Where: Umbria, Italy
When: Oct 1 - Oct 8, 2011
Treat yourself to an unforgettable retreat in enchanting Umbria, Italy with Amy and Douglas. Indulge your senses, revitalize your spirit, inspire and be inspired!
Find yourself in a beautifully restored 12th Century stone villa, Locanda de Gallo, nestled on a dramatic precipice in the midst of Umbria’s awe-inspiring hills. A stunning veranda wraps around the house and a spiritual calm emanates from the grounds, infused with the great spirit of St. Francis of Asissi.
Simple but elegant, Locanda de Gallo is a celebration of cultural juxtaposition. Artfully decorated with treasures from around the world, the villa features charming, comfortable rooms with plush bedding, fully appointed bathrooms, and gorgeous views of the Tiberina Valley. Just a short walk down the hill is the serene yoga studio, featuring oak floors, huge windows and ample natural light.
As night falls upon us, we will bask in spectacular sunsets as Chef Jimmy prepares an intriguing mix of gourmet Italian and Sri Lankan cuisine from organic, locally grown aromatic herbs, vegetables and rich cold-pressed olive oil. Dietary desires are well accommodated.
The schedule is designed to maximize your Umbrian experience. Each day includes dynamic morning yoga classes with Amy, appropriate for all levels that will deepen your understanding of Anusara Yoga principles, philosophy, pranayama and meditation. In the afternoon, you will seep in the teachings of Douglas (see details on the topic below!).
Once you step off the yoga mat, you are free to explore nearby hill towns, hike the numerous valley trails, indulge in a massage, take a dip in the new chlorine free hot tub and infinity pool, or wander the ripe fig and olive orchards on the grounds. There is always the option of simply relaxing on a lawn chair while the faint scent of rosemary teases your senses and the Italian sun bathes your soul. For the shopper in you, Umbria produces some of Italy’s most cherished treasures: artisanal chocolate, fine wine, balsamic vinegar, rich cold-pressed olive oil, truffles, and the like. Local artisan’s studios feature hand woven cashmere and traditional Italian ceramics made with non-toxic paints.
In 2011, we celebrate our 9th year retreating to Locanda de Gallo. Our hosts, Paola and Irish delight in welcoming us to their home each year and overwhelming us with charming Italian hospitality while striving to fulfill our every whim. This retreat always attracts the most amazing beings, like YOU!
Take this opportunity to breathe in an experience that will stir your spirit and create memories you will cherish for a lifetime!
She is the Great Light that appears in the darkest recesses of our being. She is the most elemental powers of hope and love and yet She is called Never Without Time, Death, or Fear. She leads to the most elemental and primordial pathways of the heart; She follows the most challenging and compelling avenues of thought and feeling; She cries out in the voices of primal recognition and passion. The twelve processions or dvadasakalikrama is a great Tantric teaching that invites us to sublime and deeply empowering understandings of ourselves, nature, and our connection to life and death.
Over this week we will explore Kali’s mythic vision and symbolic narratives, learn the 12-fold forms and Her mantras, mudras, and meditations. She chooses to map these onto our bodies and into minds, and we will learn to sing and experience inwardly the mantras that create Her subtle manifestation within us. This is a rich, beautiful, compelling, and heartfelt teaching that draws upon ancient primary sources of Kashmir Shaivism and Shakta Tantrism woven in the penetrating wisdom of the Auspicious Wisdom lineage of Rajanaka Yoga and brought into the relevance and reflection of our contemporary lives.
Investment:
$3490 Single Occupancy
$2490 Double Occupancy
$750 Deposit Required
All prices include accommodations, meals, and yoga instructions. Transportation to and from the retreat is separate.
Download the Italy Travel Packet for more info!
