Program

Week 1: Silence & Purification

In the first week we set the intention and mood of the training, diving slowly but steadily, starting to tune in to our body, breath and mind. Becoming friends and intimately connecting with ourselves and the teachings, the method and techniques, learning their language. Starting to trust the intelligence of our body and energetic field, letting go of what is in the way. Becoming lighter and open.
We start in a unique way - with Mauna (silence). It is a way to go beyond the surface – beyond names and forms, social, cultural or psychological boundaries. You will receive teachings and practices silently, allowing yourself to let go of critical thinking, questions and other habits of the mind.
The Yoga program during this week will include different cleansing techniques (kriyas), self-practice Asana, pranayamas, guided and silent meditation, philosophy sessions and a special diet (pure, healthy and detoxing vegetarian food).

Week 2: Knowledge & Wisdom

Knowledge is a fruit of learning, while wisdom is a fruit of practice. After the period of silence, your mind will reach a certain clarity, and you will be ready for deeper learning and practice. Your immersion into meditation, pranayama, philosophy and a balanced asana practice will inspire you toward your own creativity, wisdom and awareness. During this week you will also dive into the science of Ayurveda and its close relationship to yoga and the yogic lifestyle.

Typical Daily Schedule

06:00 Morning wake-up
06:30 Meditation and Pranayama
07:00 Asana Yoga practice
09:00 Light breakfast
10:30 Lecture: Living philosophy
11:30 The art of Sharing
13:00 Lunch and free time
16:00 Lecture: Anatomy, subtle body and Ayurveda
17:00 Tea break
17:30 Deepening the practices
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Meditation, chanting or Yoga Nidra practice
21:00 Bedtime

Curriculum

Asana: The Primary Series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga system (as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in the tradition of Krishnamacharya) will be your main practice and map for this training. You will also focus on specific asanas and how to approach them in different ways. You will be taught alignment, breath, bandhas, inner and outer focus and suitable variations for each asana, learn the sanskrit name and the benefits of each pose.

Pranayama: We will teach the true meaning of Prana and the natural breath. Preparations for pranayama, together with some of the most classical techniques (such as Kapalabhati, Nadi Shodhana, and the Nine Purification Breaths) will be covered.
You will build a personal practice of pranayama to incorporate into your daily practice.

Kriyas: Kriyas are cleansing and purification practices that prepare you for deeper yogic experiences. You will be introduced to some of the basic yet powerful kriya techniques (such as nauli), and incorporate them into your daily practice routine.

Physical and Yogic Anatomy: We will explore the physical body in a very practical way, and introduce you to the subtle bodies: the yogic anatomy of chakras, nadis, vayus and koshas, helping you to more fully understand the process and benefits of yoga.

Yoga Philosophy: Foundational philosophy will be mostly based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, with a particular focus on the 8 limbs of yoga. You will learn how to apply this in your yoga practice, in your teaching and, most importantly, in your everyday life.

Ayurveda You will be introduced to the Science of Ayurveda and you will receive a solid foundation on the pillars of Ayurveda, e.g. the three doshas, your own natural born constitution (prakruti) and your current imbalance (vikruti).

Concentration and meditation: From the beginning of the course, you will be introduced to meditation. During the course, you will be given different techniques to practice formal meditation. You will come to understand what meditation is, and how the other aspects of our practice are traditionally used to to prepare ourselves for moving deeper into meditation. You will learn how to guide others in basic meditation.

Mantra: You will be introduced to the importance of Bhakti Yoga and Vedic chanting, learning some of the most important mantras and sutras to connect to the divine through sacred sound.

Reading

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Swami Satchidananda or Georg Feuerstein, OR Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
• The Tree of Yoga, BKS Iyengar

Recommended reading

• Yoga Mala, Sri K Pattabhi Jois
• One Simple Thing, Eddie Stern
• Key Muscles of Yoga – Your Guide to Functional Anatomy in Yoga, Ray Long

You can book your spot for The Body Retreat by sending an email with your motivation to academy@delightyoga.nl. Please let us know your preferences for accommodation.

Practical Information

The Body Retreat starts on 11 July and finishes on 25 July 2022. Transfer between Porto (OPO) Airport and the retreat location by car takes 1 hour. On 11 July, check-in is open as of 12.00 hrs and the program starts around 16.00 hrs. On 25 July, the program ends after a morning self-practice (ca. at 8 am). Transfer can be arranged on request and the retreat location will do their best to organise shared rides as much as possible.

We strongly advise not to arrive after the retreat has started or leave before it has ended, as this would mean missing important elements of the program.

Price

€2.500 including teaching fees, 14 nights (based on a shared room with 2 people) and full board (3 vegetarian meals per day).
Upgrade to single room is possible at an extra charge (+ €290 shared facilities or + €450 own facilities). Upon booking, please indicate in case you snore/have frequent nightmares. Payment is due upon booking.

Not included in the above fees are books, travel costs to- and- from the retreat centre, travel insurance (highly recommended), local tourist tax.
Camping at the retreat location / external accommodation is not possible, unfortunately. Extra nights can be booked directly at D'Alijo Yoga Retreat Center by sending an email to info@dalijoyogaretreats.com, for a 40% discount on room rate, including two meals (instead of three during the events).

NOTE: This retreat is part of the 200-hour Basic Teacher Training of Delight Yoga but can also be followed on an individual basis exclusively by participants living in Portugal or Spain

For our cancellation policy, please read our General Terms and Conditions.

Requirements

• To have practised yoga steadily for a minimum of 1 year with a teacher and have a regular and consistent self-practice (at least 3 times a week) in any Hatha-based style of yoga (ashtanga, vinyasa, Hatha).
• To be able to practice the Primary Series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga system according to your capacity with modifications if necessary.
• A motivational letter in which you tell us more about yourself and your motivation to take part in this training.

Health & Well-Being
Your current health and health background are very important to us to assess your needs and to be aware of any precautions or adaptations of the yoga practices that may be needed for you personally. The information you provide is confidential and will not be shared with others.

Please let us know by e-mail know if any of the following applies to you:

• Are you experiencing physical, mental, or emotional issues? (If so, please detail.)
• Are you currently under medical treatment or taking medications for mental or physical conditions (If so, please detail.)
• Are you currently or have you suffered in the past from depression, burnout, addiction, or any other mental health issues? (If so, please detail.)
• Please provide us with a phone number of a partner/friend/family we can contact in case of emergency.

You can book your spot for The Body Retreat by sending an email with your motivation to academy@delightyoga.nl. Please let us know your preferences for accommodation.

D’Alijo Yoga Retreats Center is a yoga retreat in the midst of beautiful Portuguese nature. It sprawls across three hectares of land consisting of terraces, olive fields and hills with large rock formations.

The accommodation consists of wooden chalet-style houses, cabins or rooms which are tastefully decorated, positioned in rural parts of the grounds at walking distance from Yoga Studio, the swimming pool and the main house. All rooms have outside verandas.

The main house which was rebuilt with huge granite rocks centuries ago is now the cosy “heart” of the retreat centre. Surrounded by large terraces and undisturbed views of the area and premises. It offers 5 guest rooms. The centre offers a heated swimming pool, water features, and a peaceful meditation cave and the surroundings invite tranquil walks.

D'Alijo Retreat Center is located 1 hour away from Porto International Airport. Transfers from/to the airport can be arranged on request.

You can book your spot for The Body Retreat by sending an email with your motivation to academy@delightyoga.nl. Please let us know your preferences for accommodation.