Ashtanga, Pranayama and Shamanism

This course will take you on a discovery of your inner and outer self through the eightfold path of ashtanga yoga, with the support of five traditional Mysore morning classes, one guided class, three afternoon classes with a deeper exploration of the physical practice, as well as philosophy, pranayama in the tradition of Kaivalyadhamma and elements of Shamanic traditions. 

All levels are welcome and everyone will be met at their own needs. All students will be given a personal pranayama practice at the end of the week.

It will be an exciting and inspiring week full of yoga!

Retreat schedule

The mornings will open with classical Kriya yoga practices, also referred to as purification techniques, followed by a silent sitting meditation. Cultivating stillness allows to connect with inner peace, which gives us the opportunity to reconnect with our inner creativity and life force – the source of endless possibilities. 

This will be followed by Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style classes, where students will receive individual guidance and adjustments from Maria. Those new to the practice will be introduced to Mysore Style Self Practice, whilst experienced practitioners will continue to  develop their personal practice. One led class, focused on specific aspects of the practice, will be offered during the week. 

Afternoons will be dedicated to the eight limbs of yoga with focus on the Philosophy and Practice of Traditional Pranayamas and Kriyas. Shamanic healing work will seal the afternoon classes. 

Pranayama & Philosophy

Maria will share reflections and insights from almost forty years of dedicated studies with teachers from all over the world, including her own practice of yoga, yoga philosophy and classical Pranayamas in the lineage of Kaivalyadham .

Shamanic healing

A soft and light introduction to the Shamanic healing work will be part of the afternoons in the form of meditation and ceremonies.

Teacher

Maria Boox has practiced and taught yoga for almost forty years. She is considered to be the pioneer of yoga in Sweden, as she opened one of the first shalas. Yogashala Stockholm was Marias home for ten years and many of the teachers in Stockholm and Sweden have studied and learned under her guidance. Today Maria is a travelling teacher, teaching and sharing yoga independently worldwide.

Maria is a student of her beloved Guruji, Pattabhi Jois, who she studied with for thirteen years. She has been authorised to teach both by Guruji and Sharat, and holds today a Level II authorisation. Maria is well established in the ashtanga Yoga tradition and continues her studies in the lineage of Guruji, Sharat and other teachers. She is also certified by BKS Iyengar and has been certified to teach pranayama by Shri O.P Tiwariji. Additionally she has, during many years,  studied philosophy with Ramesh Balsekar. Maria is also studying Shamanic traditions, and her teaching is highly inspired by a holistic way of looking at life. 

Her understanding of  pranayama and Patanjalis yoga sutra provides a depth to Marias teaching, and have also became an integral part of her own personal way of living. In addition she has a deep understanding of the ayurvedic traditions. Maria teaches both Led classes and Mysore -style ashtanga in the tradition of Shri K Pattabhi Jois. Marias warm, carrying personality combined with the knowledge she has gathered the past forty years brings forth a very personal and unique way of sharing yoga with her students. 

Practical details about the retreat center

Currently the internet at the retreat is not reliable. If you are dependent on internet for work, we ask you to bring your own data on your phone, to which you can connect your laptop, if needed. Phones work very well. There is also a cafe 10 minutes from the retreat with good internet, however, it is a busy cafe and not very suitable for work. 

Cristoforo, our retreat centre is a very simple yet beautiful place, built by an architect named Denis Devaris, who had an intention to create a meeting point for Spiritual seekers. Built slowly over 30 years using volcanic rocks from the island, the rooms are all unique with their own distinct personalities featuring beautiful details and personal touches. Given the nature of these types of buildings, imperfection is to be expected with a plumbing system not quite up to modern standards! However, set right into the land with a wonderfully lush garden, Cristoforo really is an oasis in South Tenerife. When packing for your retreat, make sure you add warmer clothes. From December till March the mornings and evenings can be quite chilly. The rooms are not heated, but are equipped with cozy duvets and hot water bottles for the beds. All rooms are equipped with a water kettle.

The closest beach is 20 min by walk from Cristoforo in Callo Salvaje. We now have a free shuttle bus service to the closest beaches.

The meals
The food served at the retreat will be mainly vegan and completely vegetarian, prepared freshly everyday by our wonderful retreat chefs. We try were possible to use local and organic products. We sometimes use eggs or dairy in the kitchen. If you have food allergies/sensitivities, please let us know. Gluten free options are available. We have a self service tea & coffee station for guest use and try to provide fruit for snacking during the day.
You have the option to enjoy your food either inside or outside in the beautiful garden.

The practice
Maximum number of students is 25.
Morning classes will be taught with maximum 16 students in each class.

Practice will take place inside the beautiful wooden garden Shala. Savasana is usually taken outside to make space in the Shala, especially during full retreats and occasionally afternoon workshops will take place outside. Make sure you pack warm practice clothes for Savasana.

Arrival day and check out. 
The rooms are available after 3pm. The retreat starts with an introduction meeting at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6.30pm. All students should aim to arrive for the introduction meeting. The first practice is on Sunday morning and the last practice is on Friday in the morning. The check out is on Saturday at 9am. 

Premium rooms
The premium rooms are the largest rooms at the retreat. These rooms have attached indoor bathrooms.
Shared: 1250 GBP
Single: 1550 GBP

Standard
The standard rooms are smaller than the premium rooms. These rooms have attached, indoor bathrooms.
Shared: 1050 GBP
Single: 1350 GBP

Budget
The budget rooms are the smallest rooms at the retreat. Some of the rooms share bathrooms, a few of them are outdoors bathrooms. In a few of the rooms there may have disturbance from the road.
Shared: 900 GBP
Single: 1200 GBP

Dormitory ( 3 persons sharing)
The dormitory is a spacious room for 3 persons. It has an attached bathroom. 
Shared 780 GBP

The accomodation price is all-inclusive (includes accommodation, all meals and yoga). There is an option to pay a deposit of 50% of the full amount to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable and the balance must be paid at least 4 weeks prior to the start date.

Please note that we have a limited amount of single rooms for this retreat. Before booking a single room confirm availability with us on info@yogagoa.com.

To book this retreat, follow the link below and complete the form to make your payment. 

Book this retreat

To book this retreat, complete the form on our Make A Payment page