Mysore Style Retreat
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga was developed in the Indian city of Mysore, from which the traditional method of practice. “Mysore style,” receives its name. Mysore style means practicing the Ashtanga Vinyasa series as far as you are capable, in silence, in the presence of a teacher. The teacher does not lead but rather observes the practitioners, providing individualized explanations and adjusting postures where necessary. This style of practice can take on a wonderful sensation of flow and become a powerful dynamic meditation. Every part of the body is engaged and energized, allowing vital energy to flow freely. Sessions typically last between one to two and a half hours, depending on one´s own personal rhythm and sequence. The Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced Series (or a personalized combination of any two) are included. During the morning sessions, we will aim to find the most appropriate sequence for you personally, and to give you extra attention in your most challenging asanas.
This Retreat Is For You
- If you already know some of the Ashtanga Primary Series and want to deepen your practice;
- If you are curious to proceed into the Intermediate or Advanced Series;
- If you are interested in the origins of Yoga and its subtler aspects, such as Pranayama, Meditation and Philosophy;
- If you are curious about the anatomy and physiology of yoga.
N.B. this retreat also may be counted as Module 2 (philosophy theme) or 3 (anatomy theme) of Asturias Yoga´s 200hr Teacher Training, program, a certified YTT through Yoga Alliance.
"First breathing, then gazing, then posture."
"First breathing, then gazing, then posture."
Saraswathi Jois, Mysore.
Yoga Philosophy
The philosophy talks will leave participants with a deeper understanding of classical yoga philosophy, including “ashtanga” yoga. Ashtanga yoga (Sanskrit aṣṭa = 8, aṅga = limb) is one of the methods laid out in the classical text on yoga, the Yoga Sutra, written in the early centuries of the common era. The sutras describe ashtanga as a holistic system of yoga, which takes into account lifestyle, and a number of ever more subtle practices, which lead one to meditation. Indeed, the eight limbs of yoga (ashtanga) provided by the Yoga Sutra are evident in all forms of yoga: different practices of yoga vary only in the particular aspect/limb that is emphasized. According to the sutras, the ultimate aim of ashtanga yoga practice is to lead one to samadhi, a state of mental liberation. Consistent and correct practice gives rise to new understandings. Hence, this retreat includes daily philosophy talks, both to provide participants with an historical overview of ashtanga yoga theory, as well as to help crystallize new discoveries that participants realize experimentally through their own practice.
Yoga Anatomy
In the Anatomy option of the Mysore Style retreat, the main lecture topics are as follows:
Musculoskeletal System: This part delves into the intricacies of the musculoskeletal system, examining the bones, joints, and muscles involved in various yoga postures. It explores muscle origins, insertions, actions, and how they contribute to movement and stability.
Anatomy of Yoga Postures: We will analyze some key yoga postures from an anatomical perspective, considering the muscles, joints, and alignment involved in performing the pose safely and effectively.
Anatomy for Injury Prevention: The course addresses common yoga-related injuries and teaches strategies to prevent them, such as proper alignment, modifications, and modifications for specific body types.
- Anatomy of Ashtanga Vinyasa: Here we will study the physiology of some specific Ashtanga Vinyasa practices, principally, Ujjayi breathing and interior locks (Bhandas).
Afternoons: Work or Play. You Decide.
In the afternoon, you will have the option of taking a long yoga workshop or an excursion to the surrounding natural wonders. It should be noted that if you want the retreat to count as YTT hours, it is necessary to participate in the workshops. The workshop option makes for an intensive day of practice! If you are simply attending with the motivation of being on retreat, you may prefer to take the excursion. You can also decide each day which option you prefer.
Excursion Options
Afternoon excursions typically last between 1.5 and 3 hours. Beautiful options are endless and many begin right from the door of the yoga shala. The excursion that we choose on any particular day will depend on the weather (highly variable in Asturias) and the overall inclination of the group. Below are listed some of our most common excursions:
Covandonga via the Mountains
Covadonga is perhaps Asturias’s most famous landmark, a historical site with a rock church sitting above a waterfall and a large cathedral at the base of the mountains. We will walk to Covadonga from our valley, crossing Cruz de Priena, a pyramid shaped peak directly about the Covadonga Sanctuary. Once there you can explore Covadonga at your leisure
Duration: 2.5 Hours Difficulty: Medium
La Gueña Cañon; Jump into Invigorating Water direct from Los Picos
From the Yoga Shala, we will walk 30 minutes to a nearby almost never visited canyon, where you will have the option to jump into a deep pool and have a waterfall “Prana shower”. A great option for a hot day!
Duration: 2 hours Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Cueva de Alda: Subterranean Magic
Cueva de Alda lies 30 minutes walk away from the yoga centre (via view of the Picos and Ocean). Despite its magnificence, it is a little visited cave due to its remote location. We will explore its gigantic main chamber, with stalagmites, stalactites, underground pools and a penetrating silence, interrupted only by drops of water occasionally falling from the roof of the cave. Simon will play a short flute concert to highlight its stunning acoustics.
Duration: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium / Easy
Trekking from the Doorstep to the Peak Above
From the doorstep, we will follow trekking route S9, which will take us on a 500m ascent through old Chestnut forests and high meadows to a peak overlooking the Casaño canyon, Picos de Europa and the ocean.
Duration: 3 hours Difficulty: Medium / High
Workshop Option
On this retreat there will be three ‘Hands on Adjustment’ workshops where you will learn how to assist others in Primary Series postures. These workshops will also give you a deeper insight into the alignment of the asanas themselves.
If you are already a teacher, these workshops will give you some efficient and effective techniques for assisting students.
There will also be a workshop on how to begin practicing the challenging Intermediate Series. Even if you are not ready yet to begin this series, this workshop will show you how to work towards it and empower your Primary Series through deeper back bending and hip flexibility.
These workshops are optional, and if you prefer to spend your afternoons exploring the surrounding Picos de Europa, you are welcome to do so
Time Table
Day 1
17:00 Orientation
18:00 Introductory Yoga Session and Talk
20:00 Evening Meal
Days 2 – 6 (N.b. Day 6 finishes at lunch time)
| 8:00 | Pranayama |
9:00 11:00 | Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style Breakfast |
| 12:30 | Yoga Nidra |
| 13:00 | Talk on Yoga Philosophy or Anatomy (depending on retreat theme) |
| 14:30 | Lunch |
| 17:30 | Workshop or Excursion |
| 20:00 | Light Meal |
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).
Included in Retreat
- DAILY Yoga Sessions, Pranayama, Adjustment Workshops and Yoga Philosophy Discourses
- Guided Excursion in the Picos de Europa National Park
- Course Manual
- Two Large Vegetarian Meals Daily + Snacks & Teas
Reservations (6 days)
- Retreat (without accommodation): 600 EUR
- Retreat+Shared Room: 785 EUR
- Retreat+ Private Bell Tent: 845 EUR
- Retreat+ Private Room: 955 EUR
- Retreat+Private Cabin: 1,060 EUR
*Prices Include IVA