Yoga Retreat

Yoga for Body, Breath & Mind

May 15 - 22, 2010
September 5 - 12, 2009

with Paul Dallaghan

About the Retreat

Our approach to yoga is a holistic one. Yoga can uplift each and every person when it is learned correctly and practiced sincerely. During this retreat, we will work with the body, channel the breath, and center the mind.

Students will gain confidence in their own yoga asana practice, with classes taught either in traditional Mysore style or partially guided ("led"). Breath-work exercises will provide an introduction to Pranayama and create an awareness of the importance of the breath on and off the mat. Meditation and its basics are cultivated.

We will offer discussions on the nature of yoga. Topics may include, for example, asana tips and techniques, overcoming mental and physical barriers, and how our practices on the mat can be a mirror for daily living.

We will also give emphasis to practices that help promote confidence and cultivate independence, as students build their personal yoga practice and develop tools for continued growth. Another area we'll look at is how to best integrate it into your daily life amid family and a busy work schedule. You will leave the retreat with plenty to work on until you're ready to come back and advance to the next level.

Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years, developing a personal "self-practice" is an effective way to deepen your experience with yoga. All levels of students are encouraged to participate.

About the Teacher

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: