Yoga & Meditation Retreat with Gina Sparrow

What is Yoga?
Yoga is a practical way of life, designed to prolong the health of the physical body by slowing the metabolic decline. It is a precisely designed practice of breathing (pranayama), exercise (asanas), diet, relaxation and positive thinking/meditation. For the ancient yogis, this was to allow time to achieve spiritual enlightenment. For the modern student, the reasons may vary!

• Build flexibility and balance
• Reduce stress
• Increase physical performance
• Increase oxygen efficiency
• Strengthen heart
• Remove toxins
• Heal anxiety

The 5 Points of Yoga
The human body can be compared to a car, and yoga the method of care:
1. Proper Breathing                     -the electric current
2. Proper Relaxation                   -the cooling system
3. Proper Exercise                      -keeps parts running smoothly
4. Proper Diet                             -the fuel
5. Positive Thinking/Meditation  -the driver behind the wheel

Mindfulness is a technique for slowing down and examining one’s thought processes, and learning to be in the moment.

The Mind-Body Connection means that you can learn to use your thoughts to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses.

Proper Breathing – recharge the body and control your mental state through the breath.

I am offering instruction in: Classic Hatha Yoga (Sivananda), Restorative Yoga, Fascial Release for Locked Lungs, Learning Modules: The 5 Points of Yoga, and Mindfulness; with Specialization in PTSD, OSI and/or elevated stress.

Over the course of the weekend we will inquire into the following concepts together; you will be left with practical tools & techniques paired with a clear understanding of how to form your mindfulness habit.

Why Practice?
Explore how mindfulness affects your body, mind and habits.

Breath Awareness – Explore breathing techniques for calming, clearing, cleansing, charging & communicating.

Body Movement – Explore the 5 Tibetan Rites; 5 simple movements that strengthen and stretches all the main muscles in your body.

Food as Fuel – Explore new ways to consider the food you eat.

“Any Object” Meditation – Explore how to assign objects (such as crystals) to support your practice.

Changing the Channel – Explore resources that will further your own knowledge and understand of the mind-body connection.

Hatha Yoga is a slow-paced stretching class using a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques and meditation. The practitioner develops a relationship with their body and mind. Flexibility, strength, balance and coordination will improve. Mental clarity and the ability to focus will grow. This is a good place to learn basic poses, relaxation techniques, and become comfortable with yoga. Many people have tried Hatha Yoga classes and love the relaxed feeling.

Sankalpa means an intention formed by the heart and mind — a solemn vow, determination, or will. In practical terms a Sankalpa means a one-pointed resolve to focus both psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal.

SCHEDULE

Friday
3 – 4 pm arrive and settle in
4 – 5:30 pm welcome + retreat introduction, object assignment
5:30 pm listening exercise
6 pm dinner
7 pm visualization exercise – you will see something new about you
8:30 pm restorative yoga (guided relaxation)

Saturday
7:30 am yoga class – or sleep – do what you need!
9:00 am breakfast
10:00 am hike the forest
12:30 pm lunch – yummy for your tummy!
1:30 pm group discussion: your brain on yoga, for the scientists
3:00 pm free time – book a massage, nap or play outdoors!
5:30 pm dinner
7:00 pm restorative yoga – or – curl up by the fire

Sunday
7:30 am yoga class or sleep – do what you need!
8:30 am mindful eating
9:00 am breakfast & free time
10:30 am walking meditation – inside to start, then outside (weather dependent)
11:30 am group closing discussion
12:30 pm lunch

You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambiance & your new friends. Depart at your leisure.

This retreat is perfect for you even if you have physical limitations to movement, little or no meditation or yoga experience. Beginners will discover how to sit comfortably and experienced practitioners can deepen their practice. No need to sit on the floor if that’s not comfortable – chairs are always available.