PRESENCE
A MINDFUL MEDITATION AND YOGA RETREAT
Dates: FRIDAY JANUARY 15 - WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20, 2021
Retreat Duration: 6 Days/5 Nights
Teacher: JULIE MOKSIM
A mindfulness yoga retreat rooted in the principles of vipassana meditation. We will take the practice of yoga beyond its physical form to combine techniques of meditation that will take your practice towards a present-centered inquiry. You will become an impartial witness to your own movement experience. Explore how meditation and yoga asana (posture) work in unison, so that you can turn your yoga practice into a process of learning and self-discovery.
Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana, which means "to see things as they really are" is an ancient technique of meditation that was rediscovered by Gautama Buddha more than 2500 years ago. "Vipassana is a way of self-transformation through self-observation. It focuses on the deep interconnection between mind and body, which can be experienced directly by disciplined attention to the physical sensations that form the life of the body, and that continuously interconnect and condition the life of the mind. It is this observation-based, self-exploratory journey to the common root of mind and body that dissolves mental impurity, resulting in a balanced mind full of love and compassion" (Dhamma.org). In Vipassana meditation, the practitioner scans the physical body and observes physical sensations. Through the process, emotions and thoughts may enter the consciousness, but the work is to simply watch, without judgement or expectation. Over time, many of the automatic reactions that have become habitual patterns begin to subside, thus bringing about the process of transformation.
The Retreat
Our PRESENCE retreat will use the basic technique of vipassana mediation as the foundation of our practices. Breathing exercises (pranayama) as well as our movement practice (yoga asana) will be the platform for observation. As you breathe and move, you will be encouraged to observe sensations, emotions and thought as they arise. A varied daily schedule will ensure that you receive the benefits of all aspects of what encompasses a complete yoga practice, while keeping you engaged. We will also allow for plenty of free time to allow you to explore the surrounding area, take a hike to the viewpoint, take a boat ride, or simply relax by the pool (optional activities during our free time are not included in the price of the retreat*).
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
1:30pm Arrival and check in 4:00pm Introductions and overview, followed by opening ceremony and group meditation. 5:00pm Yoga and Meditation 7:30pm Organic Buffet Dinner Day 2 7:30am Pranayama/Meditation/Yoga Asana 9:30am Breakfast 2:00pm Philosophy 3:30pm Afternoon workshop 5:30pm Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner Day 3 7:30am Pranayama/Meditation/Yoga Asana 9:30am Breakfast 2:00pm Philosophy 3:30pm Yin Yoga 5.00 pm Yoga Nidra Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner |
Day 4
(Day of Silence) 7:30am Pranayama/Meditation/Yoga Asana 9:30am Breakfast FREE TIME 5:30 pm Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner Day 5 7:30am Pranayama/Meditation/Yoga Asana 9:30am Breakfast FREE TIME 5:30pm Evening program and Meditation 7:30pm Organic buffet dinner Day 6 7:30am Pranayama/Meditation/Yoga Asana 9:30am Breakfast 11:00am Closing ceremony 12:00pm Check out and departure |
* This is a sample itinerary. The actual schedule on the retreat may change slightly as a result of students' level of experience and needs. We endeavor to make your experience as relevant as possible and changes may be made along the way to enable us to do so.
Price
Shared Room: (only two twin rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis)
Fountain Bungalow - USD420 per person
Riverside Bungalow - USD438 per person
Single Occupancy Room:
Fountain Bungalow - USD 520 per person
Riverside Bungalow - USD 550 per person
Price inclusions:
4 nights accommodation
Breakfast daily
Organic Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Dinner Buffet
All yoga and meditation sessions
Pool and bicycle use
Minivan transport from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang on the last day of the retreat
* There are only two bungalows with twin beds (one fountain bungalow and one riverside bungalow). All other bungalows have double beds. We will try to accommodate your request for single/double occupancy as well as Riverside or Fountain views, but this will depend on the availability of the room as well.
Fountain Bungalow - USD420 per person
Riverside Bungalow - USD438 per person
Single Occupancy Room:
Fountain Bungalow - USD 520 per person
Riverside Bungalow - USD 550 per person
Price inclusions:
4 nights accommodation
Breakfast daily
Organic Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Dinner Buffet
All yoga and meditation sessions
Pool and bicycle use
Minivan transport from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang on the last day of the retreat
* There are only two bungalows with twin beds (one fountain bungalow and one riverside bungalow). All other bungalows have double beds. We will try to accommodate your request for single/double occupancy as well as Riverside or Fountain views, but this will depend on the availability of the room as well.