Are you ready to fall in love with yourself again?
This was the question asked of participants who joined in the 2017 yoga retreat in Italy where, for the very first time, the retreat was run by Elena Voyce on her own and focused on the therapeutic application of yoga through an incredible programme that was designed to serve the personal journey of all participants through the simple yet sometimes mysterious practice called yoga.
Participants experienced immersive teaching that covered the most relevant and pioneering fields of therapeutic yoga to provide a truly transformative, uplifting and empowering experience in the stunning, organic, meditative space of the Locanda Del Gallo in Umbria, Italy. This truly special retreat was designed and created for the amazing souls to take their physical and emotional practice to a new level of self-exploration where:
Instead of practicing yoga – they experienced what yoga really feels like.
Instead of studying yoga anatomy – participants observed the moving body and its functional actions and reactions – not just for the practice of asana but for the practice of life.
Participants reconnected to their natural, innate capacity to heal their souls and find true balance and peace within themselves.
THE EXPERIENCE OF JOINING THE RETREAT
Participants joined daily morning and afternoon yoga sessions in the fully equipped, covered and spacious yoga shala. Each class covered a different therapeutic theme, building up in intensity from the fire that characterises that particular time of year. Each day participants were guided towards a different peak pose, exploring the relevant modifications that serve the pose in order to offer everybody the opportunity to experience what yoga feels like
Afternoon classes were a gift to the senses which included deep restorative practices relating to the different systems of the body in order to rebalance and re-boost participants organic and natural call to health. And in each restorative class participants were guided through breath work and meditation.
THERAPEUTIC TEACHER TRAINING IMMERSIVE
This retreat also offered an option for qualified yoga teachers or teacher trainees who wanted to develop and enhance their teaching skills and become equipped and confident in teaching students with therapeutic needs. Participants took part in 50 hours of training which offered them a clear understanding of the main health conditions that therapeutic clients experience and clear, practical methods and applications designed not just to ‘avoid the pain’ but to equip teachers and students alike with preventative and healing solutions that go beyond simple modifications. Participants received:
A fully comprehensive training manual containing class formats, asana diagnostics and RASS sequences for breaking poses down anatomically, physiologically
Daily lectures on applied anatomy with the focus on specific areas of the body (hips, sacrum, shoulders etc) to broaden the participants knowledge and narrow any fears they may have had when with supporting the yoga path of any practitioner or student
Functional sequencing and therapeutic peak poses with hands on practice including partner work and working with pressure point
THE VENUE
The retreat was held at the Locanda Del Gallo, a 12th Century restored farm house, steeped in its own fascinating history. The Locanda provides the ultimate getaway situated within beautiful surroundings.With many footpaths to explore participants were able to immerse themselves in the delights that the 28 hectares of surrounding gardens, olive trees and woodland offer as well as taking a refreshing dip in the chlorine-free swimming pool and unwinding in the outdoor Jacuzzi whirlpool spa and Turkish baths.
Close by there was the possibility of day trips to Umbria’s many cities (like Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi, Todi, Orvieto and Spoleto) that are rich in history, art, elegant shops and tradition are also available. All Umbria’s medieval towns are filled with history and treasures, ancient streets and alleyways are flanked with palaces and elegant houses, delightful shops and boutiques, and of course breathtaking views.
Local delights included Umbria’s National Gallery in Perugia, Montefalco’s vineyards and Lungarotti where there is a wine museum and organised tastings. Local specialist products include Cucinelli’s finest cashmere, Mastro Raphael’s traditional linen and Deruta’s ceramics. Gucci and Prada both have outlet stores nearby, and just a little bit further lie Siena and the Tuscany Hills.
The Locanda has 10 rooms that are the perfect spaces for rest, peace and tranquillity. The furnishings adorning every room have all been hand picked and brought back from the many journeys made by the owners. Organic fruit and vegetables, aromatic herbs and cold pressed olive oil are sourced from the kitchen garden and skilfully blended with just a hint of the orient by Jimmy who has been the resident chef for more than 12 years and the Locanda owner and Master chef herself, Paola.
