Yoga Retreat

Yoga and Sound: An Exploration of Chanting, Meditation, Asana and Pranayama

December 11 - 18, 2010

with Elonne Stockton

About the Retreat

Where do the dichotomies of motion and stillness and of sound and silence meet? Elonne's retreat guides an exploration of sound - the music of the breath, chanting, and kirtan - as well as the void that is created in the absence of sound. Together, participants will discover how mindful breathing and movement in the form of pranayama and asana lead to mental stillness, how our entire practice can help guide us towards pratyahara, to the withdrawal of the senses.

Through some theoretical study and plenty of actual practice, we will learn how to strike a balance, in our practice and in our lives, between effort and surrender (abhyasa and vairagya), and how to begin to understand the notion of action in inaction and of inaction in all of our actions. As we start to sincerely practice yoga, we seek to maintain focus and mental stillness in our physical actions, as well as unspoken clarity and love (an expression of ahimsa) in our thoughts and words.

Each morning asana class (led Ashtanga and Mysore) will be preceded by intention setting, some chanting, and pranayama/breathing exercises. The afternoon sessions will be a combination of philosophical discussion, chanting, and restorative asanas.

Throughout this week-long retreat, we will practice walking and seated meditation techniques. Elonne will also lead silent morning and/or evening walks on the beach. And we will have satsang a few evenings, in which we meet for chanting and/or kirtan

About the Teacher

Elonne has been a committed yoga practitioner and devotee since the early age of 14. She has lived and taught in the Bahamas, Canada, India, the United States, and Taiwan where she has taught asana, pranayama, and meditation at yoga studios, ashrams, resorts, schools, orphanages, hospitals, and clinics.

In 2006, Elonne moved to Asia, where she met her teachers, Paul Dallaghan, O.P. Tiwari, and Richard Freeman.

As Elonne's understanding of the practice grows, she feels more and more like a beginner, and she is excited to continue this journey. She feels blessed by the opportunity to teach at Samahita Retreat, and she is extremely grateful for the chance to help others while she continues her own studies.

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 with breathwork and meditation
8:15 am	Asana Practice - guided sessions moving towards a developed self practice following the ashtanga tradition
10:00 am - 1:00 pm	Brunch buffet
4:00 pm	Study of the Yoga Philosophy and Practice Followed by a light and restorative asana session
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: