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Author: Bobby Bessey

Healthy Chia Partridgeberry Jam

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Articles, Recipes.

Chia Jammin!

I had a big bag of partridge berries (Lingon Berries) that I had been putting off making into Jam for a while now. Mostly because I knew these superfood berries were bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants and I hated the thought of adding the cups of sugar that generally go into making jam-like consistency.

This morning however, as I was skimming through the health food magazine that my ever so kind neighbour drops periodically onto my front porch (because I have the best neighbours!) I saw this chia jam recipe. It was meant to be I thought so I immediately pulled out my partridgeberries and had super tasty jam in just a few minutes!

Chia seeds are full of omega 3s, vitamin B1 and copper. They are also high in fiber, aid digestion, and promote heart health. Best of all though, they absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquids which makes them great for thickening berry mixtures without adding tons of sugar!

You can use any berries with this recipe but this is the recipe I made this morning.

2 cups of fresh or frozen partridge berries
1/4 cup water
2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup (less if it is a sweet berry I would think)
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Heat berries, water, maple syrup, and cinnamon over medium heat for 5 minutes. Mash the berries into jam consistency as they cook. Remove from heat and add vanilla and chia. Let cool and enjoy on your favourite snack base!

Recipe from alive magazine November 2024 issue (I substituted partridge berries for cranberries). My beautiful neighbour 
drops these magazines for me from The Natural Health Shop on Stavanger Drive, St. John’s. If you live in St. John’s you can shop local for the best selections of healthy whole foods and supplements at this friendly neighbourhood shop! 

 

Two Reasons to Make Neurogenic Yoga a Regular Part of Your Life

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Articles, Asana & Anatomy, Yoga.

Neurogenic yoga is best known as a powerful means of releasing long held tensions and traumas. For some this might imply that the benefits would be solely for those with large traumatic experiences to release. Neurogenic tremoring however can be helpful in a much broader context. Here are a couple of new ways to think about this life changing yoga practice.

Wellness Maintenance:
As humans we tend to forget that for all our accomplishments, we are still mammals. It is in our nature to move on all levels, from atoms, to systems, to organisms. When we don’t move, imbalance happens. We frequently hold ourselves in an immobile state physically, mentally and/or emotionally. Just as one would get up in the morning and stretch muscles and fascia after hours of being in one position, tremoring regularly allows the nervous system and body tissues to reset and become more functional. This is why neurogenic yoga is suggested to be done as a regular home practice once an initial period of study with a certified instructor has been completed.

Illness Prevention:
This concept has been phrased in a number of ways by various wellness professionals, however Gabor Mate summed it up beautifully with the phrase “If we don’t listen when the body whispers, it will eventually begin to scream”. Meaning that if we do not respond when the body is asking for attention with mild symptom signals, we will eventually have to face consequences in the form of more serious physical and mental llness. Neurogenic yoga teaches us to listen to the whispers of the body, and to reset and rebalance before the body/mind has any reason to “scream”.

If you are interested in trying Neurogenic Yoga for the first time, or you are an experienced student feeling the need for a return to wholeness and goodness, check out Bobby’s Monday evening Neurogenic Yoga classes. An opportunity to shake it all off before sinking into a puddle of sweet restorative savasana bliss. What better way to set you up for a fabulous rest of the week!

 

Yin Yoga Teacher Training

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Asana & Anatomy, Teacher Training, Yoga Philosophy.

40 Hour SHAKTI YIN YOGA INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

  • NEXT TRAINING DATES:

    February 8/9 , 15/16, 2025. Two weekends Sat/Sun, 9-5pm.

    Space is limited. Register below to be added to class list.

  • LOCATION:

    St. John’s NL, In-person at 10 Clancy Drive, Quidi Vidi Boathouse. Live stream option also available.

  • INVESTMENT:

    $600+hst ($690) CAD. $200 deposit required upon registration

  • INCLUDES:

    4 days of lecture, comprehensive yin yoga instruction manual, ongoing mentorship with instructor. Counts as 40 Yoga Alliance CEUs.

  • REGISTRATION:

    Space is limited so register now to reserve yours.

Register Now

HOST A TEACHER TRAINING:

Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Host this workshop in your area and save the cost of travelling to learn. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details on hosting this or other workshops and trainings.

Who’s This Program For?

  • Healthcare professionals who would like to add the meditative practice of yin yoga to their services.

  • Anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of this beautiful style of yoga that puts emphasis on respecting body variation.

  • Teachers of yoga who want to deepen their understanding of Yin Yoga. A style that fills gaps left by the yang yoga predominance of the modern practice. The first modern style of yoga to recognize body variation needs. Counts for 40 Yoga Alliance CEUs.

About The Program

Yin yoga is a modern-day perspective on the ancient asana teachings of India, infused with the timeless wisdom of Taoist and meridian philosophy.  This blend of modern and ancient teachings will change the way you practice and teach yoga forever.

  • Comprehensive Manual

  • Learn why yin yoga is a necessary balance to the widespread predominance of yang yoga. 

  • Explore the role of fascia in physical asana and energetic theory. 

  • Investigate the role of bone variation and pose modification to ensure your students are safe in your yoga classes. 

  • Dive deep into the anatomy of pose expression. 

  • Traverse the teaching of the Tao and the insights they hold for deepening the practice of yoga.

  • Using props and modifications to ensure comfort for all bodies while holding poses.

  • Modern Meridian Theory and yin yoga energetic body considerations.

  • Sequences for Yin Yoga classes & how to create your own

  • Practical teaching and assisting experience
  • Ongoing mentoring support

  • Language analysis for yin yoga cues to direct nervous system activation. Understand how language changes the experience of a pose.

  • Incorporating Yin Yoga into other types of yoga classes

Program Requirements

Pre-Requisites

No previous yoga experience is required to benefit from this program. Variations make this style of yoga accessible to everyone who would like to learn this practice for personal development. CEUs for Yoga Teacher Specialization hours require RYT 200 status. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for clarification. 

Certification

Graduates will receive a certificate showing they have successfully completed the Shakti Yoga Method 40-hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training. Approved for 40 Yoga Alliance CEUs. 

Certification Requirements include:

  • Attend 4 days of lecture. 

  • Read the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, any translation.

  • Submit yin yoga class plan, peer observation forms, and schedule one peer class exchange to be scheduled at own convience via Zoom.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Testimonials

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A yoga teacher providing a bolster for a student practicing yoga nidra.

Five Reasons to Study Yoga Nidra

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Articles, Meditation, Yoga.

Young boy practicing yoga nidra lying with prop supports.Thirty years ago as an undergrad in an Altered States of Consciousness course I watched in fascination as my lab partner swatted an imaginary fly from the hypnosis script I was reading.

I remember thinking “This is a big deal!” Yet somehow the significance of this experience faded into the background of degree finishing and other life priorities for almost a decade. Fast forward to me lying on a straw mat in an Indian ashram listening to sounds from the other side of the earth. I am able to do this because my Guru Ji, in his thickly accented yoga nidra instruction voice, had suggested I could. This far eastern experience reignited my undergrad passion for the mystery and power of the subconscious.

It was at this point that my psychology background, yoga experience, and deep belief that we are more than our conscious thoughts, began to merge. I began a decades long yoga nidra study that included personal practice, coursework, and instruction. I can honestly say that this ancient guided meditation technique more powerfully informs my yoga teaching, personal interactions, and parenting than any other yoga practice. There are so many reasons why I think everyone should try this ancient practice. Here are just five.

  1. A yoga teacher providing a bolster for a student practicing yoga nidra.Get Deep and Profound Rest
    Yoga nidra is a state of brain wave activity that is just above deep sleep. While actual sleep can be disrupted by stressful dreams, repeated waking, teeth grinding, or tossing about, yoga nidra brings a consistent restful state. Yoga Nidra avoids such rest interruptions by bringing one to a theta brainwave sleep-like state that induces sleep-like relaxation, without fully going to sleep. Verbal guidance keeps the participant hovering just above deep sleep, or delta wave activation. The imagery used conveys a sense of safety to the deep consciousness. This allows the body to experience deep rest without the interference that some sleep experiences can bring.

    2. Transform thought Patterns, and Make Emotional Shifts
    We often maintain patterns of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that hold us back from complete health and wellness, even when our waking mind is aware of this fact. A good example is the new year’s resolution. It is made because we perceive the action or habit that we are hoping to change is not contributing to our happiness, yet we rarely follow through. This is because we make the commitment with our most conscious layer of mind (in upper level beta brain wave activation). The message does not make it down through all the layers of consciousness. When the whole brain and nervous system are not involved in a decision follow-through is unlikely to be successful. To explore why we can hold so tightly to unhealthy patterns, and to discover how we might unravel them, we need to “talk with” the nervous system at every level of activation. I frequently use yoga nidra to help clients release fears, and optimize physical, mental, and emotional function in a variety of situations. For example, removing anxiety about birth, or transforming a fearful situation into manageable setting. With regular practice long held physical aches can release, unwanted habits may begin to shift, and more.

    3. Heal Yourself & Your Loved Ones
    Why we get sick is multi-faceted and complex beyond the understanding of even today’s advanced medical science. What we do know however is that anxiety and stress can cause, or significantly impair, our body’s ability to function in general. This includes both the processes that help us avoid illness, and those that aid the healing process. Yoga Nidra calms the nervous system, which turns on the body’s healing (para-sympathetic) response. This triggers increased availability of physical resources to heal imbalance, illness, and injury. The placebo effect is an incredibly well studied phenomena that proves we can potentially heal sickness by what we think. This is why all drug studies must include a placebo group. Scientists know that a large portion of any drug study group is going to get better just because they thought they would! Yoga nidra works to tap into this underutilized human super power. What we think changes our state of wellness, both emotionally and physically. And the best news is that this practice can be done by anyone. A facilitator can whisper yoga nidras into the ear of someone who is lying in a hospital bed. One could listen to a yoga nidra recording while reclining in a cushy chair.

    4. Help Ease Anxiety in Children (and Adults)
    Did you know that children may be the most powerfully impacted by Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation) meditation? They spend more awake alert time in alpha and theta brainwave activation and so are most easily able to visualize with real-life-like clarity. This can result in powerful healing and calming responses. Imaginary friends are a good example of this. Some of my most profound responses to yoga nidras have come from elementary school children. One little girl told me recently, “You just made all the sadness in my body disappear”. As a parent I have used this technique when my children were sick or anxious to induce calm and reduce discomfort. Bedtime is a great time to use this technique. Short yoga nidra techniques can even be taught to children to use on their own in stressful situations.

    Woman sitting in meditation with yoga props5. Utilize the “Swiss Army Knife” of Wellness Tools
    Yoga nidra is the most versatile of yoga tools, and can be used for many purposes. Some do this practice to relax more deeply, others to heal from trauma. One day you can explore your psyche using Jungian style archetypal images, and the next prepare for an easy birth. In the same class one participant may report feeling a long held physical ache release, and another may obtain insight that allows them to make an important life decision. There are also energetic uses such as connecting with spirit guides, and loved ones who have passed. Past life regression and manifesting can also be explored with this technique. The usages of yoga nidra are limited only by your imagination and interest. Some focus on mainstream uses, others use yoga nidra to delve into a mystical exploration.

My two decades of exploring this topic have become the contents of the Shakti Yoga Nidra Teacher Training (2 Weekend Days). This training is suitable for yoga teachers, school teachers, medical professionals, social workers, and any other professional who wants add this technique to their tool kit. Also welcome is ANYONE interested in using this practice with friends, family members, or themselves, even if they have no yoga experience.

Go to this link to the 2024 Shakti Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Page the for more info or to register and hold your space. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com if you have any questions.

 

Ancient Text Modern Relevence

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Articles, Yoga Philosophy.

Timeless Wisdom From the Ramayana

Many are introduced to yoga through yoga asana, breathing techniques, and meditation techniques. All of these practices bring myriad physical, mental, and emotional benefits. It is, however, with the addition of India’s traditional philosophical texts that one can understand the full extent of yoga’s capacity to enhance wellness.

One such narrative is the Ramayana. Thought to have been composed around the 8th century BCE by Maharishi Valmiki, it is the life story of Lord Rama, the seventh reincarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu. This important historical epic has heavily influenced the religion, philosophy, and ethics of Indian culture. Its teachings continue to have relevance for even the modern-day spiritual aspirant.

This epic tells the story of Lord Rama’s exile from his country, the fantastic adventure and challenges that ensue, and finally his return home. For yoga students in the West the best-known portion of this story is probably when Hanuman (the monkey god) leaps from India to Sri Lanka to retrieve Rama’s kidnapped wife, Sita.

This famous leap symbolizing selfless love and devotion to Lord Rama is the inspiration for the full split yoga pose entitled Hanumanasana.

The Characters of the Ramayana display extraordinary examples of devotion, courage, patience and ethics in the face of great suffering. The teachings of this story are many, and they continue to be transferable to trials and tribulations of today’s context. It is a timeless teaching that gives direction and hope as one maneuvers the complexities of existence.

While the symbolism of this epic encompasses much wisdom, one of the most commonly studied topics is the nature of selfless love. The Ramayana is sometimes described as an example of the triumph of good over evil, or of love over adversity. Selfless love is presented as a source of immense power and strength in the darkest hours of one’s life, and ego as a source of suffering.

The ego of the demon Ravana led him to care only about what he could gain from the people and the resources around him. In contrast, Hanuman’s actions exemplified selfless love and devotion which conquered ego and allowed for a return to love.

These teachings are not meant to be studied in isolation, or even from a book for that matter.

They are born of living oral traditions, that are meant to provide fluid insights relevant to different situations, people, and times. This epic is ancient wisdom best studied with a teacher, and/or with a group of seekers. The Ramayana holds great universal truths meant to be a stimulus for contemplation as one’s life situation and spiritual maturity shifts. The Ramayana brings different insights to me today than it did when I originally studied it a couple of decades ago.

Today I return to Hanuman’s example of selfless love in daily interactions when I find myself withholding love and acceptance until someone acts as I want them to. This includes interacting with a life situation that is not as I desired it to be. The Ramayana reminds me that withholding love and acceptance because someone or something is not as I anticipated it should be is a recipe for pain and anger. It is an act of self love to detach from depending on the state of other people or the world when deciding when to act in love. The insightful Ekhart Tolle teaches us to approach every situation as if we had chosen it. This does not mean that we have have sit back and take everything as it comes. As Hanuman’s example of active interaction with the world demonstrates, one can be devoted to selfless love and acceptance without necessarily remaining passive, indeed even selfless love is a conscious active decision.

I invite you all to ponder the ways in which you may be withholding love and acceptance in your interactions, attitudes and relationships as you continue to navigate the complexities of the human experience.

If you are interested in more deeply contemplating the Ramayana with a dedicated group of yoga students, and in the location that Lord Rama and his wife Sita were exiled you might want to consider joining Bobby’s Shakti Yoga retreat in Nashik India March 2024. This will be a true ashram retreat, with a deep dive into the Ramayana, and for those interested in such things, an opportunity to accumulate 80 Yoga Alliance CEUs or 100 hours of study toward a Shakti 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training certification.

 

Tips From a Chick on Using Stress to Get Healthier!

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Articles, Asana & Anatomy.

In somatic based therapies like Neurogenic Yoga™  it is understood that the mind and body share the role of holding and releasing stress. Indeed many students initially come to Neurogenic Yoga because talk therapy alone has failed to assist them in fully releasing and recovering from tension and trauma.

Many arrive at my Neurogenic Yoga™ classes seeking to let go of whatever is holding them back from returning to a previous level of physical and mental wellness. One of the first things that I share is that we are working toward something even more valuable than simply returning to a previous state of wellness. Neurogenic Yoga™ actually sculpts the nervous system to become stronger and more resilient than it has ever before been.

How does Neurogenic Yoga™ do this? By combining yoga poses and breathwork with the body’s natural therapeutic shaking response. The human (and animal) nervous system has an instinctual shaking response that is genetically coded to help us discharge long-held tension and trauma. It is an unconscious muscle contraction that restores the body to wholeness after stressful or traumatic events.

This vibration and shaking automatically occurs when the nervous system identifies that the body has responded to a threat and now needs to release. Unfortunately, the negative social constructs that see shaking and tremoring as a show of vulnerability or weakness, mean that this innate release mechanism is conditioned out of us at a very early age. Neurogenic Yoga™ reawakens the body’s intrinsic release mechanism to optimize health and wellness.

As a birth doula it is not unusual to see a birthing mother begin a minor or full body tremor during or after the late stages of birth. The usual compassionate response of their caregiver is to immediately cover her in heated blankets to stop the shaking, even if she has not reported feeling cold. Unfortunately however the unspoken message conveyed by this kind act is that these tremors are not good; that she should try to stop them from happening. We might also see this misunderstanding of the therapeutic value of tremor in an attempt to stop a child from shaking after a scary dream or accident rather than allowing it to happen. A better approach would be to assure them that the tremors are ok; that this is how the body will bring them back to calm.

The fact that post trauma tremors can be observed in animals as well as humans gives us opportunity to learn much about what may be happening in neurogenic yoga from animal studies. One example is a study done by with baby chicks by a researcher often called “The Father of Stress”, Hans Seyle.

He gave baby chicks a swim test and then exposed them to a “trauma” (held them upside down). Following the swim test they were either allowed to tremor, or held by the researcher so that the natural tremor effect could not occur. The control chicks performed the same before and after the swim test having had no intervention. Chicks who were held after the trauma and not allowed to tremor performed poorly on their second swim test (some sank!). Most interesting however is that the chicks who were given trauma, and then allowed to tremor, actually performed BETTER after the trauma than they did on the initial swim test. They had more endurance and could easily swim longer.

What this study teaches us is that allowing the tremor response that we have spent a lifetime trying to stop is key to not only releasing the negative aspects of stress, but also leaves our nervous system better equipped to overcome and recover from future traumas!

In Neurogenic Yoga™ we work to trigger the natural tremoring response. Much like the baby chicks in the third group our goal is to go beyond simply performing as well as we did before our original stressor. Like those resilient chicks, we are working toward becoming better than we have ever been at recovering from future stress and trauma!

Find out how you can experience the restoration of goodness that Neurogenic Yoga™ brings at ShaktiYogaMethod.com. Shakti Neurogenic Yoga™ classes take place weekly at 7pm on Monday evenings at the Yoga Kula Co-op in St. John’s, Canada. If you do not reside in St. John’s, private and group sessions may also be booked virtually.

 

 

 

Calming Chocolate Date Bark

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Articles, Ayurveda, Recipes.

A Sweetly Ayurvedic Approach to Calming the Nervous System

The approach of Autumn brings not only a change in weather but also a shift in lifestyle pace. From an ayurvedic (ancient Indian medicine) perspective both of these things increase vata energy, which has the characteristics of movement, and deficiency. This no-bake, easy to make, lunch box treat is sure to keep you nourished and grounded as September begins. They do have nuts though so will not work for elementary school lunch box treats, but that just means more for you!

I am aware that dates are not an exciting snack food for everyone, but this date bark is waaaay tastier than it sounds. It kind of reminds me of a snickers bar (but better!). Nutrient dense dates provide fuel for increased the activity as back-to-school season ramps up. The addition of almond butter and almonds adds a nervous system calming effect. As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to whip these up, the chocolate will increase the dopamine, serotonin and endorphins in your system. [1]

Ingredients:

Medjool Dates (must be Medjool)
Almond Butter (or your favourite nut butter)
Crushed Almonds (or other nut)
Melted Dark Chocolate
Himalayan Rock Salt
*Prepare an amount to fit the size of chosen pan

How to make

  1. Wash and destone enough medjool dates to cover the bottom of a wax/parchment paper lined pan.
  2. Press the dates open side down with hands or a kitchen tool
  3. Spread a layer of almond butter over the dates (I have seen peanut butter used, almonds are the best ayurvedic choice for nervous system calm. I am sure any nuts or nut butter would work).
  4. Crush almonds and sprinkle over the almond butter.
  5. Melt dark chocolate and spread a layer over the crushed almonds.
  6. Sprinkle Himalyan rock salt over top
  7. Put in refrigerator overnight
  8. Enjoy!

[1] Astrid Nehlig, Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Mar; 75(3): 716–727, National Library of Medicine, Published online 2013 Feb 5

 

India Ashram Retreat

Written by Bobby Bessey on . Posted in Teacher Training.

India 2025:In the Footsteps of Rama:
Embracing the Path of Wisdom, Virtue and Inner Harmony.

Two spaces remaining in the India Ashram and Traditional Yoga Studies Retreat March 2025. Scroll down for more info and register to hold your spot below.

 

Upcoming Shakti Study Retreats with Bobby

Vietnam (Spring 2026) Yin Yoga and Taoism study retreat. Join Bobby in HoiAn for an unforgettable study retreat in one of Vietnam’s most enchanting locations. Set in the historic trading port of Hoi An, renowned for its lantern-lit riverboat rides, this retreat is nestled between an ancient river and the pristine white sands of the Pacific Ocean. Immerse yourself in the perfect environment to explore yoga and Taoism, surrounded by ancient temples, fresh, vegetable-rich cuisine, and the world-famous local coffee variations.

Japan (Spring 2027) Join Bobby for an immersive Zen Meditation retreat in the captivating and exotic surroundings of Tokyo and its tranquil environs. Experience the timeless beauty of Mt. Fuji, visit ancient temples, partake in traditional tea ceremonies, unwind in soothing hot springs, and more. Let Bobby guide you through a journey of mindfulness, history, and culture in her beloved home away from home.  Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to be contacted when registration is open.

INDIA 2025: Not your Usual Yoga retreat!
Join Bobby Bobby Bessey, B.Sc., E-RYT 500, RPYT, Yoga Teacher Trainer, for an immersive two weeks of awe and self-discovery. Dive deep into the heart of India’s ashram culture, savour its diverse cuisine, and lose yourself in a land of ancient wisdom and world heritage sites.

You will begin in the bustling city of Mumbai (Bombay), and travel onward with your group to an ashram nestled beneath the hilltop birth place of the Monkey God Hanuman. Spend 10 days immersed in traditional yoga lifestyle and wisdom, studying with Bobby, Guru-ji and other experienced spiritual guides. Ashram schedule is interspersed with day trips to ancient sites that will bring study topics to life.

Finish this life-changing experience with a guided tour of India’s most famous cultural sights and cuisine. This journey  is designed to be much more than a tour. It is an opportunity for profound personal transformation, set against the backdrop of India’s rich spiritual, cultural, and culinary heritage.

  • ASHRAM RETREAT AND INDIA TOUR DATE:

    March 3-17, 2025

  • LOCATION:

    Mumbai (Bombay), Nashik, Jaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), and Delhi.

  • INCLUDES:

    • Arrival support in Mumbai and ongoing assistance for duration of tour. 
    • Transit from Mumbai to ashram
      ACCOMMODATIONS (16 days)
    • 11 nights shared ashram accommodations
    • 2 nights hotel Jaipur pink desert city
    • 1 night hotel Agra Taj Mahal city
    • 2 nights hotel New Delhi
      FOOD
    • Three organic, fresh, locally made ashram meals daily during 10 day Ashram stay.
    • Breakfast at hotel in Jaipur, Agra, & Delhi.
      YOGA ASHRAM ACTIVITIES
    • Daily morning and evening asana, pranayama, meditation classes 
    • Daily Yoga Nidra
    • Daily sunset havan ceremony (mantra)
    • Daily Lectures/theory/philosophy
    • Experienced Instructors in an Ashram setting
    • Study the Esoteric teachings of the Ramayana (100 hours)
    • Daytrips to sites in the Ramayana to enhance the learning experience
      AYURVEDA
    • One Ayurvedic oil massage treatment
    • Access to onsite ayurvedic treatment center
    • Experience ayurvedic approach to eating in all ashram meals.
      YOGA ALLIANCE
    • Up to 100 Yoga Alliance CEUs* and Shakti Traditional Yoga Studies Certification.
      DAYTRIPS AND TOURS
    • Nashik day trips from ashram 
    • Daytrip to Lord Rama’s bathing Ghat on Sacred Godavari River 
    • Daytrip to Ram & Sita’s cave dwellings
    • Daytrip to Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple
    • Daytrip to Pandev Leni Buddhist Rock Caves
    • Daytrip Trek to Hanuman’s Birthplace Hilltop
    • Flight from Nashik to Jaipur
    • Jaipur tour (1.5days), Amber Fort (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Patrika Gate, Birla Temple.
    •  Akbar’s Palace tour (0.5days) Abhaneri Stepwell and Akbar’s desert Palace; Fatehpur Sikri & Harshat Mata Temple
    • Agra Taj Mahal Tour (1 day)-sunset & next day sunrise at the TAJ MAHAL, Agra Fort Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
    • Delhi Tour  (1.5 days) Old and New Delhi.  Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi’s most bustling market, Red Fort, India Gate, Mahatma Gandhi resting place, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar
    • Airport transfer on last day.

    *Participation in all yoga activities, daytrips, and lectures are optional.
    *Study hours may go toward Module one of  three-part 300hr Shakti Traditional Yoga Studies YTT. Contact Bobby for details.
    *Jaipur, Agra, & Delhi based on double room booking. Single room upgrade option available.
    *Tour locations may be adjusted to fit group interests.

  • NOT INCLUDED

    • Airfare from your country to Mumbai, health insurance, travel visa, personal excursions, tourist site entry fees. Expenses associated with early arrival to Mumbai if applicable. Anything not listed above.

  • INVESTMENT:

    $2990+hst CAD
    Space is limited. A deposit of $500 is required to hold your spot.

  • WHAT TO BRING:

    Clothing appropriate for hot, dry temperatures. Include yoga clothing for asana classes. head scarf, hat, sunglasses, at least one outfit of loose, modest, temple-appropriate attire. Comfortable shoes appropriate for easy hiking, and *sandals that are easy to slip in and out of (important for ease of moving around the ashram). Yoga mat, easy to carry luggage for getting in and out of cars, etc. Mosquito spray, sunscreen, sunglasses.

  • REGISTRATION:

    Register by filling in the registration form at the link below. This form and a $500CAD deposit will be required to hold your space. Send emt to Retreats@ShaktiYogaMethod.com. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com if you have any questions about this process or the retreat in general. *Non-Canadians please contact Bobby for deposit payment method options.

Register Now

Experience Details

The ashram is located in a breathtaking rural area just a short drive from the city. There is a beautiful view from every direction, with a small village nearby. 100% organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, beans and grains are grown onsite and prepared for the ashram by women at the nearby village. Evening walks to the ashram hill to view sunsets are a highlight. Guruji was a student of Swami Satyananda Saraswati and continues to follow and teach the Bihar school of yoga traditions.

Accommodations are clean and basic comfort ashram style. Rooms are shared with 3-4 people per cabin. Bathroom is shared. Each person has a single bed with mosquito nets, a storage locker for personal items, and a privacy curtain. There is no air conditioning in the rooms. It will be hot so come prepared with cool sleeping attire. It tends to cool a little in the evenings.

While all yoga classes, lectures, and excursions are optional, even when relaxing at the ashram it is important to respect all ashram rules. There is absolutely no alcohol or drugs allowed on premises, meal times are for silent contemplation, no noisy behavior at night, etc. Shirts should cover shoulders (t-shirts fine). In general simply following common sense behavior codes for a spiritual community.

There will be a full day of yoga study options and/or excursions available that begin at sunrise and conclude with satsangs, mantra or other activities appropriate for end of day. All of these activities are optional. You are free to relax in your room, or elsewhere on the ashram if desired.

Participants will meet in Mumbai and be provided support in connecting with transport from Mumbai to the ashram. Bobby will be with participants for both ashram and northern travel experience.

Once our ashram time ends we will celebrate and relax as we fly north to the pink desert city of Jaipur. We will stay in air conditioned hotels, with travel provided by private drivers and guides to all remaining destinations. We will road trip from Jaipur to a stay in Agra to see the breathtaking Taj Mahal and other sights on the way. We end with time in New Delhi to see the sights and markets before being dropped off at the airport for return home.

  • hatha-yoga

Who

    • ANYONE interested in an authentic India experience.
    • ANYONE interested in an authentic ashram experience.
    • Beginner Yoga Practioners wanting an introduction to yoga and yoga tradition in a supportive environment.
    • Experienced Yoga Practioners who would like to delve deeper into yoga traditions and practices.
    • Yoga Teachers interested in gaining Yoga Alliance CEUs (100 hours-could be used toward a Shakti Yoga 300 Hour Program).
    • The “non-tourist” traveller or those interested in transcending the usual tourist experience and would like to meet and interact with locals in both rural and city settings.
    • Spiritual seekers looking to experience the sacred resonance of ancient spiritually significant sites, while also living a traditional yogic lifestyle. 

Daytrips & Sacred Sites 

Nashik Area

While little known to the Western Tourist, the city of Nashik and its environs is one of the most sacred places in India. It plays a pivotal role in the Ramayana epic, and every 12 years is host to the largest pilgramage on earth, the Kumbh Mela. Devotees come to bathe in the sacred Godavari River that flows through the heart of Nashik, to free themselves from sins and to become liberated from the cycle of birth and death. This area is also home to the birthplace of the monkey god Hanuman, has one of the 12 most sacred jyortirlinga Shiva temples, and is an important site for the development of early Buddhist practices. *Specific site visitation may be dependant on weather conditions, site maintence or other unforseen circumstances. *Shopping opportunities will be made available at convenient points throughout.

  • Ancient Buddhist Rock Hewn Caves

    The Pandav Leni Caves consist of twenty four 2000 year old rock cut temples holding various statues of Buddha, each a unique example of buddhist architecture and art at various stages Buddhism’s early development.

  • Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple

    An ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that holds 1 of 12 sacred Jyotirlingas that are part of a pilgramage all on their own. This Jyotirlinga is extraordinary as the only one featuring three faces, representing Lord Shiva, Vishnu & Brahma. Adding to its importance is its location, at the origin of the sacred Godavari River.

  • Birth Place of Hanuman

    A short hike up to Anjaneri Hill boasts incredible views. Among the sites along the way is the understated temple dedicated the Goddess Anjana, and the cave where she is thought to have given birth to Lord Hanuman.    

  • The Old City & Bathing Ghats

    The Godavari is one of the three holy rivers of India. It is here that Lakshmana cut off the nose of a demoness, giving Nashik its name, which comes from the Sanskrit word nasika, or nose. Situated in the Old city Ramkund is a sacred bathing ghat on the Godavari where Lord Rama and his wife Sita are thought to have bathed during his exhile. Today  pilgrims come here to bathe, pray, and immerse the ashes of their dead in this temple dense area of the city.

  • Sita Gufa

    The 3000 year old site where Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita lived while in 14 years of exile. Walk under the 5 (panch) ancient banyan trees (vat) from which this area of Panchavati gets its name. These surround the Devi temple which has an entry way to the cave that is thought to have been the trio’s living area. It is also the famed location for Sita’s abduction and the reason for Rama’s famed journey to Sri Lanka to save her. Line up with devotees to await your turn to crawl into cave tunnels that lead to the shivalinga at the center. The spiritual resonance is palpable.

  • Tapovan area of Nashik

    A mesmerizing area of lush greenery used long ago as a meditation area for the great sages, hence the name Tapo-van (meditation forest). This area is believed to have been part of the holy Dandaka forest from the Ramayana. It is here on the banks of the sacred Godavari River that Rama’s brother cut off the demon Surpanakha’s nose for her advances toward Rama. It is from this incident that the ancient city of Nashik (Nose) gets its name.

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