YOGA CLASSES
The yoga asana classes in the mornings and afternoons consist of breathing exercises, the Sun Salutation, basic postures and deep relaxation, under the guidance of an experienced instructor. Individual corrections and detailed instructions help all participants to perform the exercises carefully and in a relaxed manner. Flexibility and mobility are enhanced.
Newcomers and „rusty“ students are encouraged to try easier variations of the basic poses. People with health issues such as back problems or general exhaustion receive the appropriate guidance.
Advanced participants are encouraged to try classical variations and hold the poses longer.
Weather permitting, the yoga classes are held outside under the big sun shade on the cedar platform, which offers a marvellous view of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range.
MEDITATION
The morning and evening meditation sessions are the most peaceful hours at the Retreat House. The practical guidance for positive thinking and mental relaxation as well as concentration exercises gradually lead to inner peace.
The chanting of Sanskrit mantras (healing and energizing sound combinations) deepens the feeling of peace.
A reading from yoga texts gives inspiring insights into yoga philosophy and psychology.
SILENT WALKS
The guided silent walks departing from the Retreat House offer moments to treasure:
The gentle sunrise and sunset, the various phases of the moon, hidden recesses of the valley, the panoramic view of the Wilder Kaiser and Hohe Tauern Mountains, the song of many different bird species, the variety of trees, bushes and medicinal plants along the footpath.
Our breathing becomes deeper and more relaxed, we feel the increased flexibility of the joints at every step, our regenerated senses expand.
The mind rediscovers natural contentment and peace.
VEDANTA
The Vedas, humanity‘s most ancient preserved writings, are the philosophical foundation of the yoga teachings. Vedanta explains how man can reunite with the immutable reality of the Soul. In this experience of deep inner peace, there is no longer any distinction between body and mind and the restless searching for love, success and happiness has found its end.
THE VEGETARIAN DIET
Light, nutritious, freshly prepared meals are an integral part of the yoga vacation.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres have drawn on theirmore than 50 years‘ experience in the East and West in devising a menu plan that leads you step by step to a balanced nutrient uptake, more vitality and better digestion. Meals are served buffet-style and consist in only fresh, purely organic ingredients with a measured use of pure oils.
During your stay you will enjoy a variety of whole grains, carefully cooked vegetables, a nice variety of complementary salads, expertly prepared pulses, dairy products from the best organic dairy farms in Tyrol, home-made bread, jams and stewed fruits as well as imaginative desserts.
In the Ayurveda courses you‘ll learn to choose the right combination and the right quantity of foods based on your body type.
THE SIVANANDA YOGA RETREAT HOUSE
We welcome you to the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House, built in the traditional Tyrolean style and lovingly maintained. Our friendly and experienced yoga teachers at the reception will be pleased to advise you on yoga programmes and leisure opportunities.
You‘ll find an excellent selection of English-language books in the yoga shop, fine classical and meditative music CDs and specially selected yoga accessories (see p. 45).
The „Ganesha Hall“, right next to the shop, is a quiet place at the Retreat House used not just for meditation and yoga practice, but also for personal discussions with the yoga instructors concerning your practice both here and at home.
The large wooden terrace in front of the Retreat House invites you to rest on comfortable chairs while enjoying enchanting Alpine scenery. You‘ll find herbal tea here during the day, and also a small snack at weekends and during special programmes.
On the adjacent meadow is the open-aircedar yoga platform, equipped with large sun shades, where asana and pranayama classes are taught in warm weather.
We request that you turn off your mobile phones in all of these places, as well as in the restaurant of Hotel Florian.
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MORNINGS: Begin the day at 6 am in the deep peace of morning meditation.
Find inspiration in the mantra chanting and a spiritual reading. At 8 am the first yoga class awaits you, with energizing yoga poses and breathing exercises. Then enjoy the delicious vegetarian brunch around 10 am
with friendly guests from around the world.
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NOONTIMES: Relax by spending some time in the sauna, getting a massage or taking a walk. Or sit back and read a book on the sunny terrace. Maybe you‘d like to help out a little in the Retreat House, or talk with one of the senior yoga instructors.
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AFTERNOONS: At 2 pm, take part in a workshop or listen to a lecture. The second yoga class begins at 4 pm. Feel your body becoming more flexible, your breath calmer and your mind clearer.
At 6 pm the nutritious vegetarian dinner awaits you.
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EVENINGS: Round off the day with a silent evening meditation and mantra chanting, an interesting lecture, guest speaker or cultural programme, all beginning at 7:30 pm. You may like to drink some herbal tea before bedtime, take a few strides on the Retreat House hilltop and then retire early to bed.
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Changes or omission of parts of the programmes may occur.
The Yoga Retreat House is a vegetarian, non-smoking and alcohol-free environment.
To gain the greatest benefit from your yoga stay, it is necessary to participate in all activities.
Participation in the afternoon lecture/workshop is optional. |
INTRODUCTION
First-time visitors to the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House are given an introduction to the basic principles of the yoga practice, meditation, the philosophical aspects of yoga and the yoga vacation schedule.
OUR TEAM OF INSTRUCTORS
Our team of yoga teachers have all graduated from the Sivananda Yoga Teachers‘ Training Courses, guaranteeing an authentic experience. All our instructors lead a yogic lifestyle and are competent teachers and advisers.
SPECIAL GUESTS & CULTURAL PROGRAMMES
Workshops and talks with renowned special guests from around the world on topics of health, science, philosophy and culture. International artists are regular visitors to the Retreat House: Eastern pearls of wisdom with classical Indian music, South Indian dance, colourful temple ceremonies with mantra recitation, and Western classical music.
COURSE LANGUAGE
Englishspeaking yoga vacation guests are welcome throughout the year.
Yoga classes are taught in both English and German and all lectures in German are translated simultaneously into English via wireless headphones.
LEARN HOW TO COOK
In the fun weekly cooking workshop you learn vegetarian alternatives which promote physical and mental well-being. The Sivananda Yoga teachers share many tips for good health: A variety of recipes for busy people, energy-giving breakfast ideas and light dinners. You‘ll learn how to make healthy, fresh and energizing meals at home in no time.
MASSAGE AND SAUNA
Experienced, certified masseuses offer classical massage, foot reflexology, shiatsu, TCM massage and lymphatic drainage. You can make an appointment when you arrive. For further relaxation, a Finnish and a low-temperature sauna can be found in Hotel Florian.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE
The community feeling in the Retreat House is based on „voluntary service“. All staff teach and work on a volunteer basis. We encourage our guests to also help out with chores for about 45 minutes a day. But of course it‘s voluntary. Volunteering creates a cheerful atmosphere in which to meet other people and develop positive motivations behind our actions.
YOGA SHOP
We will be happy to advise you on the choice of the appropriate yoga accessories: the optimal cushion, yoga mats, meditation shawls, outfits and books according to your interests. We stock standard works on Hatha Yoga, health, yoga philosophy, meditation, Ayurveda and vegetarian cooking. You will also find a fine selection of classical Indian and meditative music CDs.
WHAT TO BRING
Please bring your yoga mat, cushion and blanket. You can buy these in the yoga shop, or borrow them free of charge from the Retreat House (deposit required). Eyeglass wearers should bring a hard eyeglass case.
the ECO-HOTEL
The Sivananda Yoga Retreat House has worked closely for many years with Alexandra and Florian Pointner, the proprietors of the ecological hotel across the way, to be able to offer a wholesome and nutritious vegetarian dietary programme to our guests. The entire hotel operation has been certified by Austria-Bio-Garantie, Austria‘s leading inspection body for the organic production chain, and was awarded the European eco-label as well as Austria‘s gastronomic accolade „Grüne Haube“ for whole-grain and natural cuisine. They have been running theirfarm according to organic and ecological guidelines since 1995. They grow various fruits (such as apples and berries) and, since 2009, they have been cultivating an array of vegetables and herbs which are prepared fresh daily in the hotel‘s kitchen.
All guest rooms have wooden floors, health mattresses, shower, toilet, hairdryer and telephone. Most rooms have a balcony. The hotel uses ecological power, pellet heating and a solar hot water system. |
