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Upcoming August Retreats
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Iyengar Yoga: Nudging The Body Into Shape And Health
Judy Farah / 2 and / or 7 days / 4 - 6 August and / or
6 -11 August
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The upsurge of interest in the ancient practice of yoga attests to its proven physiological and psychological benefits.
Our sedentary, western lifestyle has stiffened our limbs and spine to such an extent that many people find the yoga asanas (poses) difficult to perform. Iyengar yoga evolved to deal with this problem - safely, without forcing the body into harmful contortions. Iyengar yoga uses simple, but carefully calibrated props and other supports to achieve postures that would otherwise be unattainable except after years of practice. This retreat is suitable for beginners and for those who may have practised other forms of yoga.
For those who wish to consolidate and deepen their yoga practice, the following 5-day intensive retreat from 6-11 August is highly recommended. Apart from increased levels of fitness and vitality, you will reap the benefits of being in the tranquil, natural environment of Ixopo. You will leave feeling stretched, relaxed and fit for life.
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Three Treasures For Mindful Living - A Pathway To Balance
Bridget Hawkins / Weekend / 11-13 August
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In this retreat we will explore three fundamental areas of our human experience - The Three Treasures - a healthy body, a happy heart, and a clear and present mind to create an awareness of and implement techniques for harmony and balance in everyday life. This will be a relaxed retreat, incorporating blended sessions of yoga and qigong, meditation and breath work. There will be time to explore our creativity with an introduction to Neurographic drawing - a mindful automatic style of drawing developed by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev. The premise is that we are able to rewire our neural pathways when practising this style of meditative drawing. It is a simple, therapeutic technique which does not require artistic experience. We will also examine and practise breathing techniques and spend quiet time in reflection and meditation in nature which will include forest bathing.
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Know Your Health – Living with Purpose
Prof Monique Marks and Kathryn Millar / 14 -16 August
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Starting with a science-based approach, retreat guests receive blood work analysis by a GP, looking at important health markers which set the baseline for understanding physical health. From there, two experienced health coaches will guide participants through a series of exercises and one-on-one coaching to create a focussed wellness vision with structured goals, and an action plan that is immediately implementable. The principles of balancing blood sugar - guides our food focus - along with meal planning and simple, delicious recipes. After a fire ceremony where the ideas and beliefs that no longer serve towards holistic health are burned, retreat participants leave the BRC feeling empowered.
Please note that this is a fee-based course. To register, please contact Kath Millar at kath@fullsome.co.za or Prof Monique Marks at moniquem@dut.ac.za
For accommodation please contact bookings@brcixopo.co.za or call 0663954682
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Relaxation: Opening And Relaxing The Heart And Mind
Pippa Cope / Weekend / 18 - 20 August
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Everybody experiences tranquility from time to time, because this open quality of mind is natural to us all. Yet, often our bodies and minds tighten and freeze to life’s challenges and stresses, even though creative solutions and expansive ideas are most likely to arise from a relaxed state. Healing Relaxation - designed by the late Akong Tulku Rinpoche, a wise Tibetan Buddhist healer - is a simple, highly practical, yet profound programme which helps people repair the strains and tensions resulting from the conditions of modern life, and prevents them from developing in the first place. Relaxation and awareness practices can enhance our ability to access calm, expansive states of mind intentionally throughout our day. In this workshop, we will explore the benefits of developing calmer states of mind, and learn effective relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques.
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Enquiring Into The Tibetan Schemata Of The Five Elements Of Earth, Water, Fire And Space Externally And Within Ourselves
Pippa Cope / 2 days / 20 - 22 August
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The five elements provide a dynamic system of understanding life. They make up the world around us and are in all living organisms - only the proportions differ. When the elements are in balance there is ease and harmony, when out of balance there is dis-ease and disharmony. The balance is constantly changing within and around us.
To help us learn how to work with this ever-changing balance of the elements in a positive way, we first have to get to know them. In this retreat we will become familiar with the characteristics and qualities of each, and observe their interaction. At the same time, we learn to observe our mind-body states in relation to the elements. There will be guided relaxation and creative work around each element, including observation and creative activities. Optional gentle mindful movement before breakfast will be offered. Please bring loose, comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
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Change Your Story - A Memoir Writing, Family Constellations And Meditation Retreat
Dawn Garisch, Vasintha Pather, Alistair Blair
6 days / 28 August - 3 September
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"You can't go back to the beginning and change what happened, but you can start from where you are and change the ending." - CS Lewis
We are all born into stories that were not of our own making. Thereafter we may have found ourselves in situations that are difficult to accept, even if we were complicit in some way. The stories we tell ourselves about our lives are sometimes inadequate or even damaging to ourselves, our relationships and all life on earth. Importantly, we need not perpetuate the harmful narratives that we have carried; indeed we have the power to create stories that offer new possibilities and greater joy.
This hybrid retreat combines Family Constellations, memoir writing and meditation practice. Over 5 days the facilitators will guide you in exploring where you have come from, and to expand what is possible by engaging more awareness, curiosity and creativity. In addition, the meditation teaching can help to ground yourself in the fluidity of the present instead of the fixed narratives of the past and of our expectations. Expect a deeply reflective, nourishing and safe space to explore and create.
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For Bookings, send an email to bookings@brcixopo.co.za
Please use this link to view the photos of the various types of accommodation |
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