Karma Yoga Retreat
Practice Yoga in the Shala and in Daily Tasks
Yoga is for all! The Karma Yoga program is an opportunity to experience Yogic without any requirement to pay.
Karma Yoga is a way of integrating Yoga into daily life. The basis is being fully present in what you do, and having no expectation regarding reward for your work.
Through the Karma Yoga program, I invite you to come and live the day to day life at Asturias Yoga. This retreat does not require any money, but rather is given in exchange for helping with the running of the centre during the low season (March to mid May). The goal is to live, practice yoga, meditate, work and enjoy nature together in the Asturian mountains.
The key to a Yogic community is presence. Please keep in mind that, in order to form a conscious environment the following are pre-requisites to participation:
- A commitment to Yoga and / or meditation (ideally Ashtanga or Saoirse Yoga / Vipasana meditation, which are taught here)
- A commitment to digital detox i.e. using only what is strictly necessary and never disturbing others through your usage
- A commitment to maintaining a non-violent (i.e. vegetarian) diet during your stay
- A commitment to sticking to the daily timetable (see below)
- The intention to be present, tolerant and compassionate with other participants
Spaces are limited and participation in this program is by application
Help Exchange
The help that you offer will be dependent on whatever is required in the centre during your stay, and to some extent, whatever you are inspired / capable of doing.
The centre is off grid with herb and vegetable gardens and fruit trees, and aims as much as possible towards self-sufficiency. Some typical tasks are the following:
- Cleaning and Cooking
- Gardening and Orchard Maintenance
- Building repairs and restauration
- Firewood preparation
- Preparation for scheduled retreats
- Help with promotion and course materials (photography / book editing etc.)
Timetable
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday:
Up until 9:30 a.m.: Group Self Practice in the Shala
9:30 – 10:30: Breakfast
10:30 – 14:30: Karma Yoga
14:30 Lunch
Afternoon Free
9 p.m. Short group mediation
Tuesday and Thursday:
9 – 10:30: Guided Yoga Session with Simon
10:30 – 11.30 Breakfast
11:30 – 14.30 Karma Yoga
14:30 Lunch
16:30 – 20:00 Karma Yoga
Sunday
9:00 – 11:00 Guided Yoga Session with Simon
11:00 a.m. Brunch
12:00 – 13:00 Yoga Nidra
13:00 – 14:00 Workshop
Silent Meditation Days:
We plan to have occasional self-organised full days of silent meditation…typically twice every month. Such days we would have a different timetable, which would be explained during your time here.
Other Activities:
I am a nature and adventure enthusiast. During the free afternoons we have the possibility to rock climb, cycle, trek or surf.
Musicians artists and writers will also find a supportive environment 😊
Length of Stay
The minimum length of stay for this program is 1 week. The maximum we can guarantee without knowing you is 2 weeks. Longer stays are possible, but are dependent on a review meeting during the second week of your stay.
If you wish to apply for Karma Yoga, you can contact me at simon@asturiasyoga.com
Namaste!
Simon
Karma Yoga During Formal Retreats
Those who have already completed a retreat with Asturias Yoga are eligible to return as a Karma Yogi during the same yoga retreat or YTT program they have already attended as a full-time participant.
Karma Yoga offers you the opportunity to continue learning and practicing alongside those on retreat, attending practice sessions, workshops and other parts of the program. In exchange for approximately five hours of help per day, six days a week, you will be able to participate in the majority of the retreat program and stay in a large prepared tent or shared room. All meals are included. You will also be welcome to come on some local excursions when we do them (hiking, rock climbing, etc.).