Tourism & Yoga: Kerala Retreat 2016

"How India Will Change You"

A Step Into the Culture, Spiritualism, Health, Science and Modes of Living in South India

This journey in South India will give 10 people a 10 day awakening insight into the ancient practices and rituals that are so commonplace in India and so sought-after in the West. You will begin your journey on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, home to many of the old Spice Routes, and gain clarity from a program featuring the following practices and activities. We combining tourism with health, tradition and science to offer you a ‘contemplative bridge’ into India. Asana Yoga Pranayama Breathwork Meditation and Yoga Nidra Thai Massage Silent Walking A Tour Through The Western Ghats and Backwaters of Kerala Ayurvedic Treatments and a Personal Consultation Ayurveda in cooking and the Uses of Spices The group will have the presence of renowned Yoga teacher Anil Kumar from Yogaayaam and a local escort for the entire journey. Pre-requisites? None. All we ask is that those who apply: 1) Have a passion to learn, and are not just looking for a ‘quick-fix’ 2) Are seeking a degree of detoxification or realignment 3) Have an interest in India When? Last 10 days of November 2016 Where? South India Applicants need only to click “Apply” below and tell us your name, age, industry and why you want to take this journey. Applicants will hear from us within 48 hours and successful applicants will move forwards to the next stages.

YOGA

"Yoga is a system of exercise for physical and mental well being. It combines stylized poses with deep breathing and meditation. The term Yoga is itself derived from a Sanskrit word meaning to join together. The ultimate aim in yoga is to unite the human soul with the universal spirit."

Yoga was developed about 5000 yrs ago. The first written description was found in "Yoga Sutra's", attributed to Patanjali. According to Patanjali, within the human body there are channels called Nadi and centres called Chakra. If these channels and centres are trapped, energy hidden in the body can be released. This energy is called Kundalini.

Patanjali stated eight stages of Yoga:   The Yama (universal moral commandments) Niyama (self-purification through discipline) Asana (posture) Pranayama (breath-control) Pratyahara (withdrawal of mind from external objects) Dharana (concentration) Dhyana (meditation) Samadhi (state of super consciousness)

Besides the different stages present in Yoga, there are various forms of discipline touching different aspects of human life. These disciplines include Hath-Yoga (Physical exercise), Gyan-Yoga or Dhyan-Yoga (exercise for the mind and intellect) and Karma-Yoga (discipline actions in daily life).

Benefits of Yoga

This health and fitness practice provides both physical and mental therapy. It considers ageing as largely an artificial condition, caused mainly by autointoxication or self-poisoning. By keeping the body parts clean and well- lubricated, cell deterioration can be greatly reduced. To get the maximum benefits of Yoga one has to follow three main guidelines i.e.
 

	Practice of Asana With the regular practice of Asanas, we can control our cholesterol level, reduce weight, normalize blood pressure and improve cardiac performance. Asanas harmonize our mental energy flow by clearing any blockages in the subtle body, leading to mental equilibrium and calmness.
	Pranayama The practice of Pranayama, the correct breathing technique, helps to manipulate our energies. Most of us breath incorrectly (only thoracically not using our abdomen, thereby utilizing only half of our lung capacity). Pranayama is a technique wherein it re-educates our breathing process, helps to release tension and develop a relaxed state of mind. It balances our nervous system, reduces the need for sleep and encourages creative thinking. Increasing oxygen to our brain, improves mental clarity, alertness and physical well being.
	Yoga Nidra Yoga Nidra is a form of meditation. Performed while lying on the back in the Shavasana pose. It relaxes the physiological and psychological systems. This technique completely rejuvenates the body and mind, giving a sense of well being.

Meditation

More and more doctors are prescribing meditation as a way to lower blood pressure, improve exercise performance in people with angina, help asthmatics breathe easier, relieve insomnia and generally ease the everyday stresses of life. Meditation is a safe and simple way to balance a person’s physical, emotional and mental states. The concept of meditation works on the principle that when the mind is calm and focused on the present, it is neither reacting to memories from the past nor being preoccupied with plans for the future, two major sources of chronic stress known to impact health.

"There are several techniques of meditation but they all have one thing in common – focus on questioning the busy mind."

All forms of meditation can be broadly classified into concentrative meditation focuses attention on a breath, an image, or a sound (mantra), in order to still the mind and allow greater awareness and clarity to emerge.

The simplest form of concentrative meditation is to sit quietly and focus attention on the breath.

Yoga and meditation practitioners believe that there is a direct correlation between one’s breath and one’s state of the mind. As one focuses one’s awareness on the breath, the mind becomes absorbed in the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. As a result, breathing will become slower and deeper, and the mind will become more tranquil and aware.

The persons sits quietly and simply witnesses whatever goes through the mind, not reacting or becoming involved with thoughts, memories, worries, or images. This helps to gain a more calm, clear and non-reactive state of mind.

Studies show that after meditation, reactions are faster, creativity greater and comprehension broader. In addition, by silencing the mind, meditation can also put one in touch with the self, allowing the body’s own inner wisdom to be heard.

Wellness Packages

People from all over the world, now come to India, to experience healing and Wellness programs. At Xasmin Travels, after careful scrutiny and in-depth research, we have put together a few Yoga & Meditation Packages, for Ayurveda Resorts in Kerala, as well as elsewhere in India.
 

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