The Midnight Sun Astanga Yoga Location
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The Midnight Sun Astanga Yoga
Ecological Retreat
Finland
The place
For the retreats we take up to 16 students, using another house as well, so as to be able to create a nice close - knit group and a family atmosphere.
There are no shops or cars and hardly any other people on the island.
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is called Kadermo and it is situated about 10 km north east of
Hanko.
It is one of thousands of islands and skerries of different sizes, many of them as untouched and free as at the moment of their birth. This is a unique opportunity to experience yoga in untouched and idyllic surroundings far away from city lights where sunrise is at 4 am and sunset at 11 pm. Where else can one listen to such silence, broken only by the sound of an owl hooting in the night, a woodpecker hacking away at a pine tree, seagulls squalling, a deer crying in the morning mist? This is the place where you can re-establish contact with your true-self and with nature. Come and move in to stillness with us.
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and the workshops are suited to all levels as the classes are normally split
into beginners and those who have a good self-practice (whom the beginners are
occasionally invited to watch).
We recommend that total beginners take a few yoga classes at home before arriving on the island. All beginners should make certain they are reasonably fit and allow a few days to adjust to the Astanga yoga practice. As this form of yoga can be quite vigorous it is not recommended for those not physically fit. The retreat is open during the summer months (June, July and August) for week long workshops, these run Sunday to Saturday . You can come to stay for a week, several weeks or even months if you so wish. The longer you stay the lower the fee. During the rest of the year there are weekend workshops which run from Friday night to Sunday evening. On special agreement we also host other guest teachers and lecturers who are on the path of self development. We serve only pure vegetarian food and lodging is in twin bedded rooms. Facilities are similar to camping.
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A typical day at the retreat 07:00-09:30 Yoga Asana 10:30-12:30 Brunch 13:00-14:30 Karma Yoga 14:30-16:00 Rest 16:00-18:00 Dinner 19:00-20:00 Sauna 20:00-22:00 Pranayama and Meditation
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Often referred to as aerobic yoga, is a dynamic system gracefully, synchronizing the breath with movement, blending together and promoting flexibility, strength, stamina, balance, breath control and relaxation. Each asana is connected by breath - synchronized movements called vinyasa. A full vinyasa is performed between each asana and a half vinyasa between left and right sides. This acts as a counter pose to the previous asana, increasing blood circulation and relieving any stiffness before entering the next asana. By performing vinyasa the student develops and maintains heat in the body causing profuse sweating. This is necessary for the elimination of toxins. In each asana the student engages a specific drusthi or gaze point. By focusing on the correct point it enables the student to extend deeper in to the asana and further centres ones concentration. With practice the breathing, bandhas and drusthis becomes one with the flowing rythmic movements resulting in a slow motion gracefully system of entering, maintaining and exiting the asanas, It is then the student begins to gain insight into meditation in movement. Within the Astanga metod there are over two hundred classical asanas. These are grouped together in a specific order known as a series. There are three groups of sequences in the Astanga system. The first or primary series known as yoga chikitsa (yoga therapy) is designed to therapeutically align the body. The second or inter-mediate series or Nadi Shodana (nerve purification) works on the nervous system and it is more intense than the primary series. The third or advanced series called Stira Baga is even more intense cultivating tremendous strength, flexibility, control and stamina. Each series consists of warm-ups (sun salutations), standing poses, forward bends, back bends, twisting, balancing, inverted asanas, strengthening and cooling down asanas followed by relaxation. Each asana has its own therapeutic value as well, but only when it is performed in the context of the complete series are its effects properly manifested. With the practice of the asanas in the correct order, the use of bandhas, drusthis and correct breathing utilizing the vinyasa system, the student is able to progress very rapidly. The almost infinite depth of Ashtanga Yoga becomes apparent with regular practice. The development and maintenance of physical well-being, emotional equanimity and spiritual unfolding are the benefits to be gained through this age-old discipline. This system of Yoga may be as old as 5000 years and it is still taught in South India by K.Pattabhi Jois, now over 80-years old.
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Stefan Engström is the owner and resident teacher of the Midnight Sun Astanga Yoga Retreat. He has been practising this form of Yoga since 1990 and have been training with several teachers in Europe and Australia. He has also spent extended periods of time in India, learning with Pattabhi Jois and other prominent teachers of this form of yoga Every summer, for the month of July, we also try to invite a second guest teacher to work along side us. We are multi-lingual teachers offering tuition in most European languages. (Swedish, Finnish, English, Spanish, German).
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About the Midnight Sun Retreat
This is a Yoga Retreat, as opposed to a Yoga Holiday, and there are two requests; the first is for no alcohol to be consumed on the island and the second that everyone attends the Yoga and Pranayama sessions.
Incorporated into this holiday is Karma Yoga which is participation with duties such as washing up, collecting well water for drinking, and some food preparation.
The TOILETS are ecological sawdust toilets, they are not flush toilets - a characteristic of Finnish summer homes - they are in separate buildings outside the two houses.
The DRINKING WATER is brought up from wells on the island and often has a natural colouring to it. This water is very rich in mineral content. Be sure to pack an empty water bottle that you can use for your own personal supply of water.
The YOGA sessions are divided into Beginner and Advanced Student sessions, and usually by the 3rd - 4th day the Beginners are integrated into the Advanced Group, these take place in the morning with Beginners at 8am, and Advanced at 9am. With the exception of Beginners, most is Self Practice with guidance from Stefan, who will assist advanced students into working on new Asanas once he is satisfied with present abilities. The teaching is of an impeccable standard
In the afternoon everyone participates in the Pranayama (breathing exercises and meditation). The Yoga runs for approximately 2 hours and the Pranayama approximately 11/2 hours
The WASHING FACILITIES are Indian style. This means there are bowls, buckets and a scoop. The bathing is done using these utilities. There is a container of cold water and one of warm to hot water. There is no running water. Washing is usually unisex, however participants are usually mindful of this and will respond respectfully to peoples requests.
The washing room is also the SAUNA ROOM and the Sauna is often used on most evenings depending on the wishes of the participants. Please note that not everybody using the sauna will be wearing clothing/swimsuits and that the sauna is unisex.
CLOTHES WASHING takes place in the sauna room, and there is an outside clothes line for drying items.
We suggest you take minimal clothing on this retreat. SHOES are not worn inside any of the houses, strong shoes/trainers are most suited for this place. It is a good idea to take two towels, one for bathing in the sea and the other for normal washing.
TORCHES are necessary for those holidaying in August/September as it gets dark around 8.45pm and there is no lighting between the two houses, please remember to pack spare batteries.
FREE TIME for participants includes opportunities for swimming in the sea, exploring the island by foot or canoe, reading in the sitting room, playing piano or guitar in the cafe room or entertaining each other creatively e.g. dancing and singing. There is usually an opportunity mid week to visit the mainland
ACCOMMODATION is divided between two houses that are eight minutes walk apart.
The first house is near the Yoga room and belongs to Stefans' mother and accommodates up to 8 guests.
Whilst beds are provided participants are requested to bring their own sheets or sleeping bags. Sheets may be hired for 20 euros per week.Most accommodation is in twin rooms although there are two double rooms and one 3 - 4 bed room.
The other house belongs to Stefan and accommodates between 7 - 8 guests. It is also the communal house for eating and recreation outside planned activities. There is a radio and cassette player in Stefans' house for listening to music or Finnish radio stations! Outside there are benches for sitting, eating, reading and relaxing in the sunshine.
WEATHER the summers can be hot although there are occasional wet days, a lightweight waterproof is advised.
In the latter part of the season, mid August onwards, the evenings can be cool so an extra sweat shirt or jumper is useful plus spare pair of socks. Out of season please bring warm clothing for outdoors.
During the season there can occasionally be an abundance of mosquitoes so insect repellent is strongly recommended!!
The VEGETARIAN FOOD provided on this holiday is very substantial and suited for the demanding style of Astanga yoga practised. A typical day commences with porridge made from either oats, millet, semolina or other grains, mixed with apples, raisins and cinnamon. This is eaten in the mornings after yoga. Evening meals usually consist of pulses, rice, mixed or roasted vegetables and a salad. Herbal teas and water provide the bulk of liquid refreshments. During the latter part of August there are wild blueberries for picking which are very edible.
Desserts are not always prominent and if you have a sweet tooth we suggest you stock up with duty free chocolate - this will guarantee many friends on the holiday!
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KADERMO island is 2.5km by 1.5km, it is beautiful, tranquil, clean, unspoilt and uplifting. there are rocky plateaus to climb, pathways to explore and many wonderful natural sights.
Taking an afternoon to canoe around the island is highly recommended for a leisurely way of touring, and taking in the peaceful sights of this island. It takes approximately 2 hours to do this, depending on navigational skills!
This retreat is very suitable for people willing to work and live as a community. The delegation of jobs (Karma Yoga) brings people together, it is unique, a lot of fun and many people return to this little jewel of Finnish tranquility.
For some people being in the tranquil space of the island of Kadermo causes them to relax at once, for others it sometimes takes 3-4 days to unwind and often they initially feel very tired. This is in part due to there being none of the usual demands put onto people, plus the yoga causes bodies go through a cleansing process and benefits may take several days to arrive whilst this is progressing.
Wherever possible it is recommended that people stay for 10 - 14 days to fully benefit from the experience of this holiday, however, it is appreciated that for some people 7 days is the most time available and this still provides an excellent break.
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Getting there during the summer season:
You can only arrive on Sunday evening and leave on Friday after brunch (at 1 p.m.).
If you are travelling from abroad we recommend you choose a flight that arrives in Helsinki on Saturday and stay overnight at the YMCA or a local hotel (Hotel Kamp 00 358 9 576 111 is an up-market hotel part of the Sheraton chain & Scandic Hotel Simonkentta 00 358 9 683 80 is modern and comfortable with a sauna).
On your return we suggest you book a late evening return flight, or again make use of the local hotels / hostel .
Flight companies :
www.duo.com
(from Birmingham & Edinburgh) internet only cheap flightswww.ryanair.com (from Stansted & Gatwick) internet only cheap flights
www.flyingfinn.fi (from Stansted) internet only cheap flights
Finnair (£159 - £179) 0870-241 44 11 from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester
www.BA.com (£190 to £240 approx.) 0845-773-3377 Heathrow
There is a train connection from Helsinki to Hanko at 4 pm on Sunday and costs 20 euros. The train journey takes about 2 hours
The airport bus connection from the airport to the main railway station of Helsinki takes 1/2 hour and costs about 5 euros.
It works best for Stefan and his evening yoga session if you can catch the above train otherwise additional cost will be incurred (see below*).
If you wish to travel a few days earlier to explore Helsinki we understand that the local Youth Hostel is extremely good. Phone the Youth Hostel Association in the UK for more details.
Please Note:
If the connection with Stefan in Hanko is missed there is sometimes a later train, however this will result in your having to travel by:-a). TAXI to the Engstrom Jetty from Hanko
and then
b). RIVER BOAT to Kadermo Island
*the extra cost for the taxi and riverboat is about 50 euro.
updated 22 May 2004
