Most people are familiar with the idea that yoga involves physical postures, breathing practices, relaxation and meditation. These are definitely fundamental to the way yoga works, yet there is much more to yoga than this. When yoga starts to overflow out of the weekly classes into our daily lives, it becomes parts of a process of self transformation. We bring yoga into our lifestyle and start living life more consciously. As a result, we become better able to maintain our inner equilibrium, handle the ups and downs of life and generally live more creatively, positively, optimistically and spiritually.

Living consciously means living with awareness, being able to observe oneself, one’s life and the world around. It means observing with keen interest all our actions, eg. how we sit, stand, walk, talk, feel, think, act, react, form habits, make choices, set goals etc. One becomes the drashta, the witness. Taking this position of the witness is the key to living consciously and discovering who we really are, ‘know yourself’ as the ancient Greeks said. Through following the steps to living consciously one by one, awareness is exercised to gradually include all levels of being. This results in living life to the maximum.

The course is built around the ashram’s daily program and in addition includes daily sessions where techniques for developing awareness of all aspects of our being are shown and how to apply them to our everyday lives. There is a chance to discuss experiences with the group in the evening’s review session.

1 week to 1 month retreat


Dates:
1. Sat 17 April - Fri 8 May 2010
2. Sun 1 - Sun 28 August 2010


“I feel grateful for the ‘awareness’ that I have developed since I have come into contact with yoga. It taught me to ‘live in the present’ recognizing the essence of things.”
Gianna Vardaki (Lakshmi), Hania – Crete

“I came away from there feeling a stronger and a better person. More confident in my choices and more aware of my way forward. I thank you for providing such an opportunity and for giving me so much.”
Julia Wilkinson, UK

“Awareness is a space within ourselves where we can be without entanglement. It is a place where we can retreat to. As we work with awareness, this place becomes more and more real. In that space we are not affected by all the patterns and thoughts that are taking place. Then we are able to make better decisions and find better strategies. This space gives the ability to step back and see the mind more clearly.” Swami Sivamurti

Satyanandashram is a non-profit organization and receives no government funding. Programs and activities are open to members. Contributions and donations cover the running costs and go towards the philanthropic work of Satyananda Math to assist those in need. Contributions are non-refundable and non-transferable. Programs are subject to change without notice. Booking is essential to secure your place.
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