The Sustainable Self Practice

Join Adarsh and Heleen in an immersion into the classical method of Ashtanga Yoga at the beautiful center of Yoga Thailand. Traditionally yoga is thought of as a meditative practice and a way of life. By demystifying the core techniques of yoga, meditation, asana and pranayama become practical tools in our daily lives.

To make our Yoga sustainable it is important to observe natural cycles on and off the mat. During the retreat we will utilize techniques for developing our intuition in creating a sustainable practice that lasts a lifetime. This will increase our vital energy and compassion and it becomes a practice we are eager to do. We will increase our ability to observe our circumstances and adjust accordingly. We will attempt to cut through common confusions to get to the essence of a daily yoga practice.

As a "Mysore Style" retreat, participants will consult with instructors in developing their Ashtanga practice in a way that observes individual goals and abilities. You may expect to focus on a precise tutorial within the Ashtanga method and find a thoughtful progression through the series. Raw beginners are welcome and will practice side-by-side with experienced yogis in establishing and refining their self-guided yoga practice.

Heleen and Adarsh have a special interest in helping individuals develop their own instinct in their personal yoga practice. They have specialized in working with students in Mysore Style and one-to-one instruction and believe that a consistent personal practice, done with intelligence and devotion shows the way to meditation and yoga.


Daily Schedule

The retreat opens on Saturday at 5pm. Wednesday is a half day/group nature excursion. Retreat ends on Saturday after breakfast.

Rates

Retreat rate includes:
- full yoga program
- accommodation in one of the bungalows
- delicious home cooked meals (3 times daily)
- filtered drinking water, tea, coffee

Travel
There are quite a few options to fly with to Bangkok. Many European, Asian and US national airlines fly there. From the US, you can fly Korean Airlines, China Airlines, Cathay Pacific from LA/ New York who have had the best rates and good service. It involves a stop over in Hong Kong, Seoul or Taipei. If you are in Europe there are many international airline choices. Some airlines like British Airways fly direct with daily service. Anyone based in Australia/ New Zealand or Asia will find it a hop, skip, and a jump. For US check www.orbitz.com, www.expedia.com and expect to pay between US $700 and US $1000, depending on your location.

Getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok: Bangkok Airways is the only airline that flies direct to Koh Samui. They operate approximately 17 flights per day during high season. First flight out is around 7 am and last flight is around 9 pm daily. Contact www.bangkokair.com. You can book your tickets on-line directly. One-way is around 3500 baht (US $115) or look for special web fares for 2000 baht one way. The flight is approximately one hour from Bangkok. There are also international direct flights from Singapore, KL, and Hong Kong. When flying out of the Samui airport, there is a 400 baht (US $13) departure tax, paid on the return journey out of Samui.

Visa requirements
Australia, USA and most European countries do not need a visa if staying less than 30 days. If you are planning on staying longer, you should get a tourist visa from the Thai embassy in your resident country for 60 days. You can also extend your visa while in Thailand. Visa extensions now cost 1900 baht for 15 -30 days on either 30-day or 60-day visa. Over staying your visa costs 200 baht per day, with a maximum fine of 20,000 baht.

For visa info, go to www.thaiembdc.org/index.htm for USA; www.thaivisa.com for all other countries

There is also a departure tax of 500 baht (US $16.50) when leaving the country from the Bangkok international airport. If you leave overland, there is no fee.

Money
You can check to see the latest exchange rate www.xe.com Traveler's cheques are always a safe option, but you get a better exchange rate through your bank by using the ATM machine. There are many ATMs and currency exchange places on Samui.

Info
For information on the content of retreat you can contact Adarsh and Heleen: yogadaily@yahoo.com

For information on anything regarding the island, the center, accommodation or any other questions you have visit: www.yoga-thailand.com or email: info"at"yoga-thailand.com

For reservations: http://www.yoga-thailand.com/reservation.html