NEW! Enchanting Yoga Kirtan Retreat May 2010

An Introduction to Yoga for Beginners - Sunday 23rd May2010 £46

Treat yourself to an uplifting day of yoga practice, suitable for complete beginners, in the beautiful surroundings of Burton Manor, Cheshire on the Wirral Penninsula. Burton Manor is a Grade II listed building set in 15 acres of grounds overlooking the Dee Estuary and Welsh hills. There will be opportunities to explore the extensive gardens and peruse the open artist's studios which include fine arts and crafts for sale.

The day will offer an immersion in the beneficial practice of yoga. The aim will be to release stress from the mind and body whilst learning key relaxation skills including physical postures, breathing exercises, concentration techniques and meditation.

Yoga is different from other forms of exercise in that each individual is encouraged to honour their current ability by amending postures to suit themselves. Options are always given to enable you to choose a softer or more challenging level of posture. There's no pressure! This is an ideal chance to pamper yourself or get together with like-minded friends who share your enjoyment of yoga.

Itinerary (this could change!)

• 10.00am - Introductory presentation including course overview and background information about Yoga. Simple limbering exercises known as Pavanmuktasana, which access all joints and muscles. Pavanmuktasana is a base-level exercise which is ideal for anyone with issues which may have affected their joint or muscle mobility. It helps students become more aware of their physical strengths and challenges. A handout enables you to continue these easy limbering exercises at home.
• 11.00am - Break - Refreshments included
• 11.15am - 12.45pm - Holistic Yoga session harmonising body, mind and breath through physical movements, breath awareness exercises and relaxation - a great all-over pampering session! This practise will focus on Surya Namaskar, a sequence of movements which can then be easily learned and practised on a daily basis with the help of the handout which is given during the course.
• 1.00pm - Lunch - all refreshments and lunch are included in the price. Lunch can be taken on the terrace in fine weather and there's also time to visit the atelier (artist's studios) and gardens
• 2.00pm - Presentation on various ways to relax and the nature of the mind. Indulgent relaxation session using sound, sight, aromas, breath and concentration exercises. This will include some pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
• 3.45pm - Break - Refreshments included
• 4.15pm - 5.00pm - Short physical sequence followed by final lie-down deep relaxation known as 'yoga-nidra' or yogic sleep, leaving you feeling centred and ready for the week ahead!

Yoga Song and Dance - Saturday 13th February 2010 £46

(Experienced - for those attending regular classes)

This retreat highlights the fact that Yoga is not merely a form of exercise as it is often percieved in the West. Yoga is a state of being which reveals itself when the mind, body and spirit are functioning harmoniously. This peace can be experienced using various techniques. In this event, we will combine physical yoga with sounds known as mantras, whilst using music and a dance-inspired vinyasa (flowing) style of asana practice. 

• An introduction to Yoga Trance Dance – using simple repetitive movements and music to warm-up the body and relax the mind
• Kirtan Chanting – a chance to experience meditative singing in a group
• Vinyasa Yoga – asanas carefully chosen to flow in to one another
• Mantra Pranayama – using internal sounds during breathing exercises
• Mantra meditation – repeating a simple word to aid concentration and meditation

Itinerary (this could change!)

• 10.00am - Overview of the day and introduction to the principals of vinyasa yoga including a Yoga Trance Dance warm-up sequence
• 11.00am - Break - Refreshments included
• 11.15am - 12.45pm - Vinyasa Yoga session to music using mantra and breath awareness exercises followed by group Kirtan singing
• 1.00pm - Lunch - all refreshments and lunch are included in the price. Lunch can be taken on the terrace in fine weather and there's also time to visit the atelier (artist's studios) and gardens
• 2.00pm - Presentation on use of sound (mantra, kirtan, music etc.) and movement (asana, dancing etc.) within Yoga. Short vinyasa yoga routine to music which can be used for home-practice. Pranyama breathing exercises using mantra.
• 3.45pm - Break - Refreshments included
• 4.15pm - 5.00pm - Group Kirtan chanting for relaxation followed by an uplifting mantra meditation 

To book a place for yourself and friends, visit the Burton Manor website or call 0151 336 5172