Yoga Retreat

Pranayama - the full practice of Yoga

September 12 - 19, 2009

with Paul Dallaghan

About the Retreat

The focus of this program is to grow beyond the asana practice a regular and well informed practice of Pranayama and meditation. Pranayama uses the breath and the entire respiratory system to purify and strengthen the nerves which leads to greater control of the senses and a subsequent calmer and clearer mind, not just when sitting but throughout the day, when practiced consistently for a long time. Here is the opportunity to be introduced and grow through these techniques in a supportive environment. Paul has practiced and been trained to a high level in these practices under one of the few remaining authorities on Pranayama, O.P. Tiwari. Tiwariji has only taught the complete Pranayama to Paul and one other student.

The day will open with Pranayama and meditation followed by the ashtanga practice. In the afternoon will be a workshop to further explain the practices so better understanding can come followed by sessions on restorative asanas and Pranayama.

During the course your pulse is checked to assess what best Pranayama practices work for you. By the end of the week you will be given your own practice and be fully ready to continue a dedicated Pranayama practice. It can only grow from there and we offer the continued support over time.

This course is open to all levels of students

About the Teacher

Paul

Paul is a senior teacher of Pranayama, Asana and the meditative art and science of Yoga. He has been a dedicated student for over a decade of both Sri O.P.Tiwari, one of the few remaining classical yogis and masters of Pranayama, and the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in ashtanga vinyasa. Both of these great teachers have personally certified Paul in these practices, a unique position as the only one to receive this double honor. Paul continues with Mantra practice from the yoga lineage and meditative approaches, influenced by the Thai Forest tradition. This combination of practice and study through dedication and devotion has helped him gain some understanding of practice and to apply this appropriately in Asana, Pranayama, Mantra recitation and Meditation for the different level of students he has the privilege to share the teaching with. He continues his studies in health, digestion, anatomy and physiology. One of his main gifts is to be able to relate the teachings in a very down-to-earth way for the modern seeker. He does not take life or yoga too seriously and as a result the discussions and philosophical sessions are lively and humorous, helping to explain the meaning behind the practices and philosophy.

Paul grew up in Dublin, Ireland and completed formal university studies at Trinity College. He lived in New York for seven years where his life in yoga practice and teaching began. From 2001 to 2007 he focused six months a year on advanced yoga studies in India and various pilgrimage spots in Tibet, Thailand and India. With his wife, Jutima, they opened Samahita Retreat and are both the happy parents of two lovely boys, Sean and Dylan. He knows firsthand about raising a family and keeping a sincere connection with practice and internal development. This practical experience and love of the subject matter he shares with joy, intelligence and humour.

For more please see his full bio.

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.

7:00 am	Morning herbal tea
7:30 am	Intention and Day Opening Breathwork-Pranayama and Meditation
8:15 am	Asana Practice: detailed guidance in the Asanas, develop and grow a self-practice from the Ashtanga Yoga series going through in led detail and mysore style
10 - 11:30 am	Brunch buffet
4:00 pm	Special workshop covering both Asanas and Pranayama as well as the selected philosophical or anatomical topic. There will be some discussion and Q&A and some time working on the breath, poses and restorative yoga
6:00 pm	Dinner buffet
6 - 9:00 pm	Steam room available
7:30 pm	Evening program - video, satsang, meditation

* Special group excursion during the week to some of the natural wonders of Koh Samui or its neighboring islands.

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

Our guestrooms are set back just over 50 meters from the water to provide you with a private community and greater security. Most of our rooms open up to a spectacular seaview looking direct to the beach and the coconut trees.

The rate is inclusive of: