Continuing Education Asana Training Course - Yoga Teacher Training

About the Training Course

This course is an excellent opportunity to further your growth with asana practice and teaching, continue your pranayama practice and understanding of it while learning more in the realm of philosophy.

The morning sessions will be devoted to practice whereas the afternoon will be split between the philosophical presentation and a workshop on asana and pranayama. Paul will lead these workshops, alternating each day between an asana and a pranayama focus. We will look at the principles of both asana and vinyasa, explore poses of both primary and intermediate series, talk about how to structure practice and adapt the series or any sequence of posture so it works for you and your timeframe. We will also cover pranayama theory and its practical aspects. This workshop approach on both asana and pranayama is interactive and you are encouraged to come with all your questions and requests for which asanas, sequences, adjustments, kriyas, pranayamas to explore.

The philosophy section will cover the classic work of Vijnanabhikshu called Yoga-Sara-Samgraha. The Yoga Sutras and Vyasa's commentary on them often leave students still thirsting for more to increase your understanding of it. Vijnanabhikshu takes both and in so doing helps to explain yoga in a very clear light though through this text. It reveals his depth of learning as it refers to a number of related texts from yoga. This is an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge of yoga with the aid of this one learned work.

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 is the happy father of two lovely boys. Together with his wife, he founded Samahita Retreat. 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 am	Meditation and Pranayama with Paul
8 am	Mysore Style Self Practice with occasional Led Explorative classes to deepen the understanding of the material covered with Paul.
10 am - 1 pm	Brunch buffet
3 - 3:30 pm	Snack and refreshment
3:30 - 4:30 pm	Philosophy covering the Yoga-Sara-Samgraha text
4:40 - 6 pm	Advanced Asana & Pranayama workshop
6 pm	Dinner buffet
6 - 9 pm	Steam room available
7:30 pm	Evening program - video, meditation, private time

Please arrive by 4pm for a program 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

Testimonials

Best yoga retreat center in the world. Excellent program, great teachers, fantastic beach, super and healthy food, brilliant service and accommodation! Thank you very much
Irina, 2011

This is my second time doing detox at Samahita but a different program. I had fluctuation in my energy and emotion this time alot more than last time, but I got through the period as I had support from the detox and Wellness team, including other friends. Staff are very nice and food / juice are well prepared. The environment is very relaxing and suitable for detoxifiying your mind and body. I would definitely recommend everyone to come here for this experience. The team can adjust the program according to the individual which is really nice too. One of the best getaways, everyone should try!
Aoy, Thailand 2012

Therapists were very skillful and knowledgeable, very polite and caring. The yoga teachers were very professional and passionate about the subject! - Thanks alot!
Elena, Belgium 2011

This was my second time to have a detox program at Samahita and I will definitely come back for an annual or bi-annual detox. I have been recommending the program at Samahita to people around me!
Chloe, Japan 2011

Dear Paul,
I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to say this to you in person before you left, but I sincerely wanted to thank-you for all your time, effort and expertise that you offered during the past 3 weeks of workshops you held at Samahita Yoga Thailand. You have truly created an environment that is so easy to completely focus on yoga and how it relates to more than just the asanas. And I really enjoyed your down-to-earth approach and explanations. Personally, this experience was exactly what I needed and I feel so inspired to continue to learn more and grow in my practice - However, I must admit that it feels a little daunting to do so in conjunction with work, and in my very tiny village where no one else practices - but I'm optimistic. (If you ever post a sound recording of one of your lead classes, can you please let me know?). I do wish I could have stayed longer and I hope to return in the near future if I can save enough money again. I really just wanted to say that I truly respect and appreciate what you have dedicated yourself to and shared with others. Again, Thank-you.
Kindest Regards,
Sarah, 2011