Yoga Retreat

Yoga Practice Essentials

October 3 - 10, 2009

with Neil Barker

About the Retreat

This retreat is open to all levels of practitioners, from complete beginners to those more established.

During this retreat, we will explore the fundamentals of a yoga practice and the important keys to the asanas-all with a clear and easy-to-understand anatomical focus. Topics might include, for example, the secrets to opening the hamstrings, how to develop inner core strength, opening the back for backbends, and understanding the larger purpose of an asana practice.

Each morning will begin with sitting and breath work, followed by traditional asana practice, which will be taught either in the self-paced Mysore style or partially guided, depending on the needs of the student.

Afternoons will consist of a presented topic, as mentioned above, followed by a Q&A session along with a workshop-style exploratory session to enhance comprehension of the material covered so that it can be incorporated and integrated in to one's daily practice.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a more seasoned practitioner, this retreat will strengthen your understanding of the practice, develop it, and take it to deeper levels, both mentally and physically.

About the Teacher

Neil is a creative, lively, and gifted teacher with a unique ability to share learning in a way that students immediately "get" even difficult lessons. He is a senior teacher at Samahita Retreat and the training director for Centered Yoga Institute. He has been teaching with Paul since 2004. He is also a dedicated student of Sri O.P. Tiwari and is authorized to teach the Ashtanga practice by the master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.

Neil has a solid background in the healing arts, having studied and practiced as a chiropractor/spine specialist, acupuncturist, and Chinese medical practitioner. Neil spent a number of years living in Beijing, where he opened the first modern-day yoga center. For more about Neil, 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: