Restorative Yoga Module: August 4th - 11th Ananda Cottages, Ubud Bali 2024

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The Idea of Rest in a Restorative Practice & its Reverberation in Life:

We live in modern times where much of what we do seems in need to be rushed: from waking up until the end of the day, the use of digital stimulation and information overload, we are in a ‘non-stop involvement’ with the world. Many of us pack our day with more duties and higher efficiencies than is perhaps wholesome. There are now many workshops on how to become ‘more productive’ or how to do ‘more in less time’… Finding time to pause amidst this chaos has become extremely valuable.

In my opinion, a healthy human being has both sides in his/her life: moments of being fully engaged with the world, but also moments of rest, stillness, silence and contemplation. I feel that we need to cultivate the latter a little more.

Some practices of Yoga are said to emphasize precisely this state of inner quietude.

Restorative Yoga helps to gently open and release certain areas in our bodies. The nervous system begins to calm down, which results in a relaxed physical and mental state, allowing us to replenish and restore. We begin to approach and interact with the world with a more grounded body and a clearer mind.

Details of the Course

The course is both for Yoga teachers wishing to add this particular skill to their teaching and for those looking to enjoy a week of immersion into the slow rhythms of Yoga.

This is a course registered with Continuing Education Yoga Alliance -YACEP- for 50hrs.

35hrs are solely dedicated to Restorative Yoga. The module will allow those who already hold a Yoga teaching degree to add hours of study to their experience and teaching credentials.

15hrs additional hours are for the practice of Hatha Yoga, Pranayama and meditation with a qualified teacher in the lineage of Emil Wendel.

Daily Rhythm

The early mornings are dedicated to the traditional elements of Yoga: Pranayama and meditation, followed by a dynamic, invigorating Hatha Yoga session. In the late mornings and afternoons we will look in depth into the Restorative practice. This combination would be providing the balance between states of vitality and the stillness that I speak of above.

These two aspects of our day also make this week be both a yoga retreat and a restorative yoga training.

We will be exploring several Yogic breathing techniques that, beyond their physical benefits, further the possibility of a state of stillness and meditation.

During the last days of our course, I will give a session where we will discuss the differences between these Pranayama, the benefits and counter-indications so that all participants can build a home practice. Please note this is not a certification for teaching Pranayama as teaching Pranayama requires steady years of practice under the guidance of a teacher, and we take this seriously. Of course – for those who have been previously studying with either Emil or me – the course builds experience towards becoming a Pranayama teacher in the future.

Tentative Daily Schedule

06:00 – 07:00 Pranayama & Dhyana
07:00 – 07:30 Chai in silence
07:30 – 09:15 Asana with Anouk
09:15 – 10:30 Breakfast
10:30 – 12:30 Restorative Postures
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 15:30 Resting Time
15:30 – 18:30 Restorative Postures
18:30 – 19:30 Dinner

* Due to our class presentations, schedule may vary on day 5th, 6th and 7th of our retreat.

* During our week we will also hold two evening meditation sessions.

This Restorative Module Covers:

A look in depth at Restorative Yoga postures
The methodical use of props and prop options
The benefits and counter-indications of the Restorative Yoga postures
Modifications and options suitable to individual needs
Skills and understanding on how to guide a Restorative Yoga class. Further emphasis will be placed on verbal skills: the art of teaching
Observation skills: learning to look at each individual body and its needs
Basic understanding of the nervous system connected to Yoga in conjunction with the breath
How to bring about a state of presence and relaxation in the restorative class
How to sequence a class and possibly combine restorative Yoga with light movements of the body
How to give gentle adjustments: the art of touch

At the end of the course, the participants will each have a great opportunity to individually present a 45 min. long class and receive feedback from an experienced teacher trainer.

Note: In my understanding, here is a difference between Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga. This is a Restorative Yoga course.

Testimonials

I’ve had the pleasure of completing Anouk’s authentic restorative module and can say it was a beautiful and enlightening. Anouk’s teaching style was considered, informative, engaging and gentle which made learning wonderful experience. Her extensive knowledge of yoga combined with years of experience enabled my practice and understanding of yoga to grow exponentially. Her teachings of restorative yoga combined with a wonderful asana practice and pranayama techniques have stayed with me through the years for which I am truly grateful. As someone who focuses on healing, this restorative module allowed me to expand my practice with a gentle awareness, much needed in todays society. I cannot recommend this course enough as it not only enhances your teaching skills but incorporates Anouk’s gentle grace. I have personally experienced and witnessed the affects of restorative yoga and feel grateful for Anouk’s rich teachings not only in practice and theory but also philosophically.

The depth, integrity and clarity of Anouk’s teaching during her restorative yoga training impacted me and my teaching style greatly. The experienced softness, stillness and silence during the training transformed my approach, enabling me to confidently and tenderly guide restorative classes with powerful and regulatory impact for my students. Anouk’s embodied grace and decades of devoted study made learning from her both inspirational and highly effective. For all teachers seeking traditional teachings I cannot recommend this training enough. The benefits of this time continue to ripple through me and into the world around me.

Thank you, for being an inspirational and authentic yoga and meditation teacher. This course was one of the most formative time on my yoga path. Since I experienced one of your restorative lead classes in Bali I was pretty much sure whenever you might offer a course in restorative yoga, I will participate in it. I appreciate the detailed approaches and introductions on yoga philosophy, meditation, and pranayama, rounded off with daily fresh ayurvedic food. The course and time together was an added value for self-reflection and inner reflection. What I gained from the course and your passionate sharing of restorative yoga, was more than I ever could imagine.

Anouk, it was such a wonderful training this February and I was lucky to be one of the 8 students there to experience your warmth, light, and amazing teaching skills. Really helped me take my teaching to another level, and the week in itself was divinely restorative !!

What a beautiful training, with a fabulous group of ladies! This was easily one of the loveliest learning experiences of my life and such a wonderful gift to give to yourself. I look forward to attending Anouk’s next retreats or teacher trainings. Satsanga Retreat was a great choice as a venue with lovely atmosphere and food that was almost too delicious. Thank you, Anouk!

The Venue: Ananda Cottages, Ubud

This training will take place in the Ananda Cottages in Ubud. It is an attractive place designed in the Balinese style, yet not overly luxurious and the accommodation is comfortable.

I have been teaching at this venue since 2012 and the Yoga studio view towards the rice fields and mountains is my favorite in Bali.

Arrival / Departure

We start with a welcome circle on Sunday 4th of August at 17:00, followed by dinner.

The retreat finishes on Sunday 11th of August after brunch around midday.

Please make sure to stay until the end of the course.

Requirements

Participants need to have a minimum of 2 years of previous practice of physical Yoga.

The Cost

The cost is €875 which includes twin shared accommodation at Ananda, teaching fees, manual, props and breakfast and lunch. Single accommodation is also possible, please inquire for the rate.

Having gained experience teaching at over thirty teacher trainings during the last twelve years, for this module, I would like to keep the number of participants small: I take a maximum of 10 participants.

Registration for participants closes on May 15th 2024.

For bookings please email: anouk@anoukaoun.com