BALI YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT Stillness though movement
BALI YOGA RETREAT March 15-22nd 2018 Exploring stillness and sound over Nyepi- Bali s National day of silence. The internal calm and stillness that comes from silence is something we don t often experience in our busy lives. In this very special retreat we will be exploring both sound and silence through yoga and meditation, over the most important holiday on the Balinese calendar Nyepi. On Nyepi the entire island falls into silent introspective meditation, no flights, motorbikes, or businesses are open, not even a candle is lit! This is an incredible experience for us to both culturally and personally witness. Through the practises of yoga, pranayama (healing breathwork), chanting and guided meditations, we will be working towards this day of silence on Saturday 17th. By exploring silence in a way that is gentle and guided, it allows us to get in touch with ourselves, find clarity in our lives and a tranquility and calm to unfold from within. Our yoga practises will guide you towards using this spaciousness to cultivate a sense of love, truth, balance, patience and generosity within yourself.
ABOUT THE TEACHER Sian Pascale Through her authentic and lighthearted style, Sian Pascale draws upon the wisdom of ancient India, where she lived and practised for many years to connect people to Source Energy. Drawing upon the lineages she has practised and studied in, including ashtanga, vinyasa, kundalini and tantra, she has created a unique style of teaching that is deeply connected to the spiritual and esoteric teachings of yoga. Sian offers a purity of being and moves, by way of grace, through posture, breath and sound current, creating a resounding experience of inner peace, in the hope that every student will find a deeper connection, either to themselves, the people around them, or to the Universal.
I had the universe on my side when l was lucky enough to attend Sian s yoga retreat in Bali this month. Being fairly new to yoga l could not have been guided by a more experienced, passionate, knowledgable teacher! It has given me the perfect grounding to continue my yoga practice back home! There were so many layers of learning in the week with different yoga practices, chanting, breath work, healing, water temples, snorkelling, delicious traditional Balinese food and LOTS of laughs! Can t wait to go back again. Thank you Sian! I am grateful that our paths met. -Emily
ABOUT GEDONG GANDHI ASHRAM The ashram is a space dedicated to a life of simplicity, sustainability and service to the community. All of the proceeds from the accommodation and the yoga retreats go towards supporting the education of the ashrams young residents. These residents have often come from disadvantage local communities and the ashram provides them a safe space where they are housed, clothed, fed and educated. These young residents are the life of the ashram and create the beautiful rhythm there- of early rising, prayers and self sufficient living. It s a beautiful thing to know that you are supporting this.
YOGA RETREATS AND THE ASHRAM As practitioners on this yoga retreat, our classes fit into the daily rhythm of this peaceful ashram environment. So while we are practising, life in the ashram goes on! Cows moo and wander around, children play at the kindergarten, coconuts are picked and dropped from great heights and the ocean often roars in the background. The shala we practise yoga in, has no walls and faces the ocean and is open to the ashram life. Our timetable fits around the meals and prayer times in the ashram, meaning that we can share this experience with the beautiful Balinese ashram residents and really become immersed in what it means to be part of ashram life.
ACCOMMODATION, FOOD AND SIMPLE LIVING Life in the ashram is simple. The bungalows all sit within the pristine manicured gardens (together with the wandering cows!) They are sparse and clean and mosquito nets and bedding are provided. Several of the bungalows overlook the ocean and you can hear the waves from across the ashram. Showers are cold but the weather is hot! Hot water is provided several times a day so you are able to take a bucket bath. Each bungalow has a decking and a hammock and they are the perfect place to rest, read and journal in. Wifi is only around the main building so you have the opportunity to detox for most of the day from your phone and drop in to this beautiful, simple, connected, yogic way of living.
Retreat information
O U R D A I LY R H Y T H M * 5:00-6:00am Sunrise Puja with ashram- OPTIONAL 6:30-8:00am Yoga Practise: a combination of asana (postures) pranaya 8:00am Mouna (silence) 8:30am Breakfast 10:00am Rest time, journalling 11:00am Morning Tea 11:30am Guided meditation or Yoga Nidra (45 minutes) 12:30pm Lunch 1:30pm Free Time 4:00-5:00pm Yin Yoga and Pranayama 6:30pm Dinner 7:30pm Occasional Evening program * this timetable is flexible
O U R W E E K LY R H Y T H M * THU 15th 2pm Checkin 4pm Welcome Practise and dinner FRI 16th Full Day of Practises- Discovering Moments of Silence 7pm Optional Visit to see Nyepi Parade SAT 17th NYEPI Longer Periods of Silence (Option for the Day) Gentle Yoga, Meditation and Mantra No Beach swimming, wifi or reading (expt yogic scriptures) SUN 18th Water Palace for Yoga and Cleansing Rituals MON 19th Full Day of Practises- Discovering Moments of Silence TUE 20th Morning Practise and Snorkelling trip included WED 21st Full Day of Practises- Discovering Moments of Silence THU 22nd Morning Practise 1:30pm Checkout * this timetable is flexible
FUN ACTIVITIES In your down time you might just want to lie in your hammock and read, visit the ashram library, journal or just rest! You can deepen your relaxation experience by booking in with our local masseuse for a beautiful Balinese massage either in your room or at her space. The ashram also has an acupuncture clinic which runs on donations. As part of our retreat we take a morning to snorkel at the local islands, as well as visit the water palace and even the ashram s family temple. For those who are feeling more energetic there is the option also for walking tours, beach visits and other temple tours.
P R I C I N G & D E TA I L S $900 AUD per person shared bungalow $1100 AUD per person for non shared bungalow To make your booking and pay please contact Rudi: baliashramyoga@gmail.com This includes all accommodation, food and yoga practises, as well as an excursion to the water palace and a trip snorkelling on a local fishing boat. GETTING THERE Airport transfer can be organised by the ashram if required, and the cost is approximated IDR400,000 (AUD $40) PLEASE BRING: Head torch is helpful, journal, comfortable clothes
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE YOGA PRACTISE: Contact Sian Pascale email: sian@thelightcollective.yoga facebook: www.facebook.com/yogasian phone: +61 434048667