Yoga Based Training
The Creative Spirit of Yogic Being – March til September 2021
An Inspirational Practice for Sacred Living.
A Yoga-based training including:
- The Five strands of Existence
- Yoga Asana
- Movement patterns
- Creative movement
- Body Intelligence
- Breath and Energy
- The Chakra Journey
- Philosophy and Psychology of Yoga—Ethical Being
- Meditation and Relaxation
- Creative Expression
ABOUT THIS COURSE:
This Joyful Exploration of Being is about you, the individual participant, your relationship with yoga, with life, and with your own creative intelligence.
It is primarily an exploration of the Self aimed at offering a platform from which you can make your own discoveries and from which you can expand and seek your own path, which may include teaching. (NB this is not a yoga teacher’s training but will include elements of such)
In this Yoga there are no levels – it is simply an open, even ground of exploration and discovery. It is of no concern if you cannot execute all of the yoga postures because of injury or limited flexibility.
First, and foremost, is the experience of Self-Awareness. Without a genuine knowing of the Self, we cannot create the space for others to know themselves. Ultimately, the essence of sharing is enabling our self to discover within, our innate intuitive intelligence, and to use this intelligence to enable others to open pathways to understanding and healing.
A key component of this course is creativity and exploring different mediums of creative expression such as intuitive art, textile art e.g. eco-dyeing, writing, movement and voice.
The course is conducted over a seven month period in beautiful surroundings. It consists of seven modules – five weekend retreats and one four-day intensive.
| March 27th & 28th | Module 1 |
| May 1st & 2nd | Module 2 |
| June 5th & 6th | Module 3 |
| July 10th & 11th | Module 4 |
| August 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th | Modules 5/6/7 |
| September 4th & 5th | Completion |
What to Bring
- Camping Gear. Camping is at Hillier Retreat which is adjacent to the Yoga Sanctuary.
- Toiletries – these must be natural products – environmentally friendly.
- Good walking shoes – there are some great walks.
- Reusable water bottle. Water will be available for refilling.
- All yoga mats, cushions and props are provided.
Participants will need to bring pens and notebook. Journals, workbooks and art materials are provided.
Food
Meals are vegetarian and gluten free. Vegan options available. Please inform us of any special dietary needs and concerns. Meals provided are breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bring your own snacks if you think you’ll need them
Arrival
Participants are welcome to arrive Friday after 3 pm to set up camp and become familiar with the surroundings and facilities. It is also an opportunity to meet each other prior to the commencement of the course.
MODULE 1 - Yoga Birth | The Beginning | That From Which Everything Arises
March 26th, 27th & 28th
| FRIDAY | ||
| 6pm | Welcome |  |
| 6:30pm | Dinner – Camp Kitchen | |
| DAY ONE | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation followed by Yoga practice in the Yoga Sanctuary | |
| 8:30am | Breakfast – Camp Kitchen | |
| 10am | Course Overview Requirements & Agreements The way we learn The components of Yoga, Self-Awareness, Creativity and Intuitive Intelligence as the basis of learning and living | |
| 1pm | Lunch - Camp Kitchen | |
| 2:30pm | Let the Journey Begin Creation and Birth - the root Chakra Mooladhara Security, Support, Survival Where Breath and Movement begin. (includes intuitive art and writing) The Breath – that which moves in me • How we breathe • Exploring the breathing process • The gift of life and prana • The breath as messenger Exploring Connection – Earth, Creation, Life, Tribe | |
| 5pm | Free time | |
| 6:30pm | Evening meal | |
| 7:30pm | Evening activity | |
| DAY TWO | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice |  |
| 8:30am | Breakfast | |
| 10:30am | Creative Expression Creating our Chakra Journey Breath in relationship to a) Movement b) Alignment c) Steadiness | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2:30pm | Group sharing | |
| 3pm | Yoga/Movement Exploration Focus: Personal Intent Connection with earth – creating foundations Stable Support Standing with Integrity Discernment Breathing, Synchronicity of Movement and Breath Opening and releasing Being one with life | |
| 4:30pm | Finish | |
MODULE 2 - Watching your Footprints | That Which is Arising
April 30th, May 1st & 2nd
| FRIDAY | ||
| 6:30pm | Dinner |  |
| 7:30pm | Yoga Sanctuary - Sharing | |
| DAY ONE | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | |
| 8:30am | Breakfast | |
| 10am | The Psychology of the Second Chakra, Swadhisthana – Understanding Self – Who Am I? Identity – Separation – Relationship Our Inherent Creativity Exploring Emotion (includes intuitive art/ writing) | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2:30pm | Ethical Living – Yoga Sutras | |
| 3:30pm | Yoga/Movement • Maintaining Integrity of Hips, Pelvis, Spine • Bringing Awareness to the Neutral Space • Sequencing Movement from stable support • Opening Hips and Pelvis | |
| 5pm | Close |  |
| 6:30pm | Dinner | |
| 7:30pm | Fire Circle (weather permitting) | |
| DAY TWO | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | |
| 8:30am | Breakfast | |
| 10:00am | Creative Expression Activity Exploring the Fluid Body Movement from a fluid-based support Focus: • What is Arising • Movement from Neutral Space • Fluid Movement | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2:30pm | Teaching in Practice Students work in groups to explore aspects of work covered so far | |
| 4:30-5pm | Finish | |
MODULE 3 - The Gift of Creation | That Which Fills Me
May 4th, 5th & 6th
| FRIDAY | ||
| 6:30pm | Dinner |  |
| 7:30pm | Yoga Sanctuary - Sharing | |
| DAY ONE | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | |
| 8:30am | Breakfast | |
| 9:4 am | Psychology of third chakra – Manipura The Ego – Self-personality Reaching out Applying Will, Discernment, Perseverance and Containment. Application to Yoga and Life. Understanding what depletes and supports energy (includes intuitive art and writing) | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2:30pm | Group Activity | |
| 3:30pm | Yoga/Movement/Breath – focus: Connecting Breath, Energy, Fluidity and Vitality Focus: The Body’s Centre / Lines of Energy Opening/radiating from the Centre | |
| 5:15pm | Sharing | |
| 6:30pm | Dinner | |
| 7:30pm | Fire Circle or Temple Activity | |
| DAY TWO | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice |  |
| 8:30am | Breakfast | |
| 10:00am | Creative Expression Activity | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2:30pm | This Vital Core – exploring organs and organ support | |
| 3pm | Teaching in Practice Students work in groups to explore aspects of work covered so far | |
| 4:30pm | Debrief | |
MODULE 4 - Opening Love Windows | That Which Gathers Light
July 9th, 10th & 11th
| FRIDAY | ||
| 6:30pm | Dinner |  |
| 7:30pm | Yoga Sanctuary - Sharing | |
| DAY ONE | ||
| 8:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | |
| 10:30am | Break | |
| 10:45am | The Fourth Chakra – Anahata Beyond Instinct and Survival The story of the Heart Head versus Heart (includes intuitive art and writing) | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2:30pm | The nature of loss and grief | |
| 3pm | Yoga Class – Focus: Creative Movement that Satisfies the Body – Exploring movement in a nurturing way Yoga from the Heart / Opening Chest and Shoulders Awareness of Organ Support | |
| 5pm | Debrief - Close | |
| 6:30pm | Dinner | |
| 7:30pm | Fire Circle or Temple Activity | |
| DAY TWO | ||
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | |
| 8:30am | Breakfast | |
| 10:00am | Creative Expression Activity | |
| 10:45am | Yoga from the Heart Exploring Healing Practices The Ethic of Non-harm Love, Forgiveness and Compassion | |
| 1pm | Lunch | |
| 2pm | Self Care and Self Love Boundaries / Compromise | |
| 3pm | Teaching in Practice | |
| 4pm | Debrief | |
MODULE 5 / 6 / 7 - (4 day retreat)
August 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th & 9th
- MODULE 5 – THE VOICE – THAT WHICH RESIDES IN ME
- MODULE 6 – INFECTED WITH JOY – THAT WHICH I AM
- MODULE 7 – THE CENTRE OF EXPANSION THAT TO WHICH EVERYTHING RETURNS
| THURSDAY | |
| 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 7:30pm | Yoga Sanctuary - Sharing |
| DAY ONE | |
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice |
| 8:30am | Breakfast |
| 10am | Exploring the fifth chakra – Vishudda Self-expression, communication, judgement – discernment and discrimination. Honesty (includes intuitive art and writing) |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 2:30pm | Exploring sound and voice |
| 3:30pm | Yoga Class – Focus: Connecting movement, dance and stillness |
| 5pm | Debrief |
| 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 7:30pm | Sound Healing Sound as therapy |
| DAY TWO | |
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice |
| 8:30am | Breakfast |
| 10:00am | Creative Expression Activity |
| 11:45am | Yoga Exploration |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 2:30pm | Teaching in Practice |
| 4pm | Debrief |
| DAY THREE | |
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga Practice |
| 8:30am | Breakfast |
| 10am | Exploring the sixth and seventh Chakras – Ajna and Sarasrara The Mind – Perception and Knowledge Non-Grasping – detachment Understanding Intuition & Wisdom Imagination as a medium (includes creative expression) |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 2:30pm | The Senses The Meditative Process Personal Practice |
| 3pm | Yoga Exploration |
| 5pm | Debrief |
| 6:30pm | Dinner |
| 7:30pm | Fire Circle or Temple activity |
| DAY FOUR | |
| 6:30am | Meditation / Yoga |
| 8:30am | Breakfast |
| 10:30am | Transience, Living and Dying The Riddle of Separation Presence The Dance |
| 1pm | Lunch |
| 3pm | Yoga Class – Focus: Devotion / Giving and Receiving |
| 4pm | Debrief - Close |
COMPLETION
September 3rd, 4th & 5th
| DAY ONE |  | ||
| 6:30 am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | ||
| 8:30 am | Break | ||
| 10 am | This Spiritual Life | ||
| 1 pm | Lunch | ||
| 2:30 pm | Rehearsal | ||
| 6:30 pm | Dinner | ||
| 7:30 pm | In the Temple – Yoga Theatre | ||
| DAY TWO | |||
| 8:30 am | Meditation / Yoga Practice | ||
| 10:30 am | Break | ||
| 11 am | Gratitude – Giving Back | ||
| 1 pm | Lunch | ||
| 2:30 pm | Prayers and Farewell | ||
“It is your heart that beats the passion of your truth—your wisdom—through your veins; that which in time becomes your knowing.”
The Red Dove
Gerry Hillier has worked as a yoga teacher, drama and creative expression facilitator, script writer and director for the past 30 years. During that time, she has regularly conducted yoga workshops and training, devised drama programmes, and scripted and directed theatrical productions.
Gerry has also worked extensively with youth, women, indigenous communities and people with physical and mental disabilities and mental illness.
Gerry combines her understanding of creative expression with the philosophy of yogic tradition to bring together a dynamic series of workshops to facilitate self-inquiry and discovery. She promotes dramatic art, creative expression, movement, meditation and relaxation as ways of personal development and inner stillness, and mediums for participants to explore their own issues and concerns, their relationships and their behaviours in order to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
Gerry is also a writer and author. She lives in Queensland Australia.
DATES:
- March 27/28
- May 1/2
- June 5/6
- July 10/11
- August 6/7/8/9
- September 4/5
VENUE: The Gift Yoga Sanctuary – 234 Arthys Road Cooran (Adjacent to Hillier Retreat)
YOUR INVESTMENT: $2750 includes camp fees, materials and meals.
Please note in order to maintain a personal, intimate experience numbers will be limited—book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings online. Payment options available.
