What it is
Entering the Silence with Psychological Inquiry.
Bringing clear, kind attention to our inner and inter-personal life.
Prerequisite: You must have at least two years of a committed yoga practice and a strong interest in psychological work as well as Buddhist Mindfulness meditation before attending this retreat.
In this retreat we will practice Yin/Yang yoga, pranayama, mind training, and methods for awakening the heart. The talks and meditations will focus on the Buddhist teachings of Mindfulness as well as inviting experiential insights with inquiry both in solitude and at times, with a partner. The Sanskrit word for Mindfulness is Smritti, translated as non-forgetting. Mindfulness practice develops a quality of presence in which we remember to pay attention to the immediacy of experience while letting go of all motivations to manipulate the moment, developing the clear capacity to observe inner and outer experience without willful interference. While Mindfulness is a receptive attitude, generative heart based meditations develop a more generous spirit of love and compassion through envisioning what might be possible for us, were we to live from our deepest nature.
For the body we will engage in both self-led and teacher led yoga sessions each day. We will enjoy both receptive and active (Yin/Yang) asana practices that are designed to develop and maintain pliancy in the muscles as well as the joints, to increase strength and vitality in all the systems of the body, and to cultivate a sensitivity and cultivation of the pranic body – the gateway to an energetic ease of being.
For the heart and mind we will practice several meditation sessions a day, mingling both concentration and Insight practices with a mood of Maitri or loving-kindness. Working specifically with our inner protective and vulnerable parts through guided meditations will also help us include and integrate more aspects of our system while developing a capacity for self therapy that we can sustain in our everyday lives.
To enhance the contemplative atmosphere, social silence will be sustained throughout the retreat outside the practice hall. As in ancient times, this retreat is not only a place to learn new methods, but to cultivate qualities of being. This is also an opportunity to take a journey away from one’s daily responsibilities, preoccupations and worldly events. With this in mind, we require everyone to turn off their computers and phones for the duration of the retreat in order to genuinely connect with oneself in a less distracted inner and outer environment. This will undoubtedly deepen everyone’s experience. We feel unplugging from technology in retreat life is essential and will benefit all the attendees. There will be an emergency contact provided for students to give loved ones.
Please read Sarah’s book Insight Yoga, The End of Your World by Adyashanti, and practice with one of Sarah’s DVDs before attending.
For any questions about this retreat please contact SarahLo@SarahPowers.com
For bookings please contact: Insight Yoga Institute
Suggested Program
A sample schedule of a retreat day is offered below.Group and/or individual meetings will be scheduled by, and with Sarah or Ty throughout the day.
6:00-8:00 self-led yang yoga
8:00-8:30 silent meditation with Ty
8:30-9:30 breakfast
9:30-10:00 meditation instruction and practice with Ty
10:15-12:30 program with Sarah
12:30-1:30 lunch
2:00-2:30 silent meditation
2:30-3:00 walking meditation
3:00-4:15 program with Sarah
4:15-5:00 self-led practice of yoga and/or meditation
(4:30-6:00 individual meetings with Sarah or Ty)
5:00-5:30 walking meditation
6:00-7:00 dinner
7:00-7:30 silent meditation
7:30-8:00 walking meditation
8:00-9:00 guided meditation/dyads/questions with Ty
10:00 lights out
Check-in: April 24 between 2pm and 5pm
Check-out: April 29 at 9am
We will have an evening session to begin the retreat after dinner on April 24. Silence will begin after dinner and be held until the afternoon of April 28. Short individual or group meetings will be scheduled by Sarah and Ty.
At a glance
- Date: 24-04-2018 / 29-04-2018
- Theme: Yoga and Movement, Personal Development
Included:
- 5 nights accommodation in Shared, Single, Double, Premium Rooms or Hermitages
- Full board - vegetarian meals
- Fruits, Teas and filtered water
- Free use of Body Care Center facilities: sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, indoor heated swimming pool
- All workshops and sessions as written in the program
Not included:
- Flights to/from Malpensa International Airport
- Transfers to/from Mandali Retreat Centre
- Massage and Therapies at the Body Care Center
