21 – 28 August, 2010

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.