Healing Journey—A deepening & restorative retreat
Yoga, Zen Meditation,
Healing Journey—A deepening & restorative retreat
through the study and practice of:
Subtle Body Anatomy, Yoga Asana & Yoga Therapy
Description of the Retreat
Understanding and healing our bodies calls for a deeper understanding of our energetic body, and its correlation with the physical body. The energetic or subtle body is the foundation of our existence. The way that the myriad energetic channels, flows and centers are interwoven is reflected outwardly in our physical state. Learning to observe the energetic or subtle body with sensitivity and awareness, allows us to trace root causes of imbalances and to find the practice that will help us to restore balance and health in the whole system.
Our Subtle (or “Energy”) Body is that numinous entity, which contains and pervades us, literally animating our physical body through its vital flow. According to the yogic tradition, it is formed of thousands of energy channels/conducts of vital force; the points where these channels converge, are the points where the Chakras -the “wheels” of motion of our Subtle Body- manifest. At the very same points in the physical body, important vital organs, plexuses or glands are present.
The seven most important of these centers are lined up along the Central Channel of the human body, literally laying out a path from Earth to Heaven, from just minding the bare necessities, to complete Self-Realization.
We are going to take this journey of connecting with our physical and subtle body, layer by layer, till we get a sense with our inner core, where the root causes for imbalance lie. Sensing the integral part of our existence, is the key to healing as it applies to ourselves and others.
We will practice focusing in all the areas of the body from our feet up, and practice therapeutic movement in a profound way. We will discern how healing and balance in the physical body, lie in this deeper substratum of our being.
And, hopefully, we are going to experience what the renowned Yoga Teacher Richard Freeman suggests when he says: “The Subtle Body in yoga is not only the secret to the optimal functioning and alignment of the body; it is the key to delight, love, understanding and good relationships.”
Study and Practice Themes:
- Our Subtle Body as a “map” of the Cosmos
- Subtle Body anatomy: Nadis (vital energy channels), Chakras (vital energy centers), Bindus, energy currents, Kundalini
- Chakras : The organs of our vital body – and a path of inner evolution
- Subtle Body exploration, from the toes up to the crown of the head, following the path of the Energy Centers
- The role of each Chakra in our consciousness, and how it affects our consciousness as a whole
- Investigation of the relationship of each Energy Center with each corresponding locus and vital organs in the physical body
- How to experience the Subtle Body through specific “doorways” in the physical body
- Specific asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques, as well as positive affirmations, for awakening, activating and balancing each Chakra
- How to structure a yoga class following the stairway of the Energy Centers
Program Schedule
Dates
Daily Schedule
Week Schedule
Arrivals/Departures
Accreditation & Certification
Preparation/Reading List
Dates
7-11 September 2022, 4 Nights, 5 Days
Total Training Hours: 20 Hours
Daily Schedule
7:15-8:00 Optional Meditation or Bike Ride or Walk in Nature
8.00-8:30 Morning Tea & Fruit, light snack
8.30-11.30 Subtle Body Anatomy & Yoga Therapeutics Study & Practice
11.45 Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet
12.30-17.30 Free time: Rest, Swim, enjoy a massage session.
17.30-20.00 Subtle Body Anatomy & Yoga Therapeutics Study & Practice
20.15-21.15 Dinner & enjoying the sunset
21.15-22.00 Options: Meditation, Satsang or Yoga Nidra: Deep Yogic Relaxation/Sleep
Week Schedule
Each session will contain:
Study of Subtle Body Anatomy of each body part & Therapeutic Yoga Asana practice for the specific area
Day 1 Wen7/9 (arrival):
Afternoon: Introduction to Subtle Body Anatomy and restorative practice
Day 2 Thu 8/9:
Morning: Muladhara Chakra (Feet, Legs, Perineum)
Afternoon: Swadhisthana Chakra (Pelvis, Sacrum, Hip Joints)
Day 3 Fri 9/9:
Morning: Manipura Chakra (Abdomen, Solar Plexus)
Afternoon: Anahata Chakra (Diaphragm, Lungs, Heart, Ribcage, Shoulders)
Day 4 Sat 10/9:
Morning: Vishuddhi Chakra (Upper Spine, Neck or Cervical Spine)
Afternoon: Ajna Chakra (Neck and Head)
Day 5 Sun 11/9 (departure):
Morning: Sahasrara Chakra (Head and Whole Subtle Body Embodied practice)
Arrivals/Departures
Arrivals
16:00 Welcome to your room/Familiarize yourself with Zen Rocks
17:30 Welcome circle… Easy Introduction practice
20:15 Dinner & Relaxation. Early bed time
Departures
7:15-8:00 Optional Meditation or Bike Ride or Walk in Nature
8.00-8:30 Morning Tea & Fruit, light snack
8.30-11.30 Subtle Body Anatomy & Yoga Therapeutics Study & Practice
11.45 Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet
12.30 Departures
Accreditation & Certification
After you successfully fulfill all the program requirements you will obtain 20 hr Credit for:
NYSY Academy of Hatha Yoga: 500 Hour Abhaya Yoga Teachers Diploma
Yoga Alliance: 20 Hours of Continuing Education, and, 500 Hours Hatha Yoga Teachers Certification
Preparation/Reading List
- Yoga of the Subtle Body, A Guide to the Physical and Energetic Anatomy of Yoga, by Tias Little
Chakra Yoga, by Anodea Judith
Wheels of Life, by Anodea Judith
Thomas Myers, author of Anatomy Trains, says about the work we will be exploring, from the book of Tias Little, “Yoga of the Subtle Body”…
The body and spirit are exact mirrors of each other
—a fact much more apparent to the ancients than to those of us distracted by our modern materialism.
Tias even-handedly blends the anatomy we know today
with the anatomy of the energetic body.
COSTS:
Rates and options for different packages
What’s Included
Not Included
Rates and options for different packages
Special Zen Package – Price for 4 nights
For Program, Room Accommodations, Meals
In a Tent: 490€ in your own tent, 590€ Zen Rocks Tent (subject to availability)
In a Triple: 890€ (the room has to have 3 persons to get this rate)
In a Double: 1,200€ (the room has to be guaranteed for 2 guests to get this rate)
Single Occupancy
Small Room @ Nikolaos: 1,290€ (only one unit available at Nikolaos)
Villa Deluxe Ground Unit: 1,490€
Villa Deluxe Upstairs: 1,590€
Notes:
- You have the option to join the TT program only. Ask us about pricing.
What’s Included
- Accommodations, 4 nights
- Complete Theory & Practice Therapeutics retreat program
- Τwo delicious vegetarian meals a day (brunch and dinner) and Morning Tea
- All yoga equipment and accessories
- Biodegradable toiletries
Not Included
- Transfer to and from Zen Rocks Mani
- Transfers around Zen Rocks and the area
- Additional therapeutic treatments or private yoga sessions where applicable.
Short Biography of the Teacher(s)
About Nancy Hitzanidou
Yoga Alliance E-RYT® 500, YACEP®
Nancy’s deep love for Yoga as a physical exercise, as a philosophy and as a way of life, infused in her the desire of sharing the joy of Yoga practice with other people. Thus, having apprenticed in Yoga Arts School since 2001, she first completed, in 2008, the Yoga Alliance 200-hour Registered Yoga Teachers Training Program at NYSY Studios with Vivi Letsou, and, in August 2011, the NYSY Studios Yoga Alliance 500-hour Registered Yoga Teachers Training Program, having chosen Meditation and Tantric Studies as her focus field. In June 2015, she completed the Meditation Teaching Training Program: “The Art and Practice of Τeaching Meditation”, in London with Sally Kempton, while, in December 2016, she was certified from the Traditional Yoga Studies Institute (Georg and Brenda Feuerstein), for having completed a 3-year Distance Learning Course (800-hour) in Philosophy and History of Yoga.
Her practice is deeply inspired by her Teachers, as well as by the numerous Yoga workshops and Teacher Training programs she attends, in Greece and abroad, led by exceptional Teachers, and concerning various techniques of physical practice (Asana), Pranayama, and Meditation (Dhyana).
Since 2008, she teaches classes, leads workshops, and serves as a faculty for Yoga Teacher Training Programs, in which the physical postures, meditation and applied Yoga Philosophy interweave and inspire each other.
About Vivi Letsou
Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Director of NYSY Studios, Co-founder of Zen Rocks, and Avocado Vegetarian Café, Certified Teacher Yoga Alliance 500 hours, Certified Teacher BASIPilates™, Creator of Abhaya Yoga
Vivi is a strong and charismatic Yoga Teacher and Teachers’ Educator. Through her journey of teaching Yoga, practicing Zen, making films in California for 20 years, and then building the vibrant NYSY Academy for Yoga & Pilates and co-founding the well-loved Avocado Vegetarian Café in Athens, she has been able to find a way of Yoga practice that makes us strong in all levels and helps us to triumph even amidst difficult challenges.
Having taught in the traditions of Ashtanga, Anusara, and Vinyasa Yoga, Vivi has created Abhaya Yoga—a style that combines dynamic alignment-based asana, with an empowering philosophy rooted in Tantra and on the Buddhist path of compassion for all beings. With passion and enthusiasm, Vivi shares this incredible Abhaya Yoga journey with friends who are ready. Zen Rocks is the culmination of Vivi and Eraj’s vision to create an environment that fosters growth, healing, community, and positive life shifts. She invites friends and students to enjoy their stay at Zen Rocks and embark on their unique journey of deep healing and personal transformation.
Join an Abhaya Yoga Teacher Training Program!
Empowerment through Yoga: Experience it… Teach it.
Have a question?
All our retreats aim to create a nurturing and welcoming environment for all levels of practice and all student needs. All programs offer the opportunity for a dose of daily good exercise through yoga or pilates, walks in nature and/or swimming in the sea, and both restorative and meditation practice. A weekly program offers a complete experience of well-being. Our teachers are highly experienced and skilled. If a program seems enticing to you, it is probably the one you need. Make a bold step and trust it: Go for it!
Absolutely! Our friendly staff and group of guests/friends will make you feel right at home. Surrounded by good company, with space to be on your own, according to your needs and wishes.
Yes. As long as one understands and respects the philosophy of Zen Rocks, your partner can join in the daily activities, or feel free to relax and follow their own schedule. Your friend or partner will feel warmly welcome at Zen Rocks.
Book early, as soon as you know the retreat you are interested in, and your schedule. Click here to send us your questions or to register. Link: REGISTER
We would be happy to help arrange your transfer from Athens or Kalamata to Zen Rocks.
The retreat is located about 30 minutes south of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kalianeika, about one kilometer from us. There is airport access both from Athens Airport (3 hours from ZR) and from Kalamata Airport (30-40min from ZR).
-Flights to Athens International Airport (ATH) and transportation to Zen Rocks
All major airlines fly to Athens international airport, called Eleftherios Venizelos. Zen Rocks is about a 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Athens. We can arrange a private transport for you and/ or your group or you can rent a car to drive yourself to Zen Rocks. The ride is beautiful, and you can enjoy a direct ride along the new Athens-Kalamata highway, or you can make stops in places like the sites of Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Nemea, the city of Nafplion, and the town of Kalamata.
-Flights to/from Kalamata (KLX)
More and more there are direct and/or charter flights to the small airport of Kalamata from different European cities. Also, new 30 minutes flights have just started from Athens to Kalamata regional airport are very reasonably priced if booked well in advance.
Alternatively, you can fly to Kalamata from the northern Greek town of Thessaloniki.
-Transportation options while in Greece
The way to reach Zen Rocks is either with our luxurious Mini Van for 8 people or by renting a car from Athens or Kalamata and drive around on your own. Our office can assist you with your car rental reservation. Or you can make your booking directly. During your stay at Zen Rocks our minivan is available for hire along with an experienced driver. The rates for transfers with our minivan are in the attached document titled: ZenRocksRates.
Allow us to book your transfer from Athens or Kalamata. Simply email us at: info@zenrocksmani.com
The retreat is located about 30 minutes South of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst the sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kallianeika.
1. Drive on the new freeway from Athens to Kalamata, and be prepared to stop frequently for tolls. Expect to pay around 15€ each way. It may take you 2-2.5 hours to reach Kalamata.
2. Stay on the freeway and exit Kalamata heading towards Areopolis and Kitries. After the freeway ends, you will pass Lidl, and a café called Cosi on the right, and then the road forks and you see a road sign. At this point you have the option of heading up towards the mountain towards Areopolis and Kardamyli, or taking a right towards the sea and Kitries. You can reach us either way. We are giving you directions through the coastal road here, as it may be easier to find our location this way.
3. Take a right towards Kitries and drive down the coast for about 10-15 minutes. Right as you approach Kitries, the road goes uphill. There is a big retaining wall right in front of you, causing you to almost stop. You see a road sign for Doloi.
4. Make a sharp left up the mountain towards Doloi.
5. Drive for 5 minutes until you reach the village of Kalianeika.
6. When you reach Kalianeika, stop in front of the church and set your odometer to 0.
7. Drive for one kilometer, and you will come to switch back turn where you will see a fence with big cacti and a huge rock. You are getting close.
8. Immediately afterwards, you see a second switch back turn and a couple small signs for Zen Rocks. At this point leave the asphalt road and enter a smaller cement farm road. Drive 200 meters on cement, and then another 400 meters of dirt road. At this point you will see the electrical posts and a cement road up on your left. This is our private drive way to Zen Rocks.
(Attention: our drive way is the SECOND paved road you see on your left. Do not take the first one, right where the cement ends… wait till you drive the extra 400 meters of dirt and pebble road and you come across the electrical wires and big posts… at this point you will also notice that the farm road you are on is covered with the cement of our paved drive way.)
9. Go left on our cement road. It is a sharp incline. Come up on first gear and full throttle. Small cars will do fine if you know how to drive fearlessly.
10. Welcome to Zen Rocks.
As Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn says: YOU HAVE ARRIVED!
Το Zen Rocks Mani βρίσκεται σε απόσταση περίπου 30 λεπτών Νότια από τη πόλη της Καλαμάτας, ανάμεσα σε ήσυχους ελαιώνες, τον ουρανό και τη θάλασσα! Το κοντινότερο χωριό είναι τα Καλλιανέικα.
1. Πάρτε τη νέα εθνική οδό απο την Αθήνα προς τη Καλαμάτα οπου θα χρειαστεί να σταματήσετε συχνά σε σταθμούς διοδίων. Υπολογείστε οτι το συνολικό κόστος των διοδίων θα ειναι 15€ η διαδρομή. Η απόσταση ειναι περιπου 2-2.5 ώρες απο την Αθήνα μέχρι να φτάσετε στη Καλαμάτα.
2. Μείνετε στην εθνική οδό και βγείτε στην έξοδο της Καλαμάτας με κατεύθυνσή προς Αρεόπολη και Κιτριές. Όταν τελειώσει η εθνική οδός, θα συναντήσετε ένα σούπερ μάρκετ Lidl και μια καφετέρια στα δεξιά σας που ονομάζεται Cosi. Σε εκείνο το σημείο ο δρόμος χωρίζεται και θα δείτε μια πινακίδα. Σε αυτό ακριβώς το σημείο, έχετε την επιλογή είτε να συνεχίσετε προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Αρεόπολη και Καρδαμύλη είτε να πάρετε το δρόμοι που είναι στα δεξιά σας που πάει μέσω του παραλιακού δρόμου στις Κιτριές. Όποιο δρόμο και να πάρετε μπορείτε να έρθετε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Εμείς παρακάτω σας δίνουμε οδηγίες από το παραλιακό δρόμο μιας και θεωρούμε ότι είναι ο πιο εύκολος δρόμος για να έρθετε.
3. Κάνετε δεξιά προς Κιτριές και οδηγείτε στο παραλιακό δρόμο για περίπου 10-15 λεπτά. Στο σημείο που έχετε φτάσει σχεδό στις Κιτριές, ο δρόμος έχει μια ανηφόρα. Στο σημείο αυτό υπάρχει ένας μεγάλος τοίχος μπροστά σας που σας αναγκάζει σχεδόν να σταματήσετε. Εκεί βλέπετε μια πινακίδα προς Δολούς.
4. Εκεί αριστερά προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Δολούς.
5. Οδηγείστε προς τα επάνω αυτόν τον δρόμο με τις στροφές, για 5 λεπτά μέχρι να βρείτε το χωριό Καλιανέϊκα.
6. Όταν φτάσετε στα Καλιανέϊκα, σταματήστε μπροστά από την εκκλησία και ρυθμίστε το μετρητή χιλιομέτρων σας στο 0.
7. Οδηγείστε για 1 χιλιόμετρο και θα δείτε μια στροφή φουρκέτα, η οποία σας φέρνει προς τα δεξια. Εκεί θα δείτε ένα φράχτη με μεγάλους κάκτους και ένα τεράστιο βράχο. Πλησιάζετε!
8. Αμέσως μετά βλέπετε μια ακόμα στροφή φουρκέτα που στρίβει τον δρόμο προς τα αριστερά. Θα δείτε δύο μικρές πινακίδες για το Zen Rocks. Σε αυτό το σημείο αφήνετε το ασφαλτοστρωμένο δρόμο και μπαίνετε προς τα δεξιά σε έναν μικρό αγροτικό δρόμο από τσιμέντο.
Οδηγείστε για 200 μέτρα στο τσιμεντένιο επαρχιακό δρόμο και άλλα 400 μέτρα σε χωματόδρομο. Ακολουθήστε τις πινακίδες για να μην μπείτε στον ελαιώνα που είναι πριν από εμάς. Περιμένετε να δείτε το σημείο με την πινακίδα του Zen Rocks να δείχνει τον ανηφορικό ιδιωτικό τσιμεντένιο δρόμο στα αριστερά σας. Είναι που θα σας φέρει στο κατάλυμα.
Σε αυτό το σημείο και μόνο θα δείτε και τους στύλους της ΔΕΗ να ανεβαίνουν προς τα πάνω.
9. Κάντε αριστερά σε αυτόν τον τσιμεντένιο δρόμο. Έχει έντονη ανηφορική κλίση, οπότε βάλτε πρώτη ταχύτητα για να ανεβείτε. Ακόμα και μικρά αυτοκίνητα ανεβαίνουν άνετα. Είναι λίγο σα να ανεβαίνετε ίσια πάνω στον ουρανό, στα σύννεφα… Απογειώνεστε λοιπόν.
10. 5 Δευτερόπτα μετά: Καλώς ορίσατε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Χαλαρώστε και απολαύστε τη διαμονή σας!
Όπως λέει και ο δάσκαλος του Ζεν Thich Nhat Hahn: You have arrived! Pause. Enjoy!
Let us know about your needs and preferences and we can pre-arrange the perfect nurturing massage or related therapy session for you.
