Transformation Flow
Ashtanga & Jivamukti Retreat
w/Larry Hobbs and Laura Golden
October 1 - 3 2010
@ the Prama Institute - Marshall, NC

About the Retreat
This 3 day retreat open to all levels will consist of daily Vinyasa yoga classes and evening music led by experienced retreat leaders & yoga teachers Larry Hobbs & Laura Golden. Yoga Teachers may receive CEU’s and/or credit towards 500hr YTT.

Autumn in the mountains is a time of beautiful transformation, slowing down, turning inward. The energy in all living things is always changing, moving through different phases—daily, seasonal, annual—over the course of a lifetime as a being grows from childhood through adulthood and into old age. Each of these stages is necessary and occurs naturally, with no conscious effort on our part. However, as yogis, a central part of our practice is to shed light where there is darkness, to reveal what is hidden, to make the unconscious conscious, to become aware of who we really are, and to be fully present in each and every moment.

Over the course of this weekend, we will examine—outwardly and inwardly—the seasonal cycling of energy to establish balance. We will discuss this balance in terms of the three gunas, qualities or tendencies. Each of the three are intrinsic to all living beings and serve equally important roles. This weekend will focus on Tamas which is associated with darkness, destruction, death, sloth and resistance. Often thought of us negative qualities to avoid, we will adjust the lens through which we view them to begin to explore the vital role this guna plays in our life. Nighttime is a daily necessity for the survival of all living beings, a time for us to turn off the ceaseless chatter in the mind, rest the body, rejuvenate. Without destruction, how could there be new life? Remember, the phoenix rises from the ashes. A certain amount of resistance and tension are required to maintain not just a body but even a building. And death is simply the final phase of life, a transition from physical form to spiritual, a release from our bondage to the physical body we inhabit.

Each day of the retreat will include two yoga sessions per day, a meditation class, a breathing exercise class and evening music and kirtan. Delicious veggie meals using local, seasonal vegetables will be served twice per day. Participation in all events is strongly encouraged but completely voluntary. Afternoons will include several hours of free time to explore the stunning surrounding mountains, head to downtown Asheville, or take advantage of on-site massage and bodywork.

About the Presenters
Larry & Laura are both long time yoga teachers who strive to bring a sense of empowerment and strength to the practice and teachings of yoga. Larry is a strong traditional Ashtanga teacher in the lineage of Shri K. Pattbhi Jois and Shri R. Sharath Jois who studies yearly in Mysore India. Laura is a certified Jivamukti teacher who has taught in yoga centers around the world. Retreats with Larry & Laura are relaxed, open to all ages & abilities, and non-intimidating. Retreats are centered around a balance between community building and introspective time for rest & rejuvenation through the healing power of nature.

Note for Yoga Teachers: You may receive CEU’s for this retreat, and hours also count towards 14hr elective module for 200/500YTT.

About the Location
The Prama Institute is a conference and retreat center located on forested hilltops and grasslands surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. It sits near the French Broad River, about 25 minutes outside Asheville, NC. The scenic and peaceful surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains create the perfect place for yoga retreats, and the Prama Institute organizes holistic events and trainings all year round. In 1990, forty four acres of beautiful mountain forest and grass lands with panoramic views became the foundation for the Prama Institute; a green home owner’s association and a future eco-village. One third of the land has been developed into a small village of half a dozen green built homes called the Raven Ridge Homeowner’s Association. A geodesic dome, which has been used for retreats and seminars, was built in 1996 on the larger portion of this land.

As time passed, the natural resources and beauty of this area seemed ideal for the development of a larger holistic seminar center and an eco-village. Hence, an additional one hundred acres of land was purchased in 2004. The Prama Institute, a professional retreat and educational facility hosting 45 plus beds, was completed in the fall of 2006. Plans are now underway to develop a thriving eco-village on these newly acquired 100 acres that includes a holistic clinic, an organic farm and other sustainable projects.

Centrally located in Western North Carolina and the Southern Appalachian bio-region, the Prama Institute is easily accessible and well situated to serve the Southeast Region with its vast array of educational seminars and retreats. By car, our center is only 20 minutes from downtown Asheville and about 40 minutes from the Asheville/Hendersonville Regional Airport.

The Prama Institute staff is friendly, professional and warm, and makes every effort to serve its guests needs and requests. Please visit Prama Institute website for photos, details & directions: www.pramainstitute.org

Registration:
$340 Shared Occupancy Per Person
$420 Double Occupancy Per Person (limited availability)
10% Early Bird Discount if registered by September 1st

Retreat Price includes:
-Accomodations Fri-Sun; Arriving anytime after 3pm Friday, checkout Sun Noon (additional extra night Thursday night arriving anytime after 3pm on Thursday)
-Organic, Local Vegetarian Meals; Friday Dinner & Sat/Sun Breakfast & Lunch
-All Yoga & Meditation Instruction Classes

Optional Additions:

• Private Yoga Sessions w/Donna & Kristin
• Private Thai Yoga Massage, Swedish & Deep Tissue Bodywork On Site
• White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Hiking Trails
• Sightseeing in Asheville & Surrounding Areas-Biltmore Estate, Driving along Blue Ridge Parkway
• Asheville Downtown Nightlife, Restaurants & Shopping
• You may arrive anytime after 3 on Friday.  We’ll depart after lunch on Sunday.  Please bring your own pillow and sheets/blanket ( or you may rent linens from Prama for an extra $10).  Recommended Yoga props to bring are mat, strap & blocks.
  

In the event of cancellation
60 days or more prior to the retreat: Your payment will be refunded, less a $50 administration fee. 59-30 days prior to the retreat: Payments are not refundable due to contract with Host Location but are transferable (less $50 administration fee) to a studio credit. 29 days or less: Payments are not refundable

To register please contact retreat coordinator at:
trainings@wilmingtonyogacenter.com or call Wilmington Yoga at: 910-350-0234

Full payment is due at time of registration in order to guarantee your spot on the retreat. Confirmed weekend class schedule will be sent to registrants after payment is received.

Travel Agent
We highly recommend travel agent Sandi White for bookings and flight information to Ashevilel Airport. Sandy can also arrange car rentals, and “On Your Own” tour packages to extend your trip in the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Please contact her directly at (269) 469-1430 or email swhite@corptravelmail.com. When emailing Sandy, please use the subject line: Yoga NC Retreat

Some Quotes from Some of our Past Retreat Participants:

“Being with fellow yogis for a week in a beautiful place created such a supportive environment for enjoying the practice and each other; a great bonding experience, and a comfortable way to enjoy international travel.”
- Donna Gardner

“I went to Costa Rica in 2006 with a beautiful group of yogis and yoginis whom I now consider dear friends. We had a sweet, almost family like group dynamic. It was exciting getting to know new people in a new place. It was such an amazing experience to have the opportunity to really understand what retreat means. It gave me a chance to step outside of my daily routine, reflect and relax. Kristin and Donna are both such inspiring and encouraging teachers that this year I am going with them to Santorini, Greece for another fabulous retreat! Maybe next year, India?”
- Audra Smith

“I went to the Nosara retreat in 2006...it was the most amazing, life changing experience of my life. The people I went with from the yoga center, the ticos and ticas, and of course our teachers...were beautiful and wonderful! There was so much to do, but mainly I just wanted to relax and soak in the sun and the food, fresh fruit and smoothies, beans and rice, and fresh fish! I learned a lot about myself while I was there and about the person I want to be. I don't believe something like that would have been very possible to find had I not been in such a peaceful place. I will never forget that week; the retreat itself, as well as the people who shared it with me. I even went back to Nosara to receive my yoga teaching certificate. I feel absolutely blessed and I know that hands down, that was one of the most positive decisions I have ever made for myself!”
- Tara Blackburn

"The Yoga Center's Santorini trip was good for the body and the soul!  What a fun and diverse group.  Thanks to everyone for making our trip so awesome!"
- Kay Wheatley

Past Retreats

Costa Rica 2005

Costa Rica 2006

Santorini, Greece 2007

Negril, Jamaica 2008

Kerala, India 2009

Santorini, Greece

Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica