This course costs A$1880 – a fantastic price for a course with two teachers. There is NO travel included in the price, but full advice is given below.

The course
Melbourne mavericks Yvonne Haddleton (Elwood Beach Yoga) and Lucy Fisher (Pranic Healing) are combining forces to bring a week of Yoga, Healing and meditations in their unique styles to offer you a full yogic experience … in Paradise! They will primarily be focusing on chakra practices (both modern and ancient tantric), Pranic healing, breath work and Shatkarma cleansing practices.

Each day will build on the previous, moving through the chakras, exploring, clearing, bringing balance, awareness, rejuvenation, transformation and healing.

Daily programme includes: Morning meditation and sun salutations, dynamic Hatha class, pranayama, chanting, Satyananda, Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation), guided meditation and the daily themed workshops exploring consciousness and energy of chakras.

The teachers

Yvonne Haddleton has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and teaching since 1991. She originally studied a strong, technical style which had a focus on body strengthening, but her desire for a deeper practice, accessing the more spiritual aspects of yoga, led her to study Satyananda teacher training (pranayama and meditations). In more recent years however she has developed a passion for Powerflow (Vinyasa).   In addition to Yvonne’s yoga teaching qualifications, she has also earned a BA in Dance, Certificates in Rebirthing and Reiki II.

Through her extensive learning and journeying through different styles Yvonne has created a unique practice that incorporates strength building, flexibility, focus and awareness, promoting a feeling of well-being, centredness and vitality. Yvonne is always attentive to the needs and energy of each class and responds accordingly. Her teaching style is technical but relaxed, fun and rewarding with love and healing being her foremost intent.

Lucy Fisher has studied with Made Sumantra, a fifth generation Balinese Pranic healer in Ubud in Bali, and has also gained certificates in Advanced Pranic Healing and Pranic PsycoTherapy through the Ashish Institute of Inner Studies under Dr Hazel Wardha in Melbourne. She will be offering individual Pranic healing sessions, which cleanse, rebalance and energize the etheric body. Enhanced by the use of 100% pure organic high frequency essential oils, Lucy uses a combination of Prana, Raindrop Technique and Emotional Release in her healing sessions.

Make a booking

Programme

Saturday 4th September
Fly to Nadi. Either spend night in Nadi or go straight on to Savusavu and Daku Resort

Sunday 5th September
Morning: free
Lunch
2:30pm – 4pm: Yoga session
4.00pm:  Afternoon tea
5.00pm:  Workshop (agna chakra)
6:30pm:  Dinner
8.00pm:  Meditation

Monday 6th September
7.00am:  Sun salutations
7:30am:  Pranayama and meditation
8.00am:  Breakfast
Free time to visit Savusavu.
10:30am: Asana class
12.00pm:  Yoga nidra/chant
12:15pm:  Lunch
Freetime (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3:30pm -5.00pm:  Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm:  Personal reflection time; journal wring.
6:30pm:  Dinner
8.00pm:  Meditation

Tuesday 7th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7:30am:  Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
Free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing
10:30am:  Asana class
12.00pm:  Yoga nidra/chant
12:15pm: Lunch
Free time (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3:30pm -5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm:  Personal reflection time; journal writing.
6:30pm:  Dinner
8.00pm:  Meditation

Wednesday 8th September
Rest day
7.00am:  Sun salutations, asanas, pranayama and meditation
9.00am: Breakfast
10.00am: Tapa (bark cloth) making demonstration
4.00pm: Visit to village
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 9th September
7.00am:  Sun salutations
7:30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am:  Breakfast
Free time
10:30am: Asana class
12.00pm:  Yoga nidra/chant
12.15am:  Lunch
Freetime (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3.30pm – 5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm: Personal reflection time; journal writing.
6:30pm:  Dinner
8.00pm:  Meditation

Friday 10th September
7.00am:  Sun salutations
7.30am:  Pranayama and meditation
8.00am:  Breakfast
Free time
10.30am:  Asana class
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/chant
12.15pm:  Lunch
Free time (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3.30pm – 5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm: Personal reflection time; journal writing.
6.30pm: Dinner
8.00pm: Meditation

Saturday 11th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7.30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
10.30am: Asanas or workshop
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/ chant
12.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Beach / boat trip
Final dinner and celebration.

Sunday 12th September
Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi approx 10.00am for flights back home.

Travel

Travel arrangements on this course must be made by you; here is a guide to the options. Please contact us if you are having difficulties or need help on any aspect including hotel bookings. As a rough guide, the international fare is approx $800 $900 (prices vary daily and must be checked on the web) and the domestic flight costs approx $240 (F$390).

OUT
Sept 4 :  International flight from Melbourne to Nadi. Spend the night in Nadi.
Sept 5 : Domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
RETURN
Sept 12 : Domestic flight from Savusavu to Nadi at 0830 – then on to international flight.

JetStar
Depart Sep 4: Melbourne 0600 JQ6400 via Sydney and on to Nadi JQ119 arrive Nadi 1505
Return Sep 12: n/a

Virgin Pacific Blue
Depart Sep 4:  Melbourne 0935 arrive Nadi 1620 – DJ4185
Return Sep 12: Nadi 1810 arrive Melbourne 2215 – DJ4184

Air Pacific / Qantas:
Depart Sep 4:  Melbourne 1030 arrive Nadi 1855 QF424 / 391 (via Sydney)
Return Sep 12: Nadi 1830 arrive Melbourne 2200 QF396

Flights from Nadi to Savusavu take an hour and leave at  0700, 1000 and 1500. They return at 0830 and 1400.  If you are returning with Virgin you must take the 0830 flight out of Savusavu. They can be booked with Pacific Sun online at www.airpacific.com

On the way out you will overnight in Nadi – hotels can be booked for approx $80 for a double room.

Hotels: there are plenty of good hotels in Nadi. We recommend Raffles Gateway over the road from the airport – a mid range hotel, it is pleasant and comfortable with a lovely pool and excellent access to the airport. www.rafflesgateway.com

Make a booking

23 – 30 October, 2010

The course
The classes are Ashtanga and Iyengar based and are for all levels. They follow the Ashtanga sequencing and are suitable to any style of Yoga.

This workshop will help to get a solid foundation in your daily practice, and learn to enjoy your practice. Michel reminds you that “Yoga is a Journey not a destination”. The philosophy of “total acceptance of what is” will help you to stop focusing on your limitations and start experiencing the wonder of each moment, being in the present moment.

The morning sessions will encompass POWER AND GRACE: Salute to the Sun and its variations. The poses in the Ashtanga sun sequence form a complete practice themselves, and provide a foundation from which to explore a balance of power and grace in standing poses. Finding the nuance in these movements allows us to find better stability (sthira) and levity (sukha) as Patanjali notes in the Yoga sutras.

Then they will move to DEVELOPING AND USING CORE STRENGTH.
This session will aide you in developing your core strength through yoga asanas, and establish and strengthen your connection to the bandhas (internal locks) and then using this strength to find ease in various poses.

There will be a practice of BEND WITHOUT BREAKING (Back-bending basics). Finding our way in backbends can be challenging, but by the same token it can be fun and safe when approached with the right understanding. We also will look at the anatomy of the back bend so the practice is safe.

Afternoon sessions
Michel will be teaching simple breathing techniques that can be used in everyday life that will keep you relaxed and help you to enhance the functioning of your digestive system, immune system and reproductive system. We will do inverted poses as a preparation for pranayama .

Whenever one does anything, one has no success whatsoever without any practice. Yoga-Vasistha
The goal of yoga is about adaptability, not flexibility. Judith Lassiter

Teacher Michel Besnard is one of the foremost Ashtanga teachers in the Asia Pacific region, with a well known Ashtanga shala in Hong Kong, and an international teaching schedule. His teaching philosophy is to provide students with clear and sensitive guidance, listening to the needs of the body without pushing or straining, thus making space for their own understanding. Ultimately, Michel encourages everyone to take the practice seriously, but not himself or herself seriously.

Michel has been practicing yoga since 1978, and teaching since 1983. He started with Iyengar yoga and was a direct student of BKS Iyengar, and since 1993 has also been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga directly under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India.

In 2001, Michel moved to Hong Kong and founded Yogasana – the first Ashtanga shala in Hong Kong. Michel is also one of the first to establish Yoga Teacher’s training in Hong Kong. Since then he has trained hundreds of students. However, he has been involved in Teacher’s Training well over 10 years in different parts of the world. In 2002 Michel met Avaida Vedanta Teacher Ramesh Balshekar from Mumbai and has been avidly his student since.

Michel is a Senior Yoga Teacher, holding a certificate of IYTA (International Yoga Teacher Association) and registered Experience 500 hours Yoga Alliance.

Programme

Saturday 23 October
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku

Sunday 24 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
3.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 25 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 26 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
12.00pm: Lunch
1.00 – 3.30pm: Boat / beach outing
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 27 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
Free afternoon
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama

Thursday 28 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
6.30pm: Drinks at Savusavu yacht club and dinner in town

Friday 29 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
12.00pm: Lunch
2.00 – 3.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
4.00 – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Final Dinner

Saturday 30 October
Return home

Tara’s retreat in Fiji is a week of revitalisation and renewal in a beautiful tropical setting. Morning classes follow the Iyengar tradition of a powerful physical practice that develops a strong, focused mind along with agility, balance, endurance and great vitality. The evening practice allows a gentler period of meditation and restorative yoga. In between there is time for swimming, snorkelling on the reef, having a spa massage or just relaxing by the pool.

Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that focuses on correct positioning and alignment of the body in asanas (postures). It incorporates the use of props such as bolsters, blankets, belts and blocks. It is a powerful physical practice that is also capable of assisting those with any special needs such as injuries or skeletal imbalances. Iyengar Yoga will also develop a strong, focused mind along with agility, balance, endurance and great vitality.

Tara’s teaching combines a compassionate and caring approach with her belief that students should be serious about exploring their postures to gain the best for themselves. She uses the practice of a talking circle in which her students begin to consciously connect with others, and is greatly beneficial in learning to resolve conflict.

Her teaching concentrates on exploring alignments of body and mind. She says: “Practising yoga provides us with so many benefits. If you’re wanting to get fit, lose weight, prevent backache, migraines and headaches, develop core strength, gain a supple, flexible and toned body, are preparing for pregnancy or pregnant, want to control your asthma, stabilize blood pressure, control depression, nervous tension, stress or anxiety then yoga is for you.”

‘The yogi conquers the body by the practice of asanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit. She knows that it is a necessary vehicle for the spirit. A soul without a body is like a bird deprived of its power to fly.’
BKS Iyengar

Tara Er is the principal teacher at Cronulla Yoga Centre and has been practicing yoga since 1988. She has attended classes with the Iyengar family in Pune, India and regularly attends workshops & classes with senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in Sydney & Melbourne.

Tara is also a member of the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Australia. Over many years Tara has facilitated talking circles in the tradition of indigenous cultures and has attended workshops & retreats with Aboriginal senior woman, Min Mia.

Programme

Each day will consist of a morning and afternoon practice leaving you with several hours of free time to enjoy the lifestyle that Fiji has to offer. This may include swimming, walking, reading, relaxing or exploring the sites.

The daily practice will thread and flow into the week’s practice to open you up to the path of yoga or continue to ignite the flame of yoga that may already be growing in your heart.

The week’s retreat will cater for all levels.

The programme is based on a morning practice of three hours. The first hour will consist of Silent Meditation followed by Pranayama (breathing exercises), along with Restorative asanas. This design is to create a solid foundation and lead the Sudhaka (student/pupil) into her asana practice. The next two hours will consist of dynamic asanas which will stretch and tone the body, increasing fitness, flexibility, and awareness of self. The late afternoon practice will consist of restorative asanas to recuperate and revitalize your being by recharging your batteries.

Daily programme

Saturday 21 August
Arrive Nadi – local flight to Savusavu
7.30pm: Welcome Circle gathering

Sunday 22 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Creating our foundation – Standing Asanas (postures)
9.30am: Breakfast
11.00am – 12.00pm: Circle gathering – Conscious Meet and Greet
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 23 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Going Within – Forward Bending Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
10.30 – 12.30pm: Visit to Savusavu town
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 24 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Releasing the Past – Lateral Extention (Twisting) Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
11.00am – 12.00pm: Circle gathering
12.30pm: Lunch
2.00 – 4.00pm: Beach / boat outing
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner
After dinner: Circle gathering – sharing the experience

Wednesday 25 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Connecting with our Vulnerability – Backbend Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
Morning: Free time
12.30pm: lunch
3.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 26 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Connecting to our Centre – Balancing Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
10.30am: Coconut demonstration
12.30pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Drinks at Yacht Club and dinner in town

Friday 27 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Grounding the knowledge – Asana practice
9.30am: Breakfast
Morning: Free time
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30 – 3.30pm: Restorative practice
4.00pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner
After dinner: Final Circle gathering

Saturday 28 August
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.

28 August – 4 September, 2010

NZ$2350 – earlybird special: NZ$1990 if booked by April 28

Susan Allen completed her training in India in the Sivananda Yoga discipline, and has also studied Ashtanga, Iyengar and Anusara yoga. She draws on a combination of these traditions during this week, when she will will teach yogic postures, breathing techniques, meditation, yogic philosophy and chanting.

The daily practice will take you through the traditional practices of asana, pranayama and meditation – a lovely balance between the physical aspect of yoga and the creation of a meditative, quiet space with the goal of bringing more presence and a higher consciousness into your everyday experience.

Yoga begins with the physical body, the asanas; moves towards the more subtle – the mind – and onwards to the most subtle: an experience of the inner Self. Through the yoga asanas we will explore what it means to fully inhabit the body. Through cultivating awareness of breath in our practice, we become more sensitive to our experience, we become more present right here, right now.

Each morning and afternoon we will have an asana practice that is performed with full attention on the breath. From asana to meditation the practice blossoms from a physical one towards a deeper level of awareness – awareness of the nature of our thoughts and the nature of the mind. This increase in awareness, or presence is very empowering as increased awareness of the mind and emotions gives us more control over their content.

This increase in presence leads towards liberation from the mind and all its tricks and habits, awareness of the true Self, centered and joyful. This is the goal of this week – through the yogic practices to have an experience of the joy and steadiness experienced when yoga brings you into the present.

Susan Allen has been teaching yoga in India, Ireland and New Zealand for the last 8 years; she currently runs the popular Yoga Ground studio in Auckland, NZ. Originally trained in the Sivananda lineage, her classes also incorporate experiences of the Iyengar and Anusara traditions. Susan has spent over 3 years in India studying at various yoga and meditation centers; her classes are a blend of this experience.

The programme

There will be a 2 hour practice in the morning and a 2 hour practice every afternoon – these classes will be a lovely balance between the physical aspect of yoga and the creation of a meditative, quiet space. In the evening there will be optional yoga nidra (deep relaxation) or meditation session. Between the yoga classes there will be an offering of local excursions to see Fijian culture, and the option of spa treatments, diving or snorkeling, walking, fishing, or just relaxing in the calm and beautiful surroundings.

A typical day’s schedule:

7.00 – 9.00am: Yoga practice
9.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast
10.00 – 12.30pm: Free time
12.30pm: Lunch
1.00 – 4.00pm: Free time for spa treatments, excursions, diving, walking, reading…
4.00 – 6.00pm: Yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner
8.30 – 9.00pm: Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) or Meditation

A visit to a local village and a boat / beach outing during the week 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.

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

The Course

The week’s practice encompasses a number of styles: Dynamic Hatha Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Vinyasa flow. Andrew has also been studying Anusara Yoga and is on the path to full certification.

Andrew describes his teaching as follows:

A dedicated yoga student and teacher … in fact an eternal student … I am passionate about helping others to discover their true potential through the practice of Yoga. Utilizing a gentle, yet dynamic heart-centred approach, I encourage students to become more self aware, through questioning and personal enquiry in their practice, and aim to guide them toward their own sense of greater self-awareness.

Drawing from various streams of yoga practice and Tantric philosophy, my unique style emphasizes and works with the healing potential of Yoga. My further interests extend into exploring human energetics, human potential and power, and how to discover ones true Life Purpose.

After teaching now for over 11 years, my teaching is a Dynamic form of Hatha yoga infused with heart and soul and imbued with the rich Tantric Philosophy and Spirit of the Divine – with Love Gratitude and Humility may we Open to Grace. Namaste.

Andrew Mournehis currently teaches at various yoga studios around Melbourne. He holds a Diploma of Health in Yoga (CAE) & Certified Yoga Instructor with the YTA. He is part of the Teaching Faculty and Assessment Coordinator, for the Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training (CAE), and a qualified Transpersonal Counsellor (Ikon Institute of Victoria).

Programme

Saturday 20 November
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku ceremony

Sunday 21 November
Morning practice
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
Early evening practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 22 November
Morning practice
1.00pm: Lunch
2.30pm: Boat / beach outing
Early evening practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 23 November
Morning practice
4.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
Early evening practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 24 November
Morning practice
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
Early evening practice
6.30pm: Dinner at yacht club

Thursday 25 November
Morning practice
Early afternoon practice
4.00pm – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner

Friday 26 November
Morning practice
Afternoon free
Early evening practice
7.00pm: Final lovo dinner

Saturday 27 November
Return home

John teaches a style of yoga called Purna, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘complete’, ‘integrated’ or ‘full’. He seeks to integrate all 8 limbs (Ashtanga) of yoga the way it was originally taught, more than 3000 years ago in India. Yoga asanas, or postures, are just one of these limbs. The other limbs are equally important, including meditation, pranayama breath control, and the personal and social code of ethics, the yamas and niyamas. Each yoga session includes the physical postures, pranayama and meditation.

John believes the practice of yoga is intended to be joyful and to lighten the heart and mind by calming and energising. He encourages students at all levels to build flexibility, strength and stamina of body, mind and spirit. Yoga philosophies, such as ahimsa (non violence), are threaded throughout each class. This helps bring about a deeper understanding of the key yogic values including diet and lifestyle aspirations. His practice is challenging, yet he offers variations of each posture to suit students of all levels.

John Ogilvie is one of those rare people you meet with whom you feel an almost instant heart connection. There is a glint in his eyes that tells of an inner-spring of joy and a hint of boyish cheekiness. His presence is one of yogic lightness developed over twenty years of regular yoga practice.

John is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced teachers, and founder of Byron Bay’s long-time yoga school, Byron Yoga Centre, established in 1988. He teaches regular classes as part of the weekly timetable and heads up a popular teacher training program at the school, attracting students from around the world, who come to learn from his years of experience.

Byron Yoga Centre Retreat Testimonial: “As soon as you enter the doors of Byron Yoga you can feel the energy and calmness enter your body. The retreat experience is an elixir not only for your body through the daily yoga sessions and nourishing food, but also for your mind, as the learning experiences can be applied to everyday life.”
C. Morris

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Programme

Sunday 17 October
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
Arrive Daku at approx 4.30pm. Welcome ceremony.
Dinner

Monday 18 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 19 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
2.30pm: Boat / beach outing
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 20 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
2.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 21 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.00pm: Coconut demonstration
12.30pm: Lunch.
Afternoon: Free time
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
6.30pm: Drinks at yacht club and dinner in town

Friday 22 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
2.00 – 4.00pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
4.30 – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner

Saturday 23 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
Afternoon: Free time
4.00 – 6.00pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Final lovo dinner

Sunday 24 October
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.

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The focus for the Joy of Movement Retreat is relaxation, gratitude and nourishment.

Deborah ran her first course at Daku Resort in 2009, and found it to be the perfect location for her practice and philosophy. She writes:

We are fortunate if we have the opportunity of taking a break in a supportive and beautiful environment with like-minded people. Often in the business of everyday life it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are. This retreat is designed to encourage you to remember. The beauty of Daku is that it is a ‘real’ place. It’s relaxed, unpretentious, comfortable, generous. It has a sense of family, colour, tradition and honest life.

It is just so easy to enjoy the warmth, time slows and the body/mind can begin to let go of any tightness and grip to soften and be. The people, the palms trees, the misty mountains, the horizon, the temperature of the water, the hibiscus and the lush greens are happily incorporated into our sessions, deepening our sense of connection to place. In Yoga we breathe in the beach horizon and feel our expansive nature. ChiBall awareness of the seasons, and power of colour and the meridians will strengthen our organs and senses as we stretch. Nia invites a sense of playfulness, voice, and group to energise, gathering and releasing energies from Earth, Heart and Possibility (Open Sky).

When we work with the body in respectful and generous ways, the mind naturally quietens. By drawing attention back to the breath and sensations of the body we begin to see and appreciate that our posture (position) and how we move directly affects our minds, just as the state of mind will also affect our body. Being with what is in the present moment opens us to Life as the Joy of Movement. Appreciation becomes a life skill

Practices like Yoga, Meditation and the Martial Arts encourage students to approach the body with open curiosity rather than prescribed expectation and judgement.

The ‘family’ at Daku Resort are wonderful, down to earth, friendly and helpful. Like many Fijians, they are wonderful singers and dancers. They were enthusiastic performers and for this coming retreat I have asked that we learn a dance or two for a deeper experience of Fijian culture. This year we will also have the opportunity of making Tapa, a traditional craft.

After having led a wonderful retreat in 2009, I am excited to offer another designed to nourish energetic reserves and embrace a mutli-layered, sensation rich experience. The Joy of Movement Retreat is designed to keep your holiday open for rejuvenation and sense of connection.

During the course she will be using a variety of modalities

Yoga; a class focussing on the Breath and flowing sequences of postures using the ChiBall as a prop and focus. During this retreat Yoga will be offered as an extended section of the ChiBall class (30 mins approx) in the morning rather than a whole class. The ChiBall is a useful and accessible support tool, especially for stiff and inexperienced Yoga students. Vinyasa Yoga classes have an emphasis on the Breath, focus and flowing transitions and are suitable for beginners and layered for those with yoga experience.

Nia; a holistic movement class that encourages students to relax and enjoy their bodies moving in new and exciting ways. Nia blends aspects from The Martial Arts (Tai Chi, Tae Kwondo and Aikido), the fluidity and fun of Dance (Jazz, Modern and Duncan) and the alignment and awareness of Yoga with wonderful music from around the world.

Nia is reasonably new to Australia but it’s been operating for 25 years in the USA, and is practised in many countries around the world. It is for absolutely everyone and is easily adapted for different levels of fitness, flexibility and mood. There is no wrong way to do Nia so there is no need for ‘co-ordination’ or dance experience. It is a fun and relaxed session to an eclectic range of music.

The ChiBall Method; a blended class, (Qi Gong, Tai Chi, ChiBall Dance, Yoga, Feldenkrais, Pilates and Relaxation) which believe that good health and well being come from the inside and are expressed in our daily experience and outer reality. The ChiBall method is a unique set of movements and exercises that are practised with a ChiBall, which is infused with a matching aromatherapy fragrance. The synergy of colour and aroma in the ChiBall is a potent combination for healing imbalances, equalising emotional highs and lows, and nourishing a depleted spirit. Drawing from the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ChiBall method liberates blocked energy (Chi), improves breathing and release tension while enhancing concentration, balance and co-ordination.

Teacher Deborah Shaw: Originally working in community development and social justice, Deborah began taking Yoga after a car accident. She became a teacher with the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Melbourne and then completed the CAE – Diploma of Health Studies in 2001. Deborah is a Practioner of Mindfulness Meditation and a student of Qigong.

It was the sense of fun, meaningful imagery and sense of group dynamic used in Nia that seduced her to train as a Nia teacher. Nia opened the way to powerful work with group process in a fun and engaging way. She continues to be fascinated by the whole body/brain workout that taps into body sensations, emotions, thoughts and our ability to honour the power of the group experience.

Deborah combines her understandings from Yoga, Nia and ChiBall into The Joy of Movement Program. She offers it to community development organisations using it as a tool for supporting self-expression in individuals, relaxing interpersonal boundaries and strengthening the positive sense of group dynamics. She has worked with groups like the Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service, trainings teams for Uniting Care Community Leadership, Mornington Shire Council and Awakening the Dreamer Symposium.

Deborah is a community organiser and facilitator for the Symposium and is active in the vision group working on Making Well Being Sustainable, a group encouraging the fitness, health and wellness industry to adopt and champion sustainability and social justice principles. As a part of the retreat, Deborah and interested ‘retreaters’ will participate in ‘Seva’ –community service and support local Fijians in their environmental concerns.

She runs MOVINGWORKS, offering training in somatic education for business, educational institutions, public classes, workshops and retreats in Nia, Yoga and ChiBall. She teaches The Joy of Movement course as a weekend course at Tafe level.

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Programme

Yoga, Meditation, Nia and ChiBall are all centering and energising body-mind holistic practices that help calm our nervous systems, build a sense of connection to Self and nourish our sense of optimism and happiness. Each in their own way contributes to building strength, confidence and sense of balance in the world. Nia is a perfect counterpart for the quiet development of the personal journey that is Yoga. Nia is fun and sometimes loud where laughing is infectious. It can be hot and sweaty if you want to workout or it can be gentle and soothing. ChiBall takes a stronger, cogent TCM approach to health and well-being. After each class we will spend time in guided relaxation and meditation as ways to integrate the shifts of energy and enhance the benefits of these wonderful modalities.

The program is based on an early morning session of ChiBall with a 30-minute Yoga section and a mid morning Nia session, afternoons exploring the island and leaving open the possibility of evening Nia or ChiBall movement, history or theory sessions.

The complimentary massage, the rest, the warmth, friendliness and utter beauty of Fiji will have you leave refreshed and feeling wonderful.

The week’s retreat will cater for all levels; there’s a kids’ camp available ($250 for 6 days) during the morning sessions so you can enjoy your time away from them in confidence.

If you would like to find out more about Nia visit www.niaaustralia.com.au
The ChiBall Method visit www.chiball.com.

For more information contact Deborah at info@movingworks.com.au
www.movingworks.com.au

Programme

Saturday 7 August
Arrive Nadi.
3.00pm: Local flight to Savusavu.
Welcome to Daku

Sunday 8 August
6.30—8.15am: Morning ChiBall, Yoga
Breakfast
10.30—12.00pm: Nia, sensation, the wisdom and communication of the body
Afternoon: Optional visit to Savusavu town

Monday 9 August
6.30 – 8.15am: Morning ChiBall, Yoga
10.30 – 11.30am: Nia
After lunch you will have some free time for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. Or there’s an optional visit to town, visiting the geothermal hot springs, local market and shops. Boat / beach outing
After Dinner an informal discussion on some of the concepts of Nia and The ChiBall Method with a relaxation session

Tuesday 10 August
6.30 – 8.15am: Morning ChiBall, Yoga
10.30 – 11.30am: Nia or Fijian dance instruction by local
After lunch we will visit the village to experience the church choir.
Enjoy an evening candle-lit session of Nia, the 5 stages of Healing or ChiBall

Wednesday 11 August
6.30 – 8.15am: Morning ChiBall, Yoga
10.30 – 11.30am: Nia
Coconut demo and Tap making workshop or Afternoon free for optional visits to waterfalls (good level of fitness required), pearl farm or snorkeling: cost not included in program.

Thursday 12 August
6.30 – 8.15am: Morning ChiBall, Yoga
10.30 – 11.30am: Nia,
Afternoon Free time
Evening – we will go into Savusavu for drinks at the Yacht Club and a fabulous dinner in town.

Friday 13 August
6.30 – 8.15am: Morning ChiBall, Yoga
10.30 – 11.30am: Nia
3.30 – 5.30pm: Village visit and Traditional Fijian meke (dance)
Enjoy an evening candle-lit session of Nia and party

Saturday 14 August
Return to Nadi and on home feeling fabulous.

All the listed activities are part of the course and are covered by your fees. You will also receive a wonderful free half hour massage. If you want to add on extra excursions eg diving / special snorkelling trips they will be added to your room bill.

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11 – 18 December, 2010

World renowned and beloved teacher Mark Whitwell makes Yoga accessible to everyone. Learn an actual, natural, non-obsessive yet powerful personal practice, which transforms your life without struggle.

Mark says: “Yoga is not a means to get Somewhere as if you were not Somewhere already. It is your direct and intimate participation with Life. If you can breathe, you can do Yoga.”

Mark Whitwell

Mark Whitwell has taught yoga for over twenty years throughout the US, Australia, and New Zealand. He is interested in developing an authentic yoga practice for the individual, based on the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar. He is the author of Yoga of Heart: The Healing Power of Intimate Connection and editor and contributor to T.K.V. Desikachar’s book The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice.

The Heart of Yoga Association has been formed to help communicate the principles of yoga practice to a wider audience. Yoga is not an alternative to an existing lifestyle, but can add value and clarity to a person’s life as it is. The premise of this yoga is that there is an appropriate yoga of body and breath for every person according to age, health, body type, and lifestyle.

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The programme

Mark teaches a daily morning practice of 2 hours and an afternoon practice of 2 hours. There is programme of local excursions to see Fijian culture, enjoy the fabulous marine life and just relax and have a massage or read a book by the pool. The course will be restricted to a maximum of 14 participants.

Day 1
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu: please note that the last flight to Savusavu leaves at 1500 so you need to arrange your international flight to be there in time to make the connection.
Please ask us if you are unsure.
6:30pm – Traditional welcome and dinner

Day 2
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
10:30am – 12:30pm – Snorkelling trip to reef.
1.00pm – Lunch
Afternoon – Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Dinner

Day 3
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
11:00am – 3:30pm – Beach / boat outing with picnic lunch
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Dinner

Day 4
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
10:00am – 12:00pm – Visit to Pearl Farm
12.30pm – Lunch
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Dinner

Day 5
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
11.30 – 1.30pm – Early second Yoga practice
1.00pm – Lunch
Afternoon – Free time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking.
4.00 – 6.00pm – Visit to village for meke (traditional dance)
7:00pm – Drinks at Yacht Club and dinner in town

Day 6
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
10.00am -Visit to waterfall
2.00pm – Lunch
Afternoon – Free time
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Final lovo dinner

Day 7
Return to Nadi, and on to connecting flights.

All the listed activities are part of the course and are covered by your fees. Use of snorkels and masks is free; we have three kayaks, which are also free. You will also receive a free half hour massage which you can arrange to suit you during the week. If you want to add on extra excursions eg diving / biking / extra snorkelling trips, we are delighted to help arrange them: they will be added to your room bill.

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Early bird special: $1850 if booked by July 25

The Yoga with Awareness Retreat run by Pam  is a profoundly calming blend of Hatha and Kundalini yoga, aiming to bring balance to the mind and body which in turn leads to  a sense of inner peace. Regular practice of this approach has the power to transform your life, greatly enhancing your ability to handle lifes challenges.  Kundalini yoga emphasises slow, focused breathing, bringing profound changes within the mind and body. This in turn can lead to a higher level of awareness.

There will be two 2-hr sessions each morning. We start at 6am with an energizing practise incorporating pranayama (breath work) and pawanmuktasana (to loosen up the joints and strengthen the digestive system) moving into the physical asanas followed by meditation. After breakfast and a short break, we return for our daily2 hr workshop which will follow a pattern of working through the various chakras in depth. We will examine their significance and discuss the meaning of such subjects as hand mudras, prana, nadis (subtle channels through which pranic forces flow)and various subject matter which naturally evolves during the course of the workshops. This allows for your personal questions to be answered and explored in depth throughout the week.

Pam Badman

Pam Badman has been teaching yoga and meditation for over six  years. Her 2009 retreat in Fiji was a week filled with vitality and joy, and Pam looks forward to building upon last year’s success for the 2010 trip. A member of the AYTAA, her students have included Fitness First members,First Grade  NRL teams (the Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs), as well as teaching within the corporate sector (St George Bank). Pam has experience teaching high school students and pre-natal classes for expectant mothers. She specialises in the practice of meditation and stress management.

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Programme

Sunday 10 October
Arrive Nadi.  Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm:  Welcome to Daku

Monday 11 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.00am:  Second morning session
Afternoon:  Visit to Savusavu town
7.00pm:  Dinner

Tuesday 12 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.00am:  Second morning session
1.00pm:  Lunch
2.30pm:  Boat / beach outing
7.00pm:  Dinner

Wednesday 13 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.3 – 11.30 am:  Second morning session
4.00pm:  Tapa making demonstration
4.30 – 6.30pm:  Alternative second session for some teachers

Thursday 14 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.30am:  Second morning session
2.00pm:  Coconut demonstration
6.30pm:  Dinner at yacht club

Friday 15 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.30am: Second morning session
3.30 – 5.30pm:  Village visit and meke

Saturday 16 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.30am: Second morning session
Afternoon:  Free time
7.00pm:  Final dinner and lovo

Sunday 17 October
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.

Make a booking