Start 2012 with a week’s yoga retreat that will prepare you for the opportunities and challenges of the New Year. And enjoy a fabulous New Year’s price of $1600.

Michelle’s practice seeks to help students work with the physical practice of yoga to embrace a mental change. This will vary enormously from person to person – for some it’s just a small step in stopping worrying unnecessarily about a detail of their life, for others it may be a much larger step towards freeing themselves from debilitating stress. If you’re balanced and content great! You’ll find ways to stay there. If you’re uncomfortable and fretting, we’ll explore how to challenge those stressors and find ways to move through them.

“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be.”

You’ll begin to discover how your body reflects your thoughts and beliefs. Through asana (posture) work, we’ll explore those areas where you’re struggling, and develop a powerful new perspective on your abilities. It’s excellent for people with ongoing back pain, neck/shoulder pain, elbow/knee pain, or experiencing large amounts of stress during their work that has began to affect their body. Everyone has a path. Yoga is a way to not only build your physical strength, but also your mental and emotional strength. The only thing that is certain in life is change. Equip your mind, heart and body with the tools to move with change, letting go of resistance.

Michelle Jayne
From a dance training background in Melbourne, London and LA, Michelle Jayne was introduced to yoga through Yoga-cise WA. She completed her training in 2002 with Lee Shambu, founder of Yoga Health, and began teaching small groups around Perth. She returned to Melbourne in 2006 and also trained with an Indian Yoga Master in North East India. She returned with renewed insight into the history and practice of yoga in relation to the quest for one’s self mastery.

After taking workshops with Twee Merrigan in 2007, Michelle completed her Diploma in Complementary Therapies in 2007 and her Graduate Certificate in Yoga Therapy in 2010. In 2008 she attended the Asia Yoga Conference held in Hong Kong in order to further study the connection between mind and body practices and NY Yoga Journal Conference in 2011. She has trained with Ana Forrest, creator of Forrest Yoga, Baron Baptise creator of Power Yoga, Shiva Rea creator of Prana Flow and Donna Farhi.

She is registered as a Level 2 instructor with the Yoga Teachers Association Australia (YTAA) and as a Holistic Practitioner with Australian Holistic Healers Association (AHHA).

Programme
There will be two 2-hr sessions each morning. We start at 6.30am with an asana practice. After breakfast and a short break, we return for our 2hr workshop of meditation and exploration of the self. The rest of the day is for relaxing and enjoying yourself – snorkelling on the reef, taking a local excursion or just reading by the pool. If you have any questions about the week’s practice, please email Michelle at michellejl@optusnet.com.au.

Hatha yoga is translated as that which brings union, union between opposites; Ha meaning Sun and Tha meaning moon. In Indian tradition it is one of the four branches of Tantra Yoga, concentrating on the practice of postures (asana) and breath control (pranayama) to energise the subtle energy channels of the body (nadis).The objective of Hatha Yoga is to remove obstacles and address further steps towards sense withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and balance (Samadhi).

Vinyasa style yoga simple means the connection of postures through sequences and the breath. This assists the body in developing heat and works towards greater flexibility during your practice.

Testimonial:
Michelle is a very generous and enthusiastic teacher. She uses an holistic approach that is varied for each class. I love the voice work that is done in a supportive way, the quotes or mantras that can act as a compass and the place of offering that surrounds her teaching.
Kim, Melbourne

Daily Programme
Saturday 14 January
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku

Sunday 15 January
7.00 -  8.30am: Morning Yoga Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
4.00 – 6.00 pm Workshop
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 16 January
7.00 -  8.30am: Morning Yoga Practice
10.00 am tapa making demonstration
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 6.00 pm Workshop
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 17 January
7.00 -  8.30am: Morning Yoga Practice
11.00am Boat / beach outing and picnic lunch
4.00 – 6.00 pm Workshop
7.00 pm: Dinner

Wednesday 18 January
7.00 -  8.30am: Morning Yoga Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon free time
4.00 – 6.00 pm Workshop
6.30pm: Dinner at yacht club

Thursday 19 January
7.00 -  8.30am: Morning Yoga Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon free time
2.00 – 4.00 pm Workshop
4.00pm – 6.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00 pm: Dinner

Friday 20 January

7.00 -  8.30am: Morning Yoga Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon free time
4.00 – 6.00 pm Workshop
7.00 pm: Dinner

Saturday 21 January
Return to Australia

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.

Costs
AUD $1600.00 twin share (international flights not included)
Single supplement: $350

Included

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 6 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities, and 1 night in Nadi.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners at Daku are provided.
• Course fees.
• Excursions as indicated.

Excluded

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

Make a Booking »

7.00pm: Dinner

Wonder is one of the 9 core emotions or “rasas” of the Tantric tradition. The others are Love, Joy, Peace, Anger, Courage, Sadness, Fear and Disgust. Wonder asks us to develop the qualities of “mystery and curiosity” leading us to experience life moment by moment as fresh, vibrant and alive. You’ll find the warmth and beautiful environment at Fiji’s Daku Resort is the perfect place to experience more wonder in your life and yoga.

During Mark’s retreat you’ll be able to bid goodbye to jadedness, and hello to curiosity.
Many of us can feel jaded from burn-out or endless routine. So if the umpteenth sun-salute of the week reminds you of Groundhog Day then this yoga escape will rekindle your fire and mojo. Come with a friend or on your own to enjoy creatively flowing morning asana sessions to find joy – not pain- in your yoga.

You’ll learn fresh ways to focus your mind and playful (but safe) techniques to take your yoga in new directions tailored to each individual in the group according to your abilities and current condition such as old injuries.

Enjoy a heightened sense of Wonder as your focus keeps returning to the journey not the destination, to the experience not the outcome. There will be helpful notes to guide your new skills which you can apply to any style of yoga/asana when you return home to keep the experience fresh.

Keep smiling with a serene massage by the sea then cultivate further contentment in midday Yoga Nidra sessions – deep relaxation or “psychic sleep” – and learn to relax in individualized restorative practices each afternoon. In contrast to the flowing morning sessions, these use yoga props to help you hold postures for longer with less effort to develop profound inner stillness and a boost of energy.

For the curious there will also be (optional) discussions around the pool on the origins and philosophical principles of Yoga and Tantra that provide a path to experience wonder, joy and love.

Our aim is for you to not only enjoy a holiday in the friendly, family environment of Daku Resort, but to learn simple techniques (including breathing, meditation, visualisation, mudras and sound) and individualized asana sequences to recapture a sense of purpose, lightness and freedom that make present-moment awareness a scintillating and joyful possibility.

Flexibility – or lack of it – is of little importance in this approach, which is open to anyone who can breathe and sincerely wants to improve their life.

What past yogis have said about Mark’s Fiji Yoga Escapes:

I really like the approach and philosophy that Mark brought to the yoga sessions – very practical and irreverent. I enjoyed having a good laugh, not something typical yoga teachers promote/encourage in their practice.

It was also very nice to see how Mark could tailor the poses to suit individual needs, from those who practice yoga regularly to an 82 year old!

The mix of yoga sessions and free time/organised activities were very well balanced. You felt free to choose to participate or to do your own thing. I think everyone felt they had enough personal time during the trip without being forced to join in all the activities all the time.
Caroline (2011)

The yoga shala is in a spectacular location and was a lovely place to practice.

Mark’s knowledge and communication skills are outstanding. Mark’s warmth, patience and social skills make him an ideal person to lead a retreat in a foreign country. I was slightly apprehensive about travelling and paying for a retreat with a teacher with whom I was unfamiliar, particularly since I was initially thinking about going alone. I had no expectations of the teacher and was pleasantly surprised. Merioni’s cooking is outstanding and the quality of the food was excellent.
Kathy (2011)

..
..
..
Mark’s Yoga Training
Mark had a strong meditation practice before graduating from the “Heart of Yoga” teacher-training in 1998, (based on the approach of TKV Desikachar.)

He has since trained with many respected Yoga teachers including further in-depth study with both TKV Desikachar and his son Kausthub Desikachar. He has studied aspects of “ISHTA Yoga” and “Anusara Yoga” and has studied with Rodney Yee.

His current teacher over several years is the great Donna Farhi. He also continues his mentoring in pranayama and meditation with Sindar Pal Kaur in Sydney.

.
.

Daily programme

Mornings will include creative, flowing asana sequences, sun salutations, and invigorating pranayama (breathing) practices, with time for deep relaxation.

Afternoons will be a gentle, individually-tailored session to restore your body using props, aiming for a fantastic boost of energy and sense of well-being.

You will also receive a free half hour spa massage.

Programme outline:

7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast
10.00am – 11.30am: Alternate days: optional sessions on the philosophy and practice of yoga OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation.
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra (Alternate days only)
12.30pm: Delicious set lunch
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Spa treatments, free time, swim, local excursions
4.30pm – 5.45 pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Set dinner

Daily programme details

Saturday 12 May
Arrive Nadi. Overnight Nadi.

Sunday 13 May
Early flight to Savusavu. The resort is 10 minutes from the airstrip, and you will be there in time for breakfast.
Once you’ve settled down, we’ll come together for a morning vinyasa flow yoga session, followed by an optional session on the philosophy and practice of yoga
OR use it as free time for Spa treatments / relaxation
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7. 00pm: Dinner

Monday 14 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 4.30 pm: Visit to Savusavu town
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 15 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
10.00am – 11.30am: Optional session on the philosophy and practice of yoga
OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 4.30pm: Beach / boat outing
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 16 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
3.30pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
6.00pm: Drinks and dinner in town

Thursday 17 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
10.00am – 11.30am: Optional session on the philosophy and practice of yoga
OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
3.30pm – 5.30pm: Village visit
6.00pm – 7.00pm: Gentle/restorative yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 18 May
7.00am – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Buffet breakfast
12.00pm – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm – 3.30pm: Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
3.30pm: Coconut demonstration
4.30pm – 5.45pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Final dinner

Saturday 19 May
Return to Nadi and on to international flight

Costs
AUD $1980.00 twin share (international flights not included)
Single supplement: $350

Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 6 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities, and 1 night in Nadi.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners at Daku are provided.
• Course fees

Excludes

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

Make a Booking »

Slow down and immerse yourself in a different way of being. Suitable for old and young, beginners and experienced yogis alike, this course can be either a gentle and approachable introduction to yoga with easy physical moves, or a deeper exploration of heart-based practices that will enhance your life.

The week is a bodily experience of connecting with the inner-heart, our vehicle for expression of love, joy, trust and compassion. Donna will be imparting yogic skills and helping you establish routines to open and expand. Her practice is a gentle nurturing one with slow movements and poses that can be adapted to your particular body type.  You will learn simple and practical practices that you can take home with you and apply in your everyday life. Heart centred living will make this week away in the warmth feel like months and have you returned relaxed, rejuvenated and whole.

And however you choose to approach it, it will be fun – Donna believes in the joy of yoga at every level.

Donna Gianniotis is Sydney based and is internationally accredited with the Krishnamacharya Healing &Yoga Foundation. She has experience with teaching all levels and capabilities, including Yoga Therapy. She teaches in a way that the practice is adapted to the individual person’s needs and goals. This is the fourth year that Donna will be running a retreat at Daku Resort.
Donna first discovered yoga after a trip to India 15 years ago. She completed her Yoga Teacher Training at Nature Care College in Sydney in 2003 and has since continued ongoing studies with the Krishnamacharya Yoga & Healing Foundation including studies in Chennai, India.
Donna currently teaches a gentle style of yoga that is accessible to all. The classes encourage a deep reconnection to oneself via “the feeling sense” to connect with the heart energy. The classes work at building strength and flexibility in a way that nurtures and encourages gentleness in the body. The practise works by releasing nervous tension, anxiousness and hardness in the body so you begin to experience true harmony.  Donna has been teaching in Sydney for many years as well as at holiday destination places such as Lord Howe Island and Hayman Island. Having experienced the benefits of energy healing after her own cancer journey, she has spent the last 4 years studying the energetics of the body and incorporates this into her yoga teaching.

Visit our blog and read about Donna’s June 2011 yoga retreat at Daku Resort.

Programme

The programme starts with an early morning practice, and a second practice late in the afternoon with an optional pranayama and meditation class after dinner. There is a free half hour massage as part of each programme. During the week each student will be offered a private hour session with Donna.

The rest of the day is free for a mixture of excursions and time to go snorkelling, take a hike, wander into town or relax by the pool. There are also optional snorkelling trips to the reef and visits to the local pearl farm (not included in the programme price).

Saturday 28 July
Arrive Nadi.
Ovenight in Nadi.

Sunday 29 July
Local flight to Savusavu.
Approx 10.00am – 12.00pm: Morning session
5.00pm – 6.15pm :Second session
7.00 pm: Dinner
Optional pranayama and meditation practice after dinner

Monday 30 July
Approx 6.45am – 8.00am: Morning sesion
10.00am: Visit to Savusavu town
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Second session with Donna
7.00pm: Dinner
Optional pranayama and meditation practice after dinner

Tuesday 31 July
Approx 6.45am – 8.00am: Morning session
10.30am: Boat / beach outing
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner
Optional pranayama and meditation practice after dinner

Wednesday 1 August
Approx 6.45am – 8.00am: Morning session
10.00am: Tapa making demonstration
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Second session with Donna
4.00pm – 5.30 pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner
Optional pranayama and meditation practice after dinner

Thursday 2 August
Approx 6.45am – 8.00am: Morning session
9.30am: Coconut demonstration
5.00pm – 6.15pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner
Optional meditation practice after dinner

Friday 3 August
Approx 6.45am – 8.00am: Morning session
Afternoon: Free time
7.00pm: Final dinner
Final session after dinner

Saturday 4 August
Return to Nadi and on to international flight

Price: A$1980 twin share ; single supplement A$350

Price includes:

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 6 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities and one night’s accommodation in Nadi.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Excursions as indicated.

Excludes:

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

» » Make a booking

Simon is a gifted, warm hearted and and compassionate teacher with the knowledge and ability to encourage students of all levels to work to their optimum. One of his students describes him as “funny and friendly with lots of charisma”. His students value his understanding of individual body needs and his ability to change his class to suit all levels. In teaching he will start with a ‘macro’ concept on the body and move it to a subtle level so that the students experience a deeper connection a deeper understanding. He encourages everyone within a group to attain the most they are capable of, with a constant attention to that great Iyengar principle of alignment.

His approach develops self awareness through precision in movement and attention to the subtleties of body and breath. He focuses on bringing intelligence to the body through correct postural alignment, sometimes with the aid of props, giving strength and flexibility to the body. This in turn brings correct space for the organs to function properly with freedom and lightness. The mind and breath gain benefit from the postures as well, with the ultimate aim, to live in a body which is free of dis-ease and bringing clarity, calmness ,and centeredness to the mind and breath. Simon brings to this retreat this very powerful tool for Wholistic Health and Inner Growth.

Simon Marrocco is a Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher.In 1989 he founded St.Kilda Iyengar Yoga School S.K.Y.S. He first travelled to India in 1984 and was initiated by SRI SRI THAKUR BALAK BRAHMACHARI. In 1986 he started to practise Iyengar Yoga in Melbourne, since 1993 he has traveled annually to India to study with his teacher (GURUJI) B.K.S. IYENGAR and family, GEETA and PRASHANT. Simon conducts yearly teacher training programs, he has trained many teachers in Australia and has taught in major countries around the world. In 2005 he began to create a retreat centre (Yoga Gurukul) for the benefit of health through yoga and ayurveda.

The programme covers two daily sessions of yoga and meditation: a morning practice from 7.00 – 9.00, and a late afternoon practice from 4.00 – 6.00. In the mornings Simon will teach asanas focussing on strength and alignment. During the afternoon sessions he will be exploring pranayama and putting a greater emphasis on stretching.
The rest of the day is for relaxing and enjoying yourself – snorkelling on the reef, taking a local excursion or just reading by the pool. We may alter the programme slightly as we go depending on weather and your own interests.

Saturday 4 August
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku Resort

Sunday 5 August
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
4.00pm – 6.00pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 5 August
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
10.00am: Visit to Savusavu town
4.00pm – 6.00pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 7 August
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
10.30am: Boat / beach outing
4.00pm – 6.00pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 8 August
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
10.00am: Tapa making demonstration
4.00pm – 6.00pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 9 August
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
9.30am: Coconut demonstration
3.30pm – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 10 August
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
Afternoon: Free time
4.00pm – 6.00pm: Second session
7.00pm: Final dinner

Saturday 11 August
Return to Nadi 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.

Costs
AUD $1980.00 twin share (international flights not included)
Single room supplement: $350

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Course fees.
• Excursions as indicated

Program Excludes

• International airfares to Fiji.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

Make a booking »

Optional activities not listed on the program

This retreat offers a blissful journey into the heart with a combination of Vinyasa Flow, traditional Hatha practice, and deeply restorative classes – and a fabulous side trip to see the dolphins of Natewa Bay.

During the week you will find your inner bliss, deepen your flexibility, attune to the way yoga poses can flow on into the next, learn to follow your breath within sequences, strengthen and tone your body, and relax deeply. You will come away with a practice you can bring to daily life, and an awareness of how Yoga can enhance your inner experience.

In the morning sessions, Glenda focuses on the physical aspects of yoga, teaching a fun upbeat session of flowing from yoga asanas to strengthening exercises, movements and awareness of posture, and core body alignment. Evening classes offer a unique blend of pranayama: a powerful way to cleanse, rejuvenate, and find deep inner peace. Lotus has studied pranayama in depth, and will introduce you to a number of different yogic breathing techniques that help expand your awareness.

The combination of these two approaches is a path to a stronger body which can then more gracefully settle into a practice that brings peace to the mind. That is the beginning of bliss.

Our trip to Natewa Bay takes us along the coast and then out in a boat to see the spinner and bottle-nose dolphins. There is a resident pod of dolphins in the bay, and it is common to see 30 or 40 at a time. Obviously a sighting cannot be guaranteed but our experience is that we will see them 2 times out of three. And even if we don’t sight them, the bay is a very lovely place and we will stop to snorkel on the fantastic coral reefs on the way back.

Glenda Ford

Glenda is a healer and has been teaching yoga since 2002. She brings a rich understanding of anatomy to her yoga classes, weaving the principles of alignment with yoga philosophy to create a safe practice space. Glenda supports her students in building strength, easing tension, deepening awareness, finding stillness and cultivating joy both on and off the yoga mat. Her teaching style is light-hearted, caring and informative, emphasising connection between body, mind, breath and spirit. She encourages individual discovery and expression of what is appropriate in each moment and invites students to slow down, feel more and experience the sacredness of life within and all around them.

In 2007 Glenda founded the Mosman Yoga Co-op and she has recently returned from a year’s sabbatical, backpacking around the world. She facilitates corporate yoga sessions, retreats, workshops and teaches a variety of weekly yoga classes. Glenda offers private tuition for those who are rehabilitating from an injury or experiencing chronic pain or stress.

This retreat was to have been taught by Lotus Jade, who is recovering from a broken wrist and hopes to come later this year or early in 2013. Glenda Ford, who will be stepping into the free space, is a highly experienced teacher whose  teaching   follows much of the same approach as Lotus. She was my first teacher (Delia, who runs Paradise Courses) and I am enormously grateful to her for the foundation she gave me and the nurturing  approach she had in all her classes.

Saturday 18 August
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku Resort

Sunday 19 August
9.00am – 10.30am: Morning session
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
5.00pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 20 August
9.00am – 10.30am: Morning session
1.00pm: Lunch
2.30pm: Visit to Savusavu town
5.00pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 21 August
9.00am – 10.30am: Morning session
10.30am: Boat / beach outing
5.00pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 22 August
7.30am – 2.00pm: Trip to Natewa Bay to see dolphins
5.00pm – 6.30pm: Afternoon session
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 23 August
9.00am – 10.30am: Morning session
10.30am: Coconut demonstration
1.00pm: Lunch
4.30pm – 6.00pm: Visit to village
7.00pm: Dinner
8.00pm – 9.30pm: Second session

Friday 24 August
9.00am – 10.30am: Morning session
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.30pm – 6.00pm: Second session
7.00pm: Final dinner

Saturday 25 August
Return to Nadi 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.

Costs
AUD $1980.00 twin share (international flights not included)
Single room supplement: $350

Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Course fees.
• Excursions as indicated

Program Excludes

• International airfares to Fiji.
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

For all questions regarding yoga, please email Lotus at lotuskorosun@gmail.com
For booking or resort questions contact Susan at susan@paradisecourses.com

Sophie Marsh leads a week of Nia, a powerful life-enhancing practice that focuses on dance and free movement in a magical journey into Joy.

Her workshop in Fiji in September 2011 was a fabulous week of positive energy, dance, laughter and liberation. (Read an account of the retreat on our blog – Nia in Fiji.). If you’ve already experienced Nia, you’ll know what it’s all about. If you are new to it, then imagine a cross between A Chorus Line, The Karate Kid and Flashdance – with a bit of Irish line dancing thrown in. It’s movement and dance, with lots of music, and an underpinning of self awareness and positive thinking: making choices to embrace joy in your life. Sometimes Sophie leads a routine, sometimes she gives you space to wheel around in free form movement. Her voice is always there to support and guide you in the practice, and to make sure you find the confidence and passion to embrace the experience.

There’s a whole lot more about Nia further down the page, but first meet teacher Sophie Marsh and read about the programme.

About Sophie Marsh
Sophie is a Nia Black Belt Teacher and Education Trainer, and holistic health professional. Based in Brisbane, she presents Nia classes, workshops and events in a variety of healing, fitness, education, community and corporate settings. Her dynamic teaching style is an inspiration to all who attend her classes.

From Sophie:
I love Nia! It’s a fun dance-like-no-one’s-watching workout, a way to calm my overactive mental realm, a playful and creative release, my practice for Living with Purpose and Dancing Through Life, an applied science for understanding the body via sensation, the joyful way I create my sacred livelihood… and much more!

Over 11 years ago I was living in Boulder USA when a friend suggested Nia to shake off the blues and postpartum weight after the birth of my second child. I’ve always loved to dance and was ready to try anything to feel whole again. Wow! In my first Nia class every cell tingled with sparkling aliveness and the music and movement felt like they’d been designed just for me. Now I realise that this is what happens when we quieten our mind, tune into our body, move with pleasure and express our unique spirit. Back then, I just knew that after Nia I felt amazing and I wanted more. So began my Nia journey into knowing, healing and loving my Self through the body and sharing those gifts with others.

Through the Joy of Movement I inspire people to freely embody their true magnificence as we laugh, shimmy, kick, sound and move our way to personal transformation, health and well-being. I love connecting people of all ages and backgrounds and Nia’s adaptability welcomes all in a safe and inclusive space. It invites change that begins with awareness, self-love and empowered responsibility to make a difference individually and collectively, as a conscious community.

I share my contagious passion for Nia in open classes, playshops and retreats and with high school girls, seniors’ groups, women’s circles, mental health groups and corporate clients. Since bringing Nia home to Queensland in 2004 I have had the joy of co-creating and supporting Nia’s growth and recognition in Australia while travelling annually to the US to continue my Nia education and belt trainings, becoming the first Australian Black Belt in 2009. My Nia journey continues to unfold now as a Next Generation Trainer. From 2012 I’ll facilitate White Belt Intensives, offering Nia’s rich somatic education around Australia and beyond.

The programme

Start the day feeling energised with a ‘Living Mediation’ session before breakfast, a gentle movement blend inspired by yoga, Pilates, qigong, Nia’s 5 Stages and guided meditation. Then join us for a daily Nia classes mid-morning and if you feel like it, another as the sun goes down over Savusavu Bay. Let each day unfold with Nia’s invitation to listen to your body and move in a way that feels good to you. Every Nia class weaves a focus and intention to bring you into the Now, deepen your mind-body connection and explore and embody Nia’s philosophy of choosing Joy and Dancing Through Life.

During the rest of the day there’s time to swim, snorkel, have a spa massage, go into Savusavu town, visit the local J Hunter Pearls black pearl farm, hike to a waterfall and visit a local village. Or just relax by the pool or in your room, drinking in the tranquillity of Fiji and the warmth of hospitality at Daku Resort.

Sat Aug 25
Local flight to Savusavu.
5:00-6:00 pm    Journey Into Joy Nia class
6.30 pm    Fijian Welcome ceremony

Sun Aug 26
7.30        Buffet breakfast
9 .00 – 10.00    Nia Welcome circle
10.15 – 11.30    Nia class
12.30        Lunch
2.00 – 3.00    Tapa (traditional Fijian bark cloth) making demonstration with Merioni
5.00 – 6.00    Nia class
7. 00 pm    Dinner

Mon Aug 27
6.30        Living Meditation
8.00        Buffet breakfast
9.30 – 10.45    Nia class
12.30        Lunch
1.30- 4.30    Visit to Savusavu; free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
5.00 – 6.00    Nia class
7. 00 pm    Dinner

Tue Aug 28

6.30         Living Meditation
8.00        Buffet breakfast
9.30 – 10.45    Nia class
12.30        Lunch
1.30 – 4.30     Boat / beach outing
5.00 – 6.00    Nia class
7. 00 pm    Dinner in town

Wed Aug 29
6.30        Living Meditation
8.00        Buffet breakfast
9.30 – 10.45    Nia class
11.30 – 4.30    Visit to Wailevu village
7. 00         Dinner

Thu Aug 30
6.30        Living Meditation
8.00        Buffet breakfast
9.30 – 10.45    Nia class
12.30        Lunch
Afternoon    Free time for spa treatments, swimming, relaxing
5.00 – 6.00    Nia class
7. 00        Dinner
Fri Aug 31
6.30        Living Meditation
8.00        Buffet breakfast
9.30 – 10.45    Nia class
12.30        Lunch
Afternoon    Free
5.00 – 6.15    Nia class and farewell circle
7. 00         Final lovo dinner

Sat Sep 1 Return to Nadi and on to international flight

Cost and booking
$1980 twin share; includes local flights, accommodation, meals, excursions, free massage and course fees. International flights extra. EARLY BIRD OFFER: $1680 if booked by 10 April 2012.
Single room: $350 supplement.
Call (02) 8094 – 1613 or email susan@paradisecourses.com

Program Includes

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners
• Course fees
• Lectures and excursions as indicated.

Program Excludes

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program.
• Costs of a personal nature such as laundry, massages, private trips.
• Meals taken in transit at the airport.

Make a Booking »

More about Nia……
What is Nia?
Nia is a fitness and lifestyle practice that invites self-discovery through awareness, personal expression and creativity. Nia’s barefoot, grounded and dynamic approach will have you laughing, sweating and enjoying your body in totally new ways. Whether you’re new to Nia or an experienced student, Nia empowers you to be in the now and make movement choices that fit you and your needs. It’s fun, it’s funky and it creates change!

Nia’s 52 moves, covering the base, the core and upper extremities of the body offers variety and whole body conditioning by blending martial arts, dance and healing modalities. Simple steps, free form movement and inner awareness allow for a blissful experience for every age, body type and fitness level.

While most often practiced in hour-long classes, the true depth of the work lies in a rich body of education that develops into a powerful life practice. With a philosophy rooted in “The Joy of Movement,” Nia teaches people of all lifestyles to choose Pleasure as the path toward physical, mental and emotional health.

Created by Debbie Rosas Stewart and Carlos AyaRosas in 1983, over 2,500 Certified Teachers in 42 countries today teach Nia to nearly 100,000 students.

“We must explore ourself through the gift of a Body. We must open to life within us and sense, unearthing the treasures we have forgotten, and awaken our remembering of what it feels like to be free.”
~Debbie Rosas Stewart, co-creator Nia Technique

Why was Nia created?
Nia’s purpose is to grow a worldwide community of healthy people who are empowered to do great things. We believe every person can discover, explore, unleash and enhance their individual potential to live a fulfilling and meaningful life – by engaging their senses and listening to their bodies. With the right tools and education, we can increase our confidence and happiness. We can become connected to others to shape a consciousness that extends beyond our own. Together we will unearth possibilities never before imagined.

Helpful Nia Tips for Beginners
1. Bring a water bottle and dress to move. When you dance, wear anything that makes you feel free, comfortable and excited to move. Yoga clothing, street or exercise wear or even a skirt changes the way you move, feel and workout.

2. Go barefooted. Unless you need shoes for medical purposes, take off your shoes and let the bottoms of your feet send information back to your brain so your body can move safely and efficiently.

3. Start easy. Let your body slowly acclimate and adjust to Nia movement. Allow yourself freedom to enjoy being a beginner. Keep your interest and fascination up and your criticism and judgement down. Be gentle, be patient, and allow yourself to move through levels and stay on plateaus – this is the way to master and enjoy Nia.

4. Begin small. At first, don’t reach out, sink or rise too far. Build muscle strength and joint mobility slowly.

5. Pick up your feet. To protect your knees, don’t drag your feet. Instead, pick up your feet and place them in the direction you want to go.

6. Sit back. When you lower your body, sit back as if you were sitting down in a chair, moving your buttocks back behind you and away from your knees.

7. Train yourself. Talk to yourself like a personal trainer. Use verbal guidance to remain focused on what you are doing and how you are doing it. Push away all of your thoughts and worries as you exercise. Use self-talk to coach your physical body into moving more efficiently and sensing more pleasure.

8. Strive for balance. Don’t strain. Listen to your body’s signals and move in a smooth, relaxed way that doesn’t make you breathless or fatigued. If your body does not relate well to a movement, adjust and move within your own comfort zone to put positive, loving information into the muscle memory.

9. Find your rhythm. Get in as much non-stop movement as possible by finding your own pace. This may mean working slower and longer, rather than faster and harder.

10. Express yourself. Make the movements an expression of you – this is your workout. Express your own unique rhythm and body language and use your emotions to fine-tune your physical body. Be yourself and have fun.

11. Belly breathe. When you inhale, smell the moment, and feel your belly expand, then your ribs and chest filling. Exhale, placing the tip of your tongue directly behind your top teeth, which naturally supports belly breathing.

12. Use your whole body. Connect with every part of your body and move as if your body were your ballroom dance partner.

13. Balance your fitness program. Combine a good diet with internal and external exercises. With enough sleep, proper nutrition and exercise, you will see and feel results far beyond changing the shape of your body.

The instruction and advice presented by Nia Certified Instructors are in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling. Please consult your doctor before beginning this exercise program.

/p

Michelle at the beach in Lord of the Dance pose

September 15 – 22

Michelle’s first retreat in Fiji was in January 2012 and went so well that she was immediately invited back later in the year. She conferred with her students and chose a week in September as being the best time to escape the tail-end of the Melbourne winter and step into a warm, nurturing and mind-expanding week in the tropics. But it’s a week for everyone, not just her own students: so come and join her and discover for yourself the power of her particular practice.
Michelle’s practice is a dynamic physical practice combined with workshops designed to help students embrace a mental change. This will vary enormously from person to person – for some it’s just a small step in stopping worrying unnecessarily about a detail of their life, for others it may be a much larger step towards freeing themselves from debilitating stress. If you’re balanced and content – great! You’ll find ways to stay there. If you’re uncomfortable and fretting, we’ll explore how to challenge those stressors and find ways to move through them. “Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be. ”

You’ll begin to discover how your body reflects your thoughts and beliefs. Through asana (posture) work, we’ll explore those areas where you’re struggling, and develop a powerful new perspective on your abilities. It’s excellent for people with ongoing back pain, neck/shoulder pain, elbow/knee pain, or experiencing large amounts of stress during their work that has began to affect their body. Everyone has a path; yoga is a way to not only build your physical strength, but also your mental and emotional strength. The only thing that is certain in life is change, so equip your mind, heart and body with the tools to move with change, letting go of resistance.

Inversions

Michelle’s bio: From a dance training background in Melbourne, London and LA, Michelle Jayne was introduced to yoga through Yoga-cise WA. She completed her training in 2002 with Lee Shambu, founder of Yoga Health, and began teaching small groups around Perth. She returned to Melbourne in 2006 when she also trained with an Indian Yoga Master in North East India. She returned with renewed insight into the history and practice of yoga in relation to the quest for one’s self mastery. After taking workshops with Twee Merrigan in 2007, Michelle completed her Diploma in Complementary Therapies in 2007. In 2008 she attended the Asia Yoga Conference held in Hong Kong in order to further study the connection between mind and body practices. She trained with Ana Forrest, creator of Forrest Yoga and John Friend, creator of Anusura Yoga, and came back with a wealth of new knowledge. She is registered as a Level 2 instructor with the Yoga Teachers Association Australia (YTAA) and as a Holistic Practitioner with Australian Holistic Healers Association (AHHA).

Trying to stretch it out!!

Programme. There will be two 90 minute sessions each day.  We start at 7.30 am with an asana practice. Breakfast is at 9.30 and the rest of the morning and early afternoon is for relaxing and enjoying yourself -  snorkelling on the reef, taking a local excursion or just reading by the pool. Then at 3.30 we return for our 90 minute workshop of meditation and exploration of the self. After a short break we return at 5.30 for a slower asana practice when we will focus on deep stretches and restorative poses. If you have any questions about the week’s practice, please email Michelle at michellejl@optusnet.com.au.

Hatha yoga is translated as that which brings union, union between opposites; Ha meaning Sun and Tha meaning moon. In Indian tradition it is one of the four branches of Tantra Yoga, concentrating on the practice of postures (asana) and breath control (pranayama) to energise the subtle energy channels of the body (nadis).The objective of Hatha Yoga is to remove obstacles and address further steps towards sense withdrawal (Pratyahara), concentration (Dharana), meditation (Dhyana) and balance (Samadhi).
Vinyasa style yoga simple means the connection of postures through sequences and the breath. This assists the body in developing heat and works towards greater flexibility during your practice. See article below (Eight limbs of yoga) for more on Michelle’s understanding of the philosophies of yoga.
.
Testimonial: Michelle is a very generous and enthusiastic teacher. She uses an holistic approach that is varied for each class. I love the voice work that is done in a supportive way, the quotes or mantras that can act as a compass and the place of offering that surrounds her teaching. Kim, Melbourne

Daily Programme
Sat
Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00         Welcome to Daku

Sun
6.30—8.00         Morning Asana Practice
10.00—11.30   Effects of emotions on the physical body conclude with meditation
Afternoon:    Visit to Savusavu town
7 00 pm            Dinner

Mon
6.30—8.00        Morning Asana Practice
10—11.30      Limitations & Core Beliefs conclude with meditation
1.00pm              Lunch
2.30        Boat / beach outing
7.00        Dinner

Tue
6.30—8.00       Morning Asana Practice
10—11.30      Timeline – to identify life lessons and witness the bigger picture of your personal journey
4.00:         Tapa making demo
Wed
6.30—7.30       Morning Asana Practice
10—11.30      Cutting the Ties Meditation – releasing attachment between yourself and a person/belief that no longer serves you
2.00         Coconut demo
7.00         Dinner

Thu
6.30—7.30   Morning Asana Practice
9.30—11.30  Numerology – Working with the positive and negative characteristics that make up your individual numerology map
3.30—5.30   Village visit and meke
Fri
6.30am -7.30   Morning Asana Practice
9.30 – 11.30    Ritual – Manifestations
Afternoon      Free time

Sat Return to Australia

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.

Costs
AUD $1960.00 twin share (international flights not included)
Single supplement: $350
•    Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
•    Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
•    7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities.
•    Breakfasts, lunches and dinners at Daku are provided.
•    Course fees.
•    Excursions as indicated.
Program Excludes
•    Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
•    Comprehensive Travel Insurance.
•    Optional activities not listed on the program
•    Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
•    Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

More on Michelle’s philosophy.

During the January retreat with Michelle Jayne, I observed a small exchange between her and another student which at the time I pretty much ignored. It was nothing very significant; she’d got irritated over dinner and had been short with the student – although I should add that none of us had noticed. Nevertheless, it had obviously troubled Michelle. After class she stepped aside with the students and made a quiet apology.
I was reminded of this tiny incident when I read a recent article which features Michelle and her understanding of yoga entitled The Eight Limbs of Yoga by Amber Wilson published on www.sportzblitz.net  (and which I’ve posted here). She is quoted as saying:

“We don’t need to join an ashram to note whether we treat people with kindness or frustration. The observation of how we use our energy in relation to others and ourselves is staring at us daily.”

And I realized how thoroughly she was applying that to her own life, examining her behaviour and taking responsibility for the effect it had on others. In the article she looks at those simple everyday inter-reactions with others that answer the question of how we use that energy:

“What are you like on the road? How do you speak to shop assistants? How do you treat yourself when faced with a difficult task? These observations are a simple ongoing, daily experience.”

A simple but profound reflection.

Eight Limbs of Yoga

Unravel into the new and experience a contemporary yoga: SomaChi. SomaChi explores the qualities of energy that inspire us to move beyond our limitations and old habits. It is spring and time for something new so take the plunge. Come to Fiji to feast on fresh foods, chant a way to a still mind and live within a re-energised body.

SomaChi yoga style was created by Lianne Metcalf, who is the founder of the SomaChi Studio. The yoga she developed is a unique form of vinyassa flow yoga. It mixes modern and strong movements with traditional hatha yoga postures. SomaChi yoga is also influenced by martial arts and tai chi.

Combining these styles gives incredible freedom. It allows the participant to delve deeply into sensation and to actually ask with fully curiosity what it is to be body, what it is to be energy, what it is to be mind – and to recognize the qualities of bodhicitta (heart mind). It is a dynamic, fluid practice that stills the busy mind and brings aliveness to the body. The entire focus is on helping you build a healthy, happy life.

Read a fuller description of SomaChi »

The course
The week is structured around 2 daily practices, one in the morning of 2 hours and one in the late afternoon / evening of 2 hours.

Morning – 2 hours: Unravel in to the new
Each morning we will start with study and practice of meditation.
This will be accompanied by discussion and visual prompts to help us understand the ancient tradition of the 4 noble truths of which the Buddha taught:

• There is suffering.
• There is a cause to suffering.
• There is an end to suffering.
• There is a path out of suffering (the Noble 8-fold path).

This will be followed by a 1.5 hour vinyasa class – different themes will be presented each morning.

Afternoon Practice – 2 hours : Chant
We will lean the meaning and beauty about mantra, and sometimes just hum and sing until our heart is content.

“Different tones make different patterns. Those patterns are the information – literally the in-form-ation-inherent in the sound. They are the shapes of sound moving us.”
Julie Henderson*.

When we let go in to song and dance and eat great food we are part of the great living feast. Using sound, SomaChi Yoga and movement our afternoon practice will be to explore spontaneous patterns, and how these patterns develop ‘aliveness’ in who we are.

The programme

Saturday 1 September
Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku Resort

Sunday 2 September
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
9.00am: Breakfast
Free morning
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.30pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 3 September
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
9.00am: Breakfast
Morning visit to Savusavu town: see the local market, browse the shops, stop in and see the geothermal hot springs.
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30pm: Tree of Life – talk on the coconut and its uses in Fiji
4.30pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 4 September
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
9.00am: Breakfast
11.30am: Beach outing and picnic lunch
4.30pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 5 September
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
9.00am: Breakfast
Morning: free for optional snorkelling trips (F$35) / massage/ relaxing by the pool / hiking.
12.30pm: Lunch
4.30pm – 6.00pm: Village visit and meke
6.30pm – 7.30pm: Second session
8.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 6 September
7.00am – 9.00am: Morning session
9.00am: Breakfast
9.30am: Hike around Daku Resort – about one hour – optional. You need decent walking shoes eg trainers / walking sandals with heel straps. Reasonably demanding!
Free morning for optional snorkelling trips (F$35) / massage/ relaxing by the pool.
12.30pm: Lunch
Free afternoon : optional visit to black pearl farm at 1.30 (F$25)
4.30pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7. 00pm: Dinner

Friday 7 September
Approx 6.45am – 8.00am: Morning session
Afternoon: Free time
4.30pm – 6.30pm: Second session
7.00pm: Final dinner
Final session after dinner

Saturday 8 September
Return to Nadi and on to international flight.

All the listed activities are part of the course and are covered by your fees unless otherwise indicated by cost in brackets. 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.

Teacher Lianne Metcalf
Lianne founded SomaChi Yoga in 2000. She was soon asked by students to develop a teacher training and in 2004 the first SomaChi Yoga Teacher Training was underway. By 2007 her school was accredited with the international body of Yoga Alliance.

Her unique style encompasses the influences of physical theatre, where she received sponsorship to study Grotowski and experiential theatre in Europe, and the influences derived from her travels in the east, including Nepal, to study Buddhism. Her classes are described by her students as refreshing and experiential, and the Melbourne Age characterised her style as “fun classes that swoop into trikonasana (triangle pose) in dance like rolls from the waist, and cycles of sun salutations”.

Lianne’s vinyasa has been influenced by taoism and tai chi and the yoga world of Cyndy Lee, Shiva Rae (trained in her style by Twee Merrigan), and Wade Imre Morrisette. She has an advanced diploma in Zapchen Somatics (Buddhist and Western body psychotherapy), where her principle teachers are Tony Richardson and Julie Henderson. For the past 12 years she has been studying Buddhism with Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche. Lianne has also completed level II and III in Shambhala contemplative meditative practices.

Lianne has been in great demand as a teacher. She has taught yoga, Improvisational and Somatic Movement, Pilates and SomaChi. She has given instruction at Chunky Moves, Melba Conservatorium of Music, and was a teacher trainer for Somatic Pilates at The Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. She has also been flown to outback Australia to run Yoga and Pilates Workshops. In 2011 she taught sensory applications of functional anatomy to medical students of Melbourne University. Her past students are teaching today around Melbourne in SomaChi and Vinyasa, and some are venturing into their own studios.

Her passion and motivation for yoga stems from traditional Eastern and Western contemporary influences. Paying utmost respect to her own teachers, Lianne continues to go beneath the structure of asana, asking the question of how you find spontaneity and energy to express these ancient postures, as it is here we can experience great joy.

*Dr Julie Henderson is a Somatic Body Psychotherapist and Tibetan Buddhist Practioner. She has written 3 books How to feel as good as you can in spite of everything. The Lover Within -tantric practice, and The Hum Book. She teachers in American, Austalia and holds annual retreats in Nepal. Lianne has studied with Julie for 15 years and has an advanced diploma in Zapchen Somatic Therapy, which is the marriage between buddhism and western body- orientated psychotherapies.

Price: A$1980 twin share; single supplement A$350

Price includes:

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities and one night’s accommodation in Nadi.
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees.
• Excursions as indicated.

Excludes:

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

Soma = the alive body. Chi = energy. In bringing Soma and Chi together, the body and mind is unified, balanced and replenished. Our body-mind intelligence is awoken, and we become aware of the energetic sensations within our bodies. SomaChi Yoga will help you develop a greater awareness and understanding of how amazing your mind and body really is.

Usinge classic hatha poses, SomaChi is experiential in its process, enabling us to discover our energy patterns. It examines how we become the postures as opposed to just doing them. And it delves into the experience of how we as a living intelligence identify ourselves in this yogaso, for example, when I move my arm do I it just from a mechanical place or do I recognise the sensations and the energy that pulses through my being to cause this movement? And do I recognise how I move in and through space? Do I feel wooden? Do I feel stiff? Is it an effort? How do I soften? How do I connect more with chi? How do I identify with my environment (space around me)?

The role of tai chi is in working with spaciousness for feeling and sensation. This includes warrior postures blended with graceful and expressive arm and leg movement. At times we imitate deities that represent wisdom and compassion, and through embodying these deities we gain clarity and gain a greater understanding of our vital energy – self. In tai chi and martial arts the joints are the gateways to chi – in Somachi we apply this by rolling and softening the joints – down dog and jump backs have a rolling convoluted motion.

SomaChi acknowledges influences from the following practices and people:
Hatha Yoga; Vinyasa Yoga; Ashtanga Yoga; Martial Arts; Tai Chi; Tibetan Buddhism; Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche; Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche; Dalai Lama; Somatic Therapy; Julie Henderson; Tony Richardson; Respect and acknowledgement is given to all those who have inspired the creation of SomaChi.

Make a booking »

Judy Krupp: founder and director of The Yoga Room & Life Centre, has been teaching for over 20 years. Originally trained in the Iyengar system, Judy now teaches a multifaceted approach, blending the art of asana practice with the science of the mechanics of movement. Judy has an astute knowledge of the body and its movement and she lives and teaches with both humour and passion. She encourages her students to move beyond their perceived limitations, whilst working at an individual pace with grace and core stability. Judy also practices Steve Lochkhardt Myotherapy; she has been a myotherapy body therapist for the last 16 years, working with the re-alignment of the body. She has complemented this with studies of Reiki and Indian Head Massage.

The course: Judy’s practice aims to nurture your body and its needs. She wants you to leave the yoga class feeling better than when you entered. Her studies of yoga have included not only training with Angela Farmer and Donna Farhi, but also studying anatomy and physiology with Simon Borg-Olivier. She syas: “I have had many fabulous teachers and influences over the last 30 years including, Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Rodney Yee, Eric Schiffman, David Life and Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti yoga, Simon Borg Olivier, Ramanand  Patel and Peggy Hackney who does the developmental pattern work. I am one very lucky little yogini!” She has applied the benefits of the knowledge she has gained to developing a yoga practice that addresses our everyday needs. Too many of us suffer from strains and discomfort brought on by sitting for too long, hunching our shoulders over a compute, standing badly and taking strain from uncomfortable footwear, or walking poorly. The harm this does is manifested in strained joints and muscles and weakened muscle tissue – with all the knock-on effects this has in feeling tired, lacking focus and being low on energy.

Back bend - and don't worry, you're not expected to do this!

A class with Judy is a concentrated, thoughtful experience. She aims to help you explore the restrictions and imbalances that prevent you from being able to flow with ease and grace – in the body and then in the mind. Her yoga is not about extreme poses on the mat, but deep focus and a sense of love – love for self, love for others.  She will explore all this in her retreat.

Programme

The programme is structured around two daily workshops of 1 ½ to 2 hrs with time in between for snorkelling on the reef, hiking in the rainforest, having a massage or just relaxing by the pool.

Sat Oct 20
Travel to Savusavu and Daku Resort.
6.30: welcome ceremony and dinner.

Sun Oct 21
7.30         Light breakfast
9.00 – 11.00     Morning session
12.00         Lunch
4.30 – 6.30     Afternoon session
7. 00 pm     Dinner

Mon Oct 22
7.30         Light breakfast
9.00 – 11.00     Morning session
…followed by visit to Savusavu town.
12.30         Lunch
1.30         tapa making demonstration (tapa is traditional decorated Fijian bark cloth)
4.30 – 6.30     Afternoon session
7. 00 pm        Dinner

Tue Oct 23
7.30         Light breakfast
9.00 – 11.00     Morning session
11.30 Picnic lunch at Devodara beach
4.30 – 6.30     Afternoon session
7. 00 pm        Dinner

Wed Oct 24
7.30         Light breakfast
9.00 – 11.00     Morning session
12.00         Lunch
4.30 – 6.30     Afternoon session
7. 00 pm        Dinner

Thu Oct 25
7.30         Light breakfast
9.00 – 11.00     Morning session
11.30        Brunch
12.00         Visit to village
4.30 – 6.30     Afternoon session
7. 00 pm        Dinner

Fri Oct 26
7.30         Light breakfast
9.00 – 11.00     Morning session
12.00         Lunch
4.30 – 6.30     Afternoon session
7. 00 pm        Dinner

Sat Oct 27
Return to Nadi and on to international flight

Price: A$1980 twin share; single supplement A$350

Price includes:

• Return domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
• Return airport transfers from Savusavu to Daku Resort.
• 7 nights accommodation at Daku Resort in traditional bures and villas with private facilities
• Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are provided.
• Course fees
• Excursions as indicated.

Excludes:

• Return economy international airfares to Fiji.
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional activities not listed on the program
• Costs of a personal nature eg laundry, massages, private trips
• Meals in Nadi or taken in transit at the airport

…followed by visit to Savusavu town.p

Dan Clement

We welcome Dan Clement from Canada for a week of dynamic Hatha – based practice and deep relaxation , with an introduction to the principles of teaching yoga and a focus on creating your own home yoga practice.

Dan is the director of Open Source Yoga teacher training and author of “Teaching Hatha Yoga”. He will dive deep with you through daily practices that will:

• Explain holistic biomechanics: How the body is created, how to consciously expand strength, grace and flexibility to your full potential, pain-free.
• Investigate posture sequencing that will allow you to build a variety of home practices suited to your needs: Morning or evening, when you are full of energy or when you are fatigued.
• Outline the role of yin, restorative, meditative and therapeutic yoga, and why you may want to include aspects of these methods in your own practice.
• Discover your constitution based on Ayurvedic principles and use that as a guide to build appropriate asana practice.
• Establish a habit of lifelong daily practice you will look forward to. Upon registration you will receive a copy of “Teaching Hatha Yoga”, the manual used in Open Source Yoga trainings and in this retreat.

We will spend 2.5 hours in the morning and another 2.5 hours in the afternoon in practice and study, giving you some time to explore the surroundings. By the end of the retreat you will have developed a home yoga practice and have the tools to modify, expand, lengthen or abbreviate it.

This workshop/retreat is suitable for students of any age or physical ability. We will be exploring a full range of postures and techniques. Adaptations and modifications for postures will be offered. Expect some relatively dynamic practice with demonstrations, some physical therapy adjustments, and deep relaxation to classical guitar.

Dan Clement began to practice yoga and teach in the 1990′s with Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.  Reflecting on the insights he had gained from teaching different ages and body types, he began to explore other types of asana that would be approriate for the vast variety of students’ needs, desires and capacities. Drawing on alignment based yoga, yin yoga and restorative yoga,  Dan developed a teacher training programme that encourages teachers to train approriate hatha yoga, whilst also blending ancient knowledge with inner wisdom.

“There is no substitute for a regular, compassionate inquiry into the nature of the body, mind and heart”. Create your own path, share your awareness with the world. Dan teaches 200 and 500 hour trainings in British Columbia, Canada. This will be his first trip to Fiji – and a great escape from the approaching Canadian winter!

Cost and booking:

We are offering two levels of accommodation:

• Ocean View Cottage: $1,865 with a $300 upgrade for single accommodation ($1, 665 Early-Bird Special until June 1st, 2012)
• Poolhouse Villa: $1,745 with a $170 upgrade for single accommodation ($1, 545 Early-Bird Special until June 1st, 2012)

Daily schedule

Monday Nov 26:
Fly to Savusavu in the morning. If you are coming from Canada or the US your flight will arrive at 0510 am and you will connect with a flight to Savusavu. If you are coming from Australia / New Zealand, we suggest you fly in to Nadi the previous day and spend the night in Nadi, taking a morning flight to Savusavu OR fly out to Savusavu on Sunday Nov 25: we will give you a 15% discount on your accommodation for early arrivals.
Morning : welcome ceremony and settle in.
12.00 Lunch
Afternoon free.
Late afternoon practice.
7.30 Dinner

Tuesday Nov 27 – Saturday Dec 1:
Each day will follow a similar format based around a morning practice, lunch at 12.30,
free afternoon, a late afternoon practice and dinner at 7.30. In between the practices there is free time for snorkelling on the reef, swimming, visiting Savusavu town, having a massage or relaxing by the pool.

Sunday Dec 2:
Leave Savusavu and return to Nadi for international flight connections.