Inner Harmony Yoga Retreat Schedule, 2010

Welcome to Inner Harmony Yoga

sponsored retreats at beautiful Pura Vida, Costa Rica!

Mile high on a mountain top, overlooking the coffee fields, and tropical splendor of Cost Rica sits Pura Vida. Just 15 minutes from the San Jose airport, Pura Vida is considered by some to be the Wellness & Yoga destination of choice outside the United States.

Costa Rica is a peaceful Central American country known for it political stability, democratically elected government and the absence of a national army. One third of its total surface is devoted to National Parks and Natural Reserves. By protecting its natural resourses, nature and wildlife, Costa Rica is earning the reputation of being an ecologically conscious country, the oxygen reserve of Central America. The weather is consistently perfect at Pura Vida with daytime temperatures of 70 and nighttime lows of 50.

We are offering two fabulous, fun filled weeks, March 6-13 and March 13-20, 2010. Attend classes with one of our highly skilled Certified Anusara Instructors each morning as we explore through asana the optimal alignment of body, mind and spirit, connecting to the strength and freedom that is at the very heart of Anusara Yoga.

After enjoying the pampering of body and soul while experiencing one of the many spa delights offered at Pura Vida, you will be skillfully guided and illuminated by the story filled journey of Love and Splendor with one of the world's leading scholars of Hindu Tantrism, Dr. Douglas Brooks, March 6-13, 2010 or delve into the majesty of the human body with Certified Anusara Instructor Martin Kirk, March 13-20, 2010 as he weaves anatomy, asana and the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment revealing the beauty of the human body.

Complete your day lulled in the hands of the duo Shantala, as their exotic instrumentation and sacred lyics, carry your spirit into heightened states of awareness. Wednesday is an Eco-Tour day with no classes, allowing time to bask in the beauty of this rich country.

Of course if you want to eliminate one difficult choice, you can join us for both weeks! Leaving only one hard choice... which amazing Anusara Instructor to study with each week!

Hope to see you there!

John and Lynne

Dr. Douglas Brooks is among the world’s leading scholars of Hindu Tantrism and the esoteric traditions of the Goddess. After receiving a Masters degree from Harvard Divinity School, he continued his studies in the history of religions, Sanskrit, and Indian studies going on to receive a Masters and Doctorate from Harvard University's Center for the Study of World Religions. Douglas has held academic positions both in India and the United States and has lectured around the world. Currently, he is Professor of Religion at the University of Rochester in New York. In additionto his formal Western education, Douglas lived for many years in India in the house of his Teacher according to the traditions of Guru Kulam in which the student is initiated into all facets of the Indian classical Sanskrit education, including philosophy, yoga, ritual, and worship. Douglas' Teacher, Gopala Iyer Sundarmoorthy was not only an eminent scholar of Hinduism, but a Master of the Tantric Goddess tradition known as Auspicious Wisdom, or Shri Vidya.Douglas is the author of a number of books and scholarly articles on Hinduism and the Comparative Study of Religion. His forthcoming work will include a new commentary on the Bhagavad Gita from a Tantric point of view. This work is a direct collaboration with John Friend, world-renown yoga teacher and founder of Anusara Yoga. Learn more about Dr. Brooks at:
www.rajanaka.com

*Included in pricing of all March 6 - 13, 2010 teachers.   Click for rates

Sianna Sherman & Kenny Graham ~

Sianna is an internationally recognized Anusara Yoga teacher who delights in sharing these teachings with poetry, stories and expressive insight. Sianna's parents and sister have been her life-long inspirations because they embody the generosity and graciousness of love that resides in a wide-open heart. In 1990, Sianna began traveling the world to study the art of yoga. Her travels spanned the continents as she delved with fervor into the richness of the traditions of yoga. In 1993, while traveling through India, she stumbled upon the beginnings of her Tantric yoga influence with an impromptu arrival at the Ganeshpuri ashram of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. Just a few weeks earlier, she had celebrated her birthday by sitting on a boulder in the currents of the Ganges River while contemplating her life, listening to the water and hearing the promise within to follow the path of her heart. This promise has been the guiding light of her life and she feels a great rush of love for all her teachers who have helped her on this journey. In 1995, Sianna had the exquisite blessing of meeting her life-long teacher John Friend who would later found the system of yoga called Anusara Yoga. She apprenticed John for many years and continues to be near him as often as possible. From the first moment of being in the same room with John, Sianna knew she had found her teacher and that the currents of the Ganges had guided her to this momentous occasion. In 2001, she had the auspicious meeting with Dr. Douglas Brooks, a world renown scholar of Hindu Tantrism, and began her more formal studies of Tantric philosophy with her heart and mind on fire! Today, Sianna is considered one of the most senior teachers within the Anusara Yoga tradition. In 2008, Yoga Journal chose Sianna as one of 21 Young Talented Young Teachers to Shape the Future of Yoga. She artfully weaves asana, philosophy, and love into a colorful tapestry offered from her heart. She celebrates the broad expanse of the many voices yoga and spirituality as a feast of creative and soulful ways of being alive! Learn more about Sianna at: www.opentograce.com

Kenny ~ Kenny Graham is a fully Certified Anusara Yoga teacher whose love of yoga began at a young age. One day sitting on the beach staring at the ocean he prayed for a treasure, something to remind him of who he was and how he could serve. It was on this day the ocean offered to Kenny the gift of yoga. It was to come in the form of a weather beaten prayer flag containing the image of a monkey named Hanuman. Even though Kenny didn't know who the monkey was at the time, it was in that moment he knew he would commit to the path of yoga and someday become a teacher. Since this auspicious ocean day Kenny has completed numerous immersions, teacher training and workshops studying under the best teachers in the Anusara tradition. Teachers include Noah Mazé, Sue Elkind and Naime Jezzeny, Darren Rhodes, Desiree Rumbaugh and Anusara's founder John Friend,whom Kenny is apprenticing with for Anusara’s 2009 Ultimate Freedom tour. Kenny teaches classes,workshops, immersions and retreats in the United States and around the world. His passion is to assist students in discovering their unlimited potential and to unveil their own treasures along the shores of consciousness. Kenny’s broad knowledge of Yoga is taught in a way that brings students deeper into their own hearts with self acceptance, compassion and love. Learn more about Kenny at:
www.kgyoga.com

*Pricing for Sianna & Kenny, March 6-13, 2010   Click for rates

Amy Ippoliti, a student of yogs since 1986, Amy's study of hatha yoga, pranayama, yoga therapeutics and yoga philosophy led her to become a certified Anusara Yoga teacher in 2000. She has traveled extensively with Anusara founder John Friend, and continues to be a leader in the Anusara community. Additionally, she has studied closely with Tantric philosopher and renouned scholar, Dr Douglas Brooks since 1999. Her teaching is also enriched by her studies in Sanskrit with Manorama, Thai Yoga massage with Antoinette McClaughlan, and from six years leading groups in self defense and empower- ment courses for wormen, men and teens. Amy was aslo part of the original teaching staff at OM Yoga Center in NYC with director Cyndi Lee and was certified after completing the first ever OM Yoga Teacher Training in 1997. Amy leads Anusara retreats, Immersions workshops and teacher trainings inter- nationally, and is part of the faculty at Kripalu and the Omega Institue. She is currently heading up the Anusara Yoga® Curriculum Committee and serves on Anusara's Certification Committee as well, supporting and mentoring newer teachers who want to refine their teaching skills. She is known for her life affirming and exuberant teaching style, offering her years of experience with the potent Univeral Principles of Alignment, elegant Tantric yoga philosophy, and therapeutics that embody Anusara Yoga®. Amy has oceans-full of gratitude for all her teachers, yoga and otherwise, especially John Friend, Douglas Brooks and all of her students. For more information visit: www.wildspirityoga.com

*Pricing for Amy Ippoliti, March 6-13, 2010   Click for rates

B. J. Galvan, Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor, offers this inspirational and playful style of yoga on a global level. Grateful for having been blessed with the opportunity to extensively travel the U.S., Australia, and Europe, studying with, apprenticing, and assisting master yoga teacher and founder of Anusara, John Friend, BJ is deeply honored to have been personally invited by him to introduce Anusara Yoga® in South America. Currently BJ is leading bi-lingual immersions, trainings, master classes, workshops and intensives all over South America in addition to events in other international and national locations. Passionate about the practice, B.J. is an “energizing presence, contagiously uplifting”, and embodies the strength, humility, alignment and humor necessary to skillfully guide and assist you to transform, heal and awaken on all levels, from the inside out, on and off the mat. For more information about B.J. and her teaching schedule visit: www.bjgalvan.com or email her at: bj@bjgalvan.com

*Pricing for B.J. Galvan, March 6-13, 2010   Click for rates

Jaye Martin, Jaye began his study of yoga in1988 after dancing professionally for over 10 years. He was introduced by friend Betsey Downing to Anusara Yoga in 2000 and immediately resonated with its philosophy of radical affirmation, elebgant Universal Principles of Alignment, and therapeutic value. Since 2001 Jaye has studied extensively with and assisted John Friend. A heart- felt teacher with a life-affirming, exuberant teaching style, Jaye generously shares his enthusiasm and spirituality with his students. Jaye is a Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher and currently teaches full time at Garden Of The Heart Yoga Center in Sarasota, Florida as well as leading workshops at home and abroad. To find out more about Jaye, his classes, workshops, Immersions and Teacher Trainings, visit: www.GardenOfTheHeartYoga.com

*Pricing for Jaye Martin, March 6-13, 2010   Click for rates

As the duo Shantala, Benjy and Heather Wertheimer lead kirtan (sacred chanting) worldwide, bringing audiences sacred lyrics, soul-stirring vocals, and exotic instrumentation. Kirtan is celebration of spirit through the chanting of sacred names carrying participants into a state of heightened awareness, bliss, and devotion. The audience is invited to participate fully through call-and- response, dance, and meditation. The weaving of Benjy's Indian classical singing and instrumentation with Heather's soaring vocals is fresh, original, and profoundly moving. Together they create a beautiful music full of passion and reverence. Shantala has performed and recorded internationally with such sacred music luminaries as Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Miten, and Jai Uttal.

Heather Wertheimer is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who draws on her special love of both music and yoga to lead devotional chanting for yoga work- shops and spiritual gatherings. Heather has toured in the U.S. and abroad with her husband Benjy, Steve Gorn, Manose, and Deva Premal and Miten. Heather's debut CD with Shantala, "Church of Sky," was named one of the top ten albums of 2004 by New Age Retailer and has aired on radio stations nationwide. In April 2003, she and Benjy released "The Love Window," a well-loved collection of sacred chants that has become a classic among yoga practitioners. Learn more about Heather at: www.shantalamusic.com

Benjy Wertheimer is an award-winning songwriter, vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist (tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar, and keyboards). Benjy has toured and recorded with such artists as Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Miten, Jai Uttal, Walter Becker (Steely Dan), and virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell. He has opened for such artists as Carlos Santana, Paul Winter, and Narada Michael Walden. A founding member of the internationally acclaimed Ancient Future world fusion music ensemble, Benjy toured the U.S., Canada, and Japan with renowned bamboo flute master GS Sachdev. He studied Indian classical music for over 25 years with some of the greatest masters of that tradition (including Alla Rakha, Zakir Hussain, Ali Akbar Khan and Z. M. Dagar). Benjy's music receives extensive airplay around the world, and his CD "Circle of Fire" reached #1 on the New Age radio charts in November 2002. For more about Benjy Wertheimer visit: www.benjymusic.com   Click for rates

Anusara Yoga ~ Anatomy ~ Massage ~ Live Music ~ Eco Tours

The Majestic Body:

Anusara Yoga Anatomy for Teachers and Students

You’ve never seen yoga anatomy like this! Martin artistically weaves anatomy, asana and the Anusara Yoga Universal Principles of Alignment™ in such a way that the majesty and understanding of the human body is beautifully revealed. We will cover the key anatomy of the entire body including a healthy spine, shoulders, pelvis, arms, legs, elbows and knees. The principles that you learn will be directly applied to your body so that you can master each concept in relation to the asanas.

Martin Kirk is a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor who travels abroad offering excellent and inspiring workshops, Immersions, Anatomy, Therapy and Teacher Trainings. With a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering, Martin has a special gift for anatomy and therapeutics.

He is the author of the highly successful book, Hatha Yoga Illustrated and is co-writing (along with Ellen Saltonstall and Jordan Kirk) Anusara Yoga Manual of Anatomy and Kinesiology. Martin lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his wife, Jordan and his son, Jonathan. For more info: www.kirkyoga.com

*Included in pricing of all March 13-20, 2010 teachers.   Click for rates

Jordan Kirk ~ Jordan L. Kirk, a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor since 2001, travels abroad teaching inspiring workshops, Immersions and Teacher Trainings. She is co-writing (along with Ellen Saltonstall and Martin Kirk) Anusara Yoga Manual of Anatomy and Kinesiology. Jordan, a master story teller, weaves Tantra philosophy, mythology and asana into a rich tapestry to awaken the human spirit. She resides in Scottsdale, Arizona along with her husband, Martin and son, Jonathan. For more information: www.kirkyoga.com

Anusara Yoga and the Power of Story
Join Jordan for a celebration of the human spirit with a masterful yoga practice spiced with stories of great beings from mythology. When we weave stories with yoga postures, we allow the flavors of a deeper message to cook inside our own hearts, allowing our own interpretations and insights to be tasted in a way that gives ancient philosophical concepts a modern and practical meaning. All levels welcome.

*Pricing for Jordan Kirk, March 13-20, 2010   Click for rates

Marcia Nieland, is a certified Yoga Instructor ans serves on the Anusara Yoga Certification Committee. Marsha is an extremely skilled, articulate and deeply caring teacher who guides students with precision and heart. She is the owner of the Fusion Studio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and has been practicing and teaching yoga for 15 years. She offers immersions, teachertrainign programs, workshops and yoga retreats locally and internationally. It has been a great blkessing and honor for Marsha to study with and assist John Friend, Desiree Rumbaugh and Amy Ippoliti. She is constantly striving to deepen her understanding of yoga and continues to study with her principle teacher John Friend and other national Ausara teachers. Marsha loves to inspire her students to explore their full potential and teaches her classs in a very uplifting, empowering and supportive manner. Her classes are a fusion of playfulness, community correction and attention to detailed alignment. She has extensive experience in the theraputic asoects of yoga and is committed to helpng others in their healing process. She is genuinely dedicated to her students and is incredibly grateful to each one, for they teach her so much about her own journey and the beauty of life. You will truly enjoy Marsha's love of life and sense of humor on and off the mat. Visit Marsha's website for more information: www.fusionstudiocr.com

*Pricing for Marsha Nieland, March 13-20 2010   Click for rates

Darren Rhodes ~ My mom began practicing yoga while she was pregnant with me. Throughout my childhood she practiced and taught yoga in our living room, which became an Anusara Yoga Studio. My father, an avid meditator and scholar, has consistently shared his spiritual experiences and insights with me. My parents continue to support, guide, and inspire me on my yogic journey. In 1995 I did my first intensive with John Friend. During the first day I knew I had found my yoga teacher. At the end of the workshop I timidly asked John if he thought I might be able to teach yoga full-time. He responded, “You can, I know you can, and I’m going to help you.” Those Shakti-filled words manifested just months later when I became the director of YogaOasis. John Friend is my primary teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide. John turned my Yoga practice into a radical, rock’n life celebration, which is what I strive to share in my yoga classes. I am so grateful to all the members of the Tucson Kula—you've become my heart and home. Visit Darren's website at: www.yogaoasis.com

*Pricing for Darren Rhodes, March 13-20, 2010   Click for rates

sponsored retreats at beautiful Pura Vida, Costa Rica!

Christina Sell, has been practicing yoga since 1991 and teaching yoga since 1998. She is a certified Anusara Yoga teacher and author of the book Yoga From the Inside Out: Making Peace with Your Body Through Yoga. Her second book My Body is a Temple, My Heart is the Shrine: Using the principles of Anusara Yoga to Develop a Life of Practice and a Personal Connection with Grace will be released this year. Known for her clarity, precision and sense of humor, Christina's classes are fun, inspiring† and dedicated to helping people of all ages and abilities experience the joy of practicing yoga. Certified since 2003, Christina serves on the Anusara Yoga Ethics Committee, the Anusara Yoga Certicifation Assessment Committee and the Anusara Yoga Curriculum Development Committee. Christina resides in Austin, Texas with her husband, three cats and a retired greyhound. She maintains an active local and national teaching schedule. For more information about her and her work, please visit her website: www.christinasell.com

*Pricing for Christina Sell, March 13-20, 2010  Click for rates

Each week includes a daily three hour morning asana class with one of our Certified Anusara Yoga Instructors, an afternoon Philosophy lecture with Dr. Douglas Brooks the week of March 6-13 or Anatomy with Martin Kirk the week of March 13-20, free time each day for delectable spa treatments, pool or hot tub time and of course rounding out each day with the soulful sounds of Shantala. Enjoy three vibrant buffet style meals each day and shuttle service from the San Jose airport. Wednesdays on both weeks is our Eco-Tour Day with no classes being held, allowing time to explore and bask in the beauty of this rich country!

   "To learn more about our Eco-Tours click here"