Ashiyana Retreat With Chris Nelson

20 - 27 December 2009

Through a balance of  yoga, contact improvisation dance, tantra and silence, this retreat supports the easing of the many tensions within your being. In a beautiful and peaceful setting we invite you to experience yourself at a deeper level, using the wisdom and practices of yoga and associated practices for meeting yourself and others more innocently, joyfully and with an open-heart.

On one level yoga is a practice for the healing of the whole body through the release of mental, physical and emotional tension. This in turn offers a profound support structure for realizing a healthy and balanced life. At a deeper level there is the possibility for the stilling of the mind, which invites true self-awareness. The retreat combines practices and teachings that are designed to nurture self-love and an honest expression of your true nature. You do not need to have had any experience in any of the above, as our approach has no interest in ideas of "advanced'"or "beginner" - there is only ever the invitation for you to experience yourself deeply as you truly are in this moment. We invite you to discover what it is to be quiet and yet fully alive, aware of your compassion and love for others and yet with no need for anything from anyone!

Any practice is superficial unless it is rooted in this earnest desire for self-knowledge - that is, knowing yourself as your innermost essence. We will encourage you to develop the habit of accepting life as it is, within your body and in everyday life. Sometimes we spontaneously feel love and joy through the grace of life, though mostly this is not the case, as the inner beauty is masked by fear and engrained habits. With the surrendering to what is results the real possibility for love to flow.

There will generally be two classes per day, the morning class dedicated to yoga asanas (including pranayama and meditation) with the afternoon/evening class left more fluid, to include dance, a silent walk, or activities involving working in pairs or as a group. Outward silence reflects your inner stillness, and this is perhaps the strongest element of the retreat, particularly if you are not accustomed to silence. In the evenings there will be a group sharing session and some evening entertainment ("barefoot boogie", musical, meditation or other) as part of the Ashiyana weekly programme.

We are eager that you relax and enjoy yourself in our exquisite and tranquil setting. Our centre fronts Mandrem Beach and is also on the Mandrem River, a peaceful haven rich with a fantastic variety of trees, plants and wildlife. Apart from all the other attractions of north Goa, such as the markets, we will also organize a dolphin trip on a beautiful old-style fishing boat.

I look forward to meeting you soon,
Chris : )

For further details or to book please contact us.

Chris Nelson
Ashiyana Yoga Teacher Training
Retreats/Workshops/Trainings