Wonder in Yoga: Mark O’Brien: May
12 – 19 May, 2012
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)
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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.
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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
