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Take the next step with your practice … in paradise

Meditation & Yoga Retreat – Byron Bay

Join our six day yoga and meditation retreat at our secluded rural Byron Bay venue.

This option is ideal for people who have joined us on retreat before and are looking for a different experience, as well as everyone keen to deepen their experience of meditation and make it a daily practice.

It's suitable for people new to meditation as well as experienced practitioners and is ideal for yoga teacher training graduates as the hours you spend on retreat in meditation practice will count towards your continued learning as required by the different yoga associations.

The retreat is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the yoga lifestyle and enjoy a comprehensive and authentic experience of meditation every day, under the guidance and support of senior meditation instructors Stephan Kahlert and John Ogilvie who have over thirty years of personal meditation practice each.

Stephan and John teach the meditation and philosophy sessions during our Teacher Training courses and retreats, so if you're already part of the Byron Yoga Centre community you will be familiar with their easy going, accessible teaching style, humour and enthusiasm. Read more about Stephan's journey with meditation.

How will this be different to a Buddhist Vipassana retreat?

First lets say what is similar; there will be periods of silence and we will use the Mindfulness practices of observing the breath and walking meditation. We will also introduce other styles eg. guided meditation, candle meditation, japa meditation and sound meditation so you will have various tools to take home to continue the practice.

There will be a structured schedule so you can relax within the format and focus on concentration and meditation. Stephan will be available if you'd like to have a personal half hour session to discuss your meditation practice during the two hour lunch break.

This is where the similarity with most other Buddhist retreats ends as the sitting and walking meditation will be balanced with asana and pranayama.

During the morning and afternoon there will be alternating sitting and walking meditation sessions, with short breaks in between.

You can use a chair or other props if sitting on a meditation cushion is difficult and we encourage you to find a comfortable sitting position that you can maintain. Please bring your own meditation stool if you have one, however bolsters, blankets, blocks etc. will all be provided so you can trial different sitting positions.

Inclusions

• Twin share accommodation

• All meals - light and delicious sattvic vegetarian cuisine

• Twice daily yoga - morning and afternoon

• Sitting and walking meditation

• One 50 minute massage

• Evening discussions on yoga philosophy and meditation

Price

Early bird price $985 per person based on twin share accommodation

Full price $1,185

Sample Program

Arrival day - Sunday

Daily Program - Monday to Thursday

Departure Day

* Daily program may vary slightly - you will receive full details upon arrival

Click here to view retreat dates and register your place

Byron Bay - General Information

Cape Byron is Australia's most easterly point, located on the North Coast of New South Wales. With its numerous beaches, unspoilt hinterland, and relaxed lifestyle, Byron Bay is a popular tourist destination. It is also a place where artists, musicians, dancers, writers, surfers, healers and of course yogis express their diversity and individuality.

The town has all major facilities: a hospital, cinema, supermarket, health food stores and great restaurants, as well as a flourishing alternative health industry. Bicycle is the easiest way to get around town and easily organised through Byron Yoga Centre.

The average summer temperature is 21C - 28C, and average winter temperature is 15C - 21C, There are also periods of heavy rainfall, especially in summer. The area has a total annual rainfall of 1734mm.

Byron Shire has a population of close to 30,000, while the town of Byron Bay has a population of about 9,000.

Byron Bay is located just off the Pacific Highway, 800kms north of Sydney, 175kms south of Brisbane. Airports are located in Ballina (30mins south) or Coolangatta (60mins north) and busses and trains arrive regularly.

The following websites provide information about Byron Bay and the surrounding area:

www.byronbay.com www.bayweb.com.au www.echo.net.au www.byronbaynow.com www.byronbay.org