Fiji Yoga Retreat
14 – 21 May 2011
Learn the tools of Hath yoga – postures, breathing, focus, relaxation – in a beautiful, natural island setting. A life enhancing journey with new friends and a trusted teacher!
Experienced, or new to yoga? Either way, we all want to be learn how to be more comfortable and at ease in our physical body.
This is a pre-requisite to calm the mind for ultimate happiness – the real aim of all yoga. Yet we are rarely taught many simple techniques to hone our awareness and manage our physical bodies skillfully to achieve this. Instead, all too often in the West, the emphasis is on the attainment of extreme asanas which actually create more stress than they relieve!
Mark’s aim is for you to enjoy a well-earned, healthy holiday in gorgeous tropical surroundings by the beach, practicing yoga and meditation twice a day away from your normal routine and commitments.
There is no compulsion to attend all sessions, but they will build sequentially as your stay unfolds. They will teach you individual skills and how to rest into your body in a new way – which ironically will allow you more flexibility and freedom to move into stronger asanas if you wish.
Morning practice will include creative, flowing asana sequences, sun salutations, and invigorating pranayama (breathing) practices, with time for deep relaxation.
Afternoon practice will be a gentle, individually-tailored session to restore your body using props and for a totally yummy boost of energy and sense of well-being!
What to Expect from this Yoga Retreat
Mark’s teaching includes all the tools of Hath yoga – postures, breathing, focus, relaxation – to lead you in a spiritual and holistic practice. Asana (posture) practice is adapted to your physical and energetic state on the day. Your safety is his prime concern.
A typical day’s schedule:
7.00 – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast
12.00 – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra (alternate days only)
12.30pm: Delicious fresh lunch
1.30 – 4.30pm: Spa treatments, free time, swim, local excursions
4.30 – 5.45 pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: dinner
About Mark O’Brien
Hatha Yoga Teacher, B.Sc., Dip. Remedial Massage
Mark has practiced yoga for over 17 years, and been teaching since 1996. He has since become one of Sydney’s most in-demand teachers and is the creator and senior teacher of an internationally recognised hatha yoga teacher training diploma. He is on the national executive of the “Yoga Australia” and teaches retreats and workshops around the world.
With a diploma in remedial massage and a background in meditation and somatic therapy, he remains in awe of the joyful way that skillful physical movement and attention to the breath can radically improve our moods, energy, health and outlook on the physical world.
Whilst he deeply respects the ancient tradition of yoga, Mark teaches a lively and often irreverent class, with the focus on developing practical skills that will transform the quality of your daily life. (There’s no point in learning the perfect head-stand if it doesn’t make your life better in some way!) You will focus on how your body really feels and on moving intelligently, rather than dry, dogmatic “yoga technique”.
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.
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.
On-Line Bookings and more Information/costs/travel etc HERE
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