28 August – 4 September, 2010

Susan Allen completed her training in India in the Sivananda Yoga discipline, and has also studied Ashtanga, Iyengar and Anusara yoga. She draws on a combination of these traditions during this week, when she will will teach yogic postures, breathing techniques, meditation, yogic philosophy and chanting.

The daily practice will take you through the traditional practices of asana, pranayama and meditation – a lovely balance between the physical aspect of yoga and the creation of a meditative, quiet space with the goal of bringing more presence and a higher consciousness into your everyday experience.

Yoga begins with the physical body, the asanas; moves towards the more subtle – the mind – and onwards to the most subtle: an experience of the inner Self. Through the yoga asanas we will explore what it means to fully inhabit the body. Through cultivating awareness of breath in our practice, we become more sensitive to our experience, we become more present right here, right now.

Each morning and afternoon we will have an asana practice that is performed with full attention on the breath. From asana to meditation the practice blossoms from a physical one towards a deeper level of awareness – awareness of the nature of our thoughts and the nature of the mind. This increase in awareness, or presence is very empowering as increased awareness of the mind and emotions gives us more control over their content.

This increase in presence leads towards liberation from the mind and all its tricks and habits, awareness of the true Self, centered and joyful. This is the goal of this week – through the yogic practices to have an experience of the joy and steadiness experienced when yoga brings you into the present.

Susan Allen has been teaching yoga in India, Ireland and New Zealand for the last 8 years; she currently runs the popular Yoga Ground studio in Auckland, NZ. Originally trained in the Sivananda lineage, her classes also incorporate experiences of the Iyengar and Anusara traditions. Susan has spent over 3 years in India studying at various yoga and meditation centers; her classes are a blend of this experience.

The programme

There will be a 2 hour practice in the morning and a 2 hour practice every afternoon – these classes will be a lovely balance between the physical aspect of yoga and the creation of a meditative, quiet space. In the evening there will be optional yoga nidra (deep relaxation) or meditation session. Between the yoga classes there will be an offering of local excursions to see Fijian culture, and the option of spa treatments, diving or snorkeling, walking, fishing, or just relaxing in the calm and beautiful surroundings.

A typical day’s schedule:

7.00 – 9.00am: Yoga practice
9.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast
10.00 – 12.30pm: Free time
12.30pm: Lunch
1.00 – 4.00pm: Free time for spa treatments, excursions, diving, walking, reading…
4.00 – 6.00pm: Yoga practice
7.00pm: Dinner
8.30 – 9.00pm: Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation) or Meditation

A visit to a local village and a boat / beach outing during the week 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.