Journey through the Five Koshas
Style of Yoga to be taught
The morning practice will be dynamic and energetic Vinyasa Flow Yoga. "Vinyasa" means "linking" which in this context means that the poses will be linked together in a flowing sequence, the movement will be linked with the breath and the mind, body, and spirit are linked as a whole.
It is a creative and intelligent flow style with an emphasis on alignment and safety. Descriptive cueing and hands-on assistance will be skillfully interwoven into the practice to allow students to correct their own alignment, understand the mechanics of each pose and safely deepen their practice.
The evening practice will be Yin Yoga to balance out the Yang energy of the morning. This style of yoga is slow with each posture supported with props if needed and held for several minutes. This style of yoga encourages stillness and introspection. Physically it stretches soft tissues which are otherwise untouched and allows us a deep energetic release.
Your Rustic Retreats journey
In the ancient yoga texts called the Upanishads, the five koshas are referred to as the veils which are created for us to examine, to know and to transcend in order to lead the way back to our true nature - the Self.
Each day, in the beautiful hills of Spain, we will explore and become aware of the layers of our being through yogic practices such as asana, pranayama, meditation and chanting.
Each of the work shops is designed to deepen your understanding of the koshas so that by the end of the retreat you will be able to live fully and gracefully at every level of your being.
Daily timetable for yoga retreat
07.30 Pranayama or morning meditation
08.00 Morning yoga practice
09.30 - 10.15 Breakfast buffet
11.00 Workshop (practical/theoretical) or free time
13.00 Lunch
15.00 Free time
19.00 Evening yoga practice
20.30 Meditation or Yoga Nidra
21.00 Evening meal
(Please note, this is a sample timetable and may be subject to change.)
There will be one workshop a day, it may be in the morning or afternoon. There is also the option to visit local markets on Wednesday and Sunday.
Your workshop programme
Workshop 1 – Annaamaya Kosha (Physical Body)
Each one of us is unique in our shape and size. This matters in terms of the asana (posture) practice of yoga. This workshop will be an opportunity to learn the best alignment of some of the more commonly practised asanas in relation to our individual bodies. It will also be an opportunity to learn how to modify postures for any injuries or ailments and will provide a solid foundation for moving forwards in your practice.
Workshop 2 – Pranamaya Kosha (Breath Body)
Also known as the vital force sheath, it is influenced by the prana (life energy) that surrounds and permeates our body. The practice of pranayama helps to keep this life force energy flowing freely. In this workshop we will learn what pranayama is and practice various techniques so that you can connect to the energy within and release your own vitality. We will also explore inversions (inverted L/shoulder stand/headstand/handstand) in this workshop to shake the energy upside down!!
Workshop 3 – Manomaya Kosha (Mental Body)
Just like our physical body has layers, our mental body also has layers with some thoughts and ideas being more influential and stronger than others. It is often these thoughts that form grooves that become deeper and deeper, creating fixed patterns, beliefs and behaviors; these are known as samskaras. This workshop will be an enquiry into our samskaras and an exchange of negative ones for positive ones. By practicing and living with intention we can shift samskara and illuminate the purity of our soul.
Workshop 4 – Vijanamaya Kosha (Awareness Body)
This is the sheath that enables humans to make moral decisions and choices beyond instinctual reactions. Somebody with a healthy vijanamaya kosha probably practices the yamas and niyamas (yoga’s ethical guidelines - simply put, the yamas are things not to do, or restraints, while the niyamas are things to do, or observances). This workshop will be an introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras with an emphasis on the yamas and niyamas and how to apply them in life.
Workshop 5 – Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Body)
Yoga nidra or yogic sleep is a journey through the five layers of your being. In this workshop you will experience a full yoga nidra leading you from the most gross levels of your existence to the most subtle. It is worth four hours of sleep and it’s one of the best ways to traverse your koshas and reach your blissful Self.
Price
This Yin and Yang yoga retreat for Easter Bank holiday costs from €579 per person, including all meals, yoga, workshops & equipment. Not including flights or transfers.
Reservation
Get in touch with us to ask any questions, find out more about our retreat or reserve your place now for just €140 deposit.