An Embodied Awakening

with Urban Yogis

Kathy Gabriel 

& Samanta Duggal

June  9-13  2019

Mala Dhara Yoga Retreat Center

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Spend 5 days in a beautiful sanctuary in the middle of majestic mountains and rice fields of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

This retreat is an embodied journey through a variety of modalities from Yoga, Meditation, Holistic Health, Energetic Healing, Sound Therapy and Thai Massage.

Deepen your mind-body connection by looking at health from a broader perspective that goes beyond our flesh, bones, and what our bodies look like.  Awaken your internal senses and uncover your own physical and subtle mind body mapping to come back into alignment with your highest self.

Indulge in delicious farm to table plant based meals and strengthen your practice of self care and reflection to make space in your heart to explore all that you are and all that you can be.

Amidst it all, find time to lounge by the pool, enjoy an herbal steam, dance barefoot under the moonlight, take a dip in nearby hot springs and discover the local area.

This retreat is designed to be accessible to anyone of any age, body size, physical fitness level and experience.

Restart Your Body

Empower Your Mind

Come Experience Your Own Embodies Awakening

For More Info. Please Contact:    URBAN YOGIS

Stoking the Flame

A deep immersion Igniting your innate capacity to feel purposeful, connected, loved and  whole through traditional and contemporary yogic practices.    

Friday 14  th   – Sunday 30  th   June 2019 

Mala Dhara Yoga Retreat Center, Eco Resort

& Organic Farm 

Chiang Mai, Thailand   

Sometimes in life, we reach an intersection. Our world may be full and busy ­ satisfying even, and yet there is a yearning for something quieter, deeper, richer. The ancient tradition of retreat provides an opportunity to step away from the rhythm and pace of daily life, in order to see things as they are – and to see ourselves as we truly are.

Stoking the Flame is an immersive and intentional yoga retreat experience held deep in the beautiful landscape of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Spread out over two weeks, this yoga retreat is designed to ‘stoke the flame’ of intention and purpose for those who are interested in diving deeper into their yoga practice, without the formalities of a yoga teacher training program.

Who is this immersion for?

Stoking the Flame is open to all who feel the calling to immerse deeply in this offering. Alice and Jo have trained over many years to facilitate and hold space for diverse groups of yoga practitioners with unique needs and intentions. They both believe wholeheartedly that yoga is a personal practice that starts from where we are at and are committed to facilitating experiences that are both inclusive and accessible.

For many people, retreat is a time of deep unfolding, self­ discovery, break­through and metamorphosis. Stoking the Flame is an opportunity to step away from the noise and information overload of daily life, and to reconnect with one’s breath, body and essential nature. To ‘stoke the flame’ is to ignite your innate capacity to feel purposeful, connected, loved and whole, just as you are.

This offering is for everyone. Our retreats are inclusive of all people, all bodies and all ages. We are proudly LGBTQIA+ friendly and welcoming of all.

Why is it important to practice together? 

To come together on retreat creates special opportunities for connection and attunement both with others and with the natural environment. The experiences of community and support that arise via retreat represent an opportunity for growth and development, as we are always operating in relationship with the world and others. The process of learning in community is so revered, that it is described as a ‘kula’ or ‘community of the heart’ in Sanskrit and as similarly as a ‘sangha’ in Buddhism. Retreat represents a rare opportunity to spend time with like­-minded individuals who share common interests, values and practices.

What does it mean to develop a self­ practice?

Whilst practicing together represents a vital component of retreat, an emphasis on Stoking the Flame is the development of a self-­practice , complete with tools, resources and techniques that you can take with you anywhere that you go.

All yoga is designed to be modified and adapted for the individual, and an important part of this retreat is developing a self-­practice that feels appropriate, useful and exciting for you. For some this may be a predominantly physical practice, whilst for others it may be more focused on practices that soothe the mind or for work with the breath. Whatever your intention and yoga practice, Alice and Jo are present to support and guide you as required.

About Mala Dhara Yoga Retreat Center, Eco Resort & Organic Farm

Mala Dhara is a beautiful yoga­ retreat centre, eco resort and organic farm located 40 minutes outside of the Old  City of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Surrounded by rice paddies, the environment is one of peace and restoration.

Nourishing mostly organic meals are provided onsite by vegan Kin Dee Restaurant, with all dietary requirements  catered for.

For further information and images:  Mala Dhara Yoga Retreat Center.

About Thailand in June 

Stoking the Flame is held in the monsoon season of June, a time when the ground is soft, the rain is warm, and the air is gentle. In Ayurveda, this is understood as Kaphic season ­ characterized by great fertility, new beginnings and a sense of connectedness. This is an incredibly potent time for introspection and realignment. For these reasons, our retreat schedule includes spaciousness for private processing, reading, meditating and resting.

About Your Facilitators

Alice and Jo have been collaborating, learning and working together for many years, united by their  love for community, nature and inclusive practices.

To learn more about Alice, head to  www.alicehobday.net   / @alice.hobday.yoga

To learn more about Jo, head to  www.jobuick.com   / @jo.buick

To learn more about their shared venture, State of Being, head to  www.stateofbeing.org.au   /  @state.of.being

RETREAT SCHEDULE

On retreat, six out of seven days follow a schedule of:

• Mindful and considered physical practice (contemporary hatha and restorative yoga);  ­
• Experiential immersions into the philosophies and teachings of yoga (including  Ayurveda, Tantra and the Sutras);  ­
• Guided and self­ guided meditation practices;   ­
• Asana and pranayama workshops;
• ­ One ­on ­one mentoring with retreat facilitators;  ­ Time for introspection and private processing; and  ­
• Opportunities to participate in scheduled activities including mountain hikes, hot  springs, walking tours of the Old City, Thai massage and cooking classes.

Investment  

Investment in  Stoking the Flame  is inclusive of:    ­

• 16 nights of accommodation at Maladhara;  ­
• All meals and refreshments for six days of the week (option for the 7th day if desired);  ­
• Daily led yoga asana practices;  ­
• Daily led meditation and pranayama practices;  ­ Asana, meditation and yogic philosophy workshops;  ­
• Individual mentoring to support personal practice and growth;  ­
• Holistic activities to choose from including:
• Thai cooking class, Guided Sippa Hot  Springs day­trip, Guided local caves and ridge top hike;  ­
• Private Herbal Steam; and  ­ Fire Body Scrub Night

Exact pricing varies depending on the accommodation option selected. Please refer to the below  section for variations.

Accommodation Options:

CONCESSION PRICES

Concession prices are available, please contact us to discuss.

CONDITIONS

$1000 AUD Deposit is due seven days within booking. The deposit is non­refundable, non­transferable and is part of the overall tuition. For the standard rate, full payment is due 6 weeks prior to the training commencement. After this date, full payment for new registration is due immediately. Check­in is June 14 th and check­out June 30 th . Please note: Your booking is not secured until your deposit is paid. Also, your registration is not final until full payment is received.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refunds are available, less the $1000 deposit before end of 31st April, 2019. No refunds are available  after that date, unless we are able to fill your place from the wait list.

ROOM SHARE POLICY

When booking a twin share room while traveling alone, we will do our best to place you in a room with another same sex participant who is also traveling solo. In instances where this is not possible, you may be required to upgrade to a single room. Participants are placed in shared rooms based on gender and the order in which they book. However, if there is somebody specific that you would like to share a room with, please let us know via email and we will ensure that you are accommodated accordingly.

For more information or to register, Please Contact:    www.alicehobday.net

[email protected] or  www.jobuick.com      [email protected]

Chiang Mai Ajna Sanctuary Retreat

Yoga Meditation and Loving Kindness

August 31 – September 3rd 2017

Mala Dhara Eco Resort & Yoga Retreat Center

with Johnson Chong

For more information:  Contact Exodous Retreats

Johnson Chong

Nature and Nurture Yoga Retreat

with Yogamour Global

Mala Dhara Eco Resort & Yoga Retreat Center

Chiang Mai, Thailand

December 6th – 9th, 2018

We all have the best of intentions come the holiday season and New Year. Often our intentions struggle to stick because we have not prepared ourselves in advance for true change!

Get ready for welcoming in 2019 by joining us for a gorgeous 3 night retreat in the hills of Northern Thailand. From the comfort of Mala Dhara Eco Resort & Yoga Retreat Center we will sleep in high-end handmade homes, swim in a saltwater pool, take a steam sauna complete with natural edible scrubs, and indulge in delightful organic vegetarian and vegan cuisine.

Between luxuriations, we’ll  deepen our practice with 6 yoga classes geared toward deepening awareness, appreciation and forward thinking as well as carve out time to journal and take in the beautiful nature around us.

You’ll leave these four days feeling nourished and inspired, completely ready to prepare for the New Year ahead!

What’s included:

• 3 Nights in Adobe Luxury Home
• Delicious Organic Vegetarian Meals
• Daily Yoga Classes
• Walking meditation and guided journaling.
• 1h Traditional Thai Massage
• 1h Float Therapy
• Steam Sauna with Herbal Scrub
• Relaxing in Natural Hot Springs
• 
Discover a Mountain Temple
• Saltwater Pool

What’s not included:

Flights and transfers to and from the venue.

Investment:

Before November, 1st 2018

Single Occupancy        $ 675 usd

Double Occupancy        $ 539 usd

After November, 1st 2018

Single Occupancy        $ 749 usd

Double Occupancy        $ 599 usd

Sample Schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 6th

2pm        Check-in, swimming…

4pm        Opening Circle

4:30pm     Yoga Asana (75 min)

6pm        Guided journaling

7pm        Dinner

Friday, Dec. 7th

7am        Sunrise Walking Meditation

8am        Smoothie and coffee

9am        Yoga Asana, Yin & Nidra (Perfect Circle – 120 min)

11am        Private Massages, Float Therapy, Salt Water Pool, Nap or free Time

12pm        Lunch

2pm        Hot Springs Visit

5pm        Grounding Yoga Asana practice (60 min)

6pm        Guided journaling

7pm        Dinner

Saturday, Dec. 8th

7am        Sunrise Walking Meditation (60 min)

8am        Smoothie and coffee

9am        Yoga Asana, Yin & Nidra (Perfect Circle – 120 min)

11am        Private Massages, Float Therapy, Salt Water Pool, Nap or free Time

12pm        Lunch

2pm        Mountain Temple Hike

5pm        Grounding Yoga Asana practice (60 min)

6pm        Guided journaling

6:30pm    Steam Sauna and Fire Circle

7:30pm    Dinner

Sunday, Dec. 9th

7am        Sunrise Walking Meditation

8am        Smoothie and coffee

9am        Yoga Asana (108 sacred sun salutations – 120 min)

11am        Private Massages, Float Therapy, Salt Water Pool, Nap or free Time

12:30pm    Lunch

1:30pm    Closing Circle

For more information or to register, please contact:     yogamour global

Fierce Compassion

An Ashtanga Yoga Immersion Retreat

December 12th – December 18th 2018

Mala Dhara Yoga Retreat Center

Chiang Mai Thailand

Moving from Within:

Embodiment & Bodywork Immersion 

July 21 –  28,  2019
Mala Dhara Yoga Retreat Center & Eco Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

 

 

The Embodiment & Bodywork Immersion is a journey. A journey into the senses to uncover our very own physical and subtle mind-body mapping, bringing to our consciousness the way we inhabit in our environment, and how we respond to elements and people around us. It is a journey to unearth the treasure trove of our innate healing through breath, movement, bodywork, meditation and self inquiry.

The embodiment approach in this immersion will shine a light on our habitual but sometimes unconscious neurological patterning that manifest into how we breath, our holding gait, and our reactivity to circumstances. These are manifested through pre-dispositions, deep-seated patterns, trauma, as well as years of conditioning.

Bringing together mindfulness based techniques with somatic tools, we will gain more clarity into our own emotions and behaviour as an embodied biological process, this will enable us to live and move with greater ease and grace.

This will be 2 x 50 hours immersion for yoga practitioners, bodyworkers, movers, dancers, coaches, caregivers… anyone who is looking to understand the pathways of connectivity between the body, mind and spirit. We will work with movement through the lens of embryology, developmental patterns, fascia and connective tissue. Delving into breathwork, yoga therapy applications, traditional Hatha Yoga principles, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, visualisations, vocalisations, self inquiry and bodywork.

When we explore from within through a sensory rather than cognitive approach, our mind can de-clutter and re-wire towards a moment-to-moment presence in wellness.

Be EMPOWERED to access your own transformation and healing. You will also be able to apply these tools in teaching yoga or movement, self-care, or in offering tactile touch or bodywork to support your clients and your loved ones.

 

 

COURSE DETAILS
​
This program keeps evolving every year as I continue to expand the scope of my work and study in the areas of therapeutics, somatic therapy, movement education and neuroscience.

This year, the central theme will revolve around the Therapeutic Applications through the lens of Developmental Patterns – in which I’ll be covering:

• Embryology and how we can further understand our mind-body blueprint through our developmental journey
• Fascia & Connective Tissues through the phases of developmental patterns – inquiring into how movement evolves and shapes us through evolution, environment, emotions, culture, habits and how we can explore and repattern through embodied anatomy, relearning, and deep rest.
• Spatial Medicine: Tap into our kinesthetic and spatial intelligence through proprioception and interoception by refining the nuances of our awareness in a sensory-based learning environment.
• Nervous system regulation and therapeutic healing through the Vagus Nerve – this part is of special importance to those dealing with chronic pain as well as for teachers / therapists / coaches out there who’d like to understand and explore how to hold space and co-regulate through breath work, yoga therapy and somatic movement.
• Hands-on bodywork: as usual there will be a significant amount of time dedicated to tactile work. The power of applying a gentle touch to heal is formidable. In addition to hands-on techniques, we will also cover ethics, permission, client-therapist relationship, intention, attention, therapist posture integrity and self-care.

 

 

This will not be a typical yoga immersion.

We will be working with the tools of yoga therapy ~ movement, asanas, sound, visualisation, meditation techniques, Yoga Nidra, breathwork and pranayama… grounded by a knowledge of kinesiology, myofascial meridiens, embodied anatomy, neuroscience, understanding of chronic conditions etc. In addition, we will also look at some classical yoga philosophy and yogic texts, and discuss how they can be applied in contemporary therapeutic settings.

What I’ll be sharing is a distillation of the different aspects of my studies from Hatha yoga to movement science, a decade of teaching experience, as well as drawing from case studies of the work I’ve done. I personally feel that it is important to communicate the meldings of these teachings and principles that I embody as a student, teacher and therapist, and then leave you to explore and seek out the answers yourself.

Module 1 – Walking the Talk: Foundations in the Trinity of Body-Mind-Spirit
(50 Hours)

• The Principles of Yoga, Somatics & Bodywork as Therapeutic Toolkit
• The Anatomy of Breath: the 3 Diaphragms + Therapeutic Applications
• Our Relationship with Gravity: Yielding / Propping / Collapse
• Fascia principles & Developmental Origins
• Cultivating Spatial & Emotional Intelligence: Proprioception & Interoception
• Embodied Anatomy & Kinesthetics
• Body Reading 1: Pathways
• Our Nervous System & Polyvagal Theory
• Therapeutic Presence: Holding Sacred Space & Nervous System Regulation
• Bodywork: The Art of Touch – ethics, intention, attention
• Bodywork: Release Techniques for Chronic Holding Areas (Back / Neck / Shoulders)
• Core Connection: The Intricacies of Diaphragm, Pelvic Floor & the Psoas
• Restorative Yoga & Yoga Nidra
• Pancha Maya Koshas ~ The 5 layers of the body
• Pancha Vayu – The 5 winds of the body
• Pancha Maha Bhutas – The 5 elements

 

Module 2 – The State of Being: Diving Deep into Embodiment
(50 Hours* ~ Pre-requisite : Module 1 or have taken previous trainings with Daphne amounting to minimum 30hrs)

• Embryology & Developmental Patterns (building upon Module 1)
• Yoga & Bodywork for Chronic Conditions & Pain Management
• Embodied Anatomy & Kinesiology (building upon Module 1)
• Body Reading 2: Read Between the Lines (building upon Module 1)
• Exploring Myofascial Meridiens in Therapeutic Applications
• Core Connection: The Intricacies of Diaphragm, Pelvic Floor & the Psoas (building upon Module 1)
• The Physiological Effects of Subtle Practices: Mantra / Mudras / Kriyas
• Bodywork: Listening to Body’s Inner Rhythms
• Bodywork: Release Techniques for Chronic Holding Areas 2 (Digestive Issues, Tension Headaches, Auto-Immune)
• Restorative Yoga & Yoga Nidra
• The application of the 8-Limbs of Yoga in Therapeutic Settings

 

This immersion caters to:

• • practitioners, movers, athletes looking for efficiency and sustainability in movement, as well as injury rehabilitation
  • yoga teachers and movement educators looking for more clarity in communicating their work experientially and holistically, especially if you are offering (or hoping to offer) classes to audience with specific conditions, in both group and one-on-one settings.
  • bodyworkers who would like to cultivate more holistic, non-linear sense of tactile awareness and body-reading skills
  • caregivers and coaches looking for simple and intuitive interoceptive and hands-on tools to help clients with self regulation

 

“I’ve finished Daphne’s 100hr embodiment training half a year ago, and I’m still feeling the profound changes in my on-the-mat and off-the-mat practice until today!

Her inquiry-based approach on deep sensing and awareness is such a contemporary and important approach rising above the many yoga schools that are constantly popping up today.

The 2 weeks of her YTT training offered so much more than just cognitive and experiential knowledge of anatomy and asanas, but transformed my deepest sense of awareness in my body. I left feeling like a newborn who never tasted the true feeling of motion, and of being alive and conscious in and of my body. I keep walking, moving and dancing with a sense of pleasure and joy brought about by the awareness and perception of my body as fluid, gentle and a well integrated unit. Keeping in mind Daphne’s first and last question “What is embodiment to you?” and constantly developing new answers to it 🙂 

I can’t wait for her next training and I highly recommend her to everybody who’s interested in sculpting their yoga from within!”

~ Lucie Krobova, Dancer & Dance Teacher, Amsterdam

 

The Embodiment Approach 
Embodiment transcends all genders, all ages, all conditions. This work promotes wellness and self-care through a body-centred, sensory approach to learning. It focuses on the premise that the body is shaped by the mind, and that the mind can be reshaped by the body (neuroplasticity) – vis-à-vis the nervous system – to effect body chemistry, digestion, immune system and energy levels.This is not a one-size-fits-all go-to approach. It is work for the curious, the inquisitive and the courageous. What is it like to let go of old beliefs that do not serve, to completely embody our true essence as a living spirit, to be a human-BEING instead of a human-DOING?

​
“Between stimulus and response there is a SPACE.
In that SPACE is our POWER to CHOOSE our response.
In our response lies our growth and our FREEDOM”
~ Victor Frankl

 

Itinerary:
Arrival, Registration, Dinner & Opening Circle for each module (July 21st & July 28th)
3:00pm – Registration
4:00pm – Practice
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm to 8.30pm – Opening Circle

Daily Schedule
06:30 – Meditation, Breath & Movement (Optional Self) Practice
08:00 – Breakfast
09:30 – Embodied Anatomy, Inquiry, Theory & Discussion
12:30 – Lunch
14:00 to 17:30 – Bodywork Practice
18:00 – Dinner
19:00 to 20:30 – Evening Program (alternate evenings)

July 26 and  August 2
07:00 to 10:00 – Morning Practice
Brunch & Departure

“My experience from the immersion was eye-opening. Over the past years, I knew that I was not doing something right, but could not figure out what it was. Daphne identified the specific misalignments in my body and guide me into finding them. She articulated very well in how bodies are supposed to move, what habits to maintain to keep the body healthy. I can already feel that my musculoskeletal structure changing and my joints are better aligned. Before the course, I used my body parts to do Yoga, trying to fit my body into the asanas. Now I am using Yoga to keep my body aligned, with healthier and better positioning for the different part of my body.  I have had many issues with tilted pubic bones, twisted spine, knee pain and feet pain, but they are now better with the right exercises. They also brought me a positive effects for non-yoga activities. I enjoy occasional social dancing, and when I went to a practice, I can feel that my posture has improved, and my body and legs are not as tired and aching as before. I believe that continuous practice, awareness and mindfulness are the key. All the best and thanks again for your insights and dedication.” ~Yoko Yamoto, NGO worker, Japan

Read more about Daphne and what people have to say here.
​
Check out pictures of the last immersion!

Course Fees: Tuition includes accommodation, meals, training sessions, course materials, course manual & Yoga Alliance certificate.

**Additional 10% discount for students who have previously taken trainings with Daphne (for single & twin-sharing options)
***Limited scholarship places are open for interested students who might have financial constraints. Please write in to Daphne for details.

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Karina, Man Yee & Phik Li welcome you into the circle of connection!

It’s a journey of deep connection to oneself, to one another and the nature through 4 days of getting together to ease into intuition & creativity and to explore our possibilities in expression and expansion.

It’s a journey full of playfulness & light-heartedness, presence & awareness, creativity & compassion, as well as gratitude & open hearts.

It is a playground, a welcoming and safe space for anyone who is on any stages of their life journey. Anyone would be comfortable to connect and express whatever their level of experiences and channels are.

Enter the circle of connection – Entering the space of openness – Explore the doors of possibilities – Embrace it all

Package includes:

• Laughter yoga & workshop
• Connective dance
• Improv theatre
• Rythmic improv
• Connecting communication workshop
• Dance meditation
• Qigong
• Meditation
• Evening surprises
• Vegetarian meals during the whole stay
• Twin share room in one of the dream like villas in Mala Dhara
• Group transportation between Chiang Mai Old City and Mala Dhara (beginning & end of the stay)

Your investment

Early Bird  8,900  baht per person
Normal Price   13, 800 baht per person

Please Contact – Connection Circle website for more information or registration.

For direct registration – view the Connection Circle Registration Form

AWAKENING ANANDA

Cole Chance and Echo Widmer

Adventure Yoga Retreat October 22 – 29

Chiang Mai, Thailand

In yoga philosophy it is said that God is “sat chit ananda” (existence consciousness bliss). Paramhansa Yogananda adds that Ananda is different from temporary joy that comes from sense pleasures such as eating, listening to music, and seeing beautiful things. It is also not a monotonous joy that is always the same. Ananda refers to a joy that “changes and dances itself in many ways to enthrall your mind and keep your attention occupied and interested forever”.

This adventure retreat is meant to be a retreat from the daily grind. A retreat away from whatever it is that is keeping you from fully expressing yourself as the light that you are. This is a time for conscious individuals to come together on a journey of truth, of compassion, of play, of self inquiry and of selfless service.  A journey towards BLISS.

We will spend much of our time together in commUNITY enjoying sunrise meditations, morning and evening asana practices, Thai Massage training, dharma talks, and various creative workshops.. Aside from our daily yoga schedules we will step outside our comfort zones, and take adventures into the beauty of Northern Thailand during the days.
We want more than anything, for our students to leave this retreat with open eyes, open hearts, and open minds. Life is much to short to spend anytime in the dark. We must awaken to all that is around us. And it is up to us to choose what path we take. We can either fear change, challenge, and risk. Or we can embrace is fully…. and at the same time fundamentally change our perspective of the world around us as well as our participation with and in it.

YOUR HOSTS
Cole Chance

Eight years ago, I took my very first yoga class at a drug and alcohol treatment center. I was painfully broken.  But this crack allowed the sweetness of the yoga practice a sliver of an opening to seep through.  Though I wasn’t ready to change my life at that point, a seed had been planted that there may, just possibly, be another way to live.  Eventually, through several more years of crazy and chaos, I realized the mat, the practice, was my only way to freedom and I’ve held on ever since.  What a ride! Yoga has supported me to reclaim my inner power, peel back the armor and layers I had been suffocating under, and begin the fascinating process of coming back to wholeness.
While our stories may look different on the outside, we are much more similar than we may appear, as everyone is recovering from something.  The common human thread is a disconnection from self; an isolation from who we are and the world around us. Yoga means to yoke, to connect, to create union.  It supports us to balance and harmonize our lives in an ever changing and challenging world.  We can ALL move closer to wholeness.  That thing that is holding you down can also be your ticket to breaking through to something amazing.  
Whether through a vigorous asana, the stillness of meditation, or diving deep into the beautiful philosophy of yoga, I hope to support you to find your own unique dance towards freedom.  
As well as teaching yoga, I’m also an instructor in the beautiful practice of Thai Yoga Massage.  I’m so thrilled to also be sharing this bodywork with you in the land where it has flourished!  
I urge you to stay curious about you, always ask why, and never stop exploring the world around and the world inside. Which is exactly why I’m so excited to create this journey for you! This retreat allows the important space for play, adventure, as well as quiet and introspection.  All the things wrapped up in the stunning setting of Northern Thailand!
Please join the magnificent Echo and I on a sojourn to awaken Ananda! To awaken to BLISS! See you in Thailand loves!

ECHO GIESEL WIDMER 

Yoga at first was very difficult for me.  I felt very unsettled on my mat in a room full of strangers, and the pace of the practice did not organically flow with me. Although I truly enjoyed powerful asana, it was very difficult for me to find peace with it because I was constantly looking for more challenge in my practice. I became a very power loving yogi, and was constantly looking to strengthen my practice physically. Over the years my yang nature grew exponentially until I decided that I wanted to teach yoga. For many of those previous years, yoga was purely physical to me. I of course began to really connect to my breath practice, because it helped me stay focused and strong in my asana practice….but meditation was always a struggle. The calmer, more yin side of yoga, had not yet reached me. It was not until I was teaching for a couple of years that I found a softer, more intimate side to yoga. I began to truly balance my yin and yang sides. I began to really appreciate stillness in my mind, breath and body. I began to notice the small subtleties in my practice, and I began to truly fall in love with the practice. I have spent the last couple of years sharing my practice around the world with students of all pedigrees and intentions. I think that there is a practice for all types of people, all types of learners, all types of energies. That is how I got to where I am today. My hope with leading YOGA+ADVENTURE Retreats, is to teach what I have learned along the way, and help to create a more open and playful community of conscious individuals and practitioners. 

 7 DAYS OUTSIDE OF CHIANG MAI, THAILAND
OCTOBER 22nd, 2017 (Sunday)- OCTOBER 29th, 2017 (Sunday)

Meditation + YOGA+ Hiking +THAI MASSAGE
 Mopeding + surprises…..shhhhh….

THAI YOGA MASSAGE

This type of massage has its roots in the ancient Indian systems of Yoga, Buddhism, and Ayurveda. Called the “lazy man’s yoga” in Thailand, this meditative flow weaves together energy, loving-kindness intention, and mindful techniques to dissolve blockages and alleviate stress. It combines assisted stretching, acupressure, and compression to improve flexibility and balance the body’s energy. It is fully clothed, uses no oil, and performed on a mat on the floor so you can take this sister art to yoga anywhere you choose to roam; and it makes you even more popular with your friends as an added bonus. 

MOPEDING

It is important to note that Thailand is most easily accessible by moped, so it is in our plans to have students rent mopeds some of the days for some adventures into the beautiful Thai mountains. Please contact me if you are uncomfortable driving a moped, do not have an international driver’s license, or want to learn to ride a moped but are nervous.
If you are interested in mopeding in Bali make sure to go by your local AAA and pick up an International Driver’s License for $25. It is simple and all you need is a current driver’s license.  Also if you want to ride on a moped but do not want to drive, there will be many of us that can be the drivers, while those not so comfortable driving can be passengers on the back.  Make sure to contact me if you have any issues with this.

What the retreat includes:

Welcome drink & snacks
Transportation to/from Chiang Mai (airport pick up is going to be a hassle, it’s cheap and easy to get to Chiang Mai and we are more than happy to help arrange  …
3 vegetarian meals/day (Breakfast/Dinner), prepared by a local chef and all food sourced locally, and most on premises
Daily yoga, Meditation, workshops, and Thai Massage classes
Adventures guided by your hosts, and local guides
A couple SURPRISES, not yet announced.
Complimentary wireless internet access at public areas
Enjoyment of community areas meant for exploring and reflection
YOGA MATS, STRAPS, BLOCKS

What the retreat DOES NOT include:

Flight and transport to/from Chiang Mai, Thailand
Off-site food, souvenirs, bohemian clothes, foot massages, and water. You’ll have to purchase your own water bottles, or even better, bring your own!
Any activities you choose to do on your own outside of the retreat schedule
All the green juices you’re going to want to drink and coconuts too!!
Moped rentals!!! You will want these!!!
Massages that are available on site for 400 baht an hour
Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance
We recommend travel insurance in case the unexpected happens.   It’s a good idea to protect yourself by choosing a travel insurance when you register for a yoga retreat.
Depending on the policy and conditions, travel cancellation insurance will cover some or all cancellation fees. It can also cover lost baggage and/or medical expenses if you get sick as well as insuring your air tickets.

With the majority of insurance companies, insurance must be purchased within 14 days of making your reservation.
Here are some companies to consider:

www.worldnomads.com
www.travelguard.com

THE SPACE 

ACCOMMODATION 

Most rooms are shared occupancy. If you are traveling with a friend please let us know and we’ll get you connected in the same accommodation or else we’ll match you up with a new friend.  A few single occupancy rooms are available at additional prices, just ask! All packages are inclusive with food, activities, and all the other goodies listed above.

The Mala Dorm Rooms

$1000 USD/ $1,100 after May 1st

The Mala Villas

$1250 USD/ $1,350 after May 1st

Luxury Mala Villas 
$1,350 USD / $1,450 after May 1st

Spacious, luxurious and creatively designed villas. Most popular villas on site.

 SAMPLE ITINERARY

6:30am: Sunrise Meditation, and Yin/Yang Yoga Practice

7:30 am: Breakfast, tea, and community 

9am: Thai Massage Partner Workshop

12:00 pm Lunch 

1:00 pm: Activities off site…..adventure time

6:30 pm: We encourage everyone to take a 30 minute break before dinner to write and journal over the daily theme, or anything personal that they may want to reflect on.

7pm: Dinner at Mala Dhara

8:30: Restorative Yoga or Thai Massage/ sometimes both & Satsang

ABOUT MALA DHARA AND SURROUNDING AREAS

A perfect getaway about 40 minutes outside Chiang Mai city center. Gorgeous buildings, landscape, view, yoga shala and pool. Kind, friendly and comfortable atmosphere to help you rejuvenate and unwind. The saltwater pool is a great place to just chill out and relax.  And the restaurant serves delicious food. If you are interested in seeing Chaing Mai look into booking more time before or after the retreat to explore on your own or with a friend. Perfect opportunity to extend your trip and have the freedom for more adventure.

CHIANG MAI

Nestled amongst forested foothills, Chiang Mai is much older than it first appears. During the city’s medieval heyday, almost everything was made of teak hauled by elephant from the surrounding rainforest, with the notable exception of its towering wát. The monasteries still remain, centred on ancient brick chedi (stupas) in a remarkable range of shapes and styles, but the gaps between them have been filled in with modern Thai houses and traveller hotels. Despite this, the historic centre of Chiang Mai still feels overwhelmingly residential, more like a sleepy country town than a bustling capital.
 
THOUGHTS ON WHAT TO PACK, AND WHAT NOT TO PACK
Sunscreen
Sunhats
Swimtrunks and Swimsuits
Don’t bring more than one bag. Trust me, you won’t want to lug it around with you. Ideally you should bring a backpack, and a small purse or day bag.
DON’T PACK TOO MUCH! I repeat, DON’T DO IT! Pack the basics. If worse comes to worse, you can buy whatever you need at your destination. Just remember that.

Leave room for souvenirs in your bag! And that goes back to not packing too much…

CLOTHES
2-3 pairs of leggings/comfortable pants for adventures and yoga of course.
5-7 pairs of underwear – Make sure they’re comfortable and easy to air-dry. It is hot in Thailand, and most clothes are washed and then hung out to dry. So bring ones you do not mind hanging out for the world to see, haha.
Thongs, or flip flops and bring one pair of tennis shoes for hiking
1 fleece/coverup – This is ideal for your flight, chilly evenings or for covering your arms and upper body on long sunny moped rides.
Ladies maybe bring a few sun dresses, or plan on purchasing some at the markets. I promise you will not regret this decision. 

SHOES
1 pair of flip flops – to wear in your shower and room
1 pair of hiking shoes – make sure they cover your toes and have a good grip! Sandals would work too.
1 pair of flats or sandals – for your dressy moments

TOILETRIES
Please use natural products.  We are staying at a eco resort that is very mindful of the effects of chemicals and we know you are too!
2 in 1 Shampoo/Conditioner
Soap/Body Wash 
Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
Sunscreen (It is more expensive here)
Deodorant
Razor
Brush and/or Comb
Ladies- Hair Ties and bobby pins
Pads/Tampons/ or Diva Cup (this last one is a gamechanger ladies) – These aren’t common in some countries in Asia

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
Very important….if you want to drive a moped in Indonesia head to your local AAA (US) AA ( outside the US) branch, and purchase a $25 International Drivers License. It will last you a year, and it is necessary for driving internationally although extremely easy to get. 

A money belt or pouch to keep your important items such as passport, money and visa info in

A small shoulder purse, backpack or fanny pack is always nice to have, but can be purchased abroad for cheap!

1-2 empty plastic bags – for your dirty clothes and other unknown opportune times!

Sunglasses 

Bug spray – Don’t risk getting covered in bug bites.

Camera (and maybe a memory stick)- An iPhone will do too.

A book or eReader – We will be doing a great deal of traveling, so bring something to read!

A journal and a pen – to track your journey!

Headphones and some sort of music to listen to during your travels

A couple of granola bars or snacks for when you’re on the go or traveling
All essential medicines, and prescriptions you may need. But remember that medicine abroad is reliable and CHEAP, so don’t bring your whole medicine cabinet. Just some essentials like allergy medicine, birth control, prescriptions, etc.

GETTING TO AND FROM MALA DHARA

You will fly into
CHIANG MAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

It is easy to get a driver at the airport to bring you into Chiang Mai, about 15 minutes away. Any help with this, please don’t hesitate to ask us!
If you have the time, it may be easier and a shorter flight time to fly into Bangkok for at least one night and take the short flight to CM the following day.  
We are both extensive travelers and savvy with arranging flights so we can help!

Flights
Arrival date: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22nd……anytime before 2 PM.
Departure date: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29th  anytime before 2PM. 

We will post more detailed description later for getting to resort 30 minutes away from the city. We will most likely meet you in the city and pick you up from there together.
Please note: Should you arrive or depart outside of these time slots, we are still happy to help but transport will not be included.

Deposit/ Payment Plan:

$350 USD Deposit which comes off overall package.
Three payments will be due after deposit is made.
Due on 6/30/2017, 7/30/2017, 8/30/2017

Paypal :[email protected]

    Cancellation Policy:

No one books a retreat with the intention of canceling, but unforeseen things have a way of happening. First an foremost, after booking with us, we HIGHLY recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation policy. Be sure it covers YOU needing to cancel. It is worth the extra money to be covered in case of life throwing a fit or an emergency.
$350 Deposit is Non-refundable.
90-45 days before – 50% of retreat will be refunded minus the deposit.
45-0 days – payments are non- refundable. This is where your travel insurance with trip cancellation protection will come in super lovely.

THE SEVENFOLD JOURNEY

Namaste, I am the founder of East West Retreats, a 200-hour yoga teacher, Reiki Healer, and ceremony space holder. I am currently residing in Chiang Mai, Thailand for 6 months out of the year, and spend the other 6 months traveling to the most sacred lands out there, learning the way healers, masters and yogis connect to the divine.

Yoga, for me, is a vehicle for clearing out what doesn’t serve you anymore – physically, spiritually and mentally – to make room for your true, authentic self. And that’s exactly what I hope to give to my students.

I began to immerse myself in the art of connecting yoga & meditation in my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India (“The Land Of Sages”). This immersion developed into a huge passion for blending the ancient wisdom and traditions of the East with the fluid, ecletic elements of yoga from the West. Because of this, my teaching incorporates many styles, philosophies and traditions including Hinduism, Daoism, Buddhism, Tantra, Qi Gong, Ayurveda, dance and Reiki. My teachers and biggest inspirations include Pachamama, Yogananda Paramahansa, Anodea Judith, B.K.S. Iyengar, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, Alan Watts, Paul Diamond and Leslie Kaminoff.

Follow Krystal on IG: @krystalpenrose

 

Currently residing in Louisville, I am completely dedicated to practicing, teaching and studying yoga and yoga philosophy. Therefore, the seat between teacher and student is always rotating.  My interest in yoga was piqued in Louisville, Kentucky around 2003 when I began attending yoga classes out of curiosity. I deepened my practice when I moved to Chicago and started exploring other lineages of yoga. Once I arrived in Austin in 2011, I felt motivated and inspired by all my teachers to begin my journey in a yoga teacher training course and completed it in 2012.

I teach Hatha Flow classes that involve fluid movement and body alignment with carefully chosen postures to strengthen the body and to prepare the body for meditation.  My classes are challenging but fun, safe, light-hearted and accessible to all levels.  I invite every student to be satisfied with their yoga practice as it is today and to enjoy their own journey. I’m currently completing my 500-RYT studies with a concentration in Tantra Yoga and have found myself immersed in yoga philosophy and Hindu mythology teachings.

 

Follow Tiffany on IG: @tiffanylangdon

To register:  please contact,   East West Retreats