SIVANANDA YOGA RETREAT HOUSE - Sivananda Yoga Firenze

Page 6 · Yoga Activities and Important Info
Yoga Activities and Important Info · Page 7
Meditation
The morning and evening meditation sessions are the most peaceful hours at the Retreat House. The practical guidance for positive
thinking and mental relaxation combined with concentration exercises gradually lead to inner peace. The chanting of Sanskrit
mantras (healing and energising sound sequences) deepens the experience of peace. A reading from yoga texts gives inspiring
insights into yoga philosophy and psychology.
Silent walks
The guided silent walks at the Retreat House offer moments to treasure – the gentle rising and setting of the sun, the various
phases of the moon, the hidden beauties of the valley, the panoramic view of the Wilder Kaiser and Hohe Tauern mountains,
the songs of many bird species, the variety of trees, bushes and medicinal plants along the foot-path. The breath deepens,
body and mind relax, the flexibility of the joints increases, the senses regenerate and expand and the mind rediscovers natural
contentment and peace.
Vedanta
The Vedas are humanity’s most ancient writings and are the philosophical foundation of the yoga teachings. Vedanta explains
how man can reunite with the immutable reality of the Soul. In this experience of deep inner peace, there is no longer any
distinction between body and mind and the restless search for love, success and happiness finds its end.
The vegetarian diet
Light, nutritious and freshly prepared meals are an integral part of the yoga vacation.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres draw on more than 50 years’ experience of teaching in the East and West. Step-by-step
menu plans help lead you to a more balanced nutrient intake, increased vitality and better digestion. Meals are served buffetstyle
and are made from fresh, organic ingredients using only pure oils. During your stay you will enjoy a variety of whole grains,
carefully cooked vegetables, a nice variety of side salads, expertly prepared pulses, dairy products from the best organic dairy
farms in Tyrol, home-made bread, jams and stewed fruits as well as imaginative desserts. In the cooking courses you’ll learn to
choose the right food combinations and quantities based on your body type.
Learn how to cook
In regular cooking workshops you can learn vegetarian alternatives for promoting physical and mental well-being: a variety of
recipes for busy people, energy-giving breakfast ideas and light dinners. You’ll learn how to make healthy, fresh and energising
meals at home in no time. There is no additional lecture or workshop on days with a cooking class.
Reith near Kitzbühel
lmagine an expansive valley teeming with natural beauty in the heart of the Tyrolean Alps – fresh air, pure water, green meadows,
the sound of cowbells, quiet woods, medicinal plants, scenic footpaths, sparkling brooks and pristine lakes.
The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Retreat House is nestled on a sunny hillside overlooking the village of Reith amidst the picturesque
Alpine countryside. Kitzbühel, the legendary Alpine sports resort, is just four kilometres away. The historic town has
undergone a transformation in the last hundred years, becoming one of the most famous winter sports resorts in the world.
The Sivananda Yoga Retreat House
We welcome you to the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House, built in the traditional Tyrolean style and lovingly maintained. Our staff
at the reception desk will be pleased to advise you on yoga programmes and leisure opportunities. You’ll find a wide selection of
English-language books in the yoga shop, fine classical and meditative music CDs and specially selected yoga accessories (see p. 64).
The adjoining yoga room is a quiet place at the Retreat House. It is used for meditation, yoga practice as well as one-to-one talks
with the yoga instructors concerning your practice both here and at home.
The large wooden terrace in front of the Retreat House invites you to rest and enjoy the enchanting Alpine scenery. You’ll find
herbal tea here during the day, and also a small snack at weekends and during special programmes.
There is free wireless Internet access during the day on the terrace and in the reception area. A PC for guests is available in
the entrance area.
“An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory.”
Swami Sivananda
A day at the Sivananda Yoga Retreat House
Morning: Begin the day at 6am in the deep peace of morning meditation. Find inspiration in the mantra
chanting and spiritual reading. At 8am the first yoga class awaits you with energising yoga poses and
breathing exercises. Then enjoy the delicious vegetarian brunch at 10am with friendly guests from
around the world.
Afterwards, there is time for the sauna, a massage, a walk along one of the hiking trails, or just sit
back and read a book on the sunny terrace. Maybe you’d like to help out a little in the Retreat House, or
perhaps talk with one of the senior yoga instructors.
Afternoon: At 2pm, take part in a workshop or attend a lecture.
The second yoga class begins at 4pm. Feel your body becoming more flexible, your breath calmer and
your mind clearer. At 6pm the nutritious vegetarian dinner awaits you.
Evening: Round off the day at 7.30pm with a silent evening meditation and mantra chanting followed
by an interesting lecture, guest speaker or cultural programme. Afterwards, you might like to drink some
herbal tea before bedtime, or take a short walk on the Retreat House hilltop before retiring to bed.
Programmes are subject to change. The Retreat House is a vegetarian, non-smoking and alcohol-free environment.
To gain the greatest benefit from your yoga stay it is necessary to participate in all activities. Participation in the afternoon
lecture/workshop is optional.