I would love you to join me on the tropical island of Koh Phangan for this forthcoming 2007 yoga retreat in Thailand.

Koh Phangan is an incredible island with very special energy; the natural beauty of its lush jungle vegetation and the crystal clear waters of the sea create a stunning location to relax and unwind on a holiday of yoga, swimming, delicious food, nature treks and boat trips.  

The retreat schedule will provide a balance between an intensive study and practice of yoga to exploring the island and having fun!

For both beginners and more experienced yoga students this retreat offers the chance to advance ones understanding of yoga as a tool of self discovery and development. Throughout the retreat we will cultivate an ever increasing degree of sensitivity, focus, openness and awareness both on and off the mat so that our daily living becomes more effortless and enjoyable. 

Through simple and clear instruction utilising the dynamic yoga method we will encourage our body and mind to surrender so that we may experience ourselves at a much deeper level.

The Dynamic Yoga Method utilises step-by-step-progression within the context of the five elements:

Space   (dristhi - awareness in yoga)
Air       (pranayama - breathing in yoga)
Fire      (bandhas - energy in yoga)
Water   (vinyasa - movement in yoga)
Earth    (asana - structure in yoga)

As we progress through yoga practice the body and mind are invited to let go of residual tensions so that awareness and energy flow more freely and harmoniously.

Most mornings will begin early with a long yoga practice (2-3 hours). These morning sessions offer the opportunity to explore and utilise breathing, awareness, movement and stillness through a combination of simple yoga techniques (asana, pranayama, meditation and relaxation).

Evening sessions will last for approximately 1-2 hours and will vary from day to day.

Each evening session will encourage a more explorative approach and illustrate many different ways that one can practice yoga. We may choose to use a session solely for meditation or we may dedicate a practice to a particular form of asana such as inversions. Time will also be allocated at the end of the evening session for people to ask questions and share their yoga discoveries, thoughts and feelings.

The retreat will consist of two 1-week programmes. As well as the yoga teachings each week we will include a free Thai massage by a local masseuse and a day trip.

Koh Phangan is also the home of the famous full moon parties so if you do like to dance bring your party clothes and be ready to shake it all out on the beach and jungle dance floors!