THE POWER IN YOU: Chapter 5

Early the next morning as you gaze from your verandah to the ocean, a shimmering humming bird hovers inches before you. You smile, seeing it as your new reflection—light, beautiful, trusting.

A sweet, clear melody wafts your way. "Since when do humming birds sing?!" you wonder . . . until you notice a woman, dressed in white, sitting at a distance on another 'tree house' verandah. She is playing a large wooden flute. The sound draws you out and down the pathway in her direction.

Closer up, you recognize her as Elspeth, who will be guiding the Kundalini Yoga and other activities for the retreat. Her eyes are closed, so she doesn't notice you . . . but you feel 'seen' anyway, as something about the sound of the flute touches a deep part of you . . . a part that hasn't yet awakened for the morning . . . in fact, it hasn't awakened in years . . . if ever?

A tingle runs through your body and you know that this is truly the beginning.

(To be continued . . .)

To find out more and register for THE POWER IN YOU Kundalini Yoga Retreat at Castara Retreats, Tobago, (28 August - 4 September 2018) please visit this link http://www.thouartyoga.com/power-in-you-2018-retreat.html

THE POWER IN YOU: Chapter 4

The Power In You: Chapter 4

With another day to yourself before other participants arrive, you take time to explore Castara.

You start early that morning on the beach, watching the fishermen pull seine amidst clouds of hungry laughing guils. Along with other bystanders, you begin to help the men, laughing as your hands grip the wet, sea-scented net of jumping fish.

You've never pulled seine before . . . you've never been to Castara before . . . you've never invested in yourself and attended a yoga retreat before . . .

All of these "first time" experiences and you only just got here! Already your life is becoming the new beginning you've been dreaming of . . .

(To be continued . . .)

To find out more and register for THE POWER IN YOU Kundalini Yoga Retreat at Castara Retreats, Tobago, (28 August - 4 September 2018) please visit this link http://www.thouartyoga.com/power-in-you-2018-retreat.html

(Music and video: Elspeth Duncan)

THE POWER IN YOU: Chapter 3

You fall in love instantly upon entering the "luxury tree house" (as you like to call them) in which you will be staying for the 7 nights of the retreat. You have opted for solo accommodation, even though you know the shared options are more affordable and still offer privacy.

Perhaps you would have shared a 'luxury tree house' if one of your friends had wanted to come with you, but . . . cool early mornings, twice daily yoga, three vegan meals a day (a tough one for your die hard meat eating pals), lots of options for outdoor recreation and relaxing . . . those things don't appeal to many of your friends.

"Hmmm . . . Wow. Time to meet some more like minded people," you think as you flop onto the large bed which gazes onto the ocean through the open verandah.

The crisp, cool white sheets kiss your skin. The welcoming support of the mattress invites your body to release its tension. You sink in . . . you begin to drift . . .and, for the first time in a long time, you allow yourself to let go of the story—that someone, something outside of you needs you more than you need yourself and your own peace of mind & body right now . . .

(To be continued . . .)

To find out more and register for THE POWER IN YOU Kundalini Yoga Retreat at Castara Retreats, Tobago, (28 August - 4 September 2018) please visit this link http://www.thouartyoga.com/power-in-you-2018-retreat.html

THE POWER IN YOU: Chapter 2

(Music & Video: Elspeth Duncan)

THE POWER IN YOU: Chapter 2

You have packed light for this retreat—swimsuit, cool white cotton clothes for Kundalini Yoga, a few tops, shorts, a sundress, underwear, toiletries, a book.

Despite the lightness of your bag, the friendly man ("Porridge") who greets you upon arrival at Castara Retreats offers to help you to your cottage . . . or your 'tree house', as you prefer to label it. What else would you call these rusticly luxurious wooden hillside structures, nestled amidst thick, verdant trees, with wide open verandahs gazing over the ocean and huge windows framing pictures of fishermen's boats, soaring birds and clouds that gently morph into new shapes . . . in the same way that you anticipate you will transform within the promise of these seven sacred days.

Maybe everyone is down at the beach or trekking to the waterfall . . . but no one else seems to be there yet—except for the humming birds. You observe them with a smile, aware of the message they bring in the world of animal totems/symbology: "The sweetest nectar is within."

Indeed. You are about to experience this . . .

(To be continued . . .)

To find out more and register for THE POWER IN YOU Kundalini Yoga Retreat at Castara Retreats, Tobago, (28 August - 4 September 2018) please visit this link http://www.thouartyoga.com/power-in-you-2018-retreat.html

THE POWER IN YOU: Chapter 1

THE POWER IN YOU: CHAPTER 1

As you approach the place where you have chosen to spend seven precious days of your life, you take a deep breath. It's not what you thought it would have been from the photos . . . in fact, it's more. A wave of relief runs through you and something falls away . . . quite like a large chunk of sand collapses unexpectedly from a beach embankment when the sea rushes in to claim it.

Of course. Letting go makes sense. You're here, finally . . . in a new place, about to meet new people, have new experiences and—according to the retreat brochure–connect with a Power that will move you forward in exactly the way you need, so that you come away with a 'renewed and radiant sense of self.' There's no need to hold on to anything you've left behind.

At the very least, you can already tell you will leave as a different person. You can feel it . . . in the way your lungs seem to have expanded to receive as much as they can of the fresh country air . . . the way your shoes automatically slip from your feet as you step from the taxi . . . the way your bare soles connect with the warm earth and feel like they belong . . .

(To be continued . . .)

To find out more and register for THE POWER IN YOU Kundalini Yoga Retreat at Castara Retreats, Tobago, (28 August - 4 September 2018) please visit this link http://www.thouartyoga.com/power-in-you-2018-retreat.html

BANQUET OF BLESSINGS (UK) 2018 - Kundalini Yoga & Raw Food Retreat

Make a cup of tea, sit back and take in this interview. In it, I play my Native American Love Flute and answer questions (posed by friend and raw food coach, Gabriela Lerner) about the upcoming Kundalini Yoga & Raw Food Retreat: 

"Banquet of Blessings", in Dorset, UK, 11-13 May 2018. 

Click here to find out more about the retreat and register before end of January 2018 for the early bird special (10% off). 

Sat nam.

Invitation to full moon Healing Ring of Tantra - 1 January 2018

A wonderful experience and powerful way to start the new year 2018. Together we will lay the groundwork for healing on many levels. We will gather in the glow of the full super moon—the largest full moon of the year 2018. Please make contact to indicate that you will join, so that numbers are known. (Please message Thou Art Yoga on Facebook). At least 11 people must be present for this meditation. Sat nam. <3 span=""> All details on flyer.

RAISED VIBRATIONS ARE MAGNETIC AND CONTAGIOUS

Everything will shift when we raise our vibrations and consistently keep them up. If we each consciously worked at achieving this and each encouraged/taught/supported at least one other person in doing the same, we will transform our society—and by extension, the world. We do not need to get frustrated and angry or struggle to get anything external to change. The true change is within—as we surrender and commit to the process of uplifting self and others in an ongoing journey.

Next KUNDALINI YOGA class
www.thouartyoga.com, Thou Art Yoga

Friday 8 December 2017
6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Kariwak, Crown Point
Beginner to advanced are welcome.

Kundalini Kafé will serve enlightening eats and drinks after the class for your enjoyment and communing.

Sat nam

Elspeth

Remove the wall that keeps you small

REMOVE THE WALL THAT KEEPS YOU SMALL

Kundalini Yoga at Kariwak, Crown Point today:

Friday 3 March 2017

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

All are welcome. $70TT per person.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Yoga mats available on site.

Sat nam.

www.thouartyoga.com

Join us for Kundalini Yoga every Friday

Public group classes

Every Friday from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Kariwak, Crown Point, Tobago.

More info: www.thouartyoga.com

Crystal Singing Bowls at yoga class

Sounding crystal singing bowls (A# and F#) during the relaxation period of Thou Art Yoga's Friday evening Kundalini Yoga class at Kariwak Hotel, Tobago.

Background sounds include: water from the water feature in the pond, wind, planes taking off at the nearby airport, dogs barking in the distance.

Enjoy . . .

W.O.W.

Click here to read more about Thou Art Yoga's W.O.W. Retreats.

"I highly recommend Elspeth’s retreats and classes. Many of us lead stressful lives where emotional reserves are drained. This compromises our ability to cope and successfully surf the uncertainty that is life. Time with Elspeth literally energises our batteries and refills these precious reserves.  The stars truly shine brighter after."

(Dr. Adana M-G.)

DAY 1 OF 40

Grainy early morning shot of dream catcher and incense after doing this sadhana (early morning practice).

 

DAY 1 OF 40 of "Exercise Set for the Chakras" and "Gift of Gurprasad Meditation".

"What is sadhana? It’s a committed prayer. It is something which you want to do, have to do, and which is being done by you. … Sadhana is self-enrichment. It is not something which is done to please somebody or to gain something. Sadhana is a personal process in which you bring out your best."

~Yogi Bhajan

... and why 40 days? According to yogic technology it takes 40 days to change (make or break) a habit. In this instance, I've chosen to do this particular kriya not only to charge up my chakras every morning but to recommit to my daily early morning yoga practise which had fallen of for a while.

The meditation is a simple one. Can be done anywhere between 3 - 11 mins. Great to start the day with, inviting blessings to come in. Here is a link: http://www.3ho.org/3ho-lifestyle/prosperity/meditation-gurprasad
 

I haven't found the kriya online. If you would like to also do this set for 40 days, send me your email address and I will email it to you.

Make friends with the Angels

 "Make friends with the angels, who though invisible, are always with you. Often invoke them, constantly praise them, and make good use of their help and assistance in all your temporal and spiritual affairs." 

(Saint Francis de Sales)

Find out more at Kundalini Yoga class tomorrow:
Friday 27 September 2013
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Kariwak, Crown Point, Tobago.

Beginner to advanced level students welcome in the same class. You will be guided. Do what you can and you will have the experience you are meant to have.

Sat nam.

 

Weekend Healing Retreat in Tobago (Sept 2013)

Visit this link for more info on the SPIRITS OF NATURE weekend healing retreat in Tobago

21 - 23 September 2013

Kundalini Yoga

Acutonics (Tuning Fork Therapy)

Shamanic Journeying

SPIRITS OF NATURE Tobago Healing Retreat (September 2013)

Click on flyer jpg to enlarge

Gather in Tobago with kindred souls to experience 24 hours of deep inner and outer connection and transformation through Kundalini Yoga, Acutonics (Healing Fork Therapy) and Shamanic Journeying.  

 

Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 September 2013

Richmond Great House, Tobago.

Please click on this link for more retreat details and information on the three facilitators:

Elspeth Duncan (Thou Art Yoga) - Kundalini Yoga

Arune Pooransingh (Chrysalis) - Acutonics (Healing Fork Therapy)

Eva Gheorghe (Chrysalis) - Shamanic Journeying

FINDING YOU: One Day Healing Retreat (Trinidad)

Please click on flyer to enlarge.

KUNDALINI YOGA with Elspeth Duncan (Thou Art Yoga)
ACUTONICS (Tuning Fork Therapy) with Arune Pooransingh
SHAMANIC JOURNEYING with Eva Gheorghe

SATURDAY 22 JUNE 2013
6:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
39 - 41 Montano Street, Vistabella, Trinidad

Please visit this link for more information at the website and/or call 381-8359.

Experience a WOW Self Love Retreat in Tobago

Enjoy uninterrupted personal, self-love time ... inclusive of (weather permitting) an outdoor energy healing treatment amidst breezy trees on the cliff overlooking the sea.

To find out more about Thou Art Yoga's W.O.W. Self Love Retreats in Tobago, please visit 

http://www.thouartyoga.com/wow-retreats.html

To book, at least one week in advance, please call (868) 381-8359 OR elspeth (at) thouartyoga (dot) com

Special package rate of $2,400TT includes:

2 nights accommodation
* All meals (vegetarian)
* Morning/Evening Kundalini Yoga & Meditation
* Personalised guidance
* 1 Energy Healing Session
* Personal Relaxation & Reflection Time
* Use of pool and private beach

"Just for You" Self Love Weekend Retreat (Tobago)

Please click on image to enlarge and see details.

Choose any weekend ... and it is yours (availability permitting)
 
Each customised "Just for You" Self Love Weekend Retreat caters for one person at a time. If that person is you, you are dreaming of spending quality personal time in a supportive, relaxing space ... to let go, find answers, be inspired, create new possibilities and meet someone wonderful ... Yourself.

Please click here to visit the site for more info and images.

The Just for You retreat is a product within Thou Art Yoga's W.O.W. (Wonderful One Weekend) retreat series.

I'm Brave Enough.

On Sunday I went out with two friends, one of whom has a son, J, about 8 years old. He is one of the children in my Wednesday evening Yoga sessions for children.

We spent a few hours at our location—what used to be Arnos Vale Waterwheel Restaurant but is now a deserted property ... a beautiful, deserted property, might I add. So much potential.

Even though quiet and desolate, the property still felt like it had life in it ... and I don't mean the trees and the hundreds of bats now occupying the various rooms.  It was almost like being in a movie and seeing faint impressions of diners and socialites milling around, laughing, drinking, eating, listening or dancing to the live band on the now what-must-be-rotten stage across the little river from the old restaurant. 

In the kitchen, a light was still on. In one of the rooms, water was streaming from the tap, which we were unable to turn off because it seemed to be rusted in an open position.

There was a little sunny stone circle in the midst of the property, under some trees. "Perfect for yoga!" I said. My two companions (who are in my adult yoga class) agreed. J then led us through a yoga session, a children's version. I was impressed. Despite the noise and apparent distraction they sometimes exhibit in our yoga sessions, they are still listening and taking it all in.

While on our outing, I spent most of my time in J's company and noticed a phrase he kept repeating. At one point, he and I were looking for a path through some bush to get down to the small river. He said: "I'm brave enough to go here!" and charged ahead, almost like a knight on a horse brandishing a sword in the air.

At another point, we noticed a track that was leading up through some bush to an area out of our sight. He said: "I'm brave enough to go up here! Who's coming?" Of course I was right behind him, admiring his simple but powerful mantra:

"I'm brave enough!"

What are you brave enough to do today ... or any day?