ADVANCED PRACTICE RETREAT:
Pratyahara
April 27 - May 4, 2019
Rosemerryn Retreat, Cornwall
Pratyahara itself is termed as Yoga, as it is the most important limb in Yoga Sadhana.
- Swami Shivananda
Join me in Cornwall for a wonderful week of diving deep into yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation!
Advanced yoga isn’t just fancy poses, it’s truly connecting with the meaning and heart of the practice. We all hit plateaus in our practice and in life, where we do more of what’s comfortable and less of what helps us grow. That can feel good for a while, but eventually we realize that we’re stagnant and long for a refresh. This retreat will be just that! We'll join together to focus inward - literally pausing to take deep breaths of fresh, spring air - as we explore the theme of pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses. We’ll delve into the theme with playful mindfulness exercises, long walks by the sea, daily prompts for reflection and journaling, and rich, unhurried practice sessions (which, yes, will include options for advanced postures that require more preparation and attention).
Schedule:
(may change slightly according to the needs or requests of the group)
Arrival Day
Arrive from 2pm
5:30 -7pm Yoga practice
7:30pm Dinner
8:30pm Welcome circle
and evening meditation
Sweet dreams!
Full Days
8 - 10:30am Morning practice**
10:30am - 11:30 Brunch
11:30am - 1:30pm Discussion & Journaling**
1:30 - 5:30pm Free time
(tea & light fare available)
5:30 - 7pm Evening practice
7:30pm Dinner
Departure Day
8 - 10am Morning practice
10 - 11am Brunch
11am Departure
Some of the material we will cover:
Pratyahara 101 & Why You Should Take a Bath in the Forest
You will learn:
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the meaning of the word pratyahara in Sanskrit
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the 4 types of pratyahara and the three aharas (inputs)
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in-depth exploration of the first two types of pratyahara
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where pratyahara fits on Patanjali’s eight-limbed path and why it’s a key component of yoga practice
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the intimate link between pranayama (breath work) and pratyahara
We will practice:
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traditional mudras and meditation techniques for withdrawal of the senses
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pranayama (breath work) to enhance the experience of pratyahara
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yogic techniques of focusing on uniform impressions and creating positive impressions
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contemporary mindfulness techniques that can incorporated into yoga practice
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a strong vinyasa sequence incorporating the first two types of pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses and control of life-force energy)
-
extended Savasana with sensory withdrawal
Lesser-Known Pratyahara & Why Real Yogis Have a PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)
You will learn:
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in-depth exploration of the second two types of pratyahara
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how pratyahara connects with modern techniques of visualization and mental resilience
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examples of these techniques to use in daily life
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the intimate link between pratyahara and dharana (one-pointed focus)
We will practice:
-
meditation techniques for redirecting the mind
-
pranayama (breath work) to enhance the experience of pratyahara
-
yogic techniques of focusing on self-less service and positive mental states
-
a strong vinyasa sequence incorporating the second two types of pratyahara (control of action and thought)
-
extended Savasana with sensory withdrawal
Accommodation
Tucked away in a peaceful wood, only a short walk from the sea, this former artist’s residence is reminiscent of a slower way of life, offering plenty of space to gather as a group and for you to escape on your own when you need. The house is as charming as you could want, the gardens are serene, and the yoga studio is light and spacious - the perfect place to immerse yourself in practice away from the demands of daily life.
Pricing
£690 - cozy private room, 4 available
£590 - comfy shared room, 8 spaces available
What's Included:
- Accommodation
- All yoga and meditation sessions listed in the schedule above
- All meals indicated in the schedule above
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Sample Daily Menu
Brunch: Bircher style muesli or porridge, fresh fruit salad, fresh scrambled eggs,
selection of whole grain and gluten-free breads
Lunch: green leafy salad, parsnip and thyme soup, fresh veggies and hummus
Dinner: Roasted butternut squash with walnuts and goat’s cheese, Moroccan spiced lentils,
Basmati rice, red cabbage slaw
**we can cater for common dietary requirements, such as vegan / gluten-free / dairy-free /
or specific food allergies, as long as we know in advance**
Not Included:
Travel to and from Rosemerryn
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Travel Information:
If you are driving, there is plenty of parking. The address is: Rosemerryn, Lamorna, Penzance, TR196BN
Just before the driveway, you will see a sign for Lamorna Cove on your left. Keep straight to go up the hill, but go slowly, as the entrance is easy to miss! There is a small sign and it is just before a lefthand bend in the road
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If you are not driving, the easiest way to get here is to take a train to Penzance station. From there, we will arrange to pick you up.
If you are considering flying in for the week, please let Alicia know at the time of registration. The airport is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from the retreat house, and public transport options are limited. It may be easiest to fly to London or another major airport (such as Bristol or Exeter) and then take a train to Penzance.
To book, email Alicia with your room preference. You will hear back within 24 hours to confirm availability and with payment information.
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Any questions, feel free to ask!
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Terms & Conditions
Payment can be made in full or in installments. The initial installment must be a minimum of £200. Payment is required to reserve your space. If you would like to set up an installment payment plan, please contact Alicia directly.
Acceptance Policy: As this course includes continuing education for yoga teachers, preference will be given to teachers already certified with Yoga Alliance. In the case of overbooking, preference will be given to Frog Lotus Yoga graduates who have studied with Alicia previously. This course is not appropriate for beginners.
Cancellation Policy: Before April 27, your payment will be refunded, less £50 admin fee. After April 27, payments are not refundable, unless another yogi is found to take your place. Then you will receive a refund minus a £50 admin fee. Travel will not be reimbursed, so travel insurance is recommended. Of course, in the unlikely event that Alicia must cancel the course due to emergency, all funds will be returned.
