Shamanism, Evolution, Freedom and Yoga
A retreat with Danny Paradise
16 October to 23 October 2023

Shamanism, Evolution, Freedom and Yoga
Yoga is an ancient exploration of ancestral teachings and is an evolving, visionary path.


Retreat schedule
Danny teaches the Ashtanga Sequences with emphasis on an expanding evolving practice. He shows derivative poses, modifications and variations, Egyptian Root Yoga positions, Elements of Tai Chi and Kung Fu within the structure of the sequences of Ashtanga Yoga. Classes include Pranayama, Asana, and open discussions on topics such as:
- Shamanic and Historical Roots of Yoga and the connection to other ancient cultures: Egyptian, Mayan, North and South American Native, Chinese, Polynesian
- 2. Healing Processes of Yoga, and other Native/Indigenous traditions.
- Spiritual Intelligence and Evolution.
- Personal Responsibility, Personal Authority, Fulfilling Personal Destiny and Yoga
- Medical Intuition: Understanding the processes that create disease and healing and the relationship to Chakras and glandular systems.
- Yogic and Shamanic perspectives on Aging and Transition.
Morning classes are between 2-2.5 hours. Below is an approximate schedule, with subject to change. There will be some evening programs including music and other spontaneous happenings.
Monday 16 October
Arrival to the retreat
6pm Welcome meeting followed by dinner
Tuesday 17 October
10 am to 12.30pm Morning Practice
Asana
A non-dogmatic, playful approach to the exploration of Ashtanga Yoga including an Expanded Standing sequence with derivative routines, Egyptian Elements, modifications, variations, including aspects of Tai Chi and Kung Fu positions and movements related to Yoga practices. Guests can also do their own practice any day within the structure of the class if they want to work on a specific series.
Yoga and Shamanism
Yoga is an ancestral gift to the Human Race from Nature to help reconnect us to the Journey of the Soul. Yoga has connections to all Sacred, Indigenous, Shamanic Spiritual Traditions. Danny begins each class with a short discussion on perspectives of these Shamanic technologies and the Journey of the Soul that lead us to healing, evolutionary consciousness and personal communication to the Spirit without the Intermediary or guru.
4.30 pm Pranayama
An accessible introduction to the complete Pranayma routines of Ashtanga Yoga
Wednesday 18 October
10 am to 12.30pm Morning Practice
Asana
A non-dogmatic, playful approach to the exploration of Ashtanga Yoga including an Expanded Standing sequence with derivative routines, Egyptian Elements, modifications, variations, including aspects of Tai Chi and Kung Fu positions and movements related to Yoga practices. Additionally, Danny will share elements of primary, intermediate and accessible postures of advanced series.
Afternoon off!!
Thursday 19 October
10 am to 12.30pm Morning Practice
Yoga as the science of flexibility, strength, balance, healing, meditation, purification, happiness, aging and transition
Asana
A non-dogmatic, playful approach to the exploration of Ashtanga Yoga including an Expanded Standing sequence with derivative routines, Egyptian Elements, modifications, variations, including aspects of Tai Chi and Kung Fu positions and movements related to Yoga practices. Additionally, Danny will share elements of primary, intermediate and accessible postures of advanced series.
4.30 pm Pranayama: An accessible introduction to the complete Pranayma routines of Ashtanga Yoga
Friday 20 October
10 am to 12.30pm Morning Practice
Asana
There is an option to have a led primary class on Friday or it can be a class as described below:
A non-dogmatic, playful approach to the exploration of Ashtanga Yoga including an Expanded Standing sequence with derivative routines, Egyptian Elements, modifications, variations, including aspects of Tai Chi and Kung Fu positions and movements related to Yoga practices. Additionally, Danny will share elements of primary, intermediate and accessible postures of advanced series.
Afternoon off!
Saturday 21 October
10 am to 12.30pm Morning Practice
Asana
A non-dogmatic, playful approach to the exploration of Ashtanga Yoga including an Expanded Standing sequence with derivative routines, Egyptian Elements, modifications, variations, including aspects of Tai Chi and Kung Fu positions and movements related to Yoga practices. Additionally, Danny will share elements of primary, intermediate and accessible postures of advanced series.
Shamanism and Aging
Chakras: Balancing Life Force/Native American and Yogic/Tibetan perspectives of Chakras, Yoga, Shamanism and Aging, Approaching Transition with Vitality, Clarity and Peace
4.30pm Pranayama -An accessible Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga Pranayama.
Sunday 22 October
10 am to 12.30pm Morning Practice
Asana
Ritualistic, Meditative and Therapeutic exploration of Asanas, Martial Arts Positions from Tai Chi and Kung Fu, Egyptian Yoga with Ashtanga Yoga for all levels. (Extended standing sequence from Ashtanga Yoga and other varied Yoga traditions, variations, derivative poses and modifications. Additionally, Danny will share elements of primary, intermediate and accessible postures of advanced series.
Afternoon off!!
Monday 23 October
9am Breakfast and check out

Teacher
Danny Paradise
Danny has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 1976 and has taught in 42 countries since 1979. He initially studied with David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff, the first Western teachers and adepts of Ashtanga Yoga. In 1978 and 1980 he also studied with the Indian teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in California and Hawaii. Danny was an early advanced practitioner and pioneer who played a seminal role introducing people around the world to Ashtanga Yoga. He was the first Western ‘Traveling Teacher’ Of Ashtanga Yoga and continues each year to introduce his style of the exploration of Yoga to eager yoga aspirants. Danny also has taught some of the world‘s most renowned and talented musicians, actors, sports champions, artists, designers, film directors and dancers.
Danny teaches the Ashtanga Yoga sequences with emphasis on an expanding, evolving practice as well as showing derivative poses, modifications and variations.
Danny draws from the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, Buddhism, ancient Egypt, contemporary teachers such as Carolyne Myss, Alberto Villoldo, as well as many shamanic nature based indigenous native cultures including Mayan, Hawaiian and Native Americans. He communicates the teachings of ancient traditions in a non-dogmatic, contemporary, compassionate, humorous way. Danny shares his insights into healing and freedom in a creative, therapeutic and ritualistic exploration of Yoga.
Danny recognizes Yoga as an ancient Shamanic practice and relates Yoga to all Shamanic, nature based, indigenous explorations from North and South America, Polynesia, Tibet, Africa and Asia. The Yogis and Shamans were the early pioneers of consciousness, healing knowledge, and communication with the spirit realms. The basic premise of Shamanism is that nature is our spiritual guide and teacher. Danny’s main objective is guiding people to evolutionary consciousness as well as to help people develop a healing, sacred, personal, meditative, joyful, non-dogmatic Yoga practice.
Yoga is designed to create well-being, help people fulfill personal destiny and learn to age with vitality, energy and grace. Danny teaches Yoga as a means of creating personal authority, personal responsibility leading to universal responsibility.
Danny also has studied Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Karate. Danny is a musician, singer, songwriter, performance artist, Human Rights Activist, film maker and film producer.
Danny's Music CDs: 'River Of The Soul' & 'Travelers, Magicians and Shamans' available on iTunes.
His DVD is called 'River Of The Soul'
See his animated film and song produced with Matthew Kelly and recorded with Chris Botti and other World Musicians, ‘Love Will Rescue You’
More Videos on YouTube Channel: Danny Paradise
‘Now That The Shamans Have Planes’ with Paul Simon, Edie Brickell and Chris Botti:
‘Ye Rising Stars’ with Dominic Miller:
‘At The Conference Of The Birds’ Dominic Miller and Manose Singh:
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 (previously 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 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.
Mealtimes
8am fruits and Chai
12.30 pm Lunch
6.30 pm Dinner
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.
Accommodation
We have 4 different accommodation options. The list below shows the rooms that are available to book.
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, Casita 1, Casita 2, 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: 6 Peldanos
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: Sold Out!
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.
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