The goal of this retreat is to disconnect from the endless distraction of a digital world with its attendant sensation of never having time, and reconnect to the timeless forces of nature. We will bring the benefits of yoga and meditation into our bodies and minds and thus reconnect with ourselves. We wish then to bring that state of natural presence into the wild and rugged beautiful elements of the Picos de Europa, Europe’s most biodiverse area and location of the Asturias Yoga Shala.
Our mornings will be spent practicing Saoirse Yoga and Vipassana Meditation. Saoirse is a holistic approach to yoga practice, designed to provide a strong base from which to practice subtler forms of meditation. It makes use of challenging asanas and breathing techniques that bring us to awareness of our core being. Vipassana is a form of meditation which involves directly observing our own nature. Vipassana is not esoteric, we simply observe the state of our being in the present moment with no sense of attachment. It is at once a simple yet profound practice.
Having spent mornings connecting with our individual natures, we will spend our afternoons connecting with the surrounding nature. You may find yourself walking silently in an ancient forest or on a scenic mountain ridge; diving into the cold water of a waterfall pool in a secret canyon; exploring a forgotten limestone cave; or foraging your evening meal amidst the surrounding natural diversity.
This retreat is for adventurous souls who wish to connect to themselves, the Earth and fellow beings in meaningful ways.
Time Table
Arrival on the first day of this retreat, specified on Retreat Calendar, may be anytime after 16:00. The program begins with dinner at 20:00, and finishes the last day after lunch around 15:00h.
8:30 | Saoirse Yoga and Vipassana |
10:30 | Breakfast |
12:30 | Rewilding Activity |
14:30 | Lunch |
18:00 | Activity in Nature or Workshop |
20:00 | Evening Meal |
Workshops
1: Balance, Twisting and Bringing Lightness to Movement
In this workshop we will learn the fundamentals that apply to ALL twisting and balance postures, and explain how these develop our concentration and improve spinal mobility and digestion.
We will also use Samasthiti, a simple standing pose, to contemplate the force of Prana as it exists within our own body, and learn how it can be cultivated in order to bring lightness into our practice and life
2 : Removing Blockages
In this workshop, we will learn how to work towards deeper backward bending and see how this can improve our breathing and clear our nerve pathways.
3: Inversion and Hand Balance
In this workshop, we will experiment with inverted postures and understand how they help move our awareness into subtler planes.
We will also experiment with the exciting world of hand balance, thus developing strength and concentration
4: Pranayama
The practice of Pranayama is based on using the breath to invoke positive physical and psychological effects effects. It is recommended to be practiced after significant experience of asana. The effects of Pranayama are similar to Asana, but it is more subtle. It is a gateway to meditation.
In this workshop we will look at some of the most important Pranayamas and how to incorporate them in your practice.
5: Vipassana Meditation
In this workshop we will delve into the Vipassana meditation technique that comes at the end of the practice. This technique provides insight into the workings of our own mind and helps us break out of deeply ingrained reaction patterns and conditioning. By recognizing and removing reaction patterns the practice of meditation can free us from conditioning, and enable direct perception.
Saoirse Yoga: Origen and Significance
Saoirse is a Gaelic word meaning freedom, the ultimate goal of any true Yoga practice. The practice grew out of Simon’s goals to focus on certain challenging aspects of Ashtanga and to include the most inspiring and effective elements of the practices he has studied and practiced extensively over the last 20 years (Vipassana meditation, Trika Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and Pranayama).
If you already practice Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, you will find Saoirse Yoga a powerful support. If your interest is in accessing deeper mediation, you may find this practice opens unexpected doorways.
Included:
- Daily Pranayama, Saoirse Yoga Classes, Asana Workshop and Yoga Philosophy Discourse
- 2 Large Vegetarian & Vegan Meals per Day, plus Snacks and Teas
- Guided Excursions
Price:
- Retreat (without accommodation): 600 EUR
- Retreat+Shared Double Room: 785 EUR
- Retreat+Private Bell Tent: 845 EUR
- Retreat+Private Room: 955 EUR
Food at Asturias Yoga
We provide 3 vegetarian meals per day: breakfast, lunch and a light dinner. We do our best to source our vegetables locally according to the season, use primarily organic and vegan ingredients, and provide many home-made specialties, such as sourdough breads, spicy chai, nettle pesto, mountain spring water, fresh herbs for infusions, and marmelades from our fruit trees. Meals are designed for a nutritionally balanced diet, with foods that are easy to digest, grow in a sustainable way and full of vitality.
If you are someone who traditionally has a large appetite or prefers multiple snacks throughout the day, you may also bring your own food/snacks to supplement. The closest large supermarkets are in Cangas de Onis or Posada, both approximately 20km away. There are various smaller shops nearby in Benia (2km from the yoga center) and at the “Campsite Picos de Europa” (1km down hill from the yoga center).
Contact Us.
If you have any further questions, or are ready to reserve your place, get in touch today!