Yogamind News
Zurich 15. - 21.08.2011 - Advanced Iygenar Yoga Training
05. July 2011 / GeneralThe 7 day intensive Training in Zurich is being held from 15. - 21. August 2011. The cost for the seven days are CHF 995.00, payable at check-in. The course runs MO-FR 08:00-11:30 and 13:30-16:00 and SA/SO 07:30 - 11:00 and 13:00-15:30. Registration and contact details can be found on my 2011 schedule.
Goa 2012 - Now Open for Registration
05. July 2011 / GeneralMany of you have enquired about the TT course in Goa for 2012, we haven't been ready to accept enrolments for this course until now. We are now calling for enrolments or an expression of interest for the 2012 Teacher Training course in Goa. Last year this course was limited to those that had attended my 2 month Teacher Training course in Byron Bay and designed to lead up to the next level of difficulty and understanding. For 2012 the course, is open to others that are perhaps ready to go the next step. Many of you who have regularly attended the Italy retreat week 2 and 3, or the advanced training course I conduct in Zurich each year may be eligible to attend. I will assess each application for eligibility to attend.
Some basic requirements will be:
- Free standing Sirsasana
- Sarvangasana - 5-10min
- Adh Mukha Vrksasana at wall - 1 min
- Adho Mukha Svanasana - 3 min
- Ardha Padmasana, Urdhva Dhanurasana - arms straight
- Chaturanga Dandasana will be required as a base for the balance asanas.
If any of the above are not up to the requirements stated, you have half a year to get them there, so don't hesitate, start now.
Read more about the Goa Teacher Training / Retreat on our Goa page
Goa Teacher Training / Retreat 2012
Byron Bay Teacher Training - 2 Spaces Available
05. July 2011 / GeneralFor those interested in this years 2 month course, we have just had 2 cancellations due to work and other changing circumstances, so there are 2 places available. If interested in this opportunity apply sooner rather than later as we only take 12 people as a quality control measure for this course. More Information about thetraining is available on our Byron Bay Teacher Training Page.
Byron Bay Teacher Training
European Workshops 2011
27. June 2011 / Glenn Ceresoliiyoga in Munich is the biggest Iyengar yoga studio in Germany and it was inspiring to teach there again this year, received well by so many enthusiastic students who are always prepared to work diligently and put forth a sincere effort.
Next stop was Norway in Stavanger where since starting here four and half years ago at YogaYoga studios, the interest has grown enormously. The pioneering force behind YogaYoga is Bodil Mauritzen who now has two studios. Starting from very humble beginnings YogaYoga is the biggest thing in Stavanger, they have received media coverage galore as CEO's from major oil companies, rock stars, sport stars people from all walks of life all attend classes and the interest just keeps on growing.
During this visit, YogaYoga and I, have just created history here in Stavanger, Norway. This is the first ever, official Iyengar Yoga teacher training course ever held in Norway taking all participants through to certification in 2 years time. There are 35 participants, which I believe is the biggest teacher-training course of this nature I have ever conducted in Europe. It was a real pleasure to share my experience of yoga with so many fresh minded enthusiastic people. After the teacher training in Stavanger I also conducted a general weekend workshop before heading back to Australia.
Goa Retreat 2011
10. February 2011 / Glenn CeresoliThe new year started with 2 week retreat in Goa which was attended by 30 people who had a wonderful time meeting so many people from all over the world all gathered to practice yoga in the motherland India, which was the intention. It was clear that everybody both gained and enjoyed their time at the retreat the magic of India was really obvious and experienced by all. Our gracious hosts Olaf and Jodi couldn't do enough to accommodate everybody's needs and work tirelessly to provide the perfect environment for the yoga practice, with ayurvedic cuisine and treatments. Everybody is asking for the next one.
Glenn's Reflections on Byron Bay Teacher Training
30. October 2010 / Glenn CeresoliWhilst Margaret was at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, I was getting ready to commence the Byron Bay 2 month Teacher Training course. However, I first had a Teacher Training weekend with locals from Byron Bay, Murwillumbah the Gold Coast and surrounding area. Some people came from as far as Perth and Darwin to attend the ongoing course which involves, 6 weekends every year for 3 years before being ready to apply for assessment and the opportunity to gain certification. Some people are just there for the yoga and their own self-development whilst others are going through to certification with the Iyengar Association.
It is encouraging to see how much yoga means to so many people and the sacrifices and efforts they make for their personal self-development. The possibility of teaching in the future is always an option for all that attend the course. Completing the course means they are equipped to start teaching and can always travel along that path if feel inclined to at a later date.
I am conducting this course with the administrative assistance of Liz Costigan of the Byron Yoga Lounge, who simply cannot get enough yoga into her life, and is very enthusiastic about promoting Iyengar Yoga.
For any further enquires/questions about the course please email Liz
Every year for the past 7 years, Yogamind has conducted a 2 month intensive Teacher Training course for sincere people wanting a thorough and progressive introduction to the practice and teaching of Iyengar Yoga. As always 2010 course was again a privileged and very satisfying experience.
To hold the trust of 12 people, wanting to learn, and pursue the yoga experience, and dedicate 2 months of their lives immersed in a course of this nature, which, is a life altering experience for all involved. This means you have 12 committed people willing to give their all, and more to the practice.
From a teacher's perspective, having 12 people who are enthusiastic and willing to do whatever it takes is an inspiring platform to work from. Daily I watch, as the yoga practice weaves it's magic and starts to penetrate beyond the surface to the core of their being. Daily, I watch, as the barriers of resistance and fear slowly come down and reveal their inner self. Daily I watch and see changes taking place, the resolve, the confidence, the body changing shape, the mind changing shape. The expression emanating from the student starting to come from a place deeper inside them, like a blossoming flower unfolding to reveal it's whole essence.
The day starts with silent sitting before the pranayama practice begins. After the first 2 weeks people start to settle into the stillness and silence and the expression on their face's changes significantly. It softens and opens and the eyes become clear, to me this is the first sign that they are settling into the course and the nurturing environment of Byron Bay is at work.
They start to bond as a group and become much closer, not just socially but as fellow travellers on the yoga path, a sort of compassionate empathy develops between them as they support each other through their personal transformations, they stop living defensively and start living intently. The transformational process sometimes prompts emotional releases that have been clogging up the system for far too long, which creates hindrance to production, and flow of vitality, dampening our sense of perception. Hence support from those close by provides some welcoming comfort and confidence to overcome the grieving process, the loss of what was, the fear of the unknown, and embrace what has and always will be, this is the most painful part of the process, but it is also the most rewarding.
For testimonials from our previous students and trainees, please read more on our testimonials page.
Margaret's Reflections on Pune 2010
30. October 2010 / Margaret CeresoliThe Ramanani Iyengar Institute remains unchanged aside from the presence of 'security guards' that are stationed at the front gates where we had to sign in on entering before our morning classes. This arrangement appears to be the result of the bombing at the German Bakery Koragoan Park, in February 2010. Glenn had been at the bakery a day or so before the incident.
Geeta Iyengar was noticeably absent from the classes I attended and I did not see her presence for the whole month at the Institute.
Guruji was still practicing and was in the back of the class when Abhi and other institute teachers took over from the classes that have usually been taken by Geeta. The women's classes were also taken by Abhi with help from Guruji's instructions.
It was Lord Ganesha's Jayanthi (birthday) while I was there in September. Considered a most auspicious time. There were festivities, celebrations and poojas going on everywhere. This event is especially celebrated in the Maharasthra state of India. Partying which was loud and raucous went on well into the early morning. It is a festival that involves the general public and welcomes all. The preparations start a month before the installations of beautifully sculpted idols, which, are installed in homes and temporary mandaps (miniature personal temples). At the end of the ten days celebrations the idol is immersed in water.
What is the real meaning and significance of Ganapathi (Lord Ganesha)?
Investigating the inner significance of Gnapathi, the Ganas represent the jnanendriyas (five organs of perception) and the karmendriyas (5 organs of action). The mind is the master over these 10 organs. The Buddhi (intellect) is the discriminating faculty above the mind. The ten senses, the mind and the intellect together constitute the Ganas. Ga stands for buddhi or intellect and Na stands for vijanaana or wisdom. Ganapathi is therefore the Lord of the intellect and of higher knowledge. The knowledge that is from direct experience of the Aatma. Ganapathi dwells within all in the form of the intellect and wisdom. Ganapthi is born from Parvathi (Shiva's consort) who signifies prithvi or 'mother earth'. Vidhya (true knowledge or wisdom) is that awareness of the power that animates every cell of ones being. It is constant integrated awareness. It is total awareness of Life. It is for this self knowledge (atmic awareness) that we pray to Ganesha to cultivate the principle of higher intelligence within us.
Reflections on European Workshops 2010
30. August 2010 / Glenn CeresoliAfter the teacher training course in Byron Bay I had a few days at home to prepare for my tour of Europe which kicked off in Kassel, Germany, at the Winstitut Yoga convention immediately followed by the Inline Fitness convention, so 3 days of convention teaching, catching up with colleagues, previous course attendants and those who attend the convention every year. All in all, it's big affair.
Next on the schedule was a one off session for a select group in Wolfsburg whilst on my way to Sweden in Gothenburg. On arrival into Gothenburg I was greeted by a very enthusiastic Swedish group of yogis. By the end of the weekend everybody was very generous with their expression of thanks and appreciation for accepting their invitation and having made the effort to be there. They were all very cheerful and we shared a night out at an Italian restaurant on the Saturday night. The Scandinavian countries all speak excellent English, which makes my job as a travelling teacher throughout Europe a lot easier. Photos of Gothenburg workshop Back to Germany for the next stop, in Wennigsen, more teacher training, the last session for this course with this group before they present themselves for assessment end of this month, March 2011.
Next stop was Hamburg there were many familiar faces and many new ones, which is always interesting work. I did some in house teaching for a fitness club and a workshop at Poweryoga Germany, where I have taught several times before. Norway was next, Yoga Yoga have just opened a second and much larger school in Stavanger and are expanding to accommodate the growing interest in Iyengar Yoga. We had a full house for the 4 days and many of whom are interested in the teacher training course were present so it made for a good energetic platform to work from.
Zurich, Switzerland was next at Planet Yoga were students had come from Geneva and Luzern. Since first starting in Zurich 5 years ago, this city has really taken up the yoga challenge and there are yoga schools everywhere now.
Germany, Hanover, for my final event of the tour. The Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hanover was the hosting school. The workshop was overbooked and we had over 50 people, so we had to book a hall and a lot of work had to be done to transport the props from the school to the hall and back again. The snow had been coming down quite heavily and there was an unusual amount of snow for this time of the year. It was beautiful sight to see everything white even though it made travelling a little more challenging for people attending with train cancelations and highways blocked. It was a good workshop and people had come from all over Germany.
I also had some challenges getting back to Australia as my flight from Hanover to Frankfurt was cancelled which meant I had to get the train to Frankfurt and hopefully my flight to Australia would not get cancelled. Fortunately Christmas came early and I was able to board the plane and arrive home safely for Christmas with my family.
Goa India Retreat
7. July 2010
In January we had our first Yoga retreat at the Satsanga Retreat Centre in Goa, India. The 3 week level two Teacher Training was a great success and fully enjoyed and appreciated by all attendees. The Retreat is now booked for a General Yoga Retreat from 21st January to 6th February 2011. The focus will be on implementing a yoga practice that is not possible in your daily life. The Satsanga Retreat offers quality on every level. Starting with the gracious and welcoming hosts in Olaf and Jodi. An Ayurvedic doctor lovingly oversees the food preparation and cooking. The food is nutritious and enjoyable, especially for Western stomachs. All the staff are like family, warm, friendly and helpful. The environment is very clean, comfortable and beautiful. There is plentiful drinking water available in all the rooms. A pristine clean swimming pool which was neither salt or chlorinated but some other method was a welcome relief from the heat and the intense morning yoga practice.
For those who could not participate on the last retreat now is your opportunity to book for the next retreat in 2011. Some experience in yoga is required.
Goa – India general retreat is now open for registration.
New Zealand Retreat held at Lake Taupo
7. July 2010
February this year was our fourth New Zealand retreat held at Lake Taupo. Another success, with people from Australia and as far as Norway participating. The retreat centre at Taupo is a natural haven of lakeside greenery, natural thermal pools that you can soak in, clean air, caffeine at the quaint little cafe down the road or in the town of Taupo which is a short drive away. There were always several people with cars to get a ride into town. Most importantly, the yoga practice was appreciated by all and the evening discussions were insightful and thought provoking.
Make it to the fifth Yoga retreat at Lake Taupo by expressing your interest or making a booking via Paul Barton yogapaulb(at)xtra.co.nz
Yoga Therapy Convention with Geeta Iyengar in Portland USA
7. July 2010 / Glenn Ceresoli
In May this year Margaret and I attended the Yoga Therapy Convention in Portland, Oregon, USA. The convention was conducted by Dr Geeta Iyengar and an entourage team from Pune India. The Yoga Therapy Convention 11th-16th May, was attended by certified Iyengar Teachers from all over the world. Each day started with 4hrs of Geetaji’s teaching and in the afternoon we would spend time with one or more of the entourage team who gave further examples of how they approach things during the medical classes in Pune. It was good to catch up with colleagues from overseas met in travels teaching around the globe and some colleagues from Australia who I don’t get see a lot of due to my travels.
Last year Margaret and I were able to participate in a unique seven day live-in retreat when Geeta Iyengar came to Australia. The Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland provided a fantastic venue where we could be as one family participating and imbibing Geetaji’s teachings.
Last year was a big year convention wise. It was around this time last year that I attended Geetaji’s convention in Cologne and then 2 weeks later Geetaji’s convention in London.
In January this year after the Goa teacher training I also went to the Iyengar Yoga Institute Pune, India so I am still digesting my experiences.
BKS Iyengar Hatha Yoga Center of Honolulu USA
7. July 2010 / Glenn CeresoliOn the way home from the The Iyengar Therapy Convention in Portland I taught for a few days at the BKS Iyengar Hatha Yoga Center of Honolulu: My classes and teaching were well received with the Hawaiian participants deeply absorbed and committed to learning. It was my third time in Hawaii teaching and the interest continues to grow. Ray and Shelley are very hospitable hosts and we spent some quality time discussing and practicing yoga together.
European Summer Tour
7. July 2010 / Glenn CeresoliJune 1st marked the start of the European summer tour, with 5 days of teaching in Norway at Yoga Yoga. The response in Norway has been very well received and supported by Bodil Mauritzen and her team of teachers.
In March this year I taught at the Swedish Iyengar Yoga Convention in Stockholm, which was an honour as it was their first ever Iyengar Yoga Association Convention. I will return to Sweden to teach in Gottenburg this November.
Special Note:
Due to increased interest from the Nordic countries, it is planned that Glenn will be conducting a teacher training course in Norway at Yoga Yoga next year. Dates and details to be announced later this year.
Devon Retreat UK in the beautiful surrounds
7. July 2010 / Glenn CeresoliAt the end of June I finished my tour of the UK. The 5 day retreat in Devon was well attended with 30 people present to enjoy the picturesque English country side which eased the intense yet very fulfilling practice. Roger our dearest host at Barefoot Barn in Devon will take a year off in 2011 for reflection, so if anyone has any ideas or suggestions as to an alternate venue for next years retreat in the UK we look forward to hearing from you. Roger and the Barefoot Barn will be sadly missed.
Stroud and Bristol were both new places it was my first time to these areas. I was met with enthusiasm and appreciation and requested to return next year. I am always open and happy to spread the word of yoga to new places and faces. Returning to London where I did a 5 day early morning course in Brixton at Brockwell Park organised and handled by Nigel and finished the tour of UK with a week- end workshop at Yoga Base in Islington.
July Yoga Retreat Quercia Calante in Orvietto , Italy
7. July 2010We have held a yoga retreat in Italy for six years. This will be the first time in Orvieto, on the border of Tuscany, at La Quercia Callante. It is such a beautiful retreat centre, the environment is so conducive to the practice of yoga and every provision has been made from the fully equipped yoga studio, to the pool, the deliciously prepared health conscious Italian cuisine, climate control and ensuites in all rooms. Nothing to be concerned about other than the practice. People from all over the world attend these retreats as they have become highly successful each year with full attendance. It makes for a very culturally rich, yoga community gathering. It is very inspiring to have the opportunity to work with people from such varied backgrounds for an extended period of time, in a progressive program with such facilities at our disposal.
read more about the Italy retreat and contact us for last minute vacancies
iYoga Munich, Germany
7. July 2010A 3 day morning course from 9am -12 noon each day, on the 10,11,12 of August, at the Iyengar yoga centre, iyoga in Munich.
read more on the iYoga website
Yoga intensive: Zurich, Switzerland
7. July 2010This is a yearly event, in it’s 4th year. A 7 day intensive, the program is 3.5 to 4hrs in the morning and 2 and half hours in the afternoon. It is designed more for the experienced to advanced practitioner wether they are teachers or not. It draws upon an international gathering, but it is not a retreat setting, people are required to find their own accommodation around town and make their own way to the venue, which is Planet Yoga. Christina is the contact.
read more on the Planet Yoga website
Shambhala Yoga Studio – Singapore
7. July 2010This will be an in -house training for teachers.
Shambala Yoga Studio - Singapore
Margaret Ceresoli in Pune India
7. July 2010Margaret is off to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune India for the month of September.
She will be stop her classes in Randwick and when she returns in October will take up two yoga courses at Essence of Yoga Maroubra.
For more information on classes visit the Essence of Yoga website
Byron Yoga Lounge
7. July 2010A new 3 year teacher training course at the Byron Yoga Lounge for the local residents of Byron and Australia.
Byron Yoga Lounge
Yogamind Teacher Training Byron Bay Australia two month intensive course
7. July 2010The two month teacher training in Byron Bay Australia will be the 7th year running. It is very encouraging and an inspiring opportunity to work with people intensively for 2 months in such an intimate setting. There is no one that completes this course that does not progress in some way.
This is a most unique and practical opportunity to study and practice Iyengar yoga for 2 months without distraction. This type of course is not offered anywhere else in the world. To be able to immerse yourself in a course of this nature means the opportunity to breakdown stubborn habits, physical, mental and emotional. It greatly contributes to progressive learning and understanding. It reveals all that you are capable of understanding and that which is buried underneath the layers of unconscious conditioning whilst becoming one with your intimate self.
read more about our teacher training course in Byron Bay