YOGA of RECOVERY RETREATS

Integrate the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda with traditional recovery tools.

For those overcoming addictive/self destructive behaviors.

Ubud, Bali: June 9-13, 2008

California: August 10-15, 2008

Nassau, Paradise Island, Bahamas: 2009 dates TBA

The retreat offers daily meditation sessions; talks on Yoga as it relates to the 12 Step Program (in particular the 11th Step); Yoga Asana classes; Ayurvedic workshops and a daily ‘Open’ 12 step meeting. The retreat draws parallels between the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda and the daily practical tools used by members of the 12 step programs. Guests will leave with much new information and great tools to support ongoing recovery – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

AYURVEDA WORKSHOPS
These workshops will discuss the causes of disease from an Ayurvedic Perspective and how this relates to addiction. We’ll bring depth to the phrase “To Thine Own Self Be True” by discovering our individual constitutions (through the Ayurvedic Consultation) and discuss how to be well, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We’ll learn about Ayurvedic Nutrition so you can make informed decisions about how diet can support a calm, peaceful and healthy life. Finally, we’ll introduce the Ayurvedic Lifestyle, the most important aspect of how to remain healthy and well. These workshops will be very practical and you’ll leave with great ideas of how to make changes to bring about greater harmony in your life.

12 STEP MEETING
Every day we will hold an Open 12 Step Meeting, where participants can talk about their experience, strength and hope in regard to any addictive habit they are recovering from.

TOOLS OF RECOVERY WORKSHOPS
Our afternoon workshops will introduce you to the basic guidelines for meditation. We’ll look at the mind and how it works; how to improve concentration; techniques of positive thinking and meditation. This spiritual instruction on Step 11 will teach you ways to control your emotions and thoughts; how to find peace of mind and how to take care of stress. We’ll also discuss the many similarities between the ethical and lifestyle foundations of yoga with those of the 12 Step Programs.

AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION
“To Thine Own Self Be True” is commonly used in 12 Step Programs, this directly relates to the basis of health described by the Sanskrit word “Svastha” which means ‘to be established in the self’. Ayurveda, like 12 Step recovery work, is designed for those who are ready to take responsibility for themselves. Ayurveda views the each individual as a unique expression of the five elements, refined into 3 essential doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha - biological humors). Knowledge of your Ayurvedic constitution can be of great benefit in recognizing your addictive behaviors and the needs and vulnerabilities that underlie them. By understanding your Ayurvedic constitution, you can learn the areas in which you may become vulnerable when you are under stress – and you can determine what kinds of activities and changes in your lifestyle can best help you restore balance in mind and body. Ayurveda offers simple and practical methods to maintain health and prevent disease through the use of such tools as proper daily and seasonal routines. It revitalizes the body’s systems and boosts the immune system giving you a strong foundation in health to face the challenges and stresses of daily life without resorting/relapsing into old addictive behaviors.

AYURVEDIC BODY TREATMENT
A beautifully relaxing and luxurious full body treatment to rejuvenate the body, refresh the mind and create inner radiance. Treatments offered depend on the facilities of each individual ashram.

Guest comments from previous retreats...
"The retreat was an amazing life-changing event for me. It worked for me mentally, spiritually and physically. I left feeling inspired, refreshed, renewed, full of hope, strong and satisfied. The lessons continue to grow each day so, for me, the work was substantial, not hype."

"I enjoyed the combination of teachers including Swami Sita’s personal time with our group. She tied the practical and ‘everyday’ with the spiritual nicely for me."

"I liked the small number in our group. The 12 step meetings were particularly nourishing not only for ‘the usual 12 steps’ but for friendship and connectedness and fun during free time. The workshops were great, useful, practical, well prepared and presented...the workshops were great...The retreat is important for us in recovery. More please!" - WA, Reno, NV

"Great...well explained...extremely enlightening and fascinating..."

"Awesome work and preparation on the part of Durga..."

" This was life saving – thank you!..."

"A detailed and easy to follow guide...Lots of fun."

"Excellent...More to understand about Yoga and grateful for similarities with 12 Steps"