Τhe 'Nature Within' Retreat with Anastasia Biliri
Α Sacred Journey Through the Five Elements
We invite you to our 5-day autumn retreat with Anastasia Biliri, that we will take place at Polas, a beautiful land in front of the sea of Messinian Mani. The retreat will start on Friday 24/10 and end on Tuesday 28/10 in the morning. The theme that will accompany us is the Five Elements (Pancha Tattwa), a wonderful, multidimensional and holistic approach that we have long wanted to incorporate into a retreat. We feel that the nature of Mani is the perfect place to inspire us to explore the nature within ourselves.
Anastasia will lead practices of Hatha Yoga (dynamic and gentle/yin asana, pranayama, shatkarmas), Raja Yoga (meditation and pratyahara), Nada Yoga (Yoga of sound) and Bhakti Yoga (mantra recitation and kirtan/yogic singing).
A few words about the five elements:
According to the yoga tradition, all creation is made up of five elements - earth (prithvi), water (apas), fire (agni), air (vayu) and ether (akasha). The five elements are called Pancha Tattwa. Pancha means five and Tattwa means “that substance which makes you feel that you exist”. The whole world is constantly changing because these elements co-exist and combine in infinite ways with each other.
According to Tantra, the macrocosm is inherent in the microcosm. Consequently, the whole law of universal manifestation and dissolution is inherent in every individual. Just as the physical and mental characteristics of an individual are inherent in the DNA molecule, so the molecular structure of an individual contains the archetype of universal activities. A person is a miniature of the universe. These five elements are considered the fundamental components of each individual and represent the most subtle aspects of our existence.
The purification and transformation of these subtle elements that make up the body and mind is a fundamental part of yoga. Understanding the five elements both in our practice and in our daily lives can help us create harmony, balance and health in our lives.
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Polas is a serene olive grove just 2.5 hours from Athens, spread over 6.5 acres of cultivated land, with an unobstructed view of the sea of the Messinian Gulf, which is only 400 m away. Traditional cobbled streets, stone guesthouses with Maniattic influences and Mediterranean gardens, as well as a lovely sea front hall, all designed with care and attention to detail.
The meals in the Polas kitchen are based on traditional Mediterranean recipes, all organic, local and seasonal and are mainly sourced from the farm's garden or from local producers.
Students of all levels are welcome. Some practices will be more dynamic, but always with an emphasis on respecting each individual's limitations and any injuries. Participation in classes and activities is optional.
INDICATIVE PROGRAMME:
FRIDAY 24/10 - Earth
14:00 - Arrivals
18:30 - 20:15 Welcome & Practice on the Earth element
20:30 Dinner
SATURDAY 25/10 - Water
Mauna (silence)
06:30- 07:30 Morning Recitation mantra
07:30- 10:30 Practice on the element of Water (Asana, Pranayama, meditation)
10:30- 11:30 Kirtan
End of Mauna (silence)
11:30 Brunch & Free time (rest, reading, swimming, hiking, etc.)
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15:00 - 17:00 Walk on the beach & mantra recitation
17:30 - 19:30 Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra & Meditation (Water Element)
20:00 Dinner
21:00-22:00 Evening Meditation
Mauna (silence)
SUNDAY 26/10 - Fire
06:30- 07:30 Morning Recitation mantra
07:30- 08:15 Salutation to the sun accompanied by harmonium & mantra
08:15- 11:00 Practice on the Fire Element (Asana, Pranayama, meditation)
11:00- 11:30 Kirtan
11:30 Brunch & Free time (rest, reading, swimming, hiking, etc.)
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15:30 - 17:00 Silent Walking
17:30 - 19:30 Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra & Meditation (Fire Element)
20:00 Dinner
21:00-22:00 Evening Meditation (Trattak)
MONDAY 27/10 - Air
06:30- 07:30 Morning Recitation mantra
07:30- 10:30 Practice on the element of Air (Asana, Pranayama, meditation)
10:30- 11:30 Kirtan
End of Mauna (silence)
11:30 Brunch & Free time (rest, reading, hiking, etc.)
^^^^^^^
17:30 - 19:30 Free Movement & Yoga Nidra (Air Element)
20:00 Dinner
21:00-22:00 Documentary on Yoga
Mauna (silence)
TUESDAY 28/10 - Ether
06:30- 08:30 Nada Yoga
08:30- 10:30 Practice on the element of Ether (Asana, Pranayama, meditation)
10:30- 11:30 Kirtan
End of Mauna (silence)
11:30 Brunch
Departures until 17:00
COST
(Total tour cost - includes 4 nights accommodation, all meals -4 brunch & 4 dinners-, Yoga classes)
Prices for 4 nights
Guesthouses
- Early Bird (Reservations until 18/7): 450 euros
- Late Bird (Reservations from 19/7): 490 euros
Tent
- Early Bird (Reservations until 18/7): 375 euro
- Late Bird (Reservations from 19/7): 410 euro
* It is possible to participate for fewer days, although it will be a much more complete experience to be able to attend the whole seminar.
** Booking is made with a deposit of 200 euros. The deposit is refundable in case of cancellation up to Friday 3/10.
➵ Accommodation is in double or triple rooms, which are mainly independent stone guesthouses with private courtyards.
➵ If you choose to stay in a tent, you will need to bring your own tent.
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Venue information: www.polas.gr