| THE
SUN CENTRE
France
The
Sun Centre Newsletter - October
2004
Dear friend,
As I write, the summer sun is sneaking lower in the sky, the vine leaves
are slowly turning orange, and the light on the mountainside opposite
our home is deepening to a rich golden hue this warm september afternoon.
Despite the torrential rains of August, which befell all of France,
most of Europe and certainly landed heavily on us, our summer has been
warm and bright for the most part. Best of all, even when were were
sheltering under umbrellas, we’ve been blessed with a stream of
warm, sunny people passing through either for a personal retreat, a
restful holiday, or of course one of our themed events.
Highlights of the summer included our first Yoga & Walking Retreat
in June, which was a huge hit and is set to become a regular on our
calendar, and the inimitable Mary Madhavi’s yoga retreat in August,
which featured an unforgettable last-night performance by the men -
let’s just say women’s underwear and the can-can were involved
- and a spot of pole dancing by the irrepressible Mary herself. Who
said yoga had to be serious?
Our gorgeous glass-fronted cabin, new this year, has proved a big hit
with visitors, especially couples thanks to the addition of a double
bed, as has our Serenity Hut, inaugurated during the walking retreat
and popular with those wishing to retreat in comfort among the squirrels,
badgers and woodpeckers in the forest.
Recent changes include a much larger calendar of events to run throughout
the year, instead of just the summer season. We have our first ever
mid-winter retreat which will run over the week of Christmas itself
for those seeking an alternative way to celebrate this special time
of year. In preparation, we are in the process of installing a wood-burning
stove in the yurt for cosy winter gatherings and meals.
For all other events between now and summer 2005, see our calender
below. We are currently compiling next summer’s program, which
should be ready by the end of the year. If you are a teacher and interested
in running an event here, please contact us asap for inclusion in next
summer’s program.
Other news – Ryanair have just added a new route from Luton to
Nîmes to their timetable, which already includes flights from
Stansted to both Nîmes and Montpellier, our two closest airports.
This will open up access to us to the north London area.
We have just launched an online shop for The Sun Centre.
Our first products are the full selection of beautiful music CDs by
the Savita yoga instrumentalist Ivo Sedlacek. Ivo, a classically trained
violinist, composes inspiring pieces designed to connect us to the profound
energies awakened by ancient mantras. We are delighted to be the only
European online supplier of Ivo’s music. See www.shop.thesuncentre.net
for details.
Finally, in case any of you have hankered after
the peace and solitude of our tiny picturesque hamlet after visiting
The Sun Centre, we feel it is our duty to mention that one of our neighbours,
our good friend Marinus, is selling part of his property. The one-bedroom
house is practically next door to us and is up for sale for €79,000.
See http://perso.club-internet.fr/savajolm/index-offres2.htm
for more info.
I wish you all a wonderful, warm and golden autumn.
Namaste,
S haron
Winter
& Spring 2004/2005
Please
make enquiries via our online form (in order
to pass through our spam filter) or phone +33 (0) 4 66 60 16 78
 = led
in English |
 =
led in French |
| = suitable for both English & French speakers |
*NEW* Individualised
Ayurvedic Healing Retreats - with Alex
Duncan
Various dates all year round
€1250
A
rare opportunity to spend several days at The Sun Centre and receive
one-to-one Ayurvedic guidance on a daily basis (I only accept one
person per event, though a partner could accompany you). On the first
day, we will determine your Ayurvedic constitution and assess any
long-term imbalances. We will then design an Ayurvedic health regime
that suits your current needs, taking into account your lifestyle
back home and your personal inclinations. This would typically include
the following components: a nutritional regime (cooking classes will
be given), herbal remedies, therapeutic yoga, self-hygiene methods
(such as self-massage, self-marma (acupressure) therapy, nasal cleansing),
daily and seasonal regimes, mental techniques like affirmation, visualisation,
healing sound and meditation. During the days that follow, you will
be taught how to employ your new healing program (approximately 4
hours per day), as well as having plenty of time to rest and relax,
enjoy a massage or two (additional fee) or go for walks in nature.
Midwinter
Retreat – with Alex and Sharon
22 – 29 Dec
€600 (about £365)
Join
us for an alternative to the traditional Christmas festivities – a
week of sharing, laughter, discovery, outdoor activities, and plenty
of healthy vegetarian food! With an emphasis on nature and the rythms
of our own nature at this pivotal time of the year. The varied schedule
for this week will include invigorating walks in the mountains around
the centre, yoga, evening bonfires, kirtan (songs and chants with
guitar, drums etc), games, karma yoga (shared community chores, including
some winter gardening), present-making, and a special evening celebration
to mark Yule. Delicious vegetarian food, inspired by the ancient life
wisdom of Ayurveda, will be served – along with the sweet chestnuts,
for which the area is famous, roasted on an open fire. Curl up in
our cosy yurt – heated by a wood-burning stove – and chill out with
no pressure to do anything you don’t want to do! All the usual extras
– massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, Ayurveda consultations
etc – will be available.
Ayurvedic
‘Kick-Start’ workshop - with Alex Duncan
6 - 10th Jan 2005 (includes arrival option on 5th and overnight
stay on 10th, for early departure the 11th)
€675 (about £456)
Take
responsibility for you health and avoid premature aging and chronic
health niggles. Empower yourself through self-understanding and by
following the flow of Nature’s rhythms. By understanding your unique
constitution, your environment, and how these two relate, you become
empowered to introduce health giving measures into your everyday life.
On the first day, I will spend a little time with you individually,
to determine you Ayurvedic constitution (your prakriti) and suggest
specific recommendations, including nutritional, lifestyle and exercise
advice as well as suggestions for the use of Ayurvedic herbal remedies.
The rest of the time will be a split between informal educational
talks and practical sessions for the body, breath, voice and mental
work. As far as I am aware, there are no other courses like this running
anywhere in France. It is a great opportunity to work in a small group,
in a beautiful environment, and really learn something useful that
you can take home with you, not to mention have lot of fun!
‘Love
Yourself, Heal Your Life’ weekend workshop – with Sharon Black
29 and 30 Jan
€230 (about £140)
The
key to living a happy, whole life is to love ourselves. When we truly
accept and respect who we are, we automatically attract experiences
which nurture us and bring us joy. By learning how to master such
a simple yet profound change in attitude, you can transform your life
forever. During this workshop, based on the teachings of Louise Hay,
author of ‘You Can Heal Your Life’, you will receive in-depth training
in techniques such as positive affirmation, creative visualisation
and meditation. There will be pair work, group discussions, hands-on
healing, inner child work and guided meditations, all in a safe and
confidential environment. Price includes morning and afternoon sessions
both days, overnight accommodation on Friday & Saturday and all
meals from Fri. dinner through to Sun. lunch. Discount of €20 for
those arriving Sat. morning. Optional stay to Thursday evening possible
on ‘Open Retreat’ (see below).
A
Practical Introduction to Ayurvedic Psychology - with Alex Duncan
26 & 27 Feb (additional overnight stays available on 25th and the
27th)
€220
The
focus of this weekend workshop is to introduce the Ayurvedic understanding
of the mind, and how to improve our mental and emotional health by
developing self-understanding and introducing supportive practices
such as positive affirmations, visualisation and mantra (healing sounds).
The Ayurvedic/yogic outlook offers a liberating change of perspective.
Nothing is lost, on the contrary, we only gain greater clarity and
peace. This short event will combine a mixture informal classes with
practical sessions. Anyone already familiar with yoga or Ayurveda
will benefit, but it is not a pre-requisite, as we will cover the
basics of the Ayurvedic approach in the first morning. One of the
great things about Ayurveda is that it works with our uniqueness,
helping us to understand how we relate to our environment, which includes
our friends, family and partners. Just having an understanding of
how the Doshas (mind-body energies) relate to peoples' habitual emotional
behaviour is quite useful in itself. It helps us to accept things
as they are, yet provides us with clues about how to make the most
of our relationships. Come prepared for some fun, as we chart our
minds with a new navigation system!
Spring
Equinox Yoga & Walking Retreat - with Alex & Sharon
19 - 26 March
€500 (about £350)
Alex
and Sharon (your hosts at The Sun Centre) lead a week of inner and
outer discovery. Alex will help you find your feet with your yoga
practice through his daily yoga and Ayurveda classes, while Sharon
will guide you around the beautiful walking trails in the mountains
around the centre. Discover the natural beauty of this part of the
Cevennes from the GR routes (Grande Randonnee) as well as some of
the smaller trails, our own personal favourites. Walking times will
vary from 2 hours to 5 hours a day, with picnics provided at some
out-of-the-way beauty spots on longer hikes. The emphasis of this
week is fun, exploration, discovery and relaxation - in the order
of your choosing. With a special evening gathering to celebrate the
spring equinox (21 March). There will be lots of opportunity to talk
with Alex and Sharon informally about their own personal interests
in yoga, Ayurveda and personal development.
Spring
Clean – Ayurvedic Detox Retreat – with Alex Duncan
16 – 23 April
€600 (about £415)
Spring
is one of the best times to cleanse the body, it's where the phrase
"spring cleaning" comes from. This week-long retreat has been designed
to give you an opportunity to gently cleanse you body and mind, while
at the same time learn about some simple but very beneficial Ayurvedic
dietary and lifestyle practices. Ayurveda has a comprehensive approach
to detoxification and rejuvenation, perhaps the most advanced in the
world. Yet the heart of the Ayurvedic message is ‘prevention is better
than cure’. That’s why I focus on teaching how to prevent illness
and premature aging. The approach I am offering is safe and gentle,
and focuses on empowering you via education, and includes the use
of safe, time-proven herbal remedies coupled with dietary and lifestyle
changes, including simple, enjoyable yoga exercises that gently detoxify
and rejuvenate the body over a period of months. This week is thus
a primer as well as a detox week. You will eat light, vegetarian food,
but no extremes. It will be tasty and pleasurable. You will receive
a consultation with myself, in order to determine your Ayurvedic constitution,
and assess any ongoing health concerns or special dietary needs during
the event. In addition to this, there will be a daily class where
I will guide you towards a self-practice of yoga-exercises, as well
as presenting some of the ideas behind the advice and tools you are
being given. But especially, there will be plenty of time to forget
your busy life, and just relax.
Yoga
& Walking Weekend – with Sharon & Alex
7 - 8 May
€150 (about £92)
Alex
and Sharon (your hosts at The Sun Centre) lead a weekend of inner
and outer discovery. Alex will help you find your feet with your yoga
practice through his daily yoga and Ayurveda classes, while Sharon
will guide you around the beautiful walking trails in the mountains
around the centre. Discover the natural beauty of this part of the
Cévennes. Walking times will be about 3 hours each day. The emphasis
of this weekend is fun, exploration, discovery and relaxation - in
the order of your choosing. Price includes overnight accommodation
on Friday & Saturday and all meals from Fri. dinner through to
Sun. lunch. Discount of €20 for those arriving Sat. morning. Optional
stay to Thursday evening possible on ‘Open Retreat’ (see below).
Yoga
& Walking week-long Retreat - with Alex & Sharon
21 – 28 May
€500 (about £350)
Alex
and Sharon (your hosts at The Sun Centre) lead a week of inner and
outer discovery. Alex will help you find your feet with your yoga
practice through his daily yoga and Ayurveda classes, while Sharon
will guide you around the beautiful walking trails in the mountains
around the centre. Discover the natural beauty of this part of the
Cevennes from the GR routes (Grande Randonnee) as well as some of
the smaller trails, our own personal favourites. Walking times will
vary from 2 hours to 5 hours a day, with picnics provided at one or
two out-of-the-way beauty spots on longer hikes. The emphasis of this
week is fun, exploration, discovery and relaxation - in the order
of your choosing. There will be lots of opportunity to talk with Alex
and Sharon informally about their own personal interests in yoga,
Ayurveda and personal development.
Ongoing
Events
Open Retreats
All year round
€350 (about £250) for 7 nights
Price
includes accommodation (twin or single room, depending on availability;
camping available for reduced rate) plus 3 meals per day (or picnic
lunch if requested). A variety of additional activities (yoga, Ayurveda,
massage, etc) are on offer and charged separately. During your stay,
you will be able to make use of our various workspaces and gardens
& grounds - ideal for reading, studying, yoga or meditation.
Working
Retreats
None at this time: however, please see HELPERS page for similar
opportunities.
Join the newsletter
to be kept up-to-date.
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.
Please
make enquiries via our online form (in order
to pass through our spam filter)
Sharon
& Alex
The Sun Centre
48160 St Martin de Boubaux, France
(tel) +33 (0) 4 66 60 16 78 (dial 00 33 4 66 45 59 93 from UK)
(email) retreat@thesuncentre.net
(web) www.thesuncentre.net
|
Essential Ayurveda for Yoga Practitioners
– Part I
by Alex Duncan, The Sun Centre – France
In my opinion, all yoga practitioners would benefit from a basic understanding
of Ayurveda, since Ayurveda is the branch of yogic science that specifically
deals with how to obtain and maintain optimal physical and mental health,
both of which are pre-requisites for the practise of yoga. Consider
verse I.30 from ‘The Yoga Sutras’. Here Patanjali clearly
states that there are various obstacles that limit our practice of yoga
including illness, mental disturbance, overindulgence and fatigue. It
is in this context that Ayurveda is needed in the practice of yoga,
as it provides a clear understanding of how to prevent these afflictions.
Ayurveda is in fact inseparable from yoga, and traditionally, Ayurveda
uses Hatha yoga as a therapeutic tool, recommending specific asanas
and pranayamas for specific situations. Ayurveda is nothing other than
the aspect of yoga that deals with the physical body (Annamaya Kosha),
energetic body (Pranamaya Kosha), emotions (Manomaya Kosha), and the
thinking mind (Vijnanamaya Kosha)
In my experience, most yoga practitioners ‘take to the mat’
for primarily physical and mental health reasons, rather than for a
purely spiritual goal. In either case, it is only common sense that
the healthier we are, the more we can get from life, including our spiritual
practice. Unfortunately, the way that yoga is being taught and practiced
in the west often falls short of its aim, largely due to the fact that
its teachers and practitioners no little about their unique constitution
and its needs. I am surprised by the number of people who I consult
with who are either newcomers to yoga, or yoga ‘veterans’,
yet seem to have little idea of whether their practice is really helping
them or not, and are often surprised when I tell that the cause of their
insomnia (for example) is their yoga practice.
The primary purpose of asanas is to balance the five pranas that govern
the body, for it is the balance of the pranas that determines health,
nothing else. Yet prana is rather tricky to relate to directly due to
its subtle nature. Luckily for us, Ayurveda provides a way to understand
prana on a practical level through its concept of the three Doshas,
which represent the three main functions or forces of prana as it manifests
mind and body. These functions are easy to observe and provide a clear
understanding of the pranic function of the body. The great thing about
Ayurveda and its theory of the Doshas is that it enables us to recognise
and treat individuals, us included! The better we understand our Prakriti,
or individual nature, the easier it is to fulfil the goal of physical
health and spiritual evolution.
Here are three reasons why Ayurveda is of great importance:-
1. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive, yet adaptable method to maintain
health through diet, exercise (for which Hatha yoga is used) and lifestyle
that eliminate the basic obstacles that the Yoga Sutras speak about.
2. It offers us a scientific method to understand different constitutional
types of people. This allows us to adjust our teaching or practice according
to the individual.
3. It provides a clear system to keep the prana in harmony in our body.
As the basis of all yoga relates to control of the pranic functions,
Ayurveda is invaluable to clarify these functions in a logical manner.
Hatha yoga is often not strong enough alone to maintain balance in
the body. The more stressful our life is the more important it is to
use Ayurveda to support our practice of yoga. Asanas work on the prana
through physical positions and breath awareness. By adjusting our diet
to our constitution the pranas are further balanced. When we understand
our constitution on a mental level we can begin to balance the most
disruptive pranic force, our mind. By understanding the effects of our
sensory environment, we can take steps to make it work for us. Buy working
with Mantras that relate to our constitution, we can directly harmonise
the prana in our mind, making all our yogic efforts more worthwhile,
as well as helping us cope with mundane life.
Hence, we can see that the practice of yoga without Ayurveda is like
standing on one leg. It works, yet how much more effective it is to
walk on two legs at once!
In following articles, I will introduce the basics of practical Ayurveda,
first covering the theory of the Doshas, including how to do diagnose
you and your students, then explaining what to do with this information,
namely how to eat, exercise and gently steer your lifestyle into one
that supports your nature rather than opposes it.
Alex Duncan, Ayurvedic Educator, lives in the South of France where
he runs The Sun Centre (www.thesuncentre.net) a small family retreat
offering consultations and a various Ayurveda & Yoga workshops and
retreats. He also provides a remote consultation service. Contact Alex
on (France): +33 (0) 466 455 963 or alex@alexduncan.net. Alex is teaching
the two year Frawley™ Ayurveda program at the European Institute
of Vedic Studies in France, where he originally trained with Atreya
Smith.
Our
Ethos The
Sun Centre is a vision in progress that we have been nurturing since
summer 1998, when we decided to follow our hearts and develop a retreat
to offer people the chance to learn and practise holistic self-development
surrounded by nature. Our interest and integration of various holistic
traditions and methods into our family life, is the basis of the experience
we share with our visitors.
Read
more...
Newsletter
Every
3 months or so we send out a short newsletter (by email) explaining
what's new at The Sun Centre. There will also be some content covering
current issues in the field of Mind Body Spirit.
Please
pass this email on to anyone who you think might be interested in The
Sun Centre.
They
can join our mailing list by going to our homepage: www.thesuncentre.net
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