Most days we will have a yoga class before
breakfast and another before dinner. On the 2 days that
we schedule eco tours to the waterfalls and the volcano
we will have a yoga class before breakfast and a late
evening class. On the day we have our full day outing
to go white water rafting there will only be one late
evening yoga class.
Charles
MacInerney is the primary Yoga Teacher, but he is often
assisted by other teachers who join him for these retreats.
When selecting guest teachers, Charles tries to get as
wide a variety in styles and traditions as possible.
In the picture at left, from the February
2000 Retreat, Charles (top) poses in a downward facing
dog pyramid with fellow teachers Lu Burton from London
(left) and Mikki Doyel from Mexico (right)
When not actually teaching, guest instructors
are able to join in as participants and use this time
as a vacation, and to learn and study with the other teachers
present. They are also available to other participants
who wish to have a little time one-on-one.
Having two or more teachers allows plenty
of flexibility when working with students with a wide
range of ability and experience. Often two classes are
run simultaneously, giving students a choice between a
gentle style, or a more advanced class. This allows beginners
to feel safe, and more advanced students to be challenged.
Occasionally classes are taught by two or more teachers
working together. While one teaches the other is free
to move through the class and work with students individually.
At
left is Lila Hall, my favorite yoga studio. It features
a great sound system, teak flooring, and allows participants
to feel as if they are practicing yoga outside in a
wonderful garden.
There is always a lot of variety in
both the Yoga and in the Meditation Classes offered.
Each teacher brings their own style and tradition of
Yoga to share with the group. All of the Yoga classes
will end with a deep guided relaxation and most will
follow up with a meditation.
Over the course of 8 days, participants
will learn and practice the following types
of meditation: Walking; Eating; Working; Mantra;
Trataka; Zen; Detached Observation; Vipassana; Perfected
Master Visualization; Somatic Meditation and many more.
There will be plenty of opportunity
for group instruction and practice, as well as plenty
of opportunities for participants to find their own
private paradise in which to practice sitting. As with
the yoga classes, all meditation classes are optional.