Brinkela Gjokaj

SCHEDULE

Join us for an Ashtanga immersion.

In this 7 nights and 8 days, we will go through some of the things that you don’t get to learn in a Mysore room. While we know how attached your are to your practice, we also know how much more you want to learn and explore in your practice. Together we will go deep into a focused understanding of ashtanga philosophy so that you can apply those theoretical tools in your everyday practice. 

This retreat is focused into learning as much possible, but at the same time you will be having a beautiful time away and deep relaxation.

The Workshops

Philosophy | We will answer some of the most important questions. What Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is? Where and when did it begin? Key principles and yoga practice. What is the purpose of this practice?  Who created it? Benefits of the Ashtanga practice. What are the yoga sutras? Focusing on the 8 limbs. 

Bandhas | Bandhas are a way to lock energy and of manipulating prana life force. Getting to learn the bandhas and prana what they are, how many they are, how they work together and what are the benefits.            

Pranayama | The calm of mind required for maintaining an asana can be achieved through pranayama. Pranayama refers to the regulation of breath. Inhalation and exhalation are regulated as an individual becomes aware of his/ her breathing patterns. Focusing on the breath and regulating it allows the mind to remain still. 

Lightness in your practice and how to achieve it  | Explore ways  to find lightness on the mat by bringing awareness to your breath. Everything begins and ends with the breath. Through use of the breath, connecting each movement to an inhale or exhale, flowing from one posture to the next, you bring a fluid, flowing quality to you practice. When you find ease and freedom in movement, you allow yourself to let go of rigidity and force. 

Jump through and jump back  | This is not a I can do it from the first time movement and specially for women. Here I am letting you know that it is possible to happen and for anyone. I will be showing you the way so you can do this too. First we need to understand what those movements are and break them down, get to find the key points to work on, put them together and then get to work towards success. This workshop will not be easy but it will  definitely get you closer to make this happen.

Mobility | Mobility is the ability to move freely and easily, but our daily lifestyle has made us lose that.  This class will take you through various series, which are mostly focused on active ankle and hip mobility exercises, like body weight squats, chair poses standing poses, forward folds… Not only will this class improve and increase your mobility and flexibility, it will strengthen your hips, legs and ankles, and prepare your body for many of the movements found in the Ashtanga Primary Series. 

Backbends | Backbends are difficult for everyone. They are emotional and everyone gets triggered by them. It doesn’t matter if you are super flexible or not it will still shake you up. One of the deepest lessons in the yoga practice is about brining the energy up the spine and cleansing the nervous system. Backbends thrust your full life force up through this central channel and burn through blockages along the way. In this workshop we work in depth to understand how to safely go into backbends and get to go deeper with the correct alignment for a healthy spine and mind. 

08.30 Mysore Practice
11.30 Brunch
Free time 
17.00 Workshop
19.00 Dinner

Check in at 3pm
Check out at 9am

Location