With Marcel van de Vis Heil, Esther Ekhart and online workshops from Paul and Suzee Grilley 

Join us for a deeply nourishing experience for the body, heart, and soul. Nestled high in the mountains of Portugal, we will immerse ourselves in the world of Yin Yoga. This course delves into the variations in human anatomy and their impact on our practice. You will learn the intended benefits of each pose and how to achieve them, regardless of your age, experience, or flexibility.

In addition to the physical practice, we will explore chakras, meridians, and mindfulness, and their significance in our daily lives. Various meditation techniques will also be introduced.

Whether you aim to become a Yin Yoga instructor or simply wish to deepen your personal practice, this course provides a comprehensive foundation. Above all, these ten days offer a time for gentle self-development and self-care. 

The majority of this training will be led by Marcel van de Vis Heil and Esther Ekhart. During this course, Yin yoga founders Paul and Suzee Griley will lead two online workshops.

In this training, you will learn:

• Anatomy: Explore skeletal segments, muscle groups, target areas, functional yoga concepts, skeletal variations, tension versus compression, and more.
• Yin Yoga Poses: Detailed analysis of Yin Yoga poses, including modifications, alternatives, and teaching techniques.
• Assisted Yin Routine: Learn and practice assisted Yin Yoga routines.
• Pranayama: introduction into pranayama and breathwork exercises. 
• Chakra Theory: Understand the theory and significance of chakras.
• Introduction to Meridian Theory: Gain insights into the meridian system and its relevance.
• Mindfulness: Develop mindfulness practices and techniques.
• Chakra and Mindfulness Meditation: Engage in meditation practices focusing on chakras and mindfulness.
• Philosophical Concepts: Study the concepts of karma, samskaras, vrittis, and vasanas.

Schedule

April 6: Day 1

• 18:30: Gathering in restaurant
• 19:00: Dinner
• 20:00-21:00: Introduction

April 7 – 15 : Day 2-9

• 7:30-8:00: Meditation
• 8:00-9:30: Breakfast
• 9:30-11:00: Lecture
• 11:15 – 12:30: Practice
• 12:30-16:30: Lunch & Free Time
• 16:30-18:00: Lecture
• 18:15 – 18:45: Meditation
• 19:00: Dinner
• 20:00-21:00: Lecture

April 16: Day 10

• 7:30-8:00: Meditation
• 8:00-9:30: Breakfast and check out

Check-in and Check-out

On arrival day you are welcome at D’Alijo retreat center from 15.00 onwards, note that there is no food or lunch in the centre yet until dinner. On Check out day, the rooms must be empty at 10am.

Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you

Anatomy

Delve into skeletal segments, muscle groups, target areas, and functional yoga concepts. Understand skeletal variations and the difference between tension and compression, enhancing your Yin Yoga practice and teaching with in-depth anatomical knowledge.

Yin Poses & Assisted Routine

Gain a detailed analysis of Yin Yoga poses, including modifications, alternatives, and effective teaching techniques. Learn and practice assisted Yin Yoga routines, enhancing your ability to guide students through supportive and restorative practices.

Chakra Theory & Meditation

Understand the theory and significance of chakras. Engage in meditation practices focused on balancing and activating these energy centers, enhancing your Yin Yoga practice and teaching with holistic approaches to mind-body harmony.

Introduction To Meridian Theory

Explore Meridian Theory’s relevance to Yin Yoga by examining how specific poses stimulate energy flow through the twelve primary meridians. Understand the connection between meridian pathways and health, enhancing your practice by targeting energy balance and promoting overall well-being.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Cultivate a present and aware state of mind, both on and off the mat. Discover the transformative power of mindfulness through meditation and learn how to integrate it into your everyday activities, making every moment a mindful experience.

Philosophical Concepts & Pranayama

Delve into the profound wisdom of yoga philosophy, which offers guidance, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of our existence. Study the concepts of karma, samskaras, vrittis, and vasanas. Introduction into pranayama and breathwork exercises. 

More information and booking on Esther Ekhart’s website:

Location

D’alijo Yoga Retreat Centre
Portugal

D’Alijo Yoga Retreat Centre has a beautiful, fully equipped yoga studio overlooking the gardens and valley, a luxurious but cozy dining room, a beautiful pool, a large pond and much more.

The estate is remote, surrounded by nature. It has a couple of great hiking trails, which can lead you to rivers and waterfalls and natural pools. The closest town, Cabeceiras de Basto, is about 12 minutes by car. Guimarães, a Unesco listed beautiful city is just 25 minutes away. Porto and Braga are within one hour as well as an other Unesco sites.