Finally, and importantly, do it correctly.
One of our main missions at SYT is to provide plenty of opportunities for people to keep on learning and practicing. As you read below you will see the special guest teachers with so many things to offer, from active isolated stretch techniques with Adarsh to practice and wisdom from Stephen and Govinda. Elonne also teaches with special teacher Shalini who is an expert in the field of emotional freedom technique (EFT). Sometimes it is hard to tap in our blocks only through practice. EFT can be a great help for healing and release.
All of us here hope to see you at some stage that works for you. In the meantime keep up the awareness on the breath.
Om
Paul
Yoga and Health Articles
The one thing certain in life is that everything changes. It seems everyone in their life reaches moments of 'transition', a shift from what they're doing now to something they might wish to be doing. What does this transition, change, transformation mean?
Transformation by Paul Dallaghan
Trans fats, omega 3's, hydrogenated, monounsaturated…..Are you confused about which fats are safe to eat and which are to be avoided? This article aims to uncover some of the facts about fat; which fats to include in your diet and which fats to avoid at all costs.
Facts about fat by Claudia Jones
Brahman is a force that could be found in everything, but it is subtle enough to not be in anything at all. It's in the salty tears of a student struggling with emotions during the third week of the training, in the pulling pain on the inside of my left knee, and in the anticipation of a child waiting for their parent to finish teaching in the shala. It is in each of them, as they are all the observable Brahman…
Pratyaksham Brahman by Elonne Stockton
People Share their Experiences
Dear Paul and staff of Samahita Retreat,
Just a quick note of thanks for the wonderful 3 days I spent at your centre last week. It was truly restful and rejuvenating and just what I needed. I only wish I could have stayed longer. I was also appreciative to have the attention of teacher trainers to support me with my asanas.
Many thanks again and all the best,
- Holly, Switzerland
The beautiful setting of Samahita Retreat, as well as the helpful staff was ideal for me to cleanse my body, spirit and mind. I feel rejuvenated and peaceful inside. Thank you Samahita Retreat.
- Dieter Zwicky, Switzerland
Upcoming Programs at Samahita Retreat
Apr 30 - May 7
Wellness Retreat: Yoga and Your Health - The Practical Approach to a Balanced Lifestyle with Claudia Jones.
The Yoga and Your Health retreat offers a practical approach to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. This retreat is for those wishing to make positive changes in their lifestyle to combat the pressures of today's modern living and its impact on our health.
This course is open to all levels of students.
May 7 - 14
Ashtanga Yoga and Healing with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) with Shalini Joshi Yamdagni and Elonne Stockton
Emotional Freedom Techniques is a set of simple yet extremely powerful natural techniques that bringrelief not only from the emotional challenges but also all sorts of physical illnesses and diseases. It can be thought of as an emotional version of acupuncture. No needles are involved. Instead, you stimulate the body's energy system by tapping key energy points on the face and body with your fingertips as you tune into any unwanted thoughts, feelings or physical pains. This instantly starts to release the underlying energetic blockages which give rise to negative emotions and contribute to physical dis-eases. When we straighten out our energy system, unwanted emotions, intrusive thoughts and physical symptoms respond very well and melt away. Our senior resident teacher Elonne Stockton teams up with a well-known EFT practitioner Shalini Joshi Yamdagni in a unique yoga retreat to support your personal development. Elonne will help students develop and/or deepen their self-practice of yoga asana and breathwork - pranayama.
This course is open to all levels of students.
May 14 - 21
Special Guest Teacher Program: Ashtanga Yoga & Active Isolated Stretching: Wisdom & Science with Adarsh and Heleen Williams.
Active Isolated Stretching works with the body's natural intelligence to safely elongate muscle and deep myofascial tissue. Using precise bodily positioning, AIS isolates specific muscles for a stretch lasting no more than 2 seconds (yes, 2 seconds!). This 2 second stretch allows for optimal flow of blood, oxygen and nourishment without triggering the protective contraction of the muscle avoiding painful tears caused by prolonged static stretching. The stretch is repeated up to 10 times to gradually increase mobility in the muscle and joint. The isolated contraction builds specific muscle tone and strength and trains muscles to fire in the correct patterns therefore increasing bodily awareness and coordination.
The morning program will include a mixture of Guided and Mysore Style Ashtanga Class.
Afternoon Program will focus on Anatomy of Yoga and Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) Workshops.
This course is open to all levels of students.
May 21 - 28
The Deeper Dimensions of Yoga: Asana, Alignment & Pranayamwith Stephen Thomas
A one-week Intensive course (40 hours of study). This advanced alignment and adjustment workshop, which focuses on Asana and Pranayama, is aimed specifically at dedicated yoga practitioners and teachers. As part of an on-going series, this module will deepen your knowledge of asana, by looking at detailed physical and energetic alignment, how to make effective modifications, how to use hands and props to make better assists, so that the practice grows towards independent freedom, for you own practice and for others.
Students will have the opportunity to make significant progress on seated Meditation and Pranayama practices.
Each day will also include chanting, silent inner work and discussion forums.
This course is open to all levels of students.
May 28 - Jun 4
Yoga from the Tradition: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting and Philosophy with Elonne Stockton.
Elonne will help students develop and/or deepen their self-practice of yoga asana and breath-work - pranayama while they gain a clear idea of what yoga is in its entirety, where the practice of yoga comes from, and why we practice yoga to begin with. Mornings will start with breathing exercises - pranayama, intention setting, Vedic chanting and asana practice (led asana and self practice classes). During the afternoon sessions, Elonne will facilitate discussions and also lead restorative asana classes. Additionally, during the week there will be a boat trip, a few silent beach walks and evening Satsang, practicing meditation techniques, share chanting and/or kirtan.
This course is open to all levels of students.
Jun 4 - 11
Yoga Detox: A Complete and Supported Naturopathic Detox Program with Graeme & Carole Bradshaw
Designed for practitioners of all approaches to yoga, this retreat offers a highly effective detox program that not only targets physical blockages but also mental and emotional obstacles, allowing for spiritually transformative experiences. The Yoga Detox is based on Graeme's twenty-five years of experience as a respected naturopath specializing in detoxification programs and Carole's background as an Ashtanga yoga teacher and holistic wellness coach. It works on a very deep level, safely and effectively dealing with stubborn poisons and, with specialist care and attention on detoxifying the liver. In addition to morning Mysore-style yoga practices, there are daily educational health and nutrition classes and a comprehensive mind-body program to access deeper layers of personal healing. Ultimately this program offers genuine healing on the mental, emotional, and spiritual levels, moving you towards more self-awareness, self-acceptance and clearer life intentions. Its aim is to significantly improve your vitality and well-being, enhance your yoga practice, and facilitate positive, lasting changes in your life.
This course is open to all levels of students.
Jun 11 - 18
Taking Our Practice to the Next Level with Govinda Kai
In this weeklong retreat we will focus on dynamic discussion and reflection on the deeper meaning of yoga practice. We will challenge ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally to take our practice to the next level in an atmosphere that is both focused and full of joy and humor. This will be done through asana practice, lectures and lively discussions and structured activities, all designed to deepen experience of our lives and practice.
This course is open to all levels of students.
Upcoming workshops around the world with Paul
May 21 + 22 Satya Yoga Hangzhou, China
June 9 - 12 Asia Yoga Conference Hong Kong
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@yoga-thailand.com
Skype id: yogathailand1 or yogathailand2
Tel. + 66 77 920 090 to 091
Samahita Retreat 55/20-24 Moo 4 Namuang, Koh Samui, Surathani, Thailand 84140
