Workshops | Retreats | Events
Ganges Yoga offers workshops, retreats and events in Tasmania, other parts of Australia and internationally. Workshops and retreats are integral to Ganges Yoga’s philosophy as they provide opportunities to widen your knowledge of yoga and connect with like-minded people.
Retreat venues are carefully chosen to give an experience of yogic lifestyle and ensure that your break from the routines of daily life is soothing and uplifting. The need to practice in a pure, natural environment, eat fresh, wholesome food and be with sympathetic people is spoken of in traditional yogic literature. Ganges Yoga considers retreats as a time to imbibe the wisdom of the classics, from lifestyle to spiritual growth.
Ganges Yoga workshops and retreats are content rich, blending theory and practice. We love the knowledge that underlies yoga and aim to bring that to you in practical ways that enhance your quality of life.
Upcoming Retreats, Workshops and Events 2016-17
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Ahimsa's Europe & UK Tour | August - November 2017 | Details coming soon - stay tuned!
South America Tour 2017
with Ahimsa | Colombia
Bogota
Wednesday 17th
Holistic Yoga for Trauma Lecture
Academia de Yoga Satyananda, Bogota | 6:30pm
Friday 19th
Keynote speaker at a major conference
Mindfulness y Yoga: Oportunidades para la Construcción de Paz en Colombia
Universidad de los Andes, Bogota | 7:30am - 6pm | DETAILS HERE
Medellin & San Rafael
Friday 26th
Workshop with victims of the Colombian civil war
9am - 5pm​
Saturday 27th - Monday 29th
Yoga for Trauma Recovery Retreat
La Zafra, San Rafael, Antioquia | Click here for details and bookings | PDF info flyer | Enquiries to info@happyyogamedellin.com
Cali
Wednesday 31st May - Monday 5th June
Program TBA
May 2017
August - November 2017
Europe & UK Tour 2017
with Ahimsa | Italy, England, Ireland, Belgium, Austria, Serbia
Ahimsa is returning to Europe & the UK from August - November 2017.
Tour details coming soon!
Past retreats - check out some of our past programs
April 2017 | Australia
Yoga for Trauma Recovery
with Ahimsa | Manly, NSW
What
Day Workshop
Where
Manly Yoga, Shop 3&4 200 Pittwater Road Manly, NSW 2095
When
Sunday 2 April 2017 | 9:30am - 5pm
Cost
$135 | $125 Early bird paid by 23 March
Enquiries and Enrolment
Please visit the Manly Yoga website for further information and enrolment.
About the Event
This one-day workshop will introduce you to the principles and practices of holistic yoga for trauma recovery. It will blend theory and practice so that you both understand and experience this method of using yoga to aid the healing process.
The workshop will include simple yoga practices that can be used to bring both short and long-term relief from the symptoms of extreme stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In PTSD the nervous system is ‘stuck’ in the stress response that was activated by the trauma. A range of disturbing, uncontrollable symptoms develop, making it difficult to function normally.
Outbursts of rage, insomnia, hyper-vigilance, emotional numbness, flashbacks, depression and anxiety are just a few of the debilitating effects of PTSD. Isolation and, self-medication with alcohol and drugs are common side effects, and the breakdown of family, work and social structures mean that life can fall apart.
Yoga can offer a practical way out of PTSD and back to life. Through regular practice, yoga helps to heal the nervous system and gives tools for managing the mind, regulating emotions and laying the past to rest so that life can be enjoyed to the full.
Having tools to manage stressful moments in daily life is essential for confidence and recovery. Being able to relax is fundamental. Knowing how to breathe fully is life-changing. Being able to observe the mind and emotions gives you power over them.
By attending this one-day workshop you will learn:
* Simple yoga postures to relieve physical tension
* Yoga breathing techniques for calmness, anger-management and sleep
* Yoga Nidra – systematic relaxation for stress and insomnia
* New mental attitudes for letting go of past pain.
No prior yoga experience is needed.
This workshop is suitable for trauma survivors, yoga teachers, health practitioners – anyone with a sincere interest in this application of yoga.
Whatever your background, you will gain an insight into the possibilities of using yoga for recovery from stress and trauma. You will also take away practical tools that bring immediate relief and you’ll know how to move forward using yoga to heal the scars of trauma.
Ahimsa’s award-winning film, Heroes of Peace, will be shown.
Morning and afternoon tea is included in the price. There will be a one hour break at lunchtime, lunch is not included in the price.
February 2017 | Australia
Yoga for Trauma Recovery
with Ahimsa | Rocklyn, Victoria
What
Weekend retreat
Where
Rocklyn Ashram, Victoria
When
Friday 17 - Sunday 19 February 2017
Cost
$295
Enquiries and Enrolment
See the Rocklyn website for further information and to enrol.
About the Retreat
Ahimsa will guide you through a unique approach to healing the scars left by traumatic experiences. This retreat offers a practical package of yoga postures, breathing and relaxation combined with methods for consciously managing the mind and emotions. This holistic approach uses a range of tools for restoring wellbeing to the body and mind, offering healthy solutions to ease post-trauma suffering.
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Experience the healing power of a selection of yoga practices that are most suitable for the relief of post-trauma suffering.
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Learn how these practices heal the nervous system and transform the body-mind.
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See the award-winning documentary, Heroes of Peace, which tells the story of war veterans in Australia who used yoga for healing posttraumatic stress disorder.
Purchase Ahimsa’s book Hope: How Yoga Heals the Scars of Trauma at the Ganges Yoga store or at the Rocklyn Yoga Bookshop.
April, May 2016 | Australia
Raja Yoga: The Yoga of the Mind
with Ahimsa | Western Creek, Tasmania
A weekend of yoga lifestyle, learning and sharing
What
Weekend retreat
Where
Atma Darshan Yoga Centre, 795 Western Creek Rd, Western Creek, Tasmania 7304
When
6pm Friday 20th May 2016 - 2pm Sunday 22nd May 2016 - FULL
Cost
Varies according to accommodation option. Please view the retreat brochure here
Enquiries and Enrolment
Please contact Kristina | kristinakm@bordernet.com.au | (03) 6367 8241 | See the retreat brochure for full details and enrolment
About the Workshop
The mind is a powerful force that dominates our experience of life. Our perceptions, thoughts, reactions and moods shape all that we do. How to manage the mind for a better quality of life is the challenge of being human. Raja yoga is a system for doing just that. It not only describes the breadth of mental processes and the challenges that face us, but also offers practical, clearly defined solutions. Raja yoga also recognises the relationship between the body and the mind. Hatha yoga practices (e.g. asana and pranayama) are an important preparation for Raja yoga, helping remove physical tensions and balancing the subtle energies for a calm mind and comfortable body.
This weekend retreat will explore the principles of Raja yoga and how to apply them in everyday life. Drawing on the ancient Raja yoga text, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali we’ll look at yogic attitudes, methods and meditations for mind management. The program will start with Yoga nidra at 6pm on Friday 20th and end with lunch on Sunday 22nd . It will include morning yoga asana and pranayama classes, Yoga Nidra, havan (a fire ceremony for health & wellbeing), kirtan, some silence for reflection and also time to enjoy the beautiful nature. A short daily session of Karma yoga (the yoga of mindful action) will be a time when the principles of Raja yoga can be put into practice.
Venue
This peaceful 50 acre property has as its backdrop Mother Cummings Peak and the Great Western Tiers. The lovely Western Creek flows through the property. A beautiful earth-rendered strawbale Yoga room called Atma Darshan has been built as a sadhana (practice) space. Indoor accommodation is in the house or next door at Parvati: a spacious and very comfortable 5 bedroom house. For the outdoor lovers - paddock camping is available near the creek. The venue and facilities invite us to appreciate simplicity and enjoy the beauty of nature. All food will be vegetarian, much coming from our bio-dynamic vegetable garden and orchard and extra from Dalebrook Organics also at Western Creek. Superb organic dairy products are supplied by Elgaar Farm, located at nearby Moltema.
Healing Your Life: Moving Beyond Trauma
with Ahimsa | Quest for Life Centre, Bundanoon, NSW
Transformation of consciousness through connection and communion with nature.
What
Five-day retreat
Where
Quest for Life Centre, Bundanoon, NSW
When
Monday 18th - Friday 22nd April 2016 - FULL
Cost
See website
Enquiries and Enrolment
Please see the Quest for Life website for details and enrolment.
About the Workshop
In collaboration with Petrea King, Ahimsa is facilitating 5-day retreats for people seeking effective and holistic solutions to managing and healing posttrauma suffering. This retreat is specifically designed to assist people with PTSD reclaim their lives and create greater control over their emotional equilibrium and their choices.
June - July - August 2016 | United Kingdom & Europe
Yoga for Trauma and Stress - Workshop
with Ahimsa (Helen Cushing) | London, UK
What
One-day workshop
Where
The Light Centre, 9 Eccleston St, London SW1W 9LX
When
Sunday 26th June 2016 | 10am - 6pm - FULL
Cost
£75
Information and Enrolment
Please email ahimsainlondon@gmail.com
About the Workshop
Ahimsa has more than 10 years experience teaching yoga to war veterans, refugees and others. She teaches practical tools for managing stress and recovering from post trauma suffering. You'll learn techniques to heal the nervous system, stabilise mood and calm the mind. To inspire others, Ahimsa made an award-winning film, Heroes of Peace, and wrote a book, Hope: How Yoga Heals the Scars of Trauma.
Substantial interst is expected for this workshop and space is limited. Let us know why you wish to attend as priority will go to those suffering from stress or trauma, yoga teachers, and psychotherapists.
Hope: Yoga for Trauma Recovery - Workshop
with Ahimsa (Helen Cushing) | Vienna, Austria
What
One-day workshop
Where
Florianigasse 29/8
1080 Wien
When
Saturday 18th June 2016 - FULL
Sunday 19th June 2016 - FULL
Cost
€ 127 full fee | € 98 students under 27 years old
Information and Enrolment
Please see the Bhavani website | Phone 0699 117 56 117 | Email om@bhavani.at
About the Workshop
Please see the Bhavani website. Full details are listed in German.*
*Please note that the workshop will be delivered in English.
Restorative Retreat for Peacemakers
with Ahimsa (Helen Cushing) | Tools for Inner Peace, Tuscany, Italy
What
Retreat
Where
Grempoli, Tuscany, Italy
When
Saturday 9th - Saturday 16th July 2016
Cost
€630 - €700 depending on accommodation type | *Children half price | Accommodation, meals and teaching included.
Enquiries and Enrolment
Please see the Tools for Inner Peace website for full details and enrolment.
About the Retreat
This retreat is designed to prepare professionals for work at the frontlines, offering yoga and psychotherapy tools for managing stress and anxiety and maintaining inner balance.
Journalists, aid workers and diplomats who serve in conflict zones often witness traumatic events in the course of their work, experiencing stress, burnout or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Our retreats are designed to help build resilience and unwind after assignments.
The key is deep relaxation – learning to regulate the nervous system and integrate any tensions or past traumas held in the body. This is achieved through a gentle and systematic yoga practice, combining asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), yoga nidra (relaxation) and meditation.
The main yoga teachers will be Helen Cushing (Ahimsa) from Australia – author of Hope: How Yoga Heals the Scars of Trauma – and Narendra Bharwaney from London, both with a decade or more experience teaching yoga to manage the mind and emotions and balance the nervous system. The psychotherapy aspects will be covered by Martin Dietrich and Diana Ivanova from Bonn.
*Children are welcome on this retreat. We will offer a parallel kids’ nature, art and yoga programme, run by Nadeshda Stürzebecher, an artist and yoga teacher from Vienna. Children will join the rest of the group for meals, walks in the surrounding hills and gardening.
Moving Beyond Trauma Workshops
with Ahimsa (Helen Cushing) | The British Wheel of Yoga London Festival
What
Two separate workshops
Where
The British Wheel of Yoga London Festival 2016: Pranidhana | The City of Westminster College, Paddington Green W2 1NB
When
Sunday 3rd July 2016 | 11:30am - 1pm and 5pm - 6:30pm - BOTH FULL
Cost
See the London Festival website for details. Early Bird discount available until 31st March 2016.
Enquiries and Enrolment
Register here to ensure you're the first to find out when bookings open.
About the Workshop
Traumatic experiences leave deep scars on the psyche and nervous system preventing trauma survivors from moving on. Struggling to manage symptoms such as flashbacks, insomnia, hyper vigilance, anxiety and depression, trauma survivors can find themselves caught in the horror of their past.
Holistic yoga provides tools for rebalancing the nervous system and managing the mind. Here, the experience of pranidhana is one of trusting and surrendering to the process of yoga for healing the body, mind, energy and spirit. Ahimsa will guide participants in a synthesis of yoga and psychology developed during her many years of providing yoga to people suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder.
Regular practice of techniques that free the body of tensions, strengthen the relaxation response and train the mind to live in the present rather than be dictated to by the past offer practical solutions enabling trauma survivors to renew their relationship with life. Positivity, good health, motivation and gratitude unfold spontaneously as the struggle with the past is let go and life’s beauty and purpose unfold.
See Ahimsa's London Festival profile page for further details.
Yoga & Trauma Healing - Workshop
with Ahimsa (Helen Cushing) | Brussels, Belgium
What
One-day workshop
Where
Santidas Yoga Centre, BrusÂsels StuÂdio, 28 Rue de la Loi, BrusÂsels (Metro Arto Loi)
When
Saturday 23rd July 2016
Cost
€80
Information and Enrolment
Email info@santidas.com | or visit the website here
About the Workshop | Information from Santidas Yoga Centre webiste
For decades, health proÂfesÂsionÂals have tried to find suitÂable methÂods to treat Post-TrauÂmatic Stress DisÂorÂder (PTSD). AccessÂing trauma through the pracÂtice of yoga has proven to be the revÂoÂluÂtionÂary method for healÂing. It allows the body, and thus the mind, to overÂcome short cirÂcuits and to restrucÂture accordÂingly to overÂcome the trauÂmatic expeÂriÂence. Ahimsa (Helen CushÂing) has more than 10 years expeÂriÂence teachÂing yoga to solÂdiers and peoÂple sufÂferÂing from post-trauÂmatic stress in the frontÂline and war zones.
With Ahimsa’s guidÂance, the workÂshop will focus on teachÂing the restoraÂtive yoga pracÂtices through which healÂing natÂuÂrally unfolds. Learn about how yoga heals trauma and eases stress, insomÂnia and anxÂiÂety.
Ahimsa is the author of Hope: How Yoga Heals the Scars of Trauma and is feaÂtured in the award winÂning film Heroes of Peace. We have the great honÂour to co-host, with ToolÂs4InÂnerPeace to welÂcome Ahimsa for a one day workÂshop on the 23rd of July. The workÂshop is desÂtined for those sufÂferÂing from trauma or yoga teachÂers and health proÂfesÂsionÂals who deal with trauma patients. Please sign up info@santidas.com. The costs for the one day event is 80 Euros. AttenÂdance is limÂited to 15 parÂticÂiÂpants.
Teaching Yoga for Trauma and Stress - Workshop
with Ahimsa (Helen Cushing) | Tools for Inner Peace, Tuscany, Italy
What
Two-day workshop
Where
Grempoli, Tuscany, Italy
When
Sunday 31st July - Tuesday 2nd August 2016
Cost
€150 | Accommodation, meals and teaching included.
Information and Enrolment
Please see the Tools for Inner Peace website for full details and enrolment.
About the Retreat
This is an in-service two-day workshop for yoga teachers or individuals interested in working with stress and trauma. With Ahimsa’s guidance the workshop will focus on teaching the restorative yoga practices through which healing naturally unfolds. Learn about how yoga heals trauma and eases stress, insomnia, depression and anxiety.
More topics presented by Ganges Yoga
Please contact us if you would like Ganges Yoga to run a retreat, workshop or seminar near you.
Retreats
Classical Hatha Yoga in the Modern Age
Yoga for Mood Management
Yoga for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga for Health and Wellbeing
Yoga for Spiritual Living
Yogic Ecology
Ideas from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Workshops
Yoga for Mood Management
Breathe Well, Live Well
Yoga for Relaxation
Yoga to Help You Sleep
Yoga for Computer Users
Yoga for Weight Management
Yoga for Spiritual Living
Yoga for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Yoga for Cardiovascular Health
Yogic Cleansing Techniques
Meditation for Inner Peace