Change Your Mind through yoga and meditation practice in Bhutan’s peaceful Paro valley

Transformation occurs only when we accept ourselves exactly as we are now, without waiting to be transformed into something better in the future.  Inspired by the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Bhutan, we will explore how training the mind to be present is not a chore or something that requires superhuman discipline:  it is simply to appreciate what is right in front of us.  Yoga can serve as a tool to stabilize meditation practice, which helps us to develop this capacity to be fully present.

During these retreats, we will explore how the asana practice of Ashtanga yoga can serve as a tool to develop and stabilize meditation practice.  Using the foundation techniques of shamatha sitting meditation, we will apply them to the asana practice of Ashtanga.  In this way we will develop awareness in both the traditional seated meditation posture, in yoga postures as well as during movement.  This approach provides the link to expand your practice and root it in your daily life so that eventually there becomes no distinction between “practice” and “post-practice.”  Eventually every moment becomes an opportunity to return to lightness and stability in the body and to the spacious bright clarity of mind.

Retreats will be held at the beautiful, Bhutanese owned  Zhiwa Ling Hotel.  Our studio looks up to a breathtaking vista of cliffs where the famous Tiger’s Nest cave is located.

Daily program includes yoga and meditation sessions, outings to culturally and spiritually significant landmarks in Bhutan, as well as meals and spa treatments. Mornings will be reserved for more invigorating yoga practice, while evening practice will consist of restorative poses and sitting meditation.  During the day, various excursions to local cultural and religious sites will be arranged.

Check here for program details. Or read a bit more about Bhutan in the blog.