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Samahita Retreat - Newsletter August 2011
Dear friends,
A major principle in Buddhist philosophy is that of "Interdependence". On a day-to-day level this is a practical fact and truth. Though the old saying of "if you want something done, do it yourself", might exist, and has value, being able to rely on, trust in and work harmoniously with others is an essential part of life. Perhaps the old saying of "doing it yourself," means we should not check out of something before it has ripened, that we should help others mature in their work, that we should care. Then our effort and support should linger on so something can be done without having to do it ourselves. So we are back to interdependence. Life is about relationships, some closer than others, some intimate, some purposeful, some lifelong and some temporary. Ideally all have meaning and mutually support us in our development. I know personally I could not have grown in practice without much help from others, I could not teach without the help from a huge team, I could not even eat without the committed effort from many others today. For that I am thankful and think about it in a meaningful way, as it is easy to say "yeah, yeah" about it while covering up a deeper attitude of taking others and situations for granted.
Along this line I am fortunate to have great support here at Samahita in the form of the teachers, and a truly great support for me has been Elonne Stockton, our teacher manager. Quiet, thoughtful, caring and effective as well as a skilled and helpful teacher in her own right, Elonne will be leading her own retreats in October and throughout 2012. So thank you Elonne and I encourage any of you reading this to join her program at some time that fits your schedule.
More news, articles and announcements run below. We are expanding the health and wellness offerings so stay tuned. In addition we are open to sharing our space here with those of you established teachers that would like to bring a group or those of you in the working world who are thinking about a good program for your company and/or team.
We all look forward to seeing you soon.
Om
Paul
Yoga and Health Articles
'I am a student and always will be. Though I have had the good fortune to teach others it is only because I am a student. To continue to be a student and thus continue to grow and evolve is even more essential. I use this word student not in its loose common use which is prevalent today but in what it truly stands for. Let us explore what is this student's path?'
The Path of the Student - By Paul Dallaghan
Elonne has been teaching at SYT since 2009 and started Yoga when she was 14. Here she discusses the nature of yoga and the powerful energy at SYT that helps students to find their own personal practice.
The Joy of Practice - By Elonne Stockton
Although the body needs a regular supply of glucose, too much or too little sugar in the blood presents a serious health hazard. Claudia Jones, Wellness director asks, 'How much sugar is enough?'
The Blood Sugar Balance - By Claudia Jones.
Join Dr Miles Neale and Dr Emily Wolf this October for their retreat, Tibetan Buddhism, Yoga and Psychotherapy: The Gradual Path to Awakening. In this article Dr Neale examines, 'what could the relatively modern and humble institution of psychotherapy have to offer the far more ancient and far-reaching counterparts in the East?'
The Healing Relationship: What Psychotherapy Offers Yoga and Buddhism - By Dr Miles Neale.
This Autumn Samahita Retreat welcomes Dimple Arora who will team up with resident teacher Elonne to present the Foundation of Yoga and Ayurveda: Basic Understanding and Application. Here Dimple explains the essence of Ayurveda…
Laying the foundation of good health and longevity - By Dimple Arora
People Share their Experiences
I just had the most amazing stay - great combination of service & autonomy. Everyone was very friendly & helpful. I definitely found peace at Samahita!
- Anon, 2011
Upcoming Programs at Samahita Retreat
August 28 - September 17, 2011
Continuing Education Pranayama Training Course
Pranayama and the Energetic Body
with Paul Dallaghan
This course is inspired and blessed by Tiwariji, Paul's direct teacher and one of the few living knowledgeable authorities on Pranayama and its place in the field of yoga today. It is a living tradition. Paul has learnt the full practice in a special one-to-one capacity over the past ten-plus years with Tiwariji. This course is designed to help you practice more effectively, understand Pranayama to a deeper degree based on the information given and the depth of practice being done in a purpose-built dedicated environment. Based on this you can improve as a practitioner and teacher. This course does not claim to develop Pranayama teachers but rather to stimulate and increase the base and understanding of practice.
It is open to all past practitioners of Pranayama with us, whether you have been diligent in keeping it up or found it hard and dropped it. Now is the time to immerse back into it. This is not a beginner's level program.
This course qualifies for 120 hours continuing-education credit toward Yoga Alliance 500- and Centered Yoga 1100-hour training certification.
September 17 - 24, 2011
Clean Living & Yoga Practice - An Education in Lifestyle Choices
With Claudia Jones
The Clean Living & Yoga Practice retreat educates you in how to clean up your lifestyle through the foods you eat, the products you use and the lifestyle choices you make. During this week we will explore the impact of our choices not just on ourselves but on those around us, the society we live in and of course on the environment.
We will explore the food choices we make and the body care products we use and their impact on our health while considering healthier alternatives. To live yoga is to make appropriate choices that do not harm ourselves or others; through the week we will consider the Yamas and Niyamas, the foundations of Yoga practice and how we can apply these principles to our day to day lives to improve not only our own well being but that of the entire planet. Mornings will incorporate yoga asana, pranayama and meditation practices. Afternoons will offer educational talks on yoga, healthy diet and lifestyle, discussion, Q&A sessions as well as restorative yoga practices.
This course is open to all levels of students.
September 24 - October 1, 2011
Foundation of Yoga and Ayurveda: Basic Understanding and Application
With Dimple Duangthip Arora and Elonne Stockton
Our senior resident teacher Elonne Stockton teams up with author and holistic health adviser Dimple Arora in a unique yoga and Ayurveda retreat to support your personal development. Elonne will help students develop and/or deepen their self-practice of yoga asana and breathwork - pranayama.
Ayurveda, the Science of Life, is a recorded science of health and medicine, originated in India about 5,000 years ago, with 70% of its literature devoted to prevention and natural cures. It is a science and hence universal. It can be applied by anyone, anywhere in the world. On the retreat, you will discover your innate constitution or metabolic type, which is essentially an expression of your underlying bio energies. This elemental understanding of yourself will enable you to care for yourself holistically, encompassing the three dimensions of body, mind and energy.
This retreat is open to all levels of practitioners.
October 1 - 14, 2011
Special Continuing Education Training: Philosophy and Pranayama
Pranayama and the Upanishad Shvetashvatara
with Sri O. P. Tiwari and Paul Dallaghan
This course will touch a new level of study and practice, and will be an intensive internalizing period. The primary focus will be Pranayama practice with in-depth pulse reading of each student, varying as necessary. Mantra recitation will also be practiced. Some evenings will include tratak practice.
Daily asana practice will be overseen by Paul and assistants. We will cater for all practices in a self-practice room, those in classical ashtanga and other approaches.
All questions on practice and philosophy are welcome. Satsang with Tiwariji will be in line with traditional on-going and deeper study with the teacher- practices and discussion, awareness on the use of personal energy, with particular attention to food taken. Tiwariji will only teach for a few more years and this is a prime opportunity to invest your time and energy wisely.
On the retreat, you will discover your innate constitution or metabolic type, which is essentially an expression of your underlying bio energies. This elemental understanding of yourself will enable you to care for yourself holistically, encompassing the three dimensions of body, mind and energy.
October 15 - 22, 2011
Tibetan Buddhism, Yoga and Psychotherapy: The Gradual Path to Awakening
With Miles Neale, Psy.D. and Emily Wolf, Ph.D. (cand)
Join Dr Miles Neale and Dr Emily Wolf, psychotherapists from the Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Science, for a week of meditation, yoga and personal inquiry. The emphasis of the retreat will be exploring the Gradual Path (lam rim) teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, a comprehensive and systematic approach of self-healing and self-mastery designed to lead individuals from distress to full awakening. Drawing on his background in psychotherapy and Buddhist meditation, Dr. Miles Neale will present the Gradual Path teachings through the contemporary lens and language of clinical psychology and neuroscience. He will also provide daily instruction and guidance of the three major types of Buddhist meditation: deep mindfulness, analytic contemplation and visualization.
Emily Wolf will provide complementary instruction in asana, pranayama, chanting and assist with meditation, discussion and group facilitation. All levels of asana and meditation experience welcome. The retreat is ideal for enthusiasts of Indian Yogic traditions who would like to supplement their current philosophical understanding with the Tibetan Buddhist perspective, as well as for those new comers interested in acquiring a complete set of tools for embracing a contemplative lifestyle.
October 22 - 29, 2011
The Joy of Practice with Elonne Stockton
In this retreat, we will develop our self-practice of yoga asana and breathwork – pranayama. At the same time, we will explore where the practice of yoga comes from, what the different elements of the practice are and why we practice yoga to begin with. What is so great about yoga anyway? Find out!
All levels are welcome. This is an opportunity to be in yoga, to live it, to immerse ourselves in the practice of yoga. It is a chance to be in a healthy and uplifting setting with like-minded people, learning about the practice while building something solid that we can take with us to enrich our lives. Get in it, and develop a love and appreciation for the practice. The joy is ours to celebrate; it is already in us.
Throughout the week, we will have morning breathwork – pranayama, intention setting, chanting and asana practice (led asana and self practice classes), afternoon discussions and restorative asana classes, and of course lots of bhakti/devotion! Some mornings there will be additional silent walks or walking meditations, and some evenings we will have optional kirtan, satsang and other activities..
Bring your group to SYT
Samahita Retreat is a full service retreat center providing a complete supportive environment for focused learning and continued education in yoga, spiritual and health interests. During certain times of the year our center is available for private group programs by request.
For more info please see:
http://www.yoga-thailand.com/private-yoga-teacher.html
Specialized Group Seminars
Samahita Retreat offers a sanctuary for small private corporate/ executive retreats such as leadership training, team building, and creative brainstorming seminars. While we have programs going on throughout the year, at certain times of the year we can customize a private group event with our resident teachers and health staff to work with your specific group and goals. For more info please see:
http://www.yoga-thailand.com/private-corporate-retreats.html
Upcoming workshops around the world with Paul
| October 22 - 24 | Tokyo, Japan | Sun and Moon Yoga Studio |
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@yoga-thailand.com
Skype id: yogathailand1 or yogathailand2
Tel. + 66 77 920 090 to 091
Samahita Retreat 55/20-24 Moo 4 Namuang, Koh Samui, Surathani, Thailand 84140
