Yoga Retreat

The Essence of Yoga: Asana, Alignment Study and Pranayama

October 2 - 9, 2010

with Stephen Thomas

About the Retreat

A one-week Intensive course (40 hours of study). This advanced alignment and pranayama workshop, is aimed specifically at dedicated yoga practitioners and teachers.

As part of an ongoing series, this module will deepen your knowledge of asana, by looking at detailed physical and energetic alignment, how to make effective modifications, how to use hands and props to make better assists, so that the practice grows towards independent freedom for you own practice and for others.

Students will have the opportunity to make significant progress on Pranayama and cleansing Kriya practices.

Each day will also include chanting, silent inner work and discussion forums on the Hatha Pradipika and Yoga Sutras.

We will explore these physical and symbolic gates of Asana, refining our alignment (on and off the mat). Learn how to more effectively use props and make modifications to poses which suit the individual and move towards the depth of the pose. These dimensions create a new understanding of the spine and pelvis and prepare the practitioner for the more subtle work in Yoga.

The more you understand the details of this practice, the more you will appreciate its subtle beauty and find its real joy and potential. This ultimately serves to deepen your devotion and the tradition from which it stems.

If you are already teaching, this series will enhance your ability to observe and help students more effectively, and to have a new way of seeing and speaking about the practice.

In the course:

Explore fundamental alignment principals and see how they relate to an individual's unique conditions. Work with yourself and others to move the Asana to another level through alignment principals which creates freedom and joy.

Better use of blocks, the wall, and props to move us towards the full pose or to re-align the pelvis and/or spine. This is done in conjunction with the daily assisting workshop (theory and practice). Improve observation skills.

Study the subtle realms of Uddiyana and Moolabandha. Looking at the pelvis and the awareness of the sacrum as a way to unlock power in the Asana practice and create steadiness.

Students will be working on all aspects of the asana practice. The week will include, backbend workshops, greater steadiness and foundation in the inversions, hand balancing, twists and forward folds, and deeper into the pelvis.

Deepen and further your understanding and personal experience of Pranayama and Chanting (taught by Stephen Thomas in the spirit and lineage of Sri O.P. Tiwari).

In addition to this, you will be immersed in yogic living for a week and in the company of like-minded individuals, looking at using these practice to create an exceptional integrated Life!

About the Teacher

Stephen Thomas is a senior international yoga teacher. He leads Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions across Asia and Europe. His teaching is deeply rooted in the traditional Yoga practices of asana, pranayama, and meditation. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in the Classical systems of Yoga Philosophy as well as Tibetan Buddhism and Tantra, enriching and informing his personal approach.

He presents Yoga in its' classical form, directly from lineage. In his teaching, he encourages a synthesis of physical effort (asana, cleansing kriyas, pranayama, etc.), with the study of sanskrit, chanting, meditation and devotion. Integrating these deep practices into the daily spectrum of one's life is a central theme of his work.

Stephen studies directly with O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India and continues to evolve his knowledge in the fields of pranayama, therapy, healing, and Ayurveda. This lineage is one of the few living sources of authentic pranayama available. He has completed advanced studies with Tiwari and continues to dedicate his personal practice and work to promoting health and transformation through this method of yoga.

The asana component of his teaching is used as a way to purify and stabilize the system, and to re-integrate the mind/body/spirit complex. Through the asana, the joy of the body and breath are re-discovered and a gateway into the deeper realms of the practice is revealed. His asana studies form a major part of his teaching and have been influenced by the alignment principals of Iyengar, and the transformational elements of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system.

He embodies the spirit of joy, respect and deep gratitude for those who have influenced him over the years, including, Sri.K. Patthabi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Richard Freeman, Aadil Palkhivala, Paul Dallaghan and Patrick Creelman.

Stephen currently divides his time between his base in Asia and Zurich, Switzerland. For more information or, to see his teaching schedule please visit, www.stephenthomasyoga.com, www.kdham.com, www.withinspace.com, www.airyoga.ch

The Daily Schedule

The program begins at 5pm on the first day of the retreat with a group welcome and departure is at 12pm on the last day.
The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

6:45 am	Morning herbal tea
7:00 am	Intention and Day Opening Pranayama and Kriyas
8:30 am	Asana Practice
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch buffet
3:00 pm	Study of the Yoga Sutras and Hatha Pradipika followed practical Yoga Worskhops on Asana Alignment and Adjustments plus practice of Pranayama
6:00 pm	Dinner buffet
6:00 - 9:00 pm	Steam room available
8:00 pm	Evening program - video, chanting and meditation

Based on request and availability, you are welcome to arrive early or extend your stay, our Residential and Wellness Programs details are on http://www.yoga-thailand.com/yoga-holidays.html

The rate is inclusive of: