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Samahita Retreat - Newsletter November 2011

Dear friends,

Language is a key feature of human cognition. Without it much of what we call the civilized, developed world would not have occurred. Anything that comes into contact by us, typically through our senses and mind, immediately gets ascribed a name. We use language to communicate and express ourselves, to convey our thoughts and develop ideas. According to yogic psychology the root of all language is ‘Om’ as it covers the entire vocal range of a human; all the sounds that can possibly make up any language. On an emotional level we see how words can hurt or heal, and on an intellectual level how they can further the development and growth of both individual and society. Yet any true, inner experience tends to fall beyond words. Even the feeling of love is almost impossible to describe and so poetry steps in.

The first teaching vehicle I set up in New York in 1999 was, and still is, Centered Yoga. A wonderful Sanskrit professor, Dr. Sharma, translated 'centered' for me as 'Samahita' in Sanskrit. Samahita implies balanced and even a deeper sense of growth. Our time at Retreat has been one of balance and deeper growth for us and many others over the years, building in extra levels that includes the wellness center. We will now use the word Samahita in our name and title to convey this message while sticking with our familiar Yoga Thailand and Wellness Thailand. The place itself is a retreat for all who come, so we welcome you to Samahita Retreat.

Om
Paul

Yoga and Health Articles

"In practical terms pratyahara is not so much something you do as it happens. There are some techniques to aid it but it is primarily an outcome from the practice of pranayama and mindfulness practices"
Pratyahara, by Paul Dallaghan.

10 tips for a healthier life, by Samahita Retreat Wellness Thailand director,
Claudia Jones.

‘In my last retreat one woman asked what yoga says about planning for the future. Be present has become cliché these days. But what does that mean? How can we make sense of this in terms of our practice and in terms of our daily lives?’
Planning ahead,  by Elonne Stockton.

Are you interested in Kriyas and role they play in our yoga practice?
Watch Paul’s introduction to Kriyas to find out more.

People Share their Experiences

Samahita Retreat is an extraordinary place where you are taken care of. I was on a ten day detox and received so much care, support and advice from a team of people who genuinely wanted to help. Everything about SYT is authentic, the staff, who become your friends, the cleanliness of your room, which becomes your home and the wonderful communal areas, where you can relax in comfortable tropical surroundings listening to the waves on the beach. The treatments available are first class, and the Yoga does more than stretch your hamstrings. But if you want to discover how beautiful this place really is, and how it can help you in ways you never imagined, I suggest you book now, I promise you will not regret it. Do something wonderful for yourself.
- Kelly, UK (Oct 2011)

Upcoming Programs at Samahita Retreat

December 19 - 26, 2011 - All About Asana and the Breath
December 26 - January 2, 2012 - All About the Breath and Philosophy
Christmas & New Year Yoga Retreat Celebrate the Holidays and Enter the New Year with Paul Dallaghan

Paul and his team will share in the task of teaching and guiding. Our expanded yoga shala space allows us to handle all students in different classes, as necessary. The retreat will offer a mix of Asana and Pranayama practice, along with practical workshops on philosophy and integrating yoga into daily life. Our intention is for you to feel uplifted and clear in what to practice by the time you end the retreat.

The first week will place an emphasis on Asana in the workshops, with more on the Philosophy by the second week, apt for an understanding to contemplate closing the old year and opening the new, with both weeks focused on the breath. Keeping things fluid Paul will still entertain questions on all subjects over the different weeks.

There will be a Christmas Eve celebration with feast and performances. Our Christmas celebration is centered around giving and sharing by inviting local school children to perform their traditional arts and raising money for their schools. The special ceremony will help you close and heal the past year, setting the energy and intention for the year coming with an impetus to follow through on it. The rest of your time will be a nice break from all the crazy holiday happenings and commercial onslaught. Come and really enjoy the break.

On New Year's Eve there will be a special ceremony to acknowledge 2011 and welcome in 2012 as well as a feast and performances. The special ceremony will help you close and heal the past year, setting the energy and intention for the year coming with an impetus to follow through on it.

This year we are pleased to have a special musician Daphne Tse who will share her beautiful voice and music with us during this retreat.

January 2 - 7, 2012
2012 Destined To Be a Year of Change, Start it Right Yoga and Daily Life in the Face of Change with Paul Dallaghan and John Campbell

There has been a lot of hype around the year 2012, specifically the date of December 21. For sure there is some energetic shift which has already begun. As with any shift or change the level of awareness and preparation of each person can help determine the growth or difficulty we come under due to the shift in circumstances. Both yoga and Buddhist philosophy offer tremendous clarity, wisdom and support for everyone. They are of course built on practice. Both John and Paul share this common bond in practice and deeper understanding. The start of any endeavor is highly important and this short week is a great opportunity to explore practice, either from being exposed to it at a new level or looking to immerse into it.

As is typically taught here, students will focus on mind, breath and body practices. These are tools to work with on a regular basis that can literally transform your life and build a tremendous inner strength. Here each student will work on and learn, to take home, breath, meditative and asana practice. We feel this is one of the best things to have for yourself in times of tremendous change, upheaval and uncertainty. We hope to be of help. Please join us.

January 7 - 14, 2012
Yoga Practice and Buddhist Thought with John R. B. Campbell, Ph.D.

Join John Campbell, Certified Ashtanga Yoga practitioner and scholar of Sanskrit, Indian Philosophy and Tibetan Buddhism for a week of yoga and meditation practice. Drawing on his rich background in the body-mind transformative traditions of India and Tibet, Professor Campbell will be giving instruction in the Ashtanga Yoga system in the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. The emphasis of the retreat will be on the "outer" bodily practices of asana linked to their "inner" components of mental and emotional development. Daily instruction in asana, pranayama and meditation practice will be combined with lectures on the theoretical foundations of the Yoga based on their presentation in the classical texts and oral teachings of Hindu and Buddhist Yoga systems, leading participants toward a richer understanding of the potential and value of their own practice. An ideal environment for the experienced yoga enthusiast who wants to deepen their practice, it is equally suited to the total beginner who wants a powerful, practical introduction to these ancient methods of liberating the ordinary body-mind complex from egocentric suffering.

This course is open to all levels of students.

January 14 - 21, 2012
Deeping Your Practice: Finding Balance in Surya and Chandra Nadi's with Ron Reid and Marla Meenakshi Joy.

In this one week retreat, we will weave this theme... exploring the challenging (heating) vinyasa qualities of Ashtanga Yoga and the cooling practices of Restorative yoga, Yoga nidra, Chanting, Pranayama and Meditation, closing with a cooling and soothing evening of "kirtan" (call-and-response-chanting).

January 21 - 28, 2012
Bringing Art and Soul to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga

This is a totally unique opportunity to study with these deeply experienced and inspirational teachers. They offer a blend of Ashtanga Yoga, Yoga philosophy, Mantra study and practice, Kirtan, Restorative yoga and Meditation... with the intention of each practice as an awakening to our inner Wholeness.

January 28 - February 11, 2012
Ayurvedic Treatments of the Mind and the Practice of Pranayama and Asana Understand human psychology according to Ayurveda and how to handle it with Atreya Smith and Jessica Blanchard.

The first part of this course looks the structure or anatomy of the mind and how it functions according to Ayurveda. The second part looks at the pathologies in the mind and how disease is created. The third part looks at the therapies used in Ayurveda to heal the mind.
The orientation is towards the therapeutic application of Ayurvedic psychology in Yoga practice and how Ayurveda can give the yoga therapist practical tools for their patients/clients/students.

February 11 - 18, 2012
A Transformative Week of Yoga with Simon Low and Jeff Phenix

Simon and Jeff, two of the UK's most popular teachers are opening this week to all who wish to come for a fun and transformative yoga holiday at this fabulous location on beautiful Koh Samui.

Bring your group to SYT
Samahita Retreat is a full service retreat center providing a complete supportive environment for focused learning and continued education in yoga, spiritual and health interests. During certain times of the year our center is available for private group programs by request.
For more info please see:
http://www.yoga-thailand.com/private-yoga-teacher.html

Specialized Group Seminars
Samahita Retreat offers a sanctuary for small private corporate/ executive retreats such as leadership training, team building, and creative brainstorming seminars. While we have programs going on throughout the year, at certain times of the year we can customize a private group event with our resident teachers and health staff to work with your specific group and goals. For more info please see:
http://www.yoga-thailand.com/private-corporate-retreats.html"

Upcoming workshops around the world with Paul

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

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