Creativity and Yoga

Amanda Ahern

25 – 31 July 2010

Are you one of those people who constantly lament “I’m not creative” of “I just can’t get started”, “I don’t have time!” Then this week is for you.

To access buried creative inspiration, one must move past the conscious mind and connect directly with that creative core where the urge to create resides. Yoga takes you past the conscious mind directly into the bliss of your own being, the bliss that longs to creatively express itself. Make the journey into your being then revel in the creative expression of it. You’ll be amazed at what unfolds.

Svaroopa® Yoga offers a significantly different paradigm, specialising in the inner opening. The practice is both physical and more than physical. Our poses release the tensions in the deepest layers of your body, the layers of muscles that connect to your spine. We begin at the tailbone and progress upwards through each area of your spine. This promotes a process of healing and transformation on all levels. Svaroopa® Yoga means to use your body as the form to find the self. The physical changes are profound and reliable and as your practice progresses it provides and inner transformation that gives you new eyes through which to see. The ancient sage Patanjali, says our own inherent bliss bursts forth from inside when we do yoga. Svaroopa® Yoga pursues the search for an understanding of the deeper purpose of yoga: to understand your own essential nature.

Amanda Ahern BA is a Hatha Yoga teacher in the Svaroopa® style. She has been teaching Yoga in Brisbane for 2 years and invites you to join her on this wonderful week away to explore your creativity through Yoga. Amanda is a published author of “Paint-Up” and has been a practicing artist for nearly 20 years. She has been involved in personal development and training for 30 years including “Technologies for Creating” and “Creating” with Robert Fritz Inc in USA, Hoffman Centre Australia and is an Avatar Master. Amanda loves to inspire others to create. Whether it is a piece of art, an environmental sculpture, a beautiful poem, a ripping good yarn or a liberating dance, Amanda will support you in bringing it forth in spite of any limitations, expectations or limiting beliefs you may have about your creative ability.

“Art and Yoga, the two loves of my life have helped me integrate so many challenging experiences over the years. Being anchored in these two modalities has definitely made life a lot more fun. I invite you to join me for a relaxing spacious weekend for you to sink in, let go and let your creative spirit shine through. You will enjoy delicious food, great company, beautiful environment and the support to make it happen.” Amanda Ahern

Programme

This Retreat will take you on a journey into the bliss of your own being.
The classes will be made up of breathing practice (pranayama), awareness meditation, postures, painting Yantras (optional) and creative exercises. Each day there will be a 2 hour class with half an hour meditation at the end, followed by a late morning art class. There’s an evening optional meditation at sunset to finish off the day.

Daily Programme

Saturday 24 July
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku

Sunday 25 July
9.00 – 11.30am: Morning class
12.00 – 1.00pm: Yantra painting and/or Creativity exercises then lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.00pm: Coconut demonstration
5.00 – 6.00pm: Meditation at sunset
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 26 July
9.00 – 11.30am: Morning class
12.00 – 1.00pm: Yantra painting and/or Creativity exercises then lunch
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Visit to Savusavu
5.00 – 6.00pm: Meditation at sunset
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 27 July
9.00 – 11.30am: Morning class
12.00 – 1.00pm: Yantra painting and/or Creativity exercises then lunch
4.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
5.00 – 6.00pm: Meditation at sunset
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 28 July
9.00 – 11.30am: Morning class
12.00 – 1.00pm: Yantra painting and/or Creativity exercises then lunch
2.00pm: Boat / beach outing
5.00 – 6.00pm: Meditation at sunset
6.30pm: Drinks and Dinner at yacht club

Thursday 29 July
9.00 – 11.30am: Morning class
12.00 – 1.00pm: Yantra painting and/or Creativity exercises then lunch
3.30 – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 30 July
9.00 – 11.30am: Morning class
12.00 – 1.00pm: Yantra painting and/or Creativity exercises then lunch
Afternoon: Free time
7.00pm: Final dinner and lovo

Saturday 31 July
Return to Nadi (arrive approx 11.00am) and on to international flight

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.
Endorsements for Amanda Ahern and Yoga and Creativity:

I enjoyed the whole process. The way the program was structured enabled everyone to feel relaxed in a supportive environment. The creative process was seamless and inspirational. I noticed both slight and dramatic shifts in my body and my mind. Well done Amanda, keep up the great work! Sandi – consultant

The entire weekend has been a wonderful experience. I am now on the road of a new beginning. Let’s do it again soon. Thank you Amanda.
Roz – GM

The Yoga and Creativity weekend was excellent. The Yoga helped me release some blockages and allowed me to feel more open. The whole weekend was calming, relaxing and fun. Brilliant! More of same please.
Nisi – PA

After an evening with Mandy of good food, good wine and great company I was totally inspired to restart my artistic flare. We yarned and painted and the same time a wonderful healing process began. I haven’t stopped since! And I have had 2 commissions.
Bridget – Gallery Coordinator

Amanda has been my friend and colleague for over 20 years – her unique combination of talents and skills is combined with sincere delight in helping others find themselves afresh in the most enjoyable way!
Cynthia – Filmaker

After just one session and one Yoga class with Amanda, I feel myself again for the first time in nearly 10 years. I can hardly believe it. Thank you.
Jenny – Counsellor

Since attending these Yoga classes, I am full of energy and get so much more done especially the first day after the class, whereas I used to be stiff and sore all the time.
Jennifer—Real Estate Agent

Since beginning these yoga classes my whole personality has changed. I am much more calm and less caught up in things that used to stress me out. Thank you!
Wendy—Manager

I feel so much more relaxed and happy since making time for myself to attend these yoga classes. It is yoga you can do and want to keep doing.
Joan—Administrator.

This style of Yoga is so different and I have progressed from being stiff a lot of the timeto being clear, flexible and open. It has changed my mind about Yoga and a lot of other things as well.
Mandy—Artist