The intention behind this yoga retreat is to nurture and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul through restorative reiki yoga, yoga nidra and healing foods as medicine (ahara chikitsa). Throughout the day there will be nature connection and learning about the ancient seasonal wisdom of ayurveda...
Ayurveda is one of the oldest traditional medical systems known to the world today. Original texts date back to beyond the 6th Century BC, and before that Ayurveda was an orally transmitted tradition - some claim it has existed for almost 10,000 years! Ayurveda can be translated as "Ayus" - Life & "Veda" - Science. Ayurveda is known as the Science of Life, or more fittingly, Science FOR Life. This ancient science teaches us to move in harmony with the season and autumn is known to be vata-pacifying season!
September 28th - FULL | November 16th- FULL | December 7th - Open for Registration!
Join us on Saturday December 7th ~ 10 person maximum {please read our cancellation policy} Would you like to join us for a day of nature, learning, nourishing yourself and lakeside yoga bliss?
The wisdom of Ayurveda teaches us to pacify Vata Dosha in the fall. Considering that most Ayurvedic practitioners agree that 90% of the cases they see in North America have some form of elevated vata, it's safe to say that as a society, we need to learn to pacify this "dosha".
Vata, meaning wind, or 'to move' is the energy of movement residing in us and the universe. Vata is made up of the elements of Air (Vayu) & Space (Akasha), causing Vata to impart the qualities of Lightness, Dryness and Coolness. When Vata is balanced in a being, this person brings freshness, light-heartedness, flexibility, creativity and an uplifted energy to life. But when Vata goes out of balance through overstimulation of the senses, too much mind activity, trauma or a way of being that is simply out of sync with the natural rhythms of the world, this person can become overcome with internal and outer agitation, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, shakiness, irregular digestion or constipation, intestinal cramping, muscle spasms, dry skin, spaciness, forgetfulness, painful menstruation, fatigue and insomnia.
Through the application of Vata-pacifying Ayurvedic techniques, treatments, routines and medicine, Vata can be coaxed back into balance and maintained. This entire day will focus on ways to balance and maintain vata dosha throughout the autumn season!
After a summer of sensory-overload and compromising food choices, this traditional Ayurvedic healing & cleansing dish called kitchari will help the body release, relax & restore.
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This mung bean, rice and vegetable dish has been revered for thousands of years for its detoxifying and healing properties.
It cleanses the system of ama (built-up toxic waste) and allows the body to focus its energy away from digestion and onto healing and repairing.
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If you've got heightened "vata dosha" then you may be experiencing some anxiety, insomnia, feeling overwhelmed, feeling cold, and perhaps dryness. If so, abhyanga is going to be your most beloved friend this Autumn, as the wind and space of the air & ether elements predominate.
Abhyanaga is the practice of daily self-massage with medicated oils appropriate for one’s own constitution/dosha. Abhyanga not only feels like a warm, loving blanket, but it also draws out toxins, soothes and calms stress, anxiety, insomnia. It protects & nourishes the skin (your largest organ!)
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Ally & Lisa are teaming up to offer the most restorative, healing experience we could think of. Restorative Yoga + Yoga Nidra + Aromatherapy + Reiki Healing Touch = Bliss for Your Brain + the Whole Nervous System.
There's no other way to describe this experience than magical. Prepare to feel clear, cleansed, peaceful and so relaxed and restored.
This class is the perfect antidote to stress, "busy-ness" and the fast-paced, achievement-oriented society and vata aggravating that we all live in! Prepare to feel completely relaxed, restored and renewed.
Restorative Aerial Yoga is a deeply healing, low to the ground, suspension practice in an aerial hammock. With the intention to restore and relax your nervous system, experience a deep pelvic release, decompression of the spine and lower back relief.
Restorative Aerial Yoga offers a safe haven for letting go.
A restorative yoga sequence involves only 5-8 poses that are experienced for 5-10 minutes each, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. With as little effort as possible, the bolsters, blocks, blankets, and pillows support you in light twists, seated forward folds, gentle backbends and more.
Yoga Nidra (as a technique of pratyahara meditation) not only provides relaxation to the body and mind but also has a number of benefits. Literally, nidra means ‘sleep’ but refers to a type of ‘sleep’ with full awareness that is internalized. Within the practice, the body sleeps but the mind remains awake listening to the instructions. The state achieved is often a state between sleep and wakefulness.
Yoga Nidra is a systematic method of complete relaxation, holistically addressing our physiological, neurological, and subconscious needs. By quieting the overactive conscious mind, then moving into a meditative state, gradually finding a state of “pure consciousness” in which the brain waves slow down. The practitioner emerges feeling resting and rejuvenated.
Take a few moments to enjoy the crisp air, the colours, the secluded bay in which Sarovara Yoga space resides.
"Look deep into nature. You will understand everything better."
"those that find beauty in all of nature will find themselves at one with the secrets of life itself."
At Sarovara Yoga, our specialty is Women's Yoga Retreats. This is our dharma. These experiences will allow you the space to nurture yourself in the most restorative way. You’ll take home new tools that will not only support your own self-care practices, but will help you to support and serve your family, your community, and beyond.
The intention behind this yoga retreats is to nurture and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul through restorative reiki yoga, yoga nidra and healing foods as medicine.
The day will start off at 10:00am with a restorative reiki yoga practice (plus pranayama & yoga nidra meditation) over-looking our secluded bay on Pigeon Lake. We will have a spacious, nourishing, clean, plant-based meal together in the afternoon beside the lake. Then a self care workshop will give you tools for health and wellbeing to support your body, mind & spirit. We will be taking some time to reflect, integrate and spend time in nature. The day will end with a Restorative Aerial Yoga Practice.
Lisa and Ally are so excited to offer this wonderful healing experience together. Our meal time will include another opportunity to deepen knowledge and skillfully cultivating health and sustainability. Discover the benefits of a plant-based diet and how it can encourage a thriving, intentional, and energized lifestyle. Ally & Lisa will make us a healthy and wholesome vegan Ayurvedic lunch and you will feel nourished by delicious, fresh and flourishing plant-based food!
The afternoon sadhana (practice) will begin at 10:00am so please arrive around 9:50am to settle into savasana in the space. Mealtime will be around 12:30pm and the day will end at 5:00pm
$98+hst/person for the day (meal included). Please register well in advance as space is limited to 10 people.
Founder of Sarovara Yoga
Ally is dedicated to inspiring depth, creativity, and joy by sharing the most potent tools from a variety of yogic traditions. She brings an openhearted, inclusive view to her teachings, which are a rich blend of Kripalu Yoga along with Classical Hatha Tantra, Yoga Psychology, Yoga Nidra, Integrative Restoration & Amrita Living Yoga.
Founder of Fenelon Yoga
Lisa takes wonderful care of her students with loving reiki touch and gentle guidance through the postures. She has a wonderful way of guiding that is accessible to all body types, ages and abilities. Lisa has a warmth about her that is so comforting and welcoming. She loves yoga and her passion and enthusiasm shines through in each class that she leads.
September 28th - FULL | November 16th- FULL | December 7th - Open for Registration!
Join us on Saturday December 7th ~ 10 person maximum {please read our cancellation policy} Would you like to join us for a day of nature, learning, nourishing yourself and lakeside yoga bliss?