Yoga Retreat

Swaha Yoga: The Art and Soul of Ashtanga Yoga

January 2 - 9, 2010
January 9 - 16, 2010

with Ron Reid and Marla Meenakshi Joy

About the Retreat

This is a totally unique opportunity to study with these deeply experienced and inspirational teachers. They offer a blend of ashtanga yoga, philosophy, mantra study and practice, kirtan, pranayama, restorative yoga and meditation... infused with the intention to see Yoga as a Spiritual art form. As we awaken new areas in our physical beings, we nurture the expression of the soul and raise it's vibration to a higher level.

"When I think of a yogi, I think of Ron Reid. He teaches from what he has learned from his many years of practice, you can feel that. Even if you've been practicing for years and years he makes you feel curious and excited about yoga through his soft spoken, humorous and extremely intelligent way of teaching. He knows the body and how it works and he teaches you how to keep it healthy. At the same time his classes are challenging and hot. He makes you want to move to Toronto!!"
- Kristin Leigh, yoga teacher and co-owner of The Shala yoga studio in New York.

"(Meenakshi)...Nothing short of a shower of blessings to be in her presence. Her teachings are full of light and wisdom generated from lifetimes of divine devotion. With a natural inner cadence, Meenakshi's voice carefully guides you through asana sequences, while subtly setting your mind adrift into deeper peaceful contemplation. By far the best shavasana experience as she chants you into a state of final transcendence."
- Samantha McDonald, yoga teacher, writer

for more details: www.swaha.ca - www.downwarddog.com

This course is open to all levels of students.

About the Teachers

Ron Raid

Ron Reid has been practicing Yoga for over 30 years and teaching since 1988. He is co-owner and Director of the Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto, Canada (www.downwarddog.com)

Ron has studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath both in India and North America and was one of the first Canadian teachers to be authorized by Pattabhi Jois. In addition to regular classes at Downward Dog, he conducts workshops and teacher trainings in Canada, the U.S., Europe, the U.K. and Asia, and is becoming a familiar face at various conferences around the world.

Ron is one of Canada's top teachers, approaching teaching in an inspired, informed and non-dogmatic way. He places the needs of the students ahead of the demands of the practice. While continuing to teach and practice the ashtanga vinyasa system as a foundation, he endeavors to blend tradition with innovation, and to balance precision with grace. Students will find his refined approach to practice both challenging and rewarding.

Ron is also an accomplished musician and composer and performs with his partner Marla Meenakshi Joy under their group name "Swaha" (www.swaha.ca)

Meenakshi (Marla Joy)

Meenakshi (Marla Joy) first traveled to India in 1988 to study meditation and the philosophy of the Vedas with Swami Shyam, as well as other learned scholars in the Himalayas. She is a Certified Meditation and Yoga Philosophy teacher from the International Meditation Institute in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Himalayas.

She currently teaches Ashtanga Yoga, Swaha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Yogadance, Meditation, Yoga philosophy, Sanskrit, and Chanting privately and in yoga studios in Canada, the U.S. the UK, Europe and Asia. She has been teaching Sanskrit and yoga philosophy in Teacher Training courses since 1999, in Toronto and abroad.

She has been a practicing Shiatsu Therapist since 1993, and has a healing and informative touch. She also leads Kirtan (call-and-response chanting) with her band SWAHA, with inspired musical compositions with her partner/keyboardist, Ron Reid. She has produced three CD's of Sanskrit chanting Prayer's, Salutations, and Vishnu's Dream, as well as their newest release entitled "Bolo". www.swaha.ca

The Daily Schedule

The schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

7:30 am	Yoga practice taught in the Mysore style where students are guided individually to progress through their practice
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch buffet
4:00 - 6:00 pm	Workshop on the practices and more including Yoga Lab technique classes, pranayama, meditation, chanting, philosophy, restorative and yoga nidra, plus Q&A
6:00 - 8:00 pm	Complimentary herbal steam room available
6:00 - 8:00 pm	Dinner buffet
8:00 pm	Evening program - video presentation or group activity and the special Swaha kirtans - live music experiences, great fun!

Please arrive by 5pm for a retreat welcome on the first day. Departure is by 12 noon on the last day. You are welcome to arrive early or stay on, check our residential stay rates

All our rooms have direct sea view with their own private balcony and bathroom.

The rate is inclusive of: