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The
Sun Centre (TSC) Newsletter : January 2003.
Namaste,
and our warmest wishes for 2003.
We
hope this E-mail reaches you in good spirits and that you enjoyed the
Christmas/festive season.
Contents
- Special
opportunity: Earn
£500 worth of TSC vouchers this February...
- New
year's contemplation, by Alex Duncan.
- Healing
Lives, Achieving Dreams, an article by Sharon Black.
- Win
a holiday at The Sun Centre in 2004.
- FREE
food, board & yoga classes on Working retreats - All March 2003.
- FREE
Ayurvedic nutrition consultation.
- Retreat
programs 2003 with course summaries
- Ayurveda-Talk:
Ayurveda Support Group / Discussion Mailing List.
Special
opportunity: Earn
£500 worth of TSC vouchers this February...
Can you
help build a large wooden deck, eco-toilets, or perform similar fairly
simple but physically demanding exterior DIY work? You need to have
had some DIY experience, be able to work with low-grade power tools,
and able to provide a reference. Are you free during the last 2 weeks
of February? Would you like to spend these two weeks helping Alex on
these projects in return for which we give you two £225 gift vouchers
valid on any of our events (except women's retreats) in 2003/2004, plus
food and accommodation and a contribution towards your travel costs
(up to £100). If so, e-mail us ASAP as there are only two positions
available: retreat@thesuncentre.net.
New
year's contemplation, by Alex Duncan.
We
had a quiet, reflective time here in Prades, which was nice for a change
as we are used to family gatherings and the inevitable pre-Christmas
rigmarole that is now such a commercial event.
On
one occasion, I found myself watching a nature programme about birds
with my three-year-old daughter. I was in awe at how some birds depend
totaly on a certain type of tree that produces flowers shaped exactly
to fit their strange-shaped beaks. The documentary then pointed out
that the tree also depends on that particular bird for its own survival.
The
program
brought home to me the fact that all things—from the inanimate
to the animate (that includes me, you, and your auntie Jill!)—are
fundamentally part of a single process.
This
view of life is in accordance with the spiritual teaching which places
emphasis on becoming conscious of reality as wholeness, as opposed to
a reality of separateness. The sense of separateness is a function of
the ego, which is (in a spiritual context) a necessary but limited asspect
of reality that enables us to function as individuals with individual
concerns. However, if we wish to experience true well-being and genuinely
help others, we must learn to cultivate pure awareness (awareness without
thoughts) which is the true essence of wholeness. In doing this, we
begin to tune into universal awareness, which is beyond the wants and
desires of our selfish ego. This in turn brings lasting wisdom and inner
peace, and is said to be the best possible place in which to reside.
I
like to think that I welcome anything which helps weaken my sense of
ego, yet I realise that this very statement is loaded with ego. The
fact I like to think that I act or think in a certain way indicates
the subtle personality-re-enforcing activity of the ego. Hopefully,
the underlying truth of wholeness is acting for the best, and will influence
my present actions appropriately, according to the the universal game
plan. To this end, my approach to living a spiritual life is to encourage
the habit of stepping away from the relative comfort of mind-memory-personality
awareness into thoughtless, 'mine-less' or 'me-less' awareness. It's
a sort of pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps.
Watching
that documentary caused a subtle internal shift. It made me notice a
greater level of acceptance of what is, and a tendency not to get so
involved in any sort of selfish struggle with others, as to do so would
be to engage in a struggle with the universal game plan, and that is
certainly not worth the effort.
I
would like to conclude this contemplation by sharing with you my new
year's resolution which is simply "allow
what is to be".
Namaste
Alex
Duncan
THE SUN CENTRE
Win
a holiday at The Sun Centre
To
celebrate our first birthday, we are offering a one-off opportunity
to win a holiday at The Sun Centre. The prize is FREE attendance on
one of our 2004 holidays, details of which will be available by autumn
2003. Joining
our newsletter automatically enters you into the competition (so by
default—you have already been entered!) The
winner will be announced late 2003.
Please
forward this email to anyone who you think would like to enter the competition.
FREE
Ayurvedic nutrition consultation
Alex
is offering FREE Ayurvedic nutrition consultations. Fill in the online
questionnaire then Alex will get back to you by email. All information
is treated in the strictest confidence. http://www.thesuncentre.net/practical-ayurveda/consult.html
Programs
2003
20%
off all events booked 6 months or more in advance
Working
Retreats
- FREE
Includes food, board and classes
Dates: all March, plus selected dates in September and October
Experience
the pleasure of working at The Sun Centre with like-minded people. Assistance
to keep the centre running is always welcome as there are 1.5 acres
of land to manage. The woodlands, grassy terraces and gardens all need
constant care and attention. There are jobs to suit all abilities from
delicate weeding and pruning to building work, where you can achieve
the satisfaction of creating something of lasting value. It is important
that you enjoy what you do, so care is taken to find the appropriate
task. Expect to work for half a day (approx. 4 hours) every day, usually
outdoors. The rest of the day is free. In exchange for your contribution,
you can receive a daily class in yoga, mantra, Ayurveda etc—usually
first thing in the morning.
Savita
Yoga, Music and Mantras: Opening the Inner Heart
With Geza M.Timcak and Ivo Sedlacek
Dates: 9 - 16 May
Cost: £430
Savita
yoga is a unique yoga system, consisting of ancient yogic bodily practices,
breath re-education (pranayama), energy work, mantra and nada yoga,
relaxation and meditation, all framed and supported by live Savita music.
The techniques of Savita Yoga aim to bring balance to body, prana and
mind and have a profound purifying and revitalizing effect on the whole
human energy system. During this week, you will have an opportunity
to explore deeper levels of your mind, to harmonise and balance your
bodily and energy systems, to enter the world of profound ancient mantras
and to experience the subtle touches of live music flowing from heart
to heart. Geza and Ivo regularly lead courses across Europe, India and
Taiwan.
Panchakarma:
Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Intensive
With Martine Levha
Dates: 17 - 31 May
cost: £1775
In
today’s hectic society, most of us suffer from poor breathing,
poor sleeping, overeating and eating the wrong foods. As a result, we
digest foods inefficiently and have lost contact with the Self. We are
all born with our own unique personality, temperament, and range of
potential imbalances. The purpose of Panchakarma is not only to anticipate
these imbalances and overcome the problems that can occur when our inner
nature becomes either excessive or deficient, but also to sever those
processes which could go on to become long-term illness. Gentle, personalised
therapies are used to thin out the body's toxins ('ama') and then eliminate
them from their habitual sites through elimination via the skin (the
use of oils and sweating), the faeces (purgation), urine, the elimination
of gases and phlegm (from the stomach and nostrils), and the cleansing
of the body's bile and lymph fluids.
Women's
Retreat
With Frances Yates & Nel Beentjes
Dates: 6 - 14 June & 26 July - 2 Aug
Cost: £300
A
unique experience for women designed to nurture and strengthen our 'natural
state' and reconnect with our heart centre: a place of peace and tranquillity
where we can be still. It is an opportunity to let go of all the clutter
in your daily life and clear away old traumas and mental patterns that
hold you back. Frances and Nel are professional therapists trained in
a wide variety of healing techniques from many different cultures. Participants
will be guided and supported in an agenda which will shape itself as
the week unfolds. You may find yourself meditating, stretching, singing,
dancing, watching your surroundings or watching your breath. This week
is an opportunity for change and a chance to practise techniques which
can change the whole cellular structure of your body.
Love
Yourself, Achieve your Dreams
With Sharon Black
Dates: 14 - 21 June
Cost: £350
The
key to achieving our dreams is, put simply, to love ourselves. Only
when we can do that - absolutely, unconditionally, fully in every sense
- do we have the confidence to go after whatever we want in life...
and to receive it. By learning how to master such a simple yet profound
change in attitude, you can transform your life forever. During this
course, based on the teachings of Louise Hay (author of 'You Can Heal
Your Life') you will receive in-depth training in techniques such as
affirmations, visualisations, inner child work, meditation, with plenty
of time for tea breaks and discussion. Come prepared for change! There
will also be optional pre-dinner yoga sessions held throughout the week,
led by Alex Duncan.
Yoga
Retreat
With Frances Yates
Dates: 12 - 19 July
Cost: £350
An
opportunity to spend time with experienced yoga teacher Frances for
a relaxing week of yoga in inspiring surroundings. Each day will start
with a morning yoga session on an outdoor deck, accompanied by the whispering
of leaves and symphony of bird song. Afternoons will provide an opportunity
to relax in a hammock under the shade of the trees, to visit one of
the nearby river spots for a swim, to do a bit of local exploring on
foot, mountain bike or horseback, or to let go completely with a massage.
Before supper the group will come together to practise mantra or meditation,
share some hands-on massage or create personal mandalas.
Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat
With Alex Duncan & Frances Yates
Dates: 2 - 9 August
Cost: £350
A
chance to experience the benefits that come through living in tune with
our own nature and the nature of our environment. Come prepared for
daily Hatha yoga classes, delicious organic vegetarian food (prepared
according to Ayurvedic nutritional principles), a series of talks and
discussions on the practical aspects of Ayurveda, plus the opportunity
to absorb a complete lack of urbanisation! This retreat has been designed
for everyone who wishes to improve their quality of life through a modern,
de-mystified introduction to the wisdom of practical Ayurveda –
the ‘science of life’ according to ancient Indian sages.
During this week, you will be guided towards a deeper understanding
of your own nature through a self-assessment questionnaire, talks and
discussions. This will allow you to become totally responsible for your
own health and spiritual well-being.
A Yoga Intensive
With Mary Mardhevi
Dates: 23 - 30 August
Cost: £455
Internationally
renowned yoga teacher Mary Mardhevi promises to put you through your
paces and enrichen your experience of yoga practice with this varied
week. As well as early morning wake-up Asana yoga class and a pre-lunch
practice, participants will benefit from Pranayama, (breathing practices),
Kriyas (cleansing), Chakras, meditation, chanting, personal soul work,
relaxation and Karma yoga. All posture work is as dynamic as possible
with a light hearted, accepting atmosphere and attitude, and anyone
can take part. There will also be space for laughter, relaxation and
trips to special sights, as well and the opportunity for evening Satsangs,
story-telling and dancing. Mary has studied with Philip Jones, Alan
Babbington, Swami Indrananda Ji, British Wheel, Bihar and Sivananda
Schools and the work of Swami Gitananda. She is a Sivananda ATTC Albion
Yoga Teacher and Craniosacral Therapist.
Mantra and Mysticism
With Muz Murray (Ramana Baba)
Dates: 30 Aug - 6 Sept
Cost: £350
An
opportunity to spend time with mystic master Muz Murray (Ramana Baba)
for a relaxing week of Mantra and Mysticism. Group chanting (mantra)
sessions will be complimented by activities such as consciousness expansion
exercises, yoga movements, guided visualisations and deep relaxation.
There may also be meditative partner massage with rhythmic breathing
and a choreographed form of 'laying on of hands.' Muz also offers his
wide-ranging wisdom and humour in evening Satsangs (Quest-sharing time)
in which your long-standing spiritual and yoga questions may finally
be answered. After Muz's long summer tour of the UK, this week will
not be as intense as his usual workshops. In between sessions, there
will be plenty of time to relax and explore the local area. Muz Murray
is the author of 'Seeking the Master: A Guide to the Ashrams of India'
and 'Sharing the Quest' – a powerful guide to spiritual life.
Open
Retreats
Selected dates in March, April, September and October
Cost: £225
The
Sun Centre is open almost year-round for those wishing to spend flexible
time here, be it a long weekend, a week, or more. Whether you wish a
solitary retreat, or a family/group experience, we will be here to support
you. Price includes accommodation (twin room, single rooms are an extra
£50 per week, depending on availability. Camping is available
for reduced rate) plus 3 full meals per day, all prepared with Ayurvedic
principles in mind. A variety of additional activities (yoga, Ayurveda,
life-counselling, massage) are on offer and are charged separately.
During your stay, you will be able to make use of our various workspaces
and gardens & grounds - ideal for reading, studying, playing music,
yoga, meditation etc.
Ayurveda-talk
Ayurveda-talk
is an internet support group for people studying, practising and living
Ayurveda, or people simply with an interest in the subject. It costs
nothing to join and is very simple to use. In particular, those of you
who have spent some time at The Sun Centre and have been exposed to
some Ayurvedic ways (talks, cooking, nutritional advice) may wish to
sign up!
How
to join
To
subscribe to the mailing list, simply send a message with the word 'subscribe'
in the Subject: field to:
ayurveda-talk-request@thesuncentre.net
To
send email to the mailing list, write to the following address:
ayurveda-talk@thesuncentre.net
Read
more about Ayurveda-Talk at our sister website:
http://www.thesuncentre.net/practical-ayurveda/ayurveda-talk.html
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