You are invited onto the path of exploring Loving Kindness and Compassion.  

Practicing yoga and meditation – especially in a retreat setting – is a radical act of self-care. Loving kindness is the natural expression of our heart. It is the foundation of our practice and reminds us to ‘befriend’ ourselves, and all experiences and circumstances, whether we actually like it or not.  Through practicing Loving Kindness we are inevitably led to Compassion; the desire to act to alleviate the suffering of others. This way, our personal and collective integrity, and responsibility for the Earth is encouraged. Our practice becomes more meaningful. When we create changes in ourselves we change the world.   

This Retreat is for serious practitioners and yoga teachers who enjoy the practice of yin yoga as a doorway into mindfulness meditation and Buddhist practices. The retreat format of this program, which includes two days of silence, will lead to a deeper understanding and a practice that is solidly rooted within.

This Immersion will be held at the renowned Samahita Retreat on Ko Samui, Thailand. Samahita Retreat has been a pioneer in healthy programming for the body, breath and mind for almost 15 years. Known as one of the most authentic yoga teaching locations worldwide while introducing a balance of practices and activities for both body and mind that includes meditation, Pranayama and breath work as well as full cardio and core strength fitness routines.

Samahita Retreat is set away from the busy tourist areas, chosen for its proximity to Koh Samui’s important cultural and historical landmark, Laem Sor Pagoda. Formerly known as “Yoga Thailand” this lifestyle retreat center features a variety of guest room options, wifi across the property, 4 dedicated yoga shalas, an indoor cycle studio at the beach, an open air fitness and barre sea-view loft, a detox and wellness center, eco-lifestyle boutique, juice and coffee bar, drinking water stations, and the celebrated buffet–style health-food restaurant, Sattva Dining.

Samahita Retreat

• Exploration of movement (Yang), stillness (Yin), and breath practices to elicit a wholesome expression of Chi in the body, fostering vitality and overall well-being;
• Practice of Yin yoga sequences to target the upper body enhancing breathing capacity and shoulder mobility, Heart and Lung Chi, and to manage specific mind states;
• Development of self-observation without judgment through writing, conscious communication, and meditation practices, leading to greater self-awareness, personal growth and self-compassion;
• Learning about and practicing the four foundations of Mindfulness;   
• Investigating the teachings of the Four Mind Changings (The Seven Points of Mind training by Atisha, or: Lojong practice), and cultivating loving kindness, compassion and resilience, thus deepening the connection with yourself and others as a path to genuine care for humanity and true happiness.

The program will start on Saturday November 2, 2024 at 7:30 pm 

Daily schedule (subject to change):

Morning Tea – 6:45 am
Brunch Buffet – 10:00 am - 1 pm
Dinner Buffet  – 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 2

Arrival (from 2 pm)

Evening session 7:30-9:00 pm

Sunday, November 3

Morning Practice 8:00 - 10:00 am

Evening Meditation 8:00 - 8:30 pm

Monday – Thursday, Nov. 4 - 7

Morning practice 7:30 - 10:00 am

Afternoon session 3:00 - 6:00 pm

Evening Meditation 8:00 - 8:30 pm

Friday, March 3

Morning practice 7:30 – 8:30 am

Closing session 8:30 – 10:00 am

Breakfast

Check-out at noon.

Pre-requisites for the Retreat:

• At least 6 months of weekly Yin Yoga practice;
• At least 2 years of weekly practice of Hatha or Vinyasa yoga;
• At least 6 months of daily-ish Mindfulness meditation practice.

Recommended reading:   

• Insight Yoga by Sarah Powers;
• Training in Compassion, Zen Teachings on the practice of Lojong, by Norman Fisher; or
• The Art of Transforming the Mind: A Meditator’s Guide to the Tibetan Practice of Lojong, by B. Alan Wallace.
• The Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunuratana.

Additional suggested reading/watching:

• Book: The complete guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark;
• Book: Boundless Heart, The Buddha’s Path of Kindness, Compassion, Joy, and Equanimity by Christina Feldman;
• Book: The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith;
• DVD: Yin Yoga by Paul Grilley.