Join David Robson and Jelena Vesić for an inspiring and transformative week of Ashtanga Yoga at beautiful Yoga in Salento, Italy.
7-DAY ASHTANGA RETREAT
WITH DAVID & JELENA
1-8 October, 2022
Description of the retreat
Pap mopMornings will begin with a traditional Mysore-style practice. David & Jelena lead one of the world’s largest Mysore programs at Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, and now you will get to experience their teaching in an intimate setting.
After practice, some days will offer workshops in the technique and philosophy of Ashtanga.
Dive deeper into specific aspects of the Ashtanga Sadhana and learn invaluable tips to deepen your own practice.
Some days after practice are free, so that you have time to explore incredible Puglia, the heel of Italy’s “boot.” This region is known for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline.
And after a full day of practicing and exploring, you get to come back to the retreat for delicious vegetarian food and good company. Next day you get to do it all again!
SCHEDULE:
SATURDAY, OCT 1
- 8:00pm: Welcome & Intro Talk
SUNDAY, OCT 2
- 7:00am-9:00am: Mysore
- 11:00am-1:00pm: The Secret Teachings of Vinyasa
Vinyasa means moving/breathing system, and the vinyasa system provides the defining structure for the Ashtanga practice. Vinyasa is not only a tool for linking postures, but also a powerful meditation technique that, with each practice, helps us to embody Yoga.
MONDAY, OCT 3
- 7:00am-9:00am: Mysore
- 11:00am-1:00pm: Knees, Hips and forward Bends
Ashtanga’s Primary Series is full of forward folds and knees bends. Correct technique and alignment is important in order to avoid injuring the hamstrings, lower back, or knees. This workshop will explore the different aspects of the Primary Series forward bends with the goal of going deeper into asanas while keeping the body safe.
TUESDAY, OCT 4
- 7:00am-9:00am: Mysore
WEDNESDAY, OCT 5
- 7:00am-9:00am: Mysore
11:00am-1:00pm: Jump Back & Jump Through
Jump Backs and Jump Through are the transitional movements that link Ashtanga’s sitting poses together. These vinyasas provide a bridge to carry our focus between asansas, and also build a purifying heat in the body that is said to boil the blood. This workshop will go over the actions and movements of the jump-back and jump-through in close detail, and provide invaluable instruction useful for all levels of practitioners.
THURSDAY, OCT 6
- 7:00am-9:00am: Mysore
- 11:00am-1:00pm: Pain-Free Backbends
Backbends don’t have to hurt. This workshop will explore the basic alignment and actions of Ashtanga’s Primary & Intermediate Series backbends. By learning correct technique for the poses, take the pain out of backbending and allow your body to safely go deeper into the postures. This workshop is open to practitioners of all levels.
FRIDAY, OCT 7
- 7:00am-9:00am: Led Primary Series
- 11:00am – 12:00am: Guided Meditation and Pranayama
David will teach simple Pranayama techniques, and Jelena will lead you through a seated breath centered mindfulness meditation.
SATURDAY, OCT 9
- AM departure
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further info
Salento
The YIS retreat centre is located in Zollino, in the heart of the Salento. Twenty minutes from both coasts and from cultural centres such as Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli.
Our yoga retreats are also an opportunity to get together, share good moments, pamper yourself and enjoy the beauty of the Salento in a peaceful environment. Give yourself an energetic recharge through vegan and vegetarian organic food, eco-sustainable tourism and relaxation in our spaces.
Our staff are at your disposal for the entire duration of the retreat to advise you about the must–see places in the Salento, organise excursions, guided tours, gastronomic tours, transfers, rentals and anything else to make your stay enjoyable.
For all information, call +39 0836 600284 or send an email to info@yogainsalento.com.
Book this retreat now
The Location
Our retreats take place at Agricola Samadhi, a unique organic farmhouse because it proposes something more than just recreation.
In this charming oasis, the lifestyle revolves around well being: you can combine your stay with a SPA, Ayurvedic consultations and treatments, and a wide range of massages and more.
You can regain your well being through a variety of top–level yoga classes. There is also a SPA Healing Centre and the HQ of YIS, Yoga In Salento, a European leader in yoga retreats, for years a favourite destination of the best internationally renowned teachers in the world.
An energy recharge and psycho–physical well being will be the most precious gifts of your stay that you’ll take home with you, together with the new friendships you’ve made during the retreat.
BOOK YOUR STAY
7 nights
6 brunches
7 vegetarian dinners
1 breakfast
double, single or shared rooms
A very wide swimming pool and beautiful gardens
Spa Healing Center. Treatments and massages on request
David Robson is a practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, in the tradition of Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC). David is the director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world’s largest Mysore programs outside of India.
David began a daily practice in 1998 while at university studying Comparative Religion. After graduating, David made his first trip to Mysore, India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. Since then he has returned to Mysore annually to deepen and enrich his practice and teaching.
In 2007, David was Authorized to teach Ashtanga and now holds a level 2 authorization.
David has become well-known on social media for his educational and entertaining yes/no tutorials. Through these videos he’s become one of the most recognized and respected Ashtanga Yoga teachers worldwide.
David teaches the morning mysore program at Ashtanga Toronto, and leads workshops and retreats around the world with his wife Jelena.
After four years of doing her PhD (Political Science, York University, Toronto), Jelena decided to walk away and dedicate herself to teaching Ashtanga Yoga full time. She’s been teaching since 2014, and is now leading the evening Mysore program at AYCT. Alongside her husband, David Robson, Jelena teaches workshops and retreats in Toronto and around the world.
Jelena first came to yoga through dance. As a former ballet dancer of 16 years, the structure and rigour of the Ashtanga Yoga practice felt like home. Drawn to the discipline, mindfulness of the movement and emphasis on the breath, Jelena made the Ashtanga practice her sole focus in 2009.
Jelena has maintained a daily Ashtanga practice for over a decade. She’s made two trips to Mysore, India to study with her teacher, Sharath Jois. In addition, Jelena also considers herself to be a student of Jack Kornfield, a Buddhist teacher and clinical psychologist. She’s completed his and Tara Brach’s “The Power of Awareness” course, and is now enrolled in their two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program.
Lastly, Jelena’s true passion lies in promoting rescue and adoption of (street) dogs. You can often find her sharing her love for #adoptdontshop on her IG, and sharing the joys of living with her two fur-babies, Boksoon and Khani, both celebrities in their own right.
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