Fiji Yoga Retreat - Mark O'Brien - Hatha Yoga - May 2011 (Event Id 107) Fiji Yoga Retreat - Mark O'Brien - Hatha Yoga - May 2011 (Event Id 107)
Venue: Yoga in Fiji - Paradise Courses Primary phone: +61 (02) 8094 1613 Experienced, or new to yoga? Either way, we all want to be learn how to be comfortable and at ease in our physical body. This is a pre-requisite if you want to calm the mind for ultimate happiness – the real aim of all yoga. Yet we are rarely taught simple techniques to hone our awareness and manage our physical bodies to achieve this. Instead, all too often in the West, the emphasis is on the attainment of extreme asanas which actually create more stress than they relieve! Mark’s aim is for you to enjoy a well-earned, healthy holiday in gorgeous surroundings, practicing yoga and meditation twice a day away from your normal routine and commitments. There is no compulsion to attend all sessions, but they will build sequentially as your stay unfolds. They will teach you individual skills and how to rest into your body in a new way – which will allow you more flexibility and freedom to move into stronger asanas. Mornings will include creative, flowing asana sequences, sun salutations, and invigorating pranayama (breathing) practices, with time for deep relaxation. Afternoons will be a gentle, individually-tailored session to restore your body using props and for a totally yummy boost of energy and sense of well-being! Mark’s teaching includes all the tools of Hath yoga – postures, breathing, focus, relaxation – to lead you in a spiritual and holistic practice. Asana (posture) practice is adapted to your physical and energetic state on the day. Your safety is his prime concern. A typical day’s schedule: 7.00 – 8.30am: Morning vinyasa flow yoga 8.30am: Healthy buffet breakfast 10.00 – 11.30am alternate days: Optional sessions on the philosophy and practice of yoga OR free time for Spa treatments / relaxation. 12.00 – 12.30pm: Yoga Nidra (alternate days only) 12.30pm: Delicious set lunch 1.30 – 4.30pm: Spa treatments, free time, swim, local excursions 4.30 – 5.45 pm: Gentle/restorative afternoon yoga practice 7.00pm: Set dinner Hatha Yoga Teacher, B.Sc., Dip. Remedial Massage, Mark has practiced yoga for over 16 years, and been teaching since 1996. Born and educated in England, with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bristol University and fluent in French, he moved to Australia. He left a successful career in advertising to follow his heart and opened Qi Natural Therapies & Yoga in Sydney in 2001, a chain of 3 successful yoga and natural therapy centres. He has since become one of Sydney’s most in-demand teachers and is the creator and senior teacher of an internationally recognised hatha yoga teacher training diploma. He is on the national executive of the “Yoga Teachers’ Association of Australia”. With a diploma in remedial massage and a background in meditation and somatic therapy, he remains in awe of the joyful way that skillful physical movement and attention to the breath can radically improve our moods, energy, health and outlook on the physical world. Whilst he deeply respects the ancient tradition of yoga, Mark teaches a lively and often irreverent class, with the focus on developing practical skills that will transform the quality of your daily life. (There’s no point in learning the perfect head-stand if it doesn’t make your life better in some way!) The actual flow and pace of a class can vary from very gentle to a dynamic vinyasa flow. Generally classes are “gentle but intense” constantly stressing compassion and non-aggression towards yourself whilst exploring the spiritual dimensions of asana practice (and all the “8 limbs of yoga”) to transform your life and your outlook. You will focus on how your body really feels and on moving intelligently, rather than dry, dogmatic “yoga technique”. Flexibility – or lack of it – is of little importance in this approach which is open to anyone who can breathe and sincerely wants to improve their life. Mark’s Yoga Training Mark had a strong meditation practice before graduating from the “Heart of Yoga” teacher-training in 1998, (based on the approach of TKV Desikachar.) He has since trained with many respected yoga teachers including further in-depth study with both TKV Desikachar and his son Kausthub Desikachar. He has studied aspects of “ISHTA Yoga” and “Anusara Yoga” and has studied with Rodney Yee. His current teacher over several years is the great Donna Farhi. He also continues his mentoring in pranayama and meditation with Sindar Pal Kaur in Sydney. Learn to be totally at ease in your body. Yoga teaches us to be profoundly happy. This serene tropical resort will enhance your journey towards stillness and bliss. Morning and evening yoga sessions suitable for all standards, even those carrying injuries. Focus on self-compassion and flowing with the breath. Classes will be adapted to suit all levels of experience – even for those with injuries – and will inspire, renew and restore your zest for life and happiness. Visit http://www.yogainfiji.com for more information. Read more at Paradise Courses. We run art, writing and singing retreats too! - http://www.paradisecourses.com And check out lovely Daku Resort to see more about our blissful location. - http://www.dakuresort.com
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