YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT
WITH
ANDREA NEWMAN
1-8 September 2010

On her yoga retreat, Andrea offers you an opportunity to have a truly healing and uplifting experience. A yoga retreat gives us valuable time out of everyday life to restore and reflect. It is vital that we give ourselves pauses to recharge our batteries – a change of scene, freedom from household chores, spending time with others, beautiful surroundings, yoga and meditation practice, food for thought, and periods of solitude and quiet reflection, all help to give us perspective on our own life and bring us back to our centre.

Andrea teaches hatha and raja yoga. Her style of teaching depends on the needs of the group. She likes to maintain a friendly and playful atmosphere where students can relax and focus on their own practice in a non-competitive environment. Andrea has been exploring the practice of various forms of yoga since childhood and has been teaching since 1994. Andrea is a certified Rolfer™ and brings aspects of structural integration, perceptual work and modern movement theory into her yoga teaching. See Andrea's website at www.yogaandrolfing.co.uk for more about her approach.

Andrea says: “I see yoga as an invaluable toolbox for living, particularly as we learn to adapt to the demands of modern life. Our nervous systems are often pushed to the limit through over-stimulation of the senses, relentless busy-ness and patterns of thinking that don't serve and support us. It's very easy to go into overload and become fatigued or ill. Yoga and meditation are life skills that anyone can learn that can be used in a therapeutic way for healing, and at the same time as a means for self-development, better mental health and spiritual unfoldment.”

Yoga Holiday Itinerary
During the retreat there will be two yoga sessions per day 8-10am and 4.30-6.30pm (except Saturday) and a silent meditation sitting 12.30-1pm . Breakfast is 10-10.30am and dinner is at 7pm .

The morning yoga sessions will begin with an asana and pranayama (embodiment and energy-flow) practice to ease us into the day followed by a short talk and guided meditation. There will be a group silent meditation sitting at 12.30pm . The evening sessions will begin with a dynamic asana and movement exploration practice, followed by yoga nidra (relaxation) and a group discussion before dinner.

Yoga sessions are suitable for all. Everyone is expected to work within their own limits, and Andrea and her teaching assistant Tracey, will be on hand to give individual guidance. As well as physical practices, we will explore some theoretical and philosophical aspects of yoga, based around tantric theory and the raja yoga of Patanjali. There is time during the week to socialise and have fun with new friends. There is also plenty of space when you wish to spend quiet time alone.

Each guest will have the chance to have a private one-to-one session with Andrea or Tracey some time during the week if they wish. This could take the form of an informal interview or guidance on posture work or personal practice. (A limited number of Rolfing sessions will also be available from Andrea – please speak to Andrea about this possibility.)

This yoga retreat is primarily a holiday – in the true sense of the word. As well as the daily yoga and meditation sessions, you can also swim, enjoy the sunshine, take walks or cycle in the local area. Activities and excursions are available (organised by the hotel) such as diving, watersports, boat trips, visits to ancient sites, villages, Turkish baths, massage treatments.

All yoga sessions are optional – make the week your own and take from it whatever you need to support you on your own personal journey of discovery and healing. Yoga is about finding practical ways to bring ourselves back again and again, to a place of simplicity and serenity - beyond the ruminations of the intellect, beyond understanding and confusion - finding that feeling of ‘oneness' - gathering together all the parts of ourselves into an integrated whole - finding our own inner strength and individuality - moving beyond fear and anxiety and finding courage and delight.

The retreat includes accommodation for seven nights, bed, breakfast, dinner and all yoga sessions.   Please note lunch, all bottled water, teas and coffees, transfers, flights, excursions and treatments are extra.  

Flights to Bodrum are cheaper if booked well enough in advance - advice on where and how to book flights will be given. Transfers from the airport cost approximately £40 and take about one hour. Your transfer can be organised for you - and if more than one person is transferring at the same time, the cost will be less.  

You can book additional nights directly with the hotel if you wish to extend your holiday. The retreat is equally suitable for solo guests, and those coming with a friend or partner.

Bookings and Contact:
Andrea Newman
T: +44 (0) 1643 708410
E: andrea@yogauk.com