LAOS REVEAL RETREAT: Immersive Journey into Self-Discovery

3 – 6 FEBRUARY 2022

REVEAL encourages you to take a journey into self-discovery. The process of yoga and meditation reveal to us who we really are. It brings attention to our passions and joys, as well as to our fears and sorrows. It allows us to tune into our purpose. Through the physical practice of yoga, samkhya and yoga philosophy, and through building internal and spacial awareness, we begin to see ourselves as we are. Beginners and seasoned practitioners alike will taken on an engaging ride through your senses. 

SAMKHYA AND YOGA PHILOSOPHY

Samkhya philosophy is one of the oldest and most influential of the six schools of Indian Vedic philosophy and has a profound impact on the beliefs, values and concepts used in the practice of Yoga. Samkhya philosophy reveals a detailed map of the universe to serve as a guide towards a state of oneness with all elements in the universe, the ultimate goal of Yoga. Samkhya regards ignorance as the root cause of bondage and suffering. Due to ignorance, the Self, spirit, or purusa identifies itself with the physical body and its constituents, which are products of matter, nature, or prakriti. Once the Self becomes free from the false identification and the material bonds, salvation is possible. This can be loosely compared to some Western concepts of the mind, body and soul.

Yoga is a school of thought that emphasizes meditation, contemplation and liberation (while Samkhya is the theory, Yoga can be thought of as the practice). The sage Patanjali (200 B.C. to 200 A.D.) is often recognized as the “father of classical Yoga.” He codified his thoughts and knowledge about Yoga into a text that is famously known as The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The core of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra is an eight-limbed path that forms the structural framework for Yoga practice. Upon practicing all eight limbs of the path it becomes self-evident that no one element is elevated over another in a hierarchical order. Each is part of a holistic focus, which eventually brings completeness to the individual as they find their connectivity to the divine. Because we are all uniquely individual, a person can emphasize one branch and then move on to another as they round out their understanding (excerpt from the Eight Limbs, the Core of Yoga, William J.D. Doran, Expression of Spirit). 

THE YOGA RETREAT

This 4-day/3-night mini-version of our longer “RISE” retreat is about taking the ancient and classical yoga philosophy into a real world application that is relevant to how we live in the modern day. Each day, you will get an opportunity to dive into and live the real meaning of yoga practice, from its physical form to its philosophical foundation. The physical practice of yoga, beyond exercise, is an active practice of observation, awareness and self-discovery. In order to do this, we need to apply the philosophy of yoga and to move beyond our habitual patterns in order to wake up the higher  intelligence. We’ll take you step by step through this process. Learning how to find ease in the physical practice is also a central element in this process, so we’ll spend a couple of afternoons fine-tuning your alignment in commonly practiced yoga postures. Together with breath work, this retreat is a  holistic experience through the eyes of Samkhya and Yoga philosophies.

ABOUT OUR LAOS YOGA RETREATS

Our Laos retreats take place throughout the year from October to July and are immersive, educational experiences designed to increase your knowledge base in yoga philosophy, the technicalities of movement and breath, and most importantly, how to apply these into the modern framework. They are intended for novice students and seasoned practitioners alike, who would like to receive well-rounded instruction on the whole practice of yoga. Our delivery of complex subject matter is approachable and relevant so you can be assured that you will leave with a much stronger foundation in your understanding of yoga. While each retreat uses different philosophical approaches as the learning platform, you will find all of them inspiring and a great catalyst for further learning.

THE YOGA

Each retreat will take a different philosophical subject matter as a platform for practice and learning. The various yoga philosophies are simply different approaches to finding freedom and peace within ourselves, and within the world in which we live. While yoga is often associated with its more physical component (asana), the whole practice is really an amalgamation of various underlying philosophies, breathing techniques, and meditation. With all of these components, yoga becomes a way of seeing reality and a way of navigating the complexities of life. Our teaching methods ensure that you not only understand the theory, but that you get an opportunity to tap into the experience of yoga as a holistic practice.

THE EXPERIENCE

Our Laos retreats are designed as experiences that fill what we strongly believe is a gap between the hour-long studio practice classes and much more intensive teacher trainings. There is a need for an immersive learning space for students who simply want to know more about yoga.

Between morning practices and afternoon workshops, you can expect to be in a learning environment between 5 to 6 hours on each full day. All classes will take place in a beautiful open-air dedicated yoga shala right on the banks of the river, and we incorporate the natural surroundings into our tools for learning. As part of your experience, we encourage you to explore the simplicity of life in this remote fishing village so there’s plenty of free time each afternoon to hike to the viewpoint, take a boat ride upriver, kayak for a few hours, or explore the nearby caves. Sync into the pace of life that this beautiful country is known for and you’ll find that contentment lies in an ability to just be.

THE DESTINATION

Nong Khiaw is a sleepy village, nestled in the highlands of Northern Laos. Located approximately 150 km from Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw is easily accessible by. Travel by road to Nong Khiaw from Luang Prabang takes approximately 3 hours, although many travelers opt for the longer, 6-hour boat ride as the views along the river are spectacular (check with travel agencies in town for availability and pricing of boat travel and this has been affected by the recent building of dams along the Nam Ou River).

Life in Nong Khiaw takes place primarily along the banks of the Nam Ou River. A main street and bridge run through the center of town, connecting the two sides. Ultimately, Nong Khiaw’s draw is its impressive landscape. The Nam Ou River is flanked on both sides by rolling hills and stone massifs. The river cuts through the mountains, opening spectacular views into the distance. It’s a destination not to be missed.

The retreats are held at a premier bungalow resort that is situated high on the banks of the scenic and tranquil Nam Ou River, offering spectacular sunset views over the virgin rainforest and karst limestone mountains of Nong Khiaw. The resort offers 10 spacious clean & comfortable detached bungalows, mixing traditional Lao style with all the modern conveniences you can expect from a home away from your home. The custom-built yoga shala sits directly on the banks of the Nam Ou River, harnessing the energy of life.

THE COST

Shared Room (only two twin rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis):
Fountain Bungalow – SGD 473 per person
Riverside Bungalow – SGD 487 per person

Single Occupancy Room:
Fountain Bungalow – SGD 585 per person
Riverside Bungalow – SGD 612per person

*We are only taking expressions of interest at this time. No payment will be requested at the moment

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

• • All nights accommodation
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • Minivan transfer from Nong Khiaw back to Luang Prabang on the last day of the retreat (you must depart with the group. We are unable to pay for transport back to Luang Prabang at any other time)
  • Daily Yoga & Meditation classes and yoga workshops (full attendance is requested)
  • Exclusive Urban Yogis Goodie Bag
  • Wifi accessibility

EXCLUSIONS

• • Travel to and from Laos
  • Transportation from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw on the first day of the retreat
  • Lunch and snacks in between meals
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Any activities you choose to do on your own outside of the retreat schedule  e.g biking, trekking, those that are not listed in the itinerary
  • Travel Insurance

Your retreat will be led by Julie Moksim.