Taoist Qigong: Cultivating Health and Harmony

TEACHER

Sifu Arthur “Athanasios” Makaris, L.Ac.

DATE

03 May - 09 May

Yoga Retreat

PRICE

From €1300

Integrating Breath, Movement, and Mind

Taoist Qigong: Cultivating Health and Harmony

This retreat will focus on the eight standing postures of Ba Gua Zhang and the flowing movement sequences between postures. It is designed to engage participants across diverse levels of experience.

Featuring:

Physical and energetic alignment: connecting to earth, sky, and self
Aligning musculoskeletal qi pathways with the internal organs
Exploring the Three Treasures: Essence, Energy, and Mind

We will also explore the fundamentals of Taoist meditation, the goal of which is to uncover an awareness of the non-dual spark of consciousness. Using the Ba Gua, or Eight Trigrams, as a guide, we will begin by entering the abyss of darkness and opening receptivity and tranquility. We will link Primordial Yang (non-discriminating awareness) and Primordial Yin (compassion) to the more familiar Zen Yang and Yin expressed as Illumination and Serenity in Hongzhi’s twelfth-century poem The Guidepost of Silent Illumination.

About Athanasios

Arthur “Athanasios” Makaris began studying martial arts in the 1960s. This set him on a path to the healing and mystical arts, including qigong and meditation, and Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine. He moved to a rural mountain area in 1986 to be closer to nature and continue cultivating the arts. He opened the Acupuncture and Qigong Health Center and the Vermont Kung Fu Academy in 1990. Later that year, he began lecturing at the local university and medical school. In 2000, he was the first acupuncturist to obtain consulting and practice privileges at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Qigong, Chinese medicine, and martial arts are all rooted in an ancient natural philosophy called Taoism. The Taoist paradigm is part mysticism and part science, centering the development of mind, awareness, physical health, and relationship to nature. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given in my studies, as well as to several influential teachers. But it is ultimately with students and patients, who desire better health and healing, that I am motivated to seek deeper understanding and find simplicity in the complex.

Just over one hundred years ago, my grandparents left their native Greece and took a chance on a better life in the United States. My mother’s parents’ came from Mani, a very special part of southern Greece in the Peloponnese. In 1970, I spent the summer living in two different villages in Mani. Without electricity and running water, yet with an abundance of simplicity and good feelings, it made an indelible mark on me as a teenager. I spent the next forty-nine years wanting to return. In 2019, I finally did, literally finding the bones of my ancestors. I felt so at home in the mountains and by the sea, basking in the spirit of the people.

During this visit, I happened upon a retreat center called Zen Rocks, just south of Kalamata. Zen Rocks sits in a beautiful, blessed hillside within a rural olive grove overlooking the sea. The owners, Vivi Letsou and Eraj Shakib, are truly passionate about creating a healing and learning environment. My companion and I met with Vivi at Zen Rocks. She is an accomplished yoga teacher and Zen practitioner, and her enthusiasm is contagious. After fifty years of cultivating the essence of several mystical traditions, I will be returning to my Mani roots again in May 2020, teaching a Taoist Qigong workshop at Zen Rocks. Please join me on this journey back to an ancient land full of wonder, to deepen our understanding of the mysteries our universe holds.

Accommodation 6 Days

Single room: 1,960.00 €
Double room: 1,345.00 €
Triple room: 1,385.00 €
Quadruple room: 1,300.00 €
Guests accompanying workshop participants will pay 1,345.00 € (double room) for room and board.

What is Included

Accommodations
6 night lodging
Taoist Qigong Instruction
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 (massage available)

Private sessions where applicable

Schedule

Rough schedule:

7:15-8:00 Optional Meditation or Bike Ride or Walk in Nature

8.15-8:30 Morning Tea

8.45-11.00 Qigong practice

11.00 Delicious Fresh Brunch Buffet

11.00-18.00 Free time: Rest, Swim, enjoy a massage session

18.00-19.30 Qigong Practice

19.30-20.30 Dinner & enjoying the sunset

21.00-22.00 Optional meditation, Relaxation/Sleep

Transportation

There are now flights to Kalamata Airport, a mere 30 minutes from Zen Rocks, from many European cities on a daily basis. We can help you look at flights from specific cities, like Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt. The great news is that these flights are now very affordable. There are also flights to Athens and we have a shuttle service to fetch you at the airport.

Athens Airport or City of Athens to Zen Rocks (2.5-3 Hours Duration)

General fees: 55-75€/per person depending on number of people.

For group of 8 paid: 55€/per person with Zen Rocks Luxury Van or 440€ each way

Less people: 75€/per person through a shared ride in a taxi.
Private taxi ride: 300-350€ + depending on availability.

Kalamata Airport to Zen Rocks (30-40 minutes Duration)

General fees: 20-50€/per person depending on number of people.

For a group of 8 paid: 20€ with Zen Rocks Van or 160€ per way.

Less people: 35€/per person through a shared ride in a taxi.

Private taxi ride: 60-80€ + depending on availability.

Transportation during the retreat-

To nearby beach, Kitries or Sandova: 120€/daily for 8 people, one roundtrip.

Or 15€/per person, for luxury van, based on a group of 8 people.

To Kalamata or Kardamyli: 160€/daily for 8 people, one roundtrip.

Or 20€/per person, for luxury van, based on a group of 8 people.

Destinatons about 90-120 minute away, such as Southern Mani, Diros Stalac8te Caves, or Ancient Messini: 240€/daily for 8 people, one roundtrip. Or 30€/per person, for luxury van, based on a group of 8 people.

Note: Zen Rocks advises that you charge the extra 15-20€/person daily, to provide the comfort of easy and hassle free transportation, to the markets and the beach. You could also include 1 or 2 extra trips to other sites of interest at 30€/person.

Arrivals

5-6pm (not before 3pm please)
6 or 6.30pm Welcome circle… Easy introduction practice, dinner and early bed time.

Departures

After brunch… Latest by noon…

Packages

Double Room

Deluxe Triple Room with Sea View. This triple room features a balcony, dining area and minibar. Share a room with two of your friends or two other retreat guests.

Make Inquiry

Triple Room

Deluxe Triple Room with Sea View. This triple room features a balcony, dining area and minibar. Share a room with two of your friends or two other retreat guests.

Make Inquiry

Quadruple Room

Deluxe Quadruple Room with Sea View. This quadruple room features a balcony, dining area and minibar. Share a room with three of your friends or three other retreat guests.

Make Inquiry

Have a question?

How do I choose the Retreat for me?

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!

Can I come alone?

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.

Can I bring my partner who is not a practitioner?

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.

When should I book?

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

Where do I fly to –How do I arrange my Transfer?

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

Driving Directions to Zen Rocks

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!

Οδηγίες για το Zen Rocks Mani

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!

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