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Yoga Shop
In the Yoga Shop in our Retreat House we gladly advise you in the selection of the appropriate yoga accessories: the most suitable cushion, yoga mats, meditation shawls, outfits and books according to your interests.
January 2013 Programmes marked with * are also recommended for yoga teachers.
All topics are part of the daily schedule:
6:00 am Morning meditation, mantra chanting and spiritual reading. 8:00 am Yoga class with energising yoga poses and breathing exercises. 10:00 am Vegetarian brunch. Afterwards, there is time for a sauna, a massage, a walk along one of the hiking trails or sit back and read a book on the sunny terrace. 2:00 pm Workshop or lecture. 4:00 pm Yoga class. Feel your body becoming more flexible, your breath calmer and your mind clearer. 6:00 pm Vegetarian dinner. 7:30 pm Silent evening meditation and mantra chanting followed by an interesting lecture. You may like to to drink some herbal tea and retire early to bed.
During the week and at weekends we offer two sets of topics. You can participate in both at no extra charge. >> Rates
Mon 7.1 / 4pm - Fri 11.1 / 4pm YOGA VACATION LIGHT Two gentle yoga classes daily for all levels...
... as well as group meditation in the mornings and evenings, are the basis for this relaxing week at the Retreat House. Between 11 am and 4 pm you have more time for relaxation and leisure pursuits.
Fri 11.1 / 4pm - Sun 13.1 / 4pm YOGA VACATION LIGHT Two gentle yoga classes daily for all levels...
... as well as group meditation in the mornings and evenings, are the basis for this relaxing week at the Retreat House. Between 11 am and 4 pm you have more time for relaxation and leisure pursuits.
Mon 14.1 / 4pm - Fri 18.1 / 4pm
THE YOGA WORKSHOP SERIES Daily workshops look at the main aspects of the yoga class in depth.
Muscle relaxation in the relaxation pose (Savasana) through autosuggestion; enhanced flexibility of the spine and limbs through targeted stretching in the asanas; strengthening of back and abdominal muscles for improved posture; specific asana cycles for making the pelvis and the hips more flexible and for strengthening the pectoral girdle.
Increased vital capacity through deep breathing: on the basis of abdominal breathing and full yogic breathing you will be introduced step by step to the classical pranayama techniques, which lead to improved energy resources for both body and mind.
Mon 14.1 / 4pm - Fri 18.1 / 4pm *
FINDING THE SILENCE WITHIN Study of yoga psychology based on the Raja Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Explanation of how the mind works and practical techniques for controlling the thoughts. The functioning of thought waves, the effects of natural energies on the mind, the principles of ethical living, thought patterns and their transformation.
Human suffering and how to overcome it; practical methods for cultivating positive thoughts; gaining mastery over the mind through meditation.
Recommended reading: Meditation and Mantras by Swami Vishnudevananda and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Durgananda
Fri 18.1 / 4pm - Sun 20.1 / 4pm Yoga@home The daily yoga practice at home lets you tap new energy, which can change your outlook on life.
Workshops introduce the most effective exercises for the daily routine, based on various asana sequences with a duration of at least 15 minutes. In an introduction to the practice of concentration and meditation, you will learn the time-honoured techniques of gaining control over the mind – a kind of mental hygiene for daily life.
A cooking workshop gives practical tips for optimising your diet for both body and mind.
All this, together will a list of recommended reading, will equip you for successful Yoga@Home.
Fri 18.1 / 4pm - Sun 20.1 / 4pm
YOGA RELAXATION DAYS Take the time to experience moments of deep relaxation for body, mind and spirit.
Gentle yoga classes for all levels create the basis for health and strengthen the nervous system. The causes and effects of stress are discussed in a workshop. Using various meditation exercises, relaxation is slowly transformed into inner balance. Enjoy a peaceful yoga vacation in the mountains.
Mon 21.1 / 4pm - Fri 25.1 / 4pm Yoga-Lifestyle
Asanas, breathing and relaxation are developed step–by–step in yoga classes and workshops. The yoga exercise plan for busy people shows how to bring harmony and rhythm to our daily lives. The lecture topics will be 'Developing willpower' and 'Inner strength through meditation'. The cooking workshop teaches how to prepare quick and easy meals and snacks.
Confronting tension – this is stress management based on asanas (yoga postures). The conscious flow of breathing relieves mental tension and promotes serenity of mind.
A lecture on diet gives tips on detoxing the body by means of a vegetarian diet.
Mantra meditation – the sound experience of yoga – awakens the power of one’s own life energy.
Talks and recommended reading on yoga psychology show how you can change your life through positive thoughts.
Fri 25.1 / 4pm - Sun 27.1 / 4pm *
FURTHER TRAINING FOR YOGA TEACHERS:
BACKWARD-BENDING ASANAS AND MEDITATION POSTURES
Systematic training of the back muscles. Developing the meditation posture.
Fri 25.1 / 4pm - Sun 27.1 / 4pm
YOGA FITNESS This programme focuses on strengthening body and mind for all-round health.
Yoga asanas provide an optimal development of muscle strength and flexibility. This is excellent prevention against posture faults such as lordosis, kyphosis or scoliosis, and helps improve existing posture faults.
In addition to learning the natural resting breath, you will learn pranayama breathing exercises that systematically increase your vital capacity.
Relaxation exercises strengthen the nervous and immune systems.
Enjoy the energising vegetarian food, specially adapted to the yoga practice.
Fri 25.1 / 4pm - Sun 27.1 / 4pm *
THOUGHT POWER AND POSITIVE THINKING "You sow a thought and reap an action. You sow an action and reap a habit. You sow a habit and reap a character. You sow a character and reap your destiny." Swami Sivananda
Besides the daily practice of asanas, pranayama and meditation for relaxation of body and mind, we will focus in lectures and workshops on the world of thoughts, creative life management, exercises for developing thought power, guided contemplation and visualisation.
Mon 28.1 / 4pm - Fri 1.2 / 4pm
ASANAS – STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY Classical asana variations with individual guidance
Easy variations leading up to the twelve basic postures. Advanced variations aimed at making the body more supple and allowing progress in the basic postures. In the workshops you will learn anatomical details of the asana practice, helping you to get more out of the yoga classes.
Special yoga asanas for the back enhance flexibility and strengthen problem areas. Step by step, you’ll learn the art of deep relaxation by making the most of the short relaxation between the asanas and through the precise use of the autosuggestion technique.
The daily practice of meditation and mantra chanting will turn the seminar into a holistic yoga experience.
Mon 28.1 / 4pm - Fri 1.2 / 4pm *
MEDITATION – THE NEXT STEPS This yoga vacation programme opens up new aspects of the meditation experience.
Gradual lengthening of the time of meditation. Explanation and practice of Mantras (cosmic energies in sound structures). Introduction to Saguna (concrete) and Nirguna (abstract) meditation techniques. Discussion of Pratipaksha Bhavana (sublimation and elevation of our thought world).
