Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Immersion Retreat

Cultivating CompassionAt Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand
April 8 - 15, 2023

April 8 – 15, 2023

 

with Marije E. Paternotte
at Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui, Thailand

Yin Yoga and Mindfulness Immersion Retreat

You are invited onto the path of Metta and Karuna; an exploration of Loving Kindness and Compassion.  

Practicing yoga and meditation – especially in a retreat setting – is a radical act of self-care. Loving kindness, Metta, is embedded in our nature and seeks to be expressed. It is the foundation of our practice and reminds us to take care of our body, mind and heart.  Through our practice Loving Kindness naturally leads to Compassion, Karuna; the desire to act to alleviate the suffering of others. This way, our practice does not only benefits ourselves but all beings. 

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

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Immersion Retreat Program outline

  • 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 and practicing the four foundations of Mindfulness;
  • Investigating the teachings of the Four Mind Changings, and cultivate loving kindness, compassion and resilience through mind training, thus deepening the connection with yourself and others, as a path to genuine care for humanity and true happiness.

Immersion Retreat Program hours

The program will start on Saturday April 8, 2023 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, April 8
Arrival (from 2 pm)
Evening session 7:30-9:00 pm

Sunday, April 9
Morning Practice 8:00-10:00 am
Evening Meditation 7:30-8:00 pm

Monday – Thursday, April 10 – 13
Morning practice 7:00-10:00 am
Afternoon session 2:30-6:00 pm

Friday, April 14
Morning practice 7:00-10:00 am
Afternoon session 2:30-6:00 pm
Closing session 8:00-9:00 pm

Saturday, April 15
Self-led practice
Breakfast
Check-out at noon.

Immersion Retreat Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites for the Immersion:

  • 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;
  • 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;
  • Buddhism, H. Smith & P. Novak.

Additional suggested reading/watching:

  • Book: The complete guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark;
  • Book: Loving kindness by Sharon Salzberg;
  • Book: The Beginner’s Guide to Walking the Buddha’s Eightfold Path by Jean Smith;
  • DVD: Yin Yoga by Paul Grilley.

Immersion Retreat Price

Early Bird

Till November 11, 2022, there are 5 Early Bird spots available:

  • Private Room:   USD 1795
  • Semi-Private Room:   USD 1650
  • Shared Two-Bedroom Loft:  USD 1495
  • Private Room Couple:  USD 1495
Regular

After November 11, 2022 or when Early Bird spots are filled:

  • Private Room:  USD 1995
  • Semi-Private Room:  USD 1850
  • Shared Two-Bedroom Loft:  USD 1695
  • Private Room Couple: USD 1695

The retreat fee is per person, and is inclusive of accommodation for 7 nights, 3 buffet meals daily, and full use of the Samahita Retreat facilities.

Special rate available for friend or family member who does not participate in the program.

About the location

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.

Accommodations

All rooms are set back from the main retreat, perfect for quiet contemplation and relaxation. The eco-friendly buildings make use of cross ventilation, natural lighting, rainwater harvesting, and solar power. There are rooms for couples and singles, as well as loft-style accommodations that are ideal for families or two people sharing.

Regardless of which room you stay in, the yoga shala, restaurant and lounge, swimming pool, and beach are only one minute away. You can see the ocean from some of the balconies in the top level rooms, but we cannot guarantee sea views.

All rooms include the following modern amenities:

  • private balcony
  • air conditioning
  • queen-size bed
  • ceiling fan
  • ipod ready alarm clock
  • writing desk
  • refrigerator
  • hot water kettle
  • wifi internet access
  • hair dryer
  • personal locker drawer suitable for laptops and other personal effects
  • 100% natural non bleach cotton sheets and towels

Please note that there are no phones or televisions in the guest accommodations except for Deluxe Suite.

The eco-friendly design of the rooms includes:

  • solar-powered hot water
  • mosquito screens for cross ventilation
  • energy-saving magnetic key card
  • low energy appliances
  • photo sensor light switches
  • low-flush water-saving toilet and bathroom fixtures
  • structured brick-work that minimizes both energy and sound loss
  • rainwater harvesting

AC is provided for your comfort. Please use as needed. You are encouraged the use of the fans and open breeze as much as possible to be conscious of the environment.

Room options

Private Room

Suitable for singles or couples

Approximately 35 square meters of personal space, which includes a private balcony. The room has a Queen-size bed with individual reading lamps and personal built-in shelf space at the headboard. Also included is a large writing desk (2.5m), bookshelves, storage cabinet that can be locked and can accommodate even large laptops, hot-water kettle, medium-size fridge, built-in wardrobe with sufficient space for luggage, ceiling fans, and air conditioning. Fully equipped bathroom with large shower area and room for clothes hanging and drying.

Semi-Private Room

Suitable for two people sharing

Guests can enjoy approximately 25 square meters of personal space, including a private balcony. Room features include a queen-size bed with individual reading lamps, writing desk, bookshelves, lockable storage cabinet, hot-water kettle, medium-size fridge, built-in wardrobe, ceiling fans and air conditioning. The bedroom section of these rooms is private and includes a dedicated entrance as well as direct access to a fully furnished bathroom, which is shared between two rooms.

(Our reservations team will arrange bookings so guests of the same sex are in these room types, unless guests are friends and request otherwise).

Shared Two-Bedroom Loft

Suitable for two people sharing

Approximately 50 square meters of personal space, which includes a private balcony. The room is split-level, with a loft. Each bedroom has its own private space. There is a fully equipped bathroom shared by both bedrooms. Some of these rooms are equipped with an outdoor rain shower. Each bedroom has a Queen-size bed with individual reading lamps and a personal built-in shelf space at the headboard. Also included is a large writing desk, bookshelves, storage cabinet that can be locked and can accommodate even large laptops, hot-water kettle, medium-size refrigerator, two wardrobes with sufficient space for luggage, two ceiling fans, and air conditioning.

(Our reservations team will arrange bookings so guests of the same sex are in these room types, unless guests are friends and request otherwise).

Connect

I understand you may have questions about the program, or you simply would like to get to know me a little bit before you apply. I’d be happy to talk with you through Zoom, or answer your questions by email.

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