Yoga Retreat at Suryalila May 2017

Yoga Retreat – Suryalila Yoga Retreat Centre, nr Seville, Southern Spain

Prices from £800 pp shared room

* EARLY BIRD OFFER:  Book by 31 December 2016 and receive £50 discount on the listed prices.

Due to requests, we have now opened up a Non-Yoga participant option (shared room).  Non-yoga participating guests can still enjoy the great food, stunning location and ambience of our yoga retreat.  There is plenty to do for those not attending classes such as hiking in local area, taking day trips, horse riding, spending time by the pool, visiting the sauna, booking a massage and of course taking time to rest.

Join Julie Bladon (Jayadevi) and Jackie Dorrian (Jagdambe Ma) for this blissful 7 night yoga retreat.  We will explore our yoga practice, meditate, activate & deepen our connection to our inner self.  This is the perfect time to switch off, detox and take time for you.

Our mixed programme is perfect if you are starting your yogic journey and wish to explore different styles or if you are more experienced and wish to immerse yourself in your practice. 

Join us in stunning Southern Spain!

~Immerse Yourself in Daily Yoga and Meditation

~Reclaim your inner soul spark

~ Reconnect with others and the environment

~Take time for you – Rest & Restore

Our Yoga Retreat will take place at Suryalila Yoga Retreat in the heart of the Spanish Andalucian Hills, Southern Spain, close to the charming villages of Arcos de la Frontera and Prado del Rey.

Suryalila Yoga Retreat is a world class yoga venue with fabulous yoga shalas, cosy designer accommodation, outstanding organic cuisine, salt water swimming pool and sauna set in 45 acres of land.  A striking part of the natural beauty of this retreat centre is the breathtaking vista extending in all directions: rolling hills, fields of sunflowers, and lakes. The sense of vastness and expansiveness is very uplifting!

Click here to find out >>

Picturesque Suryalila has a very special energy. It is run with complete love and respect. The staff, the views, the food, the accommodation and much more are why I keep coming back. It is completely magical!”—Emma Henry, Senior Jivamukti Teacher, London, UK

We understand that life can be busy and stressful so this yoga retreat is a perfect opportunity to take care of self, replenish, rejuvenate, relax and to have time to “just be”.  Take the time to honour your body mind and soul.

You may travel as a group or solo but it is guaranteed that you will meet like minded people on retreat.  Retreats are perfect if you are travelling alone, you have the choice to spend time with others or enjoy your own space if you wish.  This retreat is led by two experienced yoga teachers: Julie Bladon (Jayadevi) and Jackie Dorrian (Jagdambe Ma), who will teach yoga classes in a variety of styles including Akhanda Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Yoga Nidra.

During the 7 night retreat, each day will consist of two yoga classes, meditation plus additional workshops.

Due to requests, we have now opened up a Non-Yoga participant option (shared room).  Non-yoga participating guests can still enjoy the great food, stunning location and ambience of our yoga retreat.  There is plenty to do for those not attending classes such as hiking in local area, taking day trips, horse riding, spending time by the pool, visiting the sauna, booking a massage and of course taking time to rest.

To book please complete the booking form below and a deposit of £200 is payable.  An early bird discount of £50 off the listed prices is available for all bookings made by 31 December 2016.  Full balance due by 31 March 2017.  Monthly payment plans are available, please ask for details.

Programme

Day of arrival (Saturday 20 May)

Saturday Schedule

17.30 Opening Circle & Yoga

19.00 Dinner

For full travel information click here >> 

Normal day schedule

07.00 – 09.00 Yoga & Meditation

09.30 Breakfast

11.30 – 16.00 Free time

13.30 Lunch

16.00 – 18.00 Yoga

19.00 Dinner

Full Board Price per Person:

  • Dormitory: £800 per person shared (shared with three others)
  • Glamping Tent (twin): £800 per person shared 
  • Twin: £920 per person shared | £1,115 single
  • Superior Double (shared bathroom): £920 per person shared | £820 non-yoga participant shared |£1,115 single
  • Deluxe Double (private bathroom): £940 per person shared | £840 non-yoga participant shared | £1,135 single

EARLY BIRD OFFER:  Book by 31 December 2016 and receive £50 discount on the above listed prices.

* The cost includes yoga activities, three delicious gourmet vegetarian meals a day and the use of the retreat centre facilities.  Non-yoga participant price excludes all yoga activities. 

Spaces are limited so please book early to guarantee your spot!

Snacks, Treats & Beverages

In the dining room, you can also find healthy snacks, ice cream and a selection of beverages including organic wine and beer. Suryalila has an honesty list to sign when taking these items and you pay for everything at the end of your stay.

Package includes:

– 7 nights accommodation

– 3 gourmet vegetarian buffet style meals per day

– free tea, coffee, fruit and drinking water

– welcome pack to help you unwind

– twice daily (morning and afternoon) yoga & meditation classes

– one rest day when you may wish to rest at Suryalila or explore the local area.  Trips and excursions can be arranged.

– a blissful Yoga Nidra session where you will enjoy complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation

– free use of internet

– free use of salt water swimming pool and sauna

– time to explore local hikes

– the yoga studio is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks and bolsters

Optional activities include: Deep Tissue or Thai massage, horse-riding, optional excursions and hiking trips in the stunning nearby Natural parks and the White Towns of Andalusia and much more…

Not included:

– Flight to Spain

– Travel Insurance

– Airport Transfers

– Snacks / Treats / Beverages / Shopping

– Day trips & excursions

– Massages & treatments

For bookings and queries please contact info@juliebladon.com or refer to the following links.

Yoga-retreat-spain-2017-booking-form (Word Doc)

Yoga-retreat-spain-2017-booking-form (pdf)

Suryalila Retreat Centre >>

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Any changes to reservations must be made in writing.

Retreat Testimonials

Thank you for the laughter, thank you for being you!” ~ Greece guest 2016

Inspirational!  We so appreciate the love and support, helping us on the start of our yoga journey.  We go home inspired to continue the journey with our home practice.  Thank you.” ~ Greece guests 2016

Really loved the space created.  Particularly appreciated the suggestions for daily practice which I will take away.  Enjoyed the discussion in the studio in some sessions and Friday morning interactive session excellent, liked having time to ask about postures and learning from other people’s questions in the group.  Thank you Thank you Thank you

The place & people were very enjoyable & a good mix of personalities.  You two have been very accessible and welcoming.”

Thank you Julie and Jackie for a wonderful week, full of joy and fun.  It has been very interesting to experience different types of yoga practice and different teaching styles.  I feel I have learned a lot and have been convinced that I can include daily yoga practice into my usual routine.  You are both excellent inspirational teachers and I appreciate your hard work planning the sessions and all the smooth organisation.  Thank you again for your patience and kindness.”

Good caring and friendly group – I felt very comfortable being part of it.  Thank you Julie and Jackie for making the retreat such a pleasurable experience.  What a fantastic experience thank to you two. Thank you thank you! Yoga will never be the same again.”

Amorgos

Our luxury yoga retreat has now come to an end and I can say that we have all truly fallen in love with Amorgos Island.  Amorgos, the most eastern island of the Cyclades is the “exit” from the islands of the eastern Aegean towards the coast of Asia Minor.

Jackie and I headed to Amorgos a couple of days in advance of our guests.  We flew into Athens, took the local bus to the port, enjoyed a yummy Greek lunch at a cafe near the port and caught the ferry which leaves late afternoon.  Arriving in the early hours of the following day, we made our way on the bus to our hotel.  Little did we know of the beauty that surrounded us in the middle of the night!

Amorgos is truly a little gem. Stunningly beautiful, unspoilt, tranquil and an ideal place to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life.

Our yoga programme included twice daily yoga classes, a yoga workshop focused on developing a home practice, yoga nidra (yoga sleep), daily meditation, free access to the spa, a free spa treatment for each guest, delicious freshly prepared meals sourced from the hotel’s own kitchen garden.

Guests had plenty of time to explore locally, visit local beaches & coves, swim in the clear blue sea, sample local cafes, explore the local area by foot and generally take time to rest.

We enjoyed a day trip to the monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa situated on the cliff side, northeast of the capital Chora.  It was built early in the second millennium in order to protect a religious icon dating from the year 812.  The icon is on public display within the monastery.  The monastery is still active with four practising monks in residence.  You get to meet the monks when you visit their living room and they serve you drinks.  The sea in this area is mesmerisingly turquoise and blue, no photo can do it justice!

From the monastery, we walked to the famous Agia Anna beach.  A small rocky beach with spectacular beauty and clear blue seas.  The chapel of Agia Anna is located at the beach.  Mid afternoon a short taxi ride took us to  Chora, a charming village which is the medieval capital of Amorgos.  This village is a labyrinth of small paved streets, white houses, churches, local squares and tavernas.  A great place to explore!

Amorgos has a huge variety of wild herbs, hosting around 600 species.  These plants are known for their medicinal purposes and we made a special trip to see Vangelis, a local herbalist and distiller.  He forages the wild herbs to produce essential oils, infusions, tinctures, tea mixes and other healing products.

We must also thank our wonderful hosts, Aegialis Hotel & Spa.  This 5 star family owned hotel is a real find.  We fully experienced the unique Amorgian hospitality provided by the hotel staff.  The location is stunning with all rooms offering amazing views of the Aegean sea and the Aegiali beach.

It was REALLY hard to leave but we have booked another retreat here for September 2018 so we will be returning very soon.  We will let you know once this new retreat goes on sale.  It really is NOT to be missed!

This year we are celebrating our 5th year of hosting retreats at Bala Brook.  Our summer retreat on Dartmoor has become a very special event in our annual calendar.  It is such an honour to host yoga retreats in such a magical and inspiring location.  It is always fun to be working as part our Bala Brook team and of course we always look forward to Christine’s delicious food which is always made with such love and care.

Our weekend programme included Yoga, Meditation, Chanting, Yoga Nidra and there was plenty of time to rest, explore the local area, see old friends and make new friends.

Our Saturday morning workshop “Art in the Landscape – Enshrining Space” was be led by Nicci Wonnacott, Artist/ Educationalist/ Activist – BA (Hons) Fine Art/Contextual Practice, PGCE.   In this workshop we gathered natural resources, reconnected with the land, celebrated the land and our ancestors and created a beautiful shrine.

‘I have been has been exploring Goddess archetypes through creative practice for over 25 years in my land work I consider art in the environment through site, ritual, intuition and meditation. As a gatherer I reconnect with the land and the goddess archetypes, ancient women who have walked the path. As I gather, walk and breath form which I create shrines as an act of celebration and respect for the land and the mothers who came before. Enshrining Space’ – Nicci Wonnacott

Nicci has worked as a site specific artist and lecturer for many years. Her interests in gathering help her produce shrines to honour nature as well as jams, wines, cordials, tinctures and natural dying. Nicci was commissioned illustrated The Seasonal Goddess Group with paintings inspired from Devon landscapes.

Our June retreat fell just after the Summer Solstice.  The Summer Solstice is a time to celebrate the fullness of life, to step further into our power, to embody this power and to bring it into the physical form as a new habit such as a new way of being in your body or as a new manifestation.

Bala Brook workshop

BB Jun 2016

Tree Dartmoor

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Amorgos, Greece
Thu 29 Sep – Wed 5 Oct 2016,  £695 pp shared room / £825 pp single room / £500 pp non yoga participant shared room

We have had several enquiries regarding non yoga guests joining us for our yoga retreat in Greece so we are pleased to announce that guests can now bring a non yoga participating partner for £500 pp (shared room).

Non yoga participating guests can still enjoy the great food, stunning location and ambience of our yoga retreats.  There is plenty to do for those not attending classes such as exploring the beaches, hiking around the island, scuba diving, visit the spa and of course taking time to rest.

On Amorgos, a charming Cycladic Island, you can discover the secluded and remote beaches such as Mouros, Plakes, Kambi, Levrossos, Psili Ammos, Mikri and Megali Vlychada and Agii Saranda which are considered to be among the best beaches on the island.

The island’s highlight is Agia Anna beach (see feature image), below the 1000 year old Byzantine monastery of Chozoviotissa, where the famous film “The Big Blue” (directed by Luc Besson) was shot.

To find out more about the beaches visit Aegialis Hotel and Spa website.

Amorgos Island is famous for its hiking trails.  There are several marked historical paths to explore the different areas of the island on foot.  Most of them are old donkey routes that connect the villages of Amorgos.  Try the path from the village of Tholaria to the village of Langada.  This trail has spectacular views of the entire valley of Aegiali and the villages of Tholaria, Langada, Ormos and Potamos.  You will have plenty of time to explore the island.

Through the hotel you can book scuba diving to explore the mysterious world of the Aegean Sea.  With the help of experienced instructors you can explore and discover the vast depths and incredible kingdom of the sea, experiencing everything from its underworld plant life to its multitude of colorful creatures.  The equipment required is provided.

You can also book yourself a Herbal Tour.  Amorgos has a huge variety of plants and you can join a tour to discover the healing properties of the herbs and ways to use them.Click here for Luxury Yoga Retreat bookings and to find out more >

Luxury Yoga Intensive Retreat – Aegialis Hotel & Spa, Amorgos, Greece

Thursday 29 September – Wednesday 5 October 2016,  £695 pp shared room /£825 pp single room

We understand that life can be busy and stressful so this luxury yoga retreat is a perfect opportunity to take care of self, replenish, rejuvenate, relax and to have time to “just be”. Take the time to honour your body mind and soul.

This retreat will be hosted at the Five Star Aegialis Hotel & Spa on the beautiful Greek island of Amorgos. As with all our retreats you will have two teachers so be assured of our full attention.

To book please complete the booking form below and a deposit of £150 is payable upon booking. Full balance due by 14 June 2016. Monthly payment plans are available, please ask for details.

  • Deepen your practice

And you? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?” ~ Rumi

Developing your practice can be challenging especially when you have a busy life and schedule.  Being on retreat gives you the chance to attend 2 classes per day, you will notice the progress and the positive effect this is having.  Distractions are limited so you can be sure that you fully focus.

  • Create a new perspective

The trees, the flowers, the plants grow in silence. The stars, the sun, the moon move in silence. Silence gives us a new perspective” ~ Mother Teresa

We all benefit from going to a new place, seeing the world and ourselves through different eyes.  You will have time to contemplate, to review what is out of balance and where you need to action change in your life.  This safe space will allow you to grow and learn.

  • Navigate life changes

It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life” ~ Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

Life is in constant change, some of which can be challenging.  A retreat allows you to step outside of your everyday life, to gain deeper understanding and create clarity.

It may be that you consciously decide to attend a retreat in order to work through change in your life or the outcome of a relaxing retreat may be a new perspective which leads to change.

  • Time to meditate

In meditation we return to where we already are – this shifting, changing ever-present now
If you wish to take up meditation, it must be now or never.” ~ Steve Hagen, Meditation Now or Never

You will be away from distractions, feel relaxed and ‘in the moment’ leading to a peaceful space in which to develop your meditation practice.  This is a perfect time to develop new habits.

  •  Take a digital detox

Spending the majority of our waking lives experiencing reality through a screen, endlessly plugged into our devices, is taking its toll… and we’re realising it’s not the answer. The era of burnout, multi-tasking, tech dependence, fatigue, ‘social media everything’ and information overload is coming to a close” ~ thedigitaldetox.org

By switching off your technology you can find space and balance.  You can evaluate your relationship with technology and develop a more balanced approach.  Understand that you can press pause, reconnect with yourself and those around you, saviour your life experiences and feel recharged.

  • Rest and Relax 

Turn off your mind, relax, and float downstream”  ~ John Lennon

On retreat you have the permission to fully relax.  You can tune into your body, rest when you need it, allow your body and mind to de-stress.  You are free to replenish as you wish, you are free from demands.

  • Eat well

Let food be thy medicine, thy medicine shall be thy food” ~ Hippocrates

All of the hard work is done for you, you will enjoy nutritious and delicious meals.  It is an opportunity to review unhealthy habits and to develop new behaviours.   Healthy food, yoga and rest will re-energise your batteries and assist the body’s healing process.

  • Make new friends. 

Every person needs a time out, away from stressful jobs, pressures from employers or clients, home responsibilities….  Everyone deserves to enjoy, visit unknown places, try other things, meet a lot of new friends, and feel at the top of the world. Life is full of fun, excitement, and adventure. Thus, vacation is an experience that’s worth remembering for a lifetime. It heals a weary mind and soul”  ~ Alon Calinao Dy

You may travel as a group or solo but it is guaranteed that you will meet like minded people on retreat.  Retreats are perfect if you are travelling alone, you have the choice to spend time with others or enjoy your own space if you wish.

Two experienced yoga teachers will lead this retreat, Julie Bladon (Jayadevi) and Jackie Dorrian (Jagdambe Ma), who will teach yoga classes in a variety of styles including Akhanda Yoga, Classical Kundalini Yoga, Yin Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Yoga Nidra. This mixed programme is perfect if you are starting your yogic journey and wish to explore different styles or if you are more experienced and wish to immerse yourself in your practice.

During the 6 night retreat, each day will consist of two yoga classes, meditation plus additional workshops (Yoga Nidra, Developing Your Home Practice and Evening Meditation & Chanting).

Programme

Day of arrival (Thu 29 Sep)

We suggest that guests arrive in Athens either on Wed 28 Sep (you will need to book your accommodation for this overnight) or book a flight arriving before 1400 on Thu 29 Sep so that you can be at the port in time for the ferry. Most ferries leave at 17.30.

For those arriving on Thu 29 Sep into Athens we can share details of who is arriving as you may wish to meet at the airport & co-ordinate your onward travel to the ferry port.

02:00 Ferry arrival at Amorgos

(Next morning practice opening ceremony and practice will begin at 10:30)

Click here for full travel information.

Normal day schedule

07.30 – 09.30 Yoga & Meditation

10.00 – 11.30 Breakfast

11.30 – 16.30 Free time

16.30 – 18.15 Yoga

19.30 – 21:00 Dinner

NB Lunch, snacks and refreshments can be purchased from the hotel at extra cost.

Workshops (included in the package)

Yoga Nidra

Developing Your Home Practice

Evening Meditation & Chanting

Agenda for departure date (Wed 5 Oct)

06.00 Breakfast

07.00 Board ferry at Aegiali Port

10.00-11.00 Closing Ceremony will be on held on the ferry.

Package includes:

– 6 nights accommodation in Superior room

– daily buffet breakfast with organic ingredients from the hotel’s own garden

– daily dinner

– arrival & departure transfer from/to the port of Amorgos

– welcome pack to help you unwind

– twice daily (morning and afternoon) yoga & meditation classes

– a blissful Yoga Nidra session where you will enjoy complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation

– two workshops to deepen your practice (Develop Your Home Practice / Evening Meditation & Chanting)

– one free 30 minute Swedish massage

– 10% discount on face and body spa treatments

– free use of internet

– free use of Lalon Idor Spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, indoor swimming pool with sea water, gym)

– tea and coffee making facilities are provided in all guest rooms.

– the yoga studio is fully equipped with yoga mats, blocks and bolsters

Cost of this 6 night retreat:  Shared room: £695 pp / Single room: £825 pp

Not included:

– Flight to Athens

– Return ferry from Athens to Amorgos

– Travel Insurance

– Airport Transfers

– Lunch / Drinks / Shopping

For bookings and queries please contact info@juliebladon.com

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Hotel: www.amorgos-aegialis.com

Beaches: Beaches of Amorgos

Ferry Bookings: Bluestar Ferries

Booking Form Downloads

Aloha Yoga Retreat Greece 2016 booking form (Word Doc)

Aloha Yoga Retreat Greece 2016 booking form (pdf)

Any changes to reservations must be made in writing.

Retreat Testimonials

Really loved the space created.  Particularly appreciated the suggestions for daily practice which I will take away.  Enjoyed the discussion in the studio in some sessions and Friday morning interactive session excellent, liked having time to ask about postures and learning from other people’s questions in the group.  Thank you Thank you Thank you

The place & people were very enjoyable & a good mix of personalities.  You two have been very accessible and welcoming.”

Thank you Julie and Jackie for a wonderful week, full of joy and fun.  It has been very interesting to experience different types of yoga practice and different teaching styles.  I feel I have learned a lot and have been convinced that I can include daily yoga practice into my usual routine.  You are both excellent inspirational teachers and I appreciate your hard work planning the sessions and all the smooth organisation.  Thank you again for your patience and kindness.”

Good caring and friendly group – I felt very comfortable being part of it.  Thank you Julie and Jackie for making the retreat such a pleasurable experience.  What a fantastic experience thank to you two. Thank you thank you! Yoga will never be the same again.”

juliebladon.com

As we head into the festive season, I would like to thank the yogis that I have had the pleasure of sharing yoga with, all of my Lomi Lomi clients and those around the globe who have listened to my guided meditations. 

I am most grateful for your support, kindness and inspiration you have shown me over the year. It has been a wonderful and busy 2015.  I have had the pleasure of working with a wide array of yoga students in Devon, Wales and on retreat in Devon & Spain.

The two Yoga at the Beach sessions in the summer raised £203 for two charities.  A big thank you to everyone that supported these sessions.  I will plan Yoga at the Beach sessions for summer 2016.  It is always enjoyable doing yoga on the beach!

My yoga colleague, Jackie, and I had a great time at Wilderness Festival and Green Man.  We were part of the in-house therapist team for Wild Wellbeing. Festivals are VERY busy but always fun!

The Yoga Nidra workshops are proving very popular.  It is such an honour to share Yoga Nidra and to witness the true benefits of this practice.  I also love to hear from those around the globe who listen to my Yoga Nidra meditations especially children who really love Yoga Sleep.

The new Meditation Classes at Exmouth Leisure Centre have a regular group of dedicated students.  Here’s feedback from one of the students Thank you Julie, for helping us to understand meditation, the physical and spiritual health it brings us. A time to recharge our inner batteries, in our busy lives we all need some quiet time, realising that once we can find the time everything else seems to fall into place.”

Finally a big thank you to the venues, yoga studios and retreat centres that I work out of across the year.  Your support is always appreciated.

I will be taking a break to refresh and replenish ready for a busy 2016.  I will hopefully have some creative time to focus on exciting yoga developments in the pipeline, to finish the next draft of my children’s book, to write new guided meditations and have some time to “just be”.

2016 is already shaping up to be my busiest year to date!  Yoga Adventure in the Himalayas Tour in March, two Aloha Yoga Retreats on Dartmoor, Luxury Yoga Intensive in Greece, Yoga Nidra workshops in Exeter and Sidmouth, weekly yoga classes, weekly meditation classes, Lomi Lomi massages, new guided meditation downloads and yoga e-courses.

For upcoming weekly yoga classes, workshops and events click here.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2016!  Wishing you a peaceful, restful, happy and healthy Christmas & New Year.

We are back from a truly wonderful retreat in Spain, the week was packed with joy, laughter and fun.  Below is the week in pictures!

pickerimage

Feedback from our guests:

Really loved the space created.  Particularly appreciated the suggestions for daily practice which I will take away.  Enjoyed the discussion in the studio in some sessions and Friday morning interactive session excellent, liked having time to ask about postures and learning from other people’s questions in the group.  Thank you Thank you Thank you

The place & people were very enjoyable & a good mix of personalities.  You two have been very accessible and welcoming.”

Thank you Julie and Jackie for a wonderful week, full of joy and fun.  It has been very interesting to experience different types of yoga practice and different teaching styles.  I feel I have learned a lot and have been convinced that I can include daily yoga practice into my usual routine.  You are both excellent inspirational teachers and I appreciate your hard work planning the sessions and all the smooth organisation.  Thank you again for your patience and kindness.”

Good caring and friendly group – I felt very comfortable being part of it.  Thank you Julie and Jackie for making the retreat such a pleasurable experience.  What a fantastic experience thank to you two. Thank you thank you! Yoga will never be the same again.”

Co-hosted by Julie Bladon / Jackie Dorrian

Click here to join my mailing list and hear about upcoming yoga retreats!

Sat 19 – Sat 26 Sep 2015 at Tara Casa, La Magdalena, Murcia, Spain

We have TWO PLACES remaining for this retreat.  Get in touch if you’d like to join us!

Aloha Yoga is really excited to  be hosting a yoga retreat at Tara Casa, a beautiful country house set in the quiet village of La Magdalena, Spain.

Come and join us for a relaxing week of daily yoga, great food, a good programme, therapies, local tours, excellent company and sunshine.  You can book your place with a £100 deposit and pay instalments up to June 2015.

If you wish, you can pay the £100 deposit to reserve your place and then monthly instalments to spread the cost!

The week is led by two qualified and experienced yoga teachers, Julie Bladon (Jayadevi) and Jackie Dorrian (Jagdambe Ma), who will teach yoga classes in a variety of styles including Akhanda Yoga, Yin Yoga, Classical Kundalini Yoga, Sivananda Yoga and Yoga Nidra. This mixed programme is perfect if you are starting your yogic journey and wish to explore different styles or if you are more experienced and wish to immerse yourself in your practise.  Whether you wish to travel as a group or solo, this will be the perfect week for you.

We understand that life can be busy and stressful so this week is a perfect opportunity to take care of self, replenish, rejuvenate, relax and to have time to “just be”.

We truly love what we do and would  love to share a week of yoga with you in the beautiful sunny region of Murcia. Read More >

My summer programme has well and truly kicked in! My diary is packed with yoga retreats, festivals, classes, workshops and writing. I’m in the process of writing an e-course which I will start filming in a couple of week’s time. It’s a really exciting development and I can’t wait to get this course up online.

In my busy schedule I am a making sure that I take time to get out to enjoy the summer. This includes regular walks at the beach, yoga practice, meeting up with friends at local cafes and taking time to catch up on some reading.

Spiritual Ecology – The Cry of the Earth, a book of essays edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, has just arrived. I’m enjoying dipping into the various essays written by elders from around the globe such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Vandana Shiva, Satish Kumar, Chief Oren Lyons and many others.

This book is important to the survival of humanity. We must reconnect with Mother Earth and treat her as a source of life instead of a resource to be plundered. Everyone must read this book, understand it and live it if we are to leave anything to our children and grandchildren.” ~ Hanne Strong, founder The Manitou Foundation and Earth Restoration Corps

The first essay I have read isIn the Time of the Sacred Places” by Winona LaDuke. Winona is an activist and voice for Indigenous consciousness devoting her life to protecting the lands and lifeways of Native communities. In this essay she talks about the importance of sacred sites and how place belongs to our deeper understanding of spiritual ecology.

For many years I have been interested in Indigenous cultures and their connection to Mother Earth and sacred places.

Since the beginning of times, the Creator and Mother Earth have given our peoples places to learn the teachings that will allow us to continue and reaffirm our responsibilities and ways on the land from which we have come. Indigenous peoples are placed-based societies, and at the centre of those places are the most sacred of our sites, where we reaffirm our relationship” ~ Winona LaDuke, “In the Time of Sacred Places”

The essay highlights a selection of cases where the land has been named and claimed for the empire and desecrated for mineral rights and financial gain. Some cases go back to the 1850s and others are in most recent years for example Eagle Rock, known as “the home of the White Wolf and the High Place”, a sacred site to the Anishinaabe and other peoples for centuries.  Rio Tinto Zinc, a UK based mining company through their subsidiary Kennecott submitted plans to mine the copper deposits adjacent to this sacred site. It has been a seven-year battle and the Michigan regulatory authorities ruled against the tribes, the water and the sacred site, stating that “the site could not be sacred or did not have spiritual significance because a place of worship must be a BUILDING”.

The state, on these grounds approved the mining permit. In response, the leadership of the HoChunk Tribal Court noted, “consultation should include learned tribal members who are the leaders of our ancient societies. Their knowledge spans the time prior to Christianity and Christopher Columbus. It is this understanding that makes who we are. There is no other place where tribal people can gain this understanding….

This is the difference between world views – where one society, an industrial society, views a rich ore body, and another society views this as a source of great spiritual and cultural wealth.

It has been a seven year battle for the sacred site and now a petition to the United Nations for intervention under the declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to not only protect their sacred sites but to be protected from minerals exploitation which will destroy their life ways. A separate petition to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, by the National Congress of American Indians requests, “that requirements be imposed on Kennecott Eagle Minerals to mitigate the negative aesthetic impact of the proximity of the mining operation to Eagle Rock and that members of the various Native American communities be provided unfettered access for traditional use of the sacred ceremonial place”.

The Anishinaabe and their supporters who care for this land and do not wish to see the threshold of the world’s fresh water poisoned, have continued to gather and pray at and near Eagle Rock – amidst its strength and in the face of greed and destruction.

We can learn much from these Indigenous peoples and these cases illustrate how far we need to go in order to restore the health and wellbeing of Mother Earth.

I’d highly recommend Spiritual Ecology and I’m looking forward to diving into the other essays within the book.

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What a wonderful weekend retreat at Bala Brook, celebrating the inaugural International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice. We are filled with gratitude, love with all the heart opening. Such a truly magical and powerful weekend.  Thank you to everyone. Namaste

Vision Boarding Workshop

Vision Boarding Workshop

Aloha Yoga Massage Room Crop

Aloha Yoga Massage Room

Crystal Cards Aloha Yoga Retreat

Yoga Class

Closing Circle Om Healing Bath

Closing Ceremony – Om Healing Bath

Aloha Yoga Retreat Relaxation

Aloha Yoga Summer Retreat 2015 – Relaxation!