Relight Your Fire

Relight Your Fire

Adam talks quite freely about the history as well as the modern inception and influences upon the practice of Ashtanga. While appreciating the tradition based on his own years spent in Mysore, he is convinced that the practice needs to be made to work for individuals and not vice versa.

It must make life easier, more comfortable, not harder! There is a way to practice that’s equally dynamic and effective for progress yet safe, gentle, effective, and suited to the uniqueness of each body.  Adam’s retreat will show you how to incorporate these principles in this unique setting.

You can expect:

• A friendly and inclusive group with a range of ages and abilities.
• To make new discoveries in your practice
• Delicious and nutritious meals.
• Lots of laughs.
• To be surprised by the astounding healing nature of this area of Tenerife.
• To make new friends and engage with a support group.
• To return with renewed enthusiasm and energy for your practice.

This retreat is open for all levels of practitioners – from beginners to advanced.

Retreat schedule

7am-9.30am: Mysore Classes (6 days)

Adam teaches traditionally as he learnt Ashtanga yoga in Mysore. He sees Ashtanga yoga as he experienced it, defined by subtle, inner techniques and not the literal and rigid interpretation of the sequences.

All practitioners will be approached individually so that the system is made to work for you instead of you for the system. This means a gentler and more holistic approach to physical assistance (if you want that).

In addition, there will be options around sequences which are viewed as an ideal or blueprint. Adam’s approach also means an honest discussion around injuries and how to work with them in the practice so that they do heal.

All are welcome to the Mysore class; Adam is happy if you need practice sheets, or he or Theresa will show you the postures. This is a great way to begin an Ashtanga practice, for it's only natural in the self-practice scenario that a person may start to grasp the power of their experience of breath and deeper embodiment in a way that feels right for them.

Afternoon Workshops: 4.00 to 5.30 p.m.

Sunday: Fundamentals of An Effective Practice 
The building blocks of the work in asana are deeper than just making shapes. Using asanas from the primary series Adam will show how you can move forward in the series effectively and safely. We will discuss using active as opposed to passive stretches and how to best work with them using right tension to set up with forces structured within the body.

Monday: Technique Session 2
Based on the group Adam will share techniques which enable all to work where they are to progress safely and effectively.

Tuesday: Technique Session 3
Based on the group Adam will share techniques which enable all to work where they are to progress safely and effectively.

Thursday:  The Meaning of Tradition
A run-through of the modern history of asana and the more recent tradition of Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga yoga. Just because what we are practising may be younger than we think, it does not render it less valid. Rather, it allows us to see what we want to keep as effective, and what was political, cultural, or circumstantial that is now confusing or surfeit to purpose.

Friday: Open Q and A (recorded)
An open discussion on the workshops and anything else that’s on your mind.  A hugely enjoyable finale where Adam always talks honestly about his own background, experiences in practice, and what his practice has evolved to as well as giving his ideas (and often further resource tips), on all the questions you bring to the table.

Adam’s retreat in 2023 sold out so if you are interested in joining this one it is recommended to book early to avoid disappointment.

Teacher 

Adam has taught Ashtanga yoga for almost 25 years. Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.

Adam is one of a few students who completed the Advanced A series in Mysore with Sharathji and received Level 2 Authorisation in 2012. However, he is equally at home teaching all levels and gives all students the same attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like an exam.

Instead, it is his firm belief that the practice can remain traditional and be suited to the demands and needs of each body without contradiction. This means that everyone will be considered on their terms as they need as opposed to being fitted into a generalised template.

Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga from their current home in Bali. He hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast & YouTube channel, interviewing many of the world's most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.

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. 

Finca Naranjas (former 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.

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
Currently available: Venus, Casa Blanca

Single:  1550 GBP
Currently available: Danae 1,  La Granja, Palmera

Standard
The standard rooms are smaller than the premium rooms. These rooms have attached, indoor bathrooms.
Shared: 1050 GBP
Currently available: Ficus, 5 Peldanos

Single: 1350 GBP
Currently available: Sold Out!

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
Currently available: Consulta 1, Fuente 2, Peregrino, Pino de Oro, Bella Dormiente

Single: 1200 GBP
Currently available: Consulta 2, Fuente 1

Dormitory ( 3 persons sharing)
The dormitory is a spacious room for 3 persons. It has an attached bathroom. 
Shared: 780 GBP
Currently available: Danae 2 ( 2 spaces available )

The accommodation 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.

Please use the below link to book your spot for the retreat!

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