MANTRA, MEDITATION, PRANAYAMA AND YOGA ASANA. SEPTEMBER 20 - 25.  2022
Tinos, Greece
what is mantra? we sing; we chant ancient sacred words repetitively and as we chant within the safe space held by Swami Gyandharma our subconscious material is able to emerge. Without any effort we are able to process it; and the great wisdoms of the music and the sounds, and the safety of the held space allows us to let go of what is keeping us from loving our lives, our fellows, our earth more fully. We often live in societies and situations that are very restrictive emotionally  People sing out their sadness or they sing out their happiness. We sing our humanity together.
SWAMI GYANDHARMA
Swami Gyan Dharma, was born in Denmark, lived in an Indian monastery with his teacher Satyananda  for many years, and then travelled in Europe and throughout the world, developing and deepening his understanding and experience of Yoga and Meditative disciplines.
He Is highly skilled in the teaching and management of Prana Vidya and teaches this technique around the world. PranaVidya means ‘knowledge of energy’ and it is a yogic practice for liberating energy and using it for healing. Prana is not only confined to physical vitality but it is that energy or force that gives rise to flashes of wisdom and life-transforming insight. It can be increased through letting go of habitual mental and emotional patterns, which is why PranaVidya is considered both a healing and meditative practice. Mantra helps us to naturally move into Prana vidya experiences.
Swami Gy is an exceptional Yoga teacher and is one of the few teachers in the world, with the skills and experience necessary to teach Yoga as a truly transformational practice.
He will hold the sessions in the afternoon from 3pm where we will chant, and sing together. Kirtan and Satsang will also happen most evenings after the evening meal; either at Under The Linden Tree or at Hugo's house.
THE DETAILS
WHO
The retreat will be led by Swami Gyandharma and Jenny Rees-Tonge. Mornings will be with Jenny and devoted to yoga asana, pranayama and meditation practise beginning at 8 am. We will have a feast of local seasonal fresh food for brunch together as a group under the shade of the olives, and pines. You will then have the middle of the day to rest, swim, walk, relax or have a massage. Outings will be given to Tinos museums, churches, shops, although these will be charged separately. Every day there will be a trip to one of the variety of beautiful beaches.
WHAT
Six nights accommodation in individual chalets with ensuite bathrooms, terraces, on an organic Tinos farm with access to heavenly walks, ancient olive groves, and swimming at the nearby beach.
The focus of the retreat will be on uplifting and energetic practices in the morning, with a progressively more restorative and relaxing hour to finish.Â
In the  afternoon Swami Gyandharma will lead the mantra, chanting and meditation. He will also hold Kirtan and satsang sessions on 4 of the evenings where we can come together as a group, ask questions. And sing!
We will also explore the local culture, food, and will have outdoor evenings of talks with local authors and classicists.
WHERE
Located on the northern side of the Cyclades group of islands, Tinos is one of the most enchanting Greek islands.
Beautiful sandy beaches, wild walks, glorious views, traditional villages and minimal Cycladic architecture create a unique atmosphere that never fails to captivate the visitors. Panagia Megalochari church, stands at the centre of the town. The island is not on the tourist route and so still retains it's natural beauty and wild energy. The cuisine is very special thanks to Tinos' links with Italy and its silk trade and so had early connections with Italy from where recipes travelled back. Its award winning restaurants are not to be missed.
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Transfer from the ferry arrival port to the organic farm in Messaria
6 nights' accommodation in individual chalets with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces
Daily breakfast/brunch
Twice daily practices. Asana/pranayama and Nidra in the morning. 8-11.30am. Afternoon 3-6pm mantra, meditation and a chance to have one to ones with one of the world's great teachers.
Pranayama tailored to specific situations or conditions.
Morning meditation with options for walking meditation during the day
Evening talks with classicist and Syros resident Rupert Smith
Talk by writer and Syros resident Laura Beatty on creativity
Post-class dancing and poetry
Swimming on the various stunning secluded beaches around the island
Walks and hikes in stunning local scenery
Coffee, tea and fruit on demand
Hairdryers, towels and locally sourced bathroom products
Organic COCO-MAT mattress with air conditioning or silent fans in all rooms
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Not included but optional:
Massage and facials with locally sourced products
Private dining at 5-star restaurants around the island
Local activities such as fishing and sailing
Snacks and food for when walking/hiking
Visits to Ancient Greek sites on the island and day trips possible to other islands
A wild essential oil workshop with a local herbalist
Any alcohol
ACCOMMODATION
The cost per person for all yoga, morning brunch, accommodation and organic toiletries is £1350. For the cost for residents, please get in touch.​
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Each of the farm cottages has been renovated in character with the island architecture and in harmony with the local landscape. Rooms are done on a first come first serve basis, so make sure to let know your preference when booking.
ORANGE GROVE
Up to 4 guests
1 Queen-sized bed, 1 sofa bed
Restful interiors, sheltered patio, outdoor dining area, lily pond
MORNING GLORY
Accommodates 4 comfortably,
up to 6 on request
2 Double beds
Large kitchen, outdoor lounging, dining areas, lily pond, outdoor shower
OAK
Up to 3 guests
King-size bed, 1 sofa bed
Upper level of a renovated stone farmhouse, patio shaded by an old oak tree with sweeping views up to the granite hill of Exombourgo.
OLIVE GROVE
Up to 4 guests
Full sized bed, king-size bed
As you might expect, you reach this cottage by winding through an old Olive Grove. The lower level of a renovated farm house, this cottage consists of 2 self-contained sections with their own bathroom / kitchenettes and patios.
BOOKING FORM!
To reserve your space please fill out the form below and you'll receive instructions on how to pay your €350 deposit