Iyengar Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga that focuses on correct positioning and alignment of the body in asanas (postures).  It incorporates the use of props such as bolsters, blankets, belts and blocks.  It is a powerful physical practice that is also capable of assisting those with any special needs such as injuries or skeletal imbalances.  Iyengar Yoga will also develop a strong, focused mind along with agility, balance, endurance and great vitality.

Practising yoga provides us with so many benefits.  If you’re wanting to get fit, lose weight, prevent backache, migraines and headaches, develop core strength, gain a supple, flexible and toned body, are preparing for pregnancy or pregnant, want to control your asthma, stabilize blood pressure, control depression, nervous tension, stress or anxiety then yoga is for you.

‘The yogi conquers the body by the practice of asanas and makes it a fit vehicle for the spirit.  She knows that it is a necessary vehicle for the spirit.  A soul without a body is like a bird deprived of its power to fly.’
BKS Iyengar

Tara Er is the principal teacher at Cronulla Yoga Centre and has been practicing yoga since 1988.  She has attended classes with the Iyengar family in Pune, India and regularly attends workshops & classes with senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in Sydney & Melbourne.

Tara is also a member of the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Australia. Over many years Tara has facilitated talking circles in the tradition of indigenous cultures and has attended workshops & retreats with Aboriginal senior woman, Min Mia.

Programme

Each day will consist of a morning and afternoon practice leaving you with several hours of free time to enjoy the lifestyle that Fiji has to offer.  This may include swimming, walking, reading, relaxing or exploring the sites.

The daily practice will thread and flow into the week’s practice to open you up to the path of yoga or continue to ignite the flame of yoga that may already be growing in your heart.

The week’s retreat will cater for all levels.

The programme is based on a morning practice of three hours.  The first hour will consist of Silent Meditation followed by Pranayama (breathing exercises), along with Restorative asanas.  This design is to create a solid foundation and lead the Sudhaka (student/pupil) into her asana practice.  The next two hours will consist of dynamic asanas which will stretch and tone the body, increasing fitness, flexibility, and awareness of self. The late afternoon practice will consist of restorative asanas to recuperate and revitalize your being by recharging your batteries.

Daily programme

Saturday 21 August
Arrive Nadi – local flight to Savusavu
7.30pm: Welcome Circle gathering

Sunday 22 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Creating our foundation – Standing Asanas (postures)
9.30am: Breakfast
11.00am – 12.00pm: Circle gathering – Conscious Meet and Greet
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Monday 23 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Going Within – Forward Bending Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
10.30 – 12.30pm: Visit to Savusavu town
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 24 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Releasing the Past – Lateral Extention (Twisting) Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
11.00am – 12.00pm: Circle gathering
12.30pm: Lunch
2.00 – 4.00pm: Beach / boat outing
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner
After dinner: Circle gathering – sharing the experience

Wednesday 25 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Connecting with our Vulnerability – Backbend  Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
Morning: Free time
12.30pm: lunch
3.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 26 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Connecting to our Centre – Balancing Asanas
9.30am: Breakfast
10.30am: Coconut demonstration
12.30pm: Lunch
Afternoon: Free time
4.30 – 6.30pm: Restorative practice
7.00pm: Drinks at Yacht Club and dinner in town

Friday 27 August
6.00 – 7.00am: Silent Meditation, Pranayama and Restorative practice
7.00 – 9.00am: Grounding the knowledge – Asana practice
9.30am: Breakfast
Morning: Free time
12.30pm: Lunch
1.30 – 3.30pm: Restorative practice
4.00pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner
After dinner: Final Circle gathering

Saturday 28 August
Return Home

All the listed activities are part of the course and are covered by your fees. You will also receive a free half hour massage. If you want to add on extra excursions eg diving / special snorkelling trips, we are delighted to help arrange them: they will be added to your room bill.

This course costs A$1880 – a fantastic price for a course with two teachers. There is NO travel included in the price, but full advice is given below.

The course
Melbourne mavericks Yvonne Haddleton (Elwood Beach Yoga) and Lucy Fisher (Pranic Healing) are combining forces to bring a week of Yoga, Healing and meditations in their unique styles to offer you a full yogic experience … in Paradise! They will primarily be focusing on chakra practices (both modern and ancient tantric), Pranic healing, breath work and Shatkarma cleansing practices.

Each day will build on the previous, moving through the chakras, exploring, clearing, bringing balance, awareness, rejuvenation, transformation and healing.

Daily programme includes: Morning meditation and sun salutations, dynamic Hatha class, pranayama, chanting, Satyananda, Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation), guided meditation and the daily themed workshops exploring consciousness and energy of chakras.

The teachers
Yvonne Haddleton has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and teaching since 1991. She originally studied a strong, technical style which had a focus on body strengthening, but her desire for a deeper practice, accessing the more spiritual aspects of yoga, led her to study Satyananda teacher training (pranayama and meditations). In more recent years however she has developed a passion for Powerflow (Vinyasa). In addition to Yvonne’s yoga teaching qualifications, she has also earned a BA in Dance, Certificates in Rebirthing and Reiki II.

Through her extensive learning and journeying through different styles Yvonne has created a unique practice that incorporates strength building, flexibility, focus and awareness, promoting a feeling of well-being, centredness and vitality. Yvonne is always attentive to the needs and energy of each class and responds accordingly. Her teaching style is technical but relaxed, fun and rewarding with love and healing being her foremost intent.

Lucy Fisher has studied with Made Sumantra, a fifth generation Balinese Pranic healer in Ubud in Bali, and has also gained certificates in Advanced Pranic Healing and Pranic PsycoTherapy through the Ashish Institute of Inner Studies under Dr Hazel Wardha in Melbourne. She will be offering individual Pranic healing sessions, which cleanse, rebalance and energize the etheric body. Enhanced by the use of 100% pure organic high frequency essential oils, Lucy uses a combination of Prana, Raindrop Technique and Emotional Release in her healing sessions.

Programme

Saturday 4th September
Fly to Nadi. Either spend night in Nadi or go straight on to Savusavu and Daku Resort

Sunday 5th September
Morning: free
Lunch
2:30pm – 4pm: Yoga session
4.00pm: Afternoon tea
5.00pm: Workshop (agna chakra)
6:30pm: Dinner
8.00pm: Meditation

Monday 6th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7:30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
Free time to visit Savusavu.
10:30am: Asana class
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/chant
12:15pm: Lunch
Freetime (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3:30pm -5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm: Personal reflection time; journal wring.
6:30pm: Dinner
8.00pm: Meditation

Tuesday 7th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7:30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
Free time for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing
10:30am: Asana class
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/chant
12:15pm: Lunch
Free time (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3:30pm -5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm: Personal reflection time; journal writing.
6:30pm: Dinner
8.00pm: Meditation

Wednesday 8th September
Rest day
7.00am: Sun salutations, asanas, pranayama and meditation
9.00am: Breakfast
10.00am: Tapa (bark cloth) making demonstration
4.00pm: Visit to village
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 9th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7:30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
Free time
10:30am: Asana class
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/chant
12.15am: Lunch
Freetime (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3.30pm – 5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm: Personal reflection time; journal writing.
6:30pm: Dinner
8.00pm: Meditation

Friday 10th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7.30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
Free time
10.30am: Asana class
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/chant
12.15pm: Lunch
Free time (Lucy will be offering individual sessions of Pranic healing in this time)
3.30pm – 5.00pm: Workshop (chakra)
5.00pm: Personal reflection time; journal writing.
6.30pm: Dinner
8.00pm: Meditation

Saturday 11th September
7.00am: Sun salutations
7.30am: Pranayama and meditation
8.00am: Breakfast
10.30am: Asanas or workshop
12.00pm: Yoga nidra/ chant
12.15pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Beach / boat trip
Final dinner and celebration.

Sunday 12th September
Leave Savusavu. Return to Nadi approx 10.00am for flights back home.

Travel

Travel arrangements on this course must be made by you; here is a guide to the options. Please contact us if you are having difficulties or need help on any aspect including hotel bookings. As a rough guide, the international fare is approx $800 / $900 (prices vary daily and must be checked on the web) and the domestic flight costs approx $240 (F$390).

OUT
Sept 4 : International flight from Melbourne to Nadi. Spend the night in Nadi.
Sept 5 : Domestic flight from Nadi to Savusavu.
RETURN
Sept 12 : Domestic flight from Savusavu to Nadi at 0830 – then on to international flight.

JetStar
Depart Sep 4: Melbourne 0600 JQ6400 via Sydney and on to Nadi JQ119 arrive Nadi 1505
Return Sep 12: n/a

Virgin Pacific Blue
Depart Sep 4:  Melbourne 0935 arrive Nadi 1620 – DJ4185
Return Sep 12: Nadi 1810 arrive Melbourne 2215 – DJ4184

Air Pacific / Qantas:
Depart Sep 4: Melbourne 1030 arrive Nadi 1855 QF424 / 391 (via Sydney)
Return Sep 12: Nadi 1830 arrive Melbourne 2200 QF396

Flights from Nadi to Savusavu take an hour and leave at 0700, 1000 and 1500. They return at 0830 and 1400. If you are flying with Virgin you must take the 0830 flight. They can be booked with Air Pacific online at www.airpacific.com

On the way out you will overnight in Nadi – hotels can be booked for approx $80 for a double room.

Hotels: there are plenty of good hotels in Nadi. We recommend Raffles Gateway over the road from the airport – a mid range hotel, it is pleasant and comfortable with a lovely pool and excellent access to the airport. www.rafflesgateway.com

$1980 twin share (not including international flights)

The Yoga with Awareness Retreat run by Pam is a profoundly calming blend of Hatha and Kundalini yoga, aiming to bring balance to the mind and body which in turn leads to  a sense of inner peace. Regular practice of this approach has the power to transform your life, greatly enhancing your ability to handle lifes challenges.  Kundalini yoga emphasises slow, focused breathing, bringing profound changes within the mind and body. This in turn can lead to a higher level of awareness.

There will be two 2-hr sessions each morning. We start at 6am with an energizing practise incorporating pranayama (breath work) and pawanmuktasana (to loosen up the joints and strengthen the digestive system) moving into the physical asanas followed by meditation. After breakfast and a short break, we return for our daily2 hr workshop which will follow a pattern of working through the various chakras in depth. We will examine their significance and discuss the meaning of such subjects as hand mudras, prana, nadis (subtle channels through which pranic forces flow)and various subject matter which naturally evolves during the course of the workshops. This allows for your personal questions to be answered and explored in depth throughout the week.

Pam Badman has been teaching yoga and meditation for over six  years. Her 2009 retreat in Fiji was a week filled with vitality and joy, and Pam looks forward to building upon last year’s success for the 2010 trip. A member of the AYTAA, her students have included Fitness First members,First Grade  NRL teams (the Cronulla Sharks and South Sydney Rabbitohs), as well as teaching within the corporate sector (St George Bank). Pam has experience teaching high school students and pre-natal classes for expectant mothers. She specialises in the practice of meditation and stress management.

You can visit Pam’s website at www.yogawithpam.com.au

Programme

Sunday 10 October
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku

Monday 11 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.00am: Second morning session
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 12 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.00am: Second morning session
1.00pm: Lunch
2.30pm: Boat / beach outing
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 13 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.3 – 11.30 am: Second morning session
4.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.30 – 6.30pm: Alternative second session for some teachers

Thursday 14 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.30am: Second morning session
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
6.30pm: Dinner at yacht club

Friday 15 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.30am: Second morning session
3.30 – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke

Saturday 16 October
Approx 6.30 – 8.00am: First morning session
Approx 9.30 – 11.30am: Second morning session
Afternoon: Free time
7.00pm: Final dinner and lovo

Sunday 17 October
Return to Nadi and on to international flight

John teaches a style of yoga called Purna, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘complete’, ‘integrated’ or ‘full’. He seeks to integrate all 8 limbs (Ashtanga) of yoga the way it was originally taught, more than 3000 years ago in India. Yoga asanas, or postures, are just one of these limbs. The other limbs are equally important, including meditation, pranayama breath control, and the personal and social code of ethics, the yamas and niyamas. Each yoga session includes the physical postures, pranayama and meditation.

John believes the practice of yoga is intended to be joyful and to lighten the heart and mind by calming and energising. He encourages students at all levels to build flexibility, strength and stamina of body, mind and spirit. Yoga philosophies, such as ahimsa (non violence), are threaded throughout each class. This helps bring about a deeper understanding of the key yogic values including diet and lifestyle aspirations. His practice is challenging, yet he offers variations of each posture to suit students of all levels.

John Ogilvie is one of those rare people you meet with whom you feel an almost instant heart connection. There is a glint in his eyes that tells of an inner-spring of joy and a hint of boyish cheekiness. His presence is one of yogic lightness developed over twenty years of regular yoga practice.

John is one of Australia’s most respected and experienced teachers, and founder of Byron Bay’s long-time yoga school, Byron Yoga Centre, established in 1988. He teaches regular classes as part of the weekly timetable and heads up a popular teacher training program at the school, attracting students from around the world, who come to learn from his years of experience.

Byron Yoga Centre Retreat Testimonial: “As soon as you enter the doors of Byron Yoga you can feel the energy and calmness enter your body. The retreat experience is an elixir not only for your body through the daily yoga sessions and nourishing food, but also for your mind, as the learning experiences can be applied to everyday life.”
C. Morris

Programme

Sunday 17 October
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu.
Arrive Daku at approx 4.30pm. Welcome ceremony.
Dinner

Monday 18 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
Afternoon: Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Dinner

Tuesday 19 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
2.30pm: Boat / beach outing
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 20 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
2.00pm: Tapa making demonstration
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Dinner

Thursday 21 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.00pm: Coconut demonstration
12.30pm: Lunch.
Afternoon: Free time
4.00 – 5:30pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
6.30pm: Drinks at yacht club and dinner in town

Friday 22 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
2.00 – 4.00pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
4.30 – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm: Dinner

Saturday 23 October
8.00 – 10.00am: Yoga – morning session.
10.30am: Breakfast and free time.
12.30pm: Lunch.
Afternoon: Free time
4.00 – 6.00pm: Yoga – afternoon session.
7.00pm: Final lovo dinner

Sunday 24 October
Return home

23 – 30 October, 2010

The course
The classes are Ashtanga and Iyengar based and are for all levels. They follow the Ashtanga sequencing and are suitable to any style of Yoga.

This workshop will help to get a solid foundation in your daily practice, and learn to enjoy your practice. Michel reminds you that “Yoga is a Journey not a destination”. The philosophy of “total acceptance of what is” will help you to stop focusing on your limitations and start experiencing the wonder of each moment, being in the present moment.

The morning sessions will encompass POWER AND GRACE:  Salute to the Sun and its variations. The poses in the Ashtanga sun sequence form a complete practice themselves, and provide a foundation from which to explore a balance of power and grace in standing poses.  Finding the nuance in these movements allows us to find better stability (sthira) and levity (sukha) as Patanjali notes in the Yoga sutras.

Then they will move to DEVELOPING AND USING CORE STRENGTH.
This session will aide you in developing your core strength through yoga asanas, and establish and strengthen your connection to the bandhas (internal locks) and then using this strength to find ease in various poses.

There will be a practice of BEND WITHOUT BREAKING (Back-bending basics). Finding our way in backbends can be challenging, but by the same token it can be fun and safe when approached with the right understanding. We also will look at the anatomy of the back bend so the practice is safe.

Afternoon sessions
Michel will be teaching simple breathing techniques that can be used in everyday life that will keep you relaxed and help you to enhance the functioning of your digestive system, immune system and reproductive system. We will do inverted poses as a preparation for pranayama .

Whenever one does anything, one has no success whatsoever without any practice. Yoga-Vasistha
The goal of yoga is about adaptability, not flexibility.  Judith Lassiter

Teacher Michel Besnard is one of the foremost Ashtanga teachers in the Asia Pacific region, with a well known Ashtanga shala in Hong Kong, and an international teaching schedule. His teaching philosophy is to provide students with clear and sensitive guidance, listening to the needs of the body without pushing or straining, thus making space for their own understanding. Ultimately, Michel encourages everyone to take the practice seriously, but not himself or herself seriously.

Michel has been practicing yoga since 1978, and teaching since 1983. He started with Iyengar yoga and was a direct student of BKS Iyengar, and since 1993 has also been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga directly under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India.

In 2001, Michel moved to Hong Kong and founded Yogasana – the first Ashtanga shala in Hong Kong. Michel is also one of the first to establish Yoga Teacher’s training in Hong Kong. Since then he has trained hundreds of students. However, he has been involved in Teacher’s Training well over 10 years in different parts of the world. In 2002 Michel met Avaida Vedanta Teacher Ramesh Balshekar from Mumbai and has been avidly his student since.

Michel is a Senior Yoga Teacher, holding a certificate of IYTA (International Yoga Teacher Association) and registered Experience 500 hours Yoga Alliance.

Programme

Saturday 23 October
Arrive Nadi.  Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm: Welcome to Daku

Sunday 24 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
3.00pm:  Tapa making demonstration
4.00 – 5.30pm:  Inverted poses and pranayama
7.00pm:  Dinner

Monday 25 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
1.00pm:  Lunch
Afternoon:  Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
7.00pm:  Dinner

Tuesday 26 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
12.00pm:  Lunch
1.00 – 3.30pm:  Boat / beach outing
4.00 – 5.30pm:  Inverted poses and pranayama
7.00pm:  Dinner

Wednesday 27  October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
2.00pm: Coconut demonstration
Free afternoon
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama

Thursday 28 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
1.00pm: Lunch
Afternoon:  Free time
4.00 – 5.30pm: Inverted poses and pranayama
6.30pm: Drinks at Savusavu yacht club and dinner in town

Friday 29 October
6.30 – 7.00am: Meditation
7.00 – 9.00am: Asanas Practice
12.00pm: Lunch
2.00 – 3.30pm:  Inverted poses and pranayama
4.00 – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm:  Final Dinner

Saturday 30 October
Return home

$1980 twin share (not including international flights)

The Course

The week’s practice encompasses a number of styles: Dynamic Hatha Yoga, Tantra Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Vinyasa flow. Andrew has also been studying Anusara Yoga and is on the path to full certification.

Andrew describes his teaching as follows:

A dedicated yoga student and teacher … in fact an eternal student … I am passionate about helping others to discover their true potential through the practice of Yoga. Utilizing a gentle, yet dynamic heart-centred approach, I encourage students to become more self aware, through questioning and personal enquiry in their practice, and aim to guide them toward their own sense of greater self-awareness.

Drawing from various streams of yoga practice and Tantric philosophy, my unique style emphasizes and works with the healing potential of Yoga. My further interests extend into exploring human energetics, human potential and power, and how to discover ones true Life Purpose.

After teaching now for over 11 years, my teaching is a Dynamic form of Hatha yoga infused with heart and soul and imbued with the rich Tantric Philosophy and Spirit of the Divine – with Love Gratitude and Humility may we Open to Grace. Namaste.

Andrew Mournehis currently teaches at various yoga studios around Melbourne. He holds a Diploma of Health in Yoga (CAE) & Certified Yoga Instructor with the YTA. He is part of the Teaching Faculty and Assessment Coordinator, for the Advanced Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training (CAE), and a qualified Transpersonal Counsellor (Ikon Institute of Victoria).

Programme

Saturday 20 November
Arrive Nadi.  Local flight to Savusavu.
6.00pm:  Welcome to Daku ceremony

Sunday 21 November
Morning practice
Afternoon:  Visit to Savusavu town
Early evening practice
7.00pm:  Dinner

Monday 22 November
Morning practice
1.00pm:  Lunch
2.30pm:  Boat / beach outing
Early evening practice
7.00pm:  Dinner

Tuesday 23 November
Morning practice
4.00pm:  Tapa making demonstration
Early evening practice
7.00pm: Dinner

Wednesday 24 November
Morning practice
2.00pm:  Coconut demonstration
Early evening practice
6.30pm: Dinner at yacht club

Thursday 25 November
Morning practice
Early afternoon  practice
4.00pm – 5.30pm: Village visit and meke
7.00pm:  Dinner

Friday 26 November
Morning practice
Afternoon free
Early evening practice
7.00pm: Final lovo dinner

Saturday 27 November
Return home

World renowned and beloved teacher Mark Whitwell makes Yoga accessible to everyone. Learn an actual, natural, non-obsessive yet powerful personal practice, which transforms your life without struggle.

Mark says: “Yoga is not a means to get Somewhere as if you were not Somewhere already. It is your direct and intimate participation with Life. If you can breathe, you can do Yoga.”

Mark Whitwell has taught yoga for over twenty years throughout the US, Australia, and New Zealand. He is interested in developing an authentic yoga practice for the individual, based on the teachings of T. Krishnamacharya and his son TKV Desikachar. He is the author of Yoga of Heart: The Healing Power of Intimate Connection and editor and contributor to T.K.V. Desikachar’s book The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice.

The Heart of Yoga Association has been formed to help communicate the principles of yoga practice to a wider audience. Yoga is not an alternative to an existing lifestyle, but can add value and clarity to a person’s life as it is. The premise of this yoga is that there is an appropriate yoga of body and breath for every person according to age, health, body type, and lifestyle.

The programme

Mark teaches a daily morning practice of 2 hours and an afternoon practice of 2 hours. There is programme of local excursions to see Fijian culture, enjoy the fabulous marine life and just relax and have a massage or read a book by the pool. The course will be restricted to a maximum of 14 participants.

Day 1
Arrive Nadi. Local flight to Savusavu: please note that the last flight to Savusavu leaves at 1500 so you need to arrange your international flight to be there in time to make the connection.
Please ask us if you are unsure.
6:30pm – Traditional welcome and dinner

Day 2
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
10:30am – 12:30pm – Snorkelling trip to reef.
1.00pm – Lunch
Afternoon – Visit to Savusavu town
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Dinner

Day 3
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
11:00am – 3:30pm – Beach / boat outing with picnic lunch
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Dinner

Day 4
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
10:00am – 12:00pm – Visit to Pearl Farm
12.30pm – Lunch
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Dinner

Day 5
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
11.30 – 1.30pm – Early second Yoga practice
1.00pm – Lunch
Afternoon – Free time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking.
4.00 – 6.00pm – Visit to village for meke (traditional dance)
7:00pm – Drinks at Yacht Club and dinner in town

Day 6
7.00 – 9.00am – Yoga practice
9.30am – Breakfast
10.00am -Visit to waterfall
2.00pm – Lunch
Afternoon – Free time
4.00 – 6:00pm – Yoga practice
7:00pm – Final lovo dinner

Day 7
Return to Nadi, and on to connecting flights.

15 – 22 May, 2011

Experienced, or new to yoga? Either way, we all want to be learn how to be comfortable and at ease in our physical body. This is a pre-requisite if you want to calm the mind for ultimate happiness – the real aim of all yoga. Yet we are rarely taught simple techniques to hone our awareness and manage our physical bodies to achieve this. Instead, all too often in the West, the emphasis is on the attainment of extreme asanas which actually create more stress than they relieve!

Mark’s aim is for you to enjoy a well-earned, healthy holiday in gorgeous surroundings, practicing yoga and meditation twice a day away from your normal routine and commitments. There is no compulsion to attend all sessions, but they will build sequentially as your stay unfolds. They will teach you individual skills and how to rest into your body in a new way – which will allow you more flexibility and freedom to move into stronger asanas.

Mornings will include creative, flowing asana sequences, sun salutations, and invigorating pranayama (breathing) practices, with time for deep relaxation.

Afternoons will be a gentle, individually-tailored session to restore your body using props and for a totally yummy boost of energy and sense of well-being!

Mark’s teaching includes all the tools of Hath yoga – postures, breathing, focus, relaxation – to lead you in a spiritual and holistic practice. Asana (posture) practice is adapted to your physical and energetic state on the day. Your safety is his prime concern.

A typical day’s schedule:
7.00 – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga
8.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast
10.00 – 11.30am alternate days: Optional sessions on the philosophy and practice of yoga OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation.
12.00 – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra (alternate days only)
12.30pm: Delicious set lunch
1.30 – 4.30pm: Spa treatments, free time, swim, local excursions
4.30 – 5.45 pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice
7.00pm: Set dinner

Mark O’Brien
Hatha Yoga Teacher, B.Sc., Dip. Remedial Massage,

Mark has practiced yoga for over 16 years, and been teaching since 1996. Born and educated in England, with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bristol University and fluent in French, he moved to Australia. He left a successful career in advertising to follow his heart and opened Qi Natural Therapies & Yoga in Sydney in 2001, a chain of 3 successful yoga and natural therapy centres. He has since become one of Sydney’s most in-demand teachers and is the creator and senior teacher of an internationally recognised hatha yoga teacher training diploma. He is on the national executive of the “Yoga Teachers’ Association of Australia”.

With a diploma in remedial massage and a background in meditation and somatic therapy, he remains in awe of the joyful way that skillful physical movement and attention to the breath can radically improve our moods, energy, health and outlook on the physical world.

Whilst he deeply respects the ancient tradition of yoga, Mark teaches a lively and often irreverent class, with the focus on developing practical skills that will transform the quality of your daily life. (There’s no point in learning the perfect head-stand if it doesn’t make your life better in some way!)

The actual flow and pace of a class can vary from very gentle to a dynamic vinyasa flow. Generally classes are “gentle but intense” constantly stressing compassion and non-aggression towards yourself whilst exploring the spiritual dimensions of asana practice (and all the “8 limbs of yoga”) to transform your life and your outlook. You will focus on how your body really feels and on moving intelligently, rather than dry, dogmatic “yoga technique”.

Flexibility – or lack of it – is of little importance in this approach which is open to anyone who can breathe and sincerely wants to improve their life.

Mark’s Yoga Training
Mark had a strong meditation practice before graduating from the “Heart of Yoga” teacher-training in 1998, (based on the approach of TKV Desikachar.) He has since trained with many respected yoga teachers including further in-depth study with both TKV Desikachar and his son Kausthub Desikachar. He has studied aspects of “ISHTA Yoga” and “Anusara Yoga” and has studied with Rodney Yee. His current teacher over several years is the great Donna Farhi. He also continues his mentoring in pranayama and meditation with Sindar Pal Kaur in Sydney.

Learn to be totally at ease in your body.

Yoga teaches us to be profoundly happy. This serene tropical resort will enhance your journey towards stillness and bliss.

Morning and evening yoga sessions suitable for all standards, even those carrying injuries.

Focus on self-compassion and flowing with the breath.

Classes will be adapted to suit all levels of experience – even for those with injuries – and will inspire, renew and restore your zest for life and happiness.

PureBalance is a unique blend of yoga and pilates delivering strength, tone, flexibility and absolute relaxation. The body becomes strong, lengthened and aligned, the mind and body free of tension, and the days stress is left behind and we exist only in the bliss of now. There is a strong focus on core stability and strength within each session and a positive attitude towards achieving balance and abundance in health and well-being.

PureBalance was created by Deidre-Lee Allen who, with a background in dance and choreography, began her career in health and fitness as an aerobics instructor becoming the National Choreographer and Co-ordinator of the Les Mills Step program; it was Deidre-Lee who first put together this program which is now taught all around the world. She is currently presenting PureBalance Yogapilates on TV New Zealand’s Good Morning Show.

Her innovative and communicative energy lead her to develop her own personal training business with which she then set up the very first personal training system for Les Mills – again, a first and one that led to hundreds of trainers all over the world working under the Les Mills personal training systems. Deidre-Lee subsequently went on to train as a Natural Therapist through the Naturapathic College of NZ. She has combined her knowledge with Natural Therapies with her creative passion to bring you the gift of PureBalance. Now living in the beautiful coastal village of Plimmerton with her two children James and Jasmine she has found a greater sense of Balance in her life. To her the sea is energizing and her community inspirational – everyday she is thankful that she can bring the wonderful gift of PureBalance to her clients with creativity and passion.

Programme

Sunday
Travel to Savusavu

Monday – Day 1
SUNRISE SESSION – JUST BREATH 2 hours/ 7.00am-9.00am
Open your heart and awaken the flow of energy within your body in this moving and meditative Purebalance sunrise session. Deidre-Lee will lead you to integrate your breath with your movements bringing awareness into your body and mind to fully strengthen and rejuvenate every aspect of your well-being.

AFTERNOON visit to Savusavu for shopping at local shops and market.

AFTERNOON SESSION – RELAX, RELEASE AND RESTORE 1 hour/ 4.00pm
Fully integrate your breath with your movements in this blissful, calming and stress releasing session. Learn how to feel completely relaxed with a renewed energy.

Tuesday – Day 2
SUNRISE SESSION – BE IN THE MOMENT 2 hours/ 7.00am-9.00am
Start where you are right now, be right here is the moment and allow yourself to unfold ~ this session teaches you to honour yourself, learn to become more centred, strong and ready to explore your potential within each of the Purebalance postures and poses.

AFTERNOON – beach or boat outing

AFTERNOON SESSION – RELAX, RELEASE AND RESTORE 1 hour/4.00pm
Stretch out and surrender as you allow yourself to just be and as you breathe and release experience deeper stretching and a greater ability to truly relax.

Wednesday – Day 3
SUNRISE SESSION – POSTURAL AWARENESS AND CORE STRENGTH 2 hours/ 7.00am-9.00am
Learn to achieve great postural awareness and alignment. Then build upon this inner strength from the centre of your body. Activate your core muscles; abdominals, back and pelvic floor muscles, to give support to your structure and tone your body.

AFTERNOON – Tapa making demonstration

AFTERNOON SESSION – RELAX, RELEASE AND RESTORE 1 hour/4.00pm
Strengthen and tone your body ~ then lengthen and stretch out your muscles finishing this session in meditation.

Thursday – Day 4
SUNRISE SESSION – PUREBALANCE WITH THE BALL 2 hours/ 7.00am-9.00am
Bring in the Redondo ball, a small ball to add variety to our Purebalance sunrise session. We will use this ball in our Tai Chi style movements to warm up the body, as a tool in our yoga based postures, to add resistance in our pilates style exercises, and finally as a stretching tool in sports based stretching. It is in essence Purebalance with a twist – variety is the spice of life! Your ball is for you to take home.

AFTERNOON FREE

AFTERNOON SESSION – RELAX, RELEASE AND RESTORE 1 hour/4.00pm
Bring back your ball and use it as an extension to really stretch out.

EVENING: drinks at Savusavu Yacht Club and dinner in town

Friday – Day 5
SUNRISE SESSION – PUREBALANCE TOTAL MIND BODY CONNECTION 7.00am-8.00am – 10.00am- 12.00pm – 2.00pm-4.00pm (available for one on one sessions)
Bringing together all the elements of Purebalance – the breath, awareness, movement, strength, flexibility and total relaxation. Deidre-Lee will work closely with each of you to help you design your own Purebalance practice once you leave the island and travel back home.

AFTERNOON 4.30 – 6.00 visit to local village for a meke - a traditional Fijian dance with singing

Saturday – Day 6
Free day

Sunday – Day 7
Travel home