URBAN RETREAT
Ashtanga Yoga Chikitsa
December 27 to 31, 2023
*** Compatible with our 300-hour flexible Teacher Training ***
The primary series is also called Yoga Chikitsa, which means Yoga Therapy. It can sometimes be difficult to see this as ‘therapy’ because we often get carried away by the grasping for poses, the desire to accomplish a pose in a specific manner that doesn’t necessarily take into consideration the wishes of our body or we move without being totally present.
This series of workshops is a rare opportunity for all levels of practitioners to learn to slow down, be mindful and develop an advanced understanding of Yoga practices. Advanced Yogis are slow, mindful practitioners. We will focus on learning to do the primary series as a way for healing. Healing all parts of our being; body, mind and breath. The tools we will use will be Kriya & Pranayama (cleansing & breathing), Ashtanga Asanas and Chanting and Conference on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Learn to listen deeply. Learn to be mindful while practicing. Learn to do the poses in ways that respect your individual needs.
Workshops & New Year’s Eve with Gerald & Linda
Evening Classes & Events Hosted by Louise
10 PLACES TO SLEEP AT THE STUDIO!
Program
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27
9:30 – 12:00 Kriya, Pranayama & Guided Yoga Chikitsa
We will start with Kriya and Pranayama to clear the energy channels, detoxify the body and open the breathing pathway. Then we will be guided through a portion of the Ashtanga Primary Series in a slow and progressive manner so that we can grasp the subtleties of the asanas. Taking the time to feel the poses in a deep way.
13:30 – 16:30 Yoga Sutras & Yoga for Tight Hamstrings
The Yoga Sutras are the threads of thought that give us the foundation of yoga practice from the point of view of healing the mind. We’ll chant some of the verses in Sanskrit and then discuss their meanings and how to use their wisdom on a daily basis.
After this, we will delve into ways to release and open the hamstrings in wise ways. Lengthening the hamstrings along with the calves, buttocks and lower back gives us the ability to move freely and reduces the likelihood of injury to both the knees and spine.
19:30 – 21:30 with LOUISE – Candlelight Restorative to Stay Grounded
Coming back to our link with the Earth really allows to go deep inside ourselves and take a step back on what surrounds us. This class will start with a short meditation about the root chakra, breathing exercises to find a more even state, and focus on deep forward folds / hamstring / hips opening to release tensions and emotions that tend to remain blocked inside the body.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28
9:30 – 12:00 Kriya, Pranayama & Guided Yoga Chikitsa
We will again start with Kriya and Pranayama. Then we will be guided through a portion of the Ashtanga Primary Series in a slow and progressive manner going further than we did on the first day.
13:30 – 16:30 Yoga Sutras & Yoga for the Neck, Upper Back & Shoulders
Again, we’ll chant some of the verses of the Yoga Sutras in Sanskrit and then discuss their meanings and how to use their wisdom on a daily basis. After this, we will delve into how to keep our neck, upper back and shoulders safe in the Ashtanga practice. As well as discover asanas that can relieve tightness or stress in these areas.
19:30 – 21:30 with LOUISE – Candlelight Yin for Recovery
After hard work, the body and the mind need to find release. The fascia in your body needs to recover. This class will start with a meditation about gratitude towards ourselves and how our body and mind are capable, then breathing exercises to slow down the mind and the nervous system. Finally, we will do specific stretches to release the body after effort in order to find a calm and quiet night of sleep.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
9:30 – 12:00 Kriya, Pranayama & Mysore (or Intro to Mysore)
We will again start with Kriya and Pranayama. Then we will do a Mysore Self-Practice. This is the ideal way to be able to do Ashtanga according to your very own breath and body’s needs. If you haven’t practiced Mysore Style Ashtanga, then you will be introduced to this method of practicing.
13:30 – 16:30 Yoga Sutras & Yoga for the Spine
We’ll chant the Yoga Sutras and then choose which ones we’ll discuss. After this, we will delve into how to do the spinal twists and back bending poses of the Primary Series in detail so that we receive all the healing benefits of squeezing and detoxifying the internal organs and rehydrating the spinal discs.
19:30 – 21:30 with LOUISE – Release for the heart
It is not random if we consider that the heart is the center of love. By opening this area, we really give our body a new rejuvenating energy that we can use for ourselves and spread all over. After a meditation on the heart chakra and how we can serve the others, we will hold long poses in heart-opening postures to expand our lungs and thoracic cage in order to breathe more freely. We will end the practice by some breathing practice to come back to a calm and steady breath before to go to bed.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30
9:30 – 12:00 Kriya, Pranayama & Guided Yoga Chikitsa
We will again start with Kriya and Pranayama. Then we will be guided through a portion of the Ashtanga Primary Series in a slow and progressive manner going further than we did on the second day.
13:30 – 16:30 Yoga Sutras & Ashtanga Inversions
As in the previous days, we’ll chant and learn more about certain Sutras. Then we’ll learn the best ways to do the finishing sequence so that we gain all the healing benefits from being inverted (upside down) without the potential stress on the neck. The main focus will be the Shoulder Stand and the Head Stand but we may also have fun with some others!
19:30 – 21:30 with LOUISE – Movie night!
We will order some yummy Indian food and prepare some chai before to watch a movie we will pick together.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31
10:30 – 13:00 Kriya, Pranayama & Mysore (or Intro to Mysore)
We will again start with Kriya and Pranayama. Then we will do a Mysore Self-Practice. This is the ideal way to be able to do Ashtanga according to your very own breath and body’s needs. If you haven’t practiced Mysore Style Ashtanga, then you will be introduced to this method of practicing.
21:30 – 00:00 New Year’s Eve Resolutions for Evolution | NO CHARGE, BRING FAMILY & FRIENDS
Beginning a brand-new year is an opportunity to reflect on the previous one and plant nourishing seeds for the year to come. We’ll participate in soothing asana, pranayama, mindfulness and silent self-reflection to go deep inside and find our ‘sankalpa’ for 2024! Sankalpa means an intention formed in the heart to harness the will-power to aid us to evolve. There is no charge, just bring a juice or snack to share as we consciously celebrate the coming of the New Year! Start the year off with positive affirmations, the support of the yoga community and your closest friends and family. Everyone is welcome, not only those taking the workshops.
Pricing
Late Registration (after November 10th 2023)
Whole workshop: €420
8 – 12 sessions: €40 per session
1 – 7 sessions: €45 per session
OR 2 crosses on your class card per session
Real retreat – Stay in the Yoga studio
We will accept 10 people to stay in the yoga studio from 16h00 December 26th until January 1st 10h00 for a true yoga immersion!!
Bring a mattress and sleeping bag and sleep in a peaceful environment!
Great for early morning wake up – you will be on the spot! Louise will be your host for the week!
6 nights: €120
Meals are not included but you can have the option to pitch in with others to make vegetarian meals together.
Registration
Online registration: available for full workshop paid by credit card
** Meals are not included in the price of the 6-night stay.
For payments by check, cash, bank transfer or AYP Class Card:
Please fill and sign the registration form below & join your payment.
Send by (snail) mail, e-mail, or bring at the studio directly if you’re coming to a class.
Download Registration form
To participate in individual sessions using your AYP Class Card, you can register directly from the Class Schedule >>
CANCELLATION POLICY
An admin fee of 30 euros will be deducted for cancellations made more than 21 days before the workshop.
Only half of the sum paid will be returned 8 to 20 days before the workshop.
Sum paid is non-refundable 7 days before the workshop.
We don’t accept transferring of a paid reservation to another person after 2 weeks before the workshop.
We advise to those coming from out of Paris to purchase travel insurance as travel issues will not change this policy. Medical issues will also not change this policy.
As the teacher is confirming their presence and is guaranteed the amount of people who are attending 21 days before, we ask for your understanding of this policy.
Location
Ashtanga Yoga Paris
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