Anusara Yoga
Christine du Fresne
10 – 17 July, 2010
Christine is a certified Anusara Yoga teacher and has been teaching regularly for the past nine years. Anusara Yoga was developed by John Friend, a charismatic and highly respected teacher from the United States. The Sanskrit word ‘Anusara’ means to be ‘in the flow of grace’ or to ‘flow with the currents of the heart’. When we step in to our yoga practice with the intention to feel the joy, experience the freedom and know the beauty in our lives through opening our hearts to the possibilities in every moment, then our yoga practice becomes a journey of insight and revelation, and ultimately transformation.
Our practice of Anusara Yoga is always supported by the interweaving of the Tantric philosophy of intrinsic goodness with the Universal Principles of Alignment ™ developed by John Friend as both the foundation for and the pathway to our greatest expansion in any pose. We open up to life playfully, thus releasing limiting ideas about ourselves – what we habitually think is our ceiling of possibility – in an open, safe and nurturing environment.
We build each pose from the inside to the outside; asanas (physical postures) that might present as challenging are approached in small steps and everyone is encouraged to have fun as they open up to their fullest potential.
Testimonials for Christine’s Fiji course from previous students:
Just wanted to tell you what a fantastic time I had at Daku on Christine’s beautiful yoga course. It truly surpassed all expectations. I always knew I would love the yoga/meditation aspect but had no idea how beautiful the people would be. Highlights were certainly the village trip (oh the singing!) and the boat/beach trip -but most of all, ALL the lovely staff at Daku.
I know that Christine has booked again same time next year -and be assured, I will be there!
Thanks so much – it was pure joy!
Vivienne Hayle
Christine began practicing yoga in the mid 1980s while raising a young daughter and completing a post-graduate year in painting. She says: “As I began to learn about the philosophy underpinning the asanas I understood how our greatest learning and service comes from connecting with our inner strength and wisdom.”
Her teacher for the first 10 years was Pixie Lillas, a senior Iyengar teacher in Sydney, who instilled in her a commitment to and love of the practice. Christine undertook a teacher training programme with her, and some years later completed a 4-year apprenticeship with Craig Sharp, a certified Anusara Yoga teacher. When Craig first spoke of his intention to follow this “yoga of the heart” she knew she had found her true path.
Her deepest gratitude goes to John Friend who has also been her teacher on several memorable occasions.
Christine has also found time to make a film and write a book about her travels in Central Asia, and to build a sustainable straw bale house in the Australian bush with her daughter. She continues to paint, an activity she finds highly compatible with her yoga teaching and practice.
The course
Anusara Yoga is an empowering practice physically, emotionally and spiritually – we feel free to enjoy life more fully, opening up to its radiance and beauty. The practice of the alignment principles is therapeutic for a range of physical ailments and limitations in the body, so each principle will be explored in some detail.
The course will run over five days with the sixth day free for impromptu practices and other interests.
Daily programme
There are daily morning workshops, with afternoons free for relaxing or excursions.During the early evening sessions Christine will teach students how to develop a practice at home. She will cover sequencing, timing and practices which address general health issues.
Saturday 10 July
Travel to Daku
Sunday 11 July
6.00am – 7.00am: Meditation, teaching and practice
7.30am – 10.00am: Breakfast and personal time
10.00am – 12.30pm: “Follow your heart – the big picture” – the first principle
Afternoon: Tapa demonstration. Free time.
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Evening session.
7.00pm: Dinner
Monday 12 July
6.00am – 7.00am: Meditation teaching and practice
7.30am – 10.00am: Breakfast and personal time
10.00am – 12.30pm: “Create banks for the river of life” – the second principle
Afternoon visit to Savusavu for shopping and visiting the market.
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Evening session
7.00pm: Dinner
Tuesday 13 July
6.00am – 7.00am: Meditation teaching and practice
7.30am – 10.00am: Breakfast and personal time
10.00am – 12.30pm: “Open up to the one energy” – the third principle
Afternoon: Free time
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Evening session
7.00pm: Dinner
Wednesday 14 July
6.00am – 7.00am: Meditation teaching and practice
7.30am – 10am: Breakfast and personal time
10.00am – 12.30pm: “Discover your own power” – the fourth principle
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Evening session
7.00pm: Dinner
Thursday 15 July
6.00am – 7.00am: Meditation teaching and practice
7.30am – 10.00am: Breakfast and personal time
10.00am – 12.30pm: “Flying lessons” – the fifth principle
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Evening session
7.00pm: Dinner
Friday 16 July
Open to all possibilities
3.30pm – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Final dinner and lovo
Saturday 17 July
Return home
All the listed activities are part of the course and are covered by your fees. You will also receive a free half hour massage. If you want to add on extra excursions eg diving / special snorkelling trips, we are delighted to help arrange them: they will be added to your room bill.
