2010 Workshop and Retreat Dates
Workshops Retreats
2010 Winter Yoga Retreat in Puerto Rico
I have developed a number of workshops for stress management, personal healing and spiritual growth. Among the tools I may incorporate are sharing circle, yoga stretches and postures, chanting, life skills, visualizations, breathing and relaxation techniques and healing processes such as Rapid Eye Technology (RET).
Each workshop includes time for discussion to deepen our understanding of the topic and time to experience the practice. They can be customized to the level of experience of participants (all-levels, beginner, intermediate or advanced).
Kripalu Yoga
Workshops focusing on various aspects of Kripalu Yoga:
- Meditation: Moving into Stillness
- Pranayama: Accessing the Life Force Energy through Breath
- Yoga Nidra: Delving into Deep Relaxation
- Chanting: Connecting to Divine through Sacred Sound
- Partner Yoga
- Stage 2 – Activating our Life Force Energy (Prana)
- Stage 3 – Meditation in Motion
- Exploring the depths of yoga practice
- Chakras
- Yoga Philosophy (8 limbs of Patanjali – Ashtanga Yoga, Yamas & Niyamas, etc.)
Everyday living as Spiritual Practice
Living Your Yoga
Living Yoga
Spiritual practice is not only those ancient disciplines that connect us with our spirituality. Anything we do consciously through which we remain present and creates harmony between body, mind and spirit, can be a spiritual practice, including washing the dishes.
Rapid Eye Technology (RET)
Free yourself from the blockages that are keeping you from living a joyful and fulfilling life.
How to be happy every day
Happiness is an attitude towards life. It’s a state of being we choose. You can feel sad but you don’t need to identify with it. You can observe it, learn from it and transcend it. Includes recommendations to let go of everything that is blocking you from manifesting your inner happiness, expressing your joy for living and bring a spark to your life. Among them are a fun spiritual practice, laughter, music and dance.
What do you want to do with your life? (I designed this workshop for high school students but it can be adapted to adults.)
How to identify what is your life mission, what you need to do to fulfill it and how to create a professional career, if you so wish.
Woman, Energy and Power
How to develop self-esteem and self-empowerment
Be the Peace we want to Create in the World
To create Peace in our society and the world, we need to start with ourselves. Includes a reflection of spiritual teachings of historical figures who have contributed to World Peace, a guided meditation, affirmations and recommendations of activities that support us in calming our minds and creating inner peace.
Gateways to Awakening the Divine Self: Creating Miracles in Everyday Life
Through different practices such as yoga, emphasizing on yoga nidra (deep relaxation) and powerful co-creation techniques such as visualization, guided imagery and affirmations, we can release blockages to the free flow of energy in our bodies and reconnect with the divine being inside of us and create a resonant environment that attracts miracles like magnets in our daily lives
The Path of Love
Love is the most powerful force in the universe. Reflection on what is love, in what areas of our lives it is flowing and in which they are not. How to live carrying out experiments in love. Based on the teachings of Swami Kripalu.
Spring Renewal
Learn how to transition smoothly from winter to spring. Spring is the time to cleanse the body. Prepare for the season by creating a lifestyle and practice that supports you. Includes discussion and practice on healthy and conscious eating.
How to create support to maintain a spiritual lifestyle
How to create a lifestyle that supports our spiritual evolution. How to request, search and find the support of family, friends, like-minded people, etc, to maintain this lifestyle. Community is stronger than will power. Clear communication is essential to get support from others.
Please read what clients and others say about Sitara's workshops.
Retreats (Day-long, Weekend, Week-long)
I lead retreats of my own and co-lead others with my husband and partner, Rob, who is also a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher.
All retreats include Kripalu yoga classes, sharing circles, experiential workshops, and chanting.
Day retreats are currently being held at The Yoga House,
a beautiful new yoga studio with a wonderful view of the ravine located in the East York area of Toronto.
Weekend retreats are curently being held at various retreat centers located throughout the countryside of Ontario that offer comfortable accommodations and delicious healthy meals.
Winter retreats are usually a week long and are held at a tropical destination.
I/we create a safe and sacred space where participants can relax, renew themselves, learn, have fun, connect with their Self and enjoy the company of like-minded people.
See below for information about retreats
coming up.
For more details about what is covered in the retreats, you are also welcome to check out the website for a previous retreat at www.pathcom.com/~selman.
Winter Yoga Retreat with Rob and Sitara
February 20-27, 2010
Island of Culebra (Puerto Rico)
Discover Your True Self on the beautiful island of Culebra (Puerto Rico)
Would you like to take some time away this winter to warm-up, re-energize, connect with your loving, joyful Self and other like-minded people in a tropical setting?
We have found a fabulous spot on the beautiful tropical Island of Culebra and you are invited to join us for a glorious week retreat with an intimate group of like-minded yogis. This will be an opportunity to have fun and share with spiritual seekers like yourself.
Our intention is to create a sacred safe space that will allow you to deepen your yoga practice on the mat and learn new tools you can apply into your every day life off the mat.
Take the time you need to recharge in this remote tropical setting where you can enjoy all the natural beauty of the pristine white sand beaches, tranquil turquoise water, and stunning coral for snorkeling.
Dates/Time
Saturday, Feb 20th
– Saturday, Feb 27th, 2010
Check-in begins at 4:00 pm on Saturday, Feb 20th. There will be a yoga class from 4:30 to 6:00 and dinner around 6:30 pm. The retreat officially begins at 7:30 pm and ends Saturday, Feb 27th at 11:00 am.
Location
Casa Guava
This secluded retreat sanctuary is located on a tranquil hill overlooking the beach on the Island of Culebra (off the east coast of Puerto Rico).
The retreat fee includes:
- 7 nights accommodations
- Healthy vegetarian meals including daily breakfast, lunch and dinner All daily group activities, including:
- 2 Kripalu Yoga classes incorporating breathing exercises, postures, meditation and relaxation. Some classes will include energy medicine techniques that boost and balance the flow of your body’s vital energies
- sharing circles
- experiential workshops on various themes related to yoga:
- The yoga of healthy eating
- Chanting: Connect to divine through sacred sound
- Yoga Nidra: Delving into Deep Relaxation
- Meditation: Moving into Stillness
- Pranayama: Accessing the Life Force Energy through Breath
- Chakras: Wheels of life
- How to create "sangha"(spiritual community) to support you in maintaining a spiritual lifestyle
- Yoga philosophy
- Kirtan (devotional chanting)
- excursions to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
- Clay baths (to cleanse and nourish the skin)
- Hiking trails
- Taxes and service charges.
All activities are optional and for all-levels. No previous experience is necessary.
The retreat fees do not include:
- Airfare
- to and from San Juan International Airport (SJU)
- to and from Isla Grande to Culebra – around $50 each way
- Taxi (from SJU to Isla Grande airport – about 15 min drive)
- Transportation to and from Culebra airport (around $12 each way)
- Tips.
Other Offerings (additional cost)
Sitara will be available for private healing sessions.
Meika, our host, will be available to offer massage therapy.
Cost (per person)
Special fee:
$1,250 dorm / $1,375 double / $1,575 single CAD
$1,200 dorm / $1,300 double / $1,500 single USD
If you are interested in attending but finances are a concern, please contact us.
Registration
A non-refundable deposit of US$500 (CA$525) per person is required.
To register for this unique retreat weekend, contact Rob and Sitara at:
robandsitara@hotmail.com
or 416-421-2220
Payment can be made by cash, money order or check payable to Soulworks.
Cancellation Policy In the event of cancellation your entire payment will be refunded less the $500 deposit if the cancellation is made before Dec 31st, 2009. Payments are non-refundable after this date.
For testimonials on people who have joined us for past retreats please read below or click here.
Testimonials
"Rob and Sitara both present yoga/Kripalu practices with a perfect balance of clarity, empathy, some, but not intimidating, rigour and "joie de vivre".
This experience has told me that I have the capacity to be a reservoir of calm and energy for myself and others."
Vicki Z., Web design consultant
"Rob and Sitara both are very gifted in their ability to create a safe atmosphere, be professional but still keep humour and warmth as part of the experience. I have gained from this experience the knowing I can improve how to live my life to be more peaceful, less afraid."
"Love, love, love hearing Sitara sing!"
Gwen C., Product Director (computer software)
Descubre tu Verdadero Ser
Retiro de Kripalu Yoga con Sitara
12 al 14 de marzo del 2010
¿Necesitas tomar un tiempo para re-energizarte? ¿Buscas una práctica espiritual que te ayude a conectarte con tí mismo(a) y/o con otras personas que como tú aman el Yoga y la naturaleza? o simplemente ¿quieres escaparte para hacer yoga en la montaña?
Estaré de visita en Puerto Rico este invierno y he encontrado un lugar fabuloso en las montañas de Utuado. Estás invitado(a) a disfrutar y compartir un glorioso retiro de fin de semana con un grupo íntimo de personas que como tú aman el yoga y la naturaleza.
Kripalu Yoga es una experiencia a través de la cual puedes mover tus energías, tocar tu más profunda paz y obtener salud. Si estás pasando por alguna situación de pérdida: de relaciones, empleo o muertes, es una gran oportunidad para centrarte y conectar con tu ser. Kripalu Yoga te ayuda con tu propio sendero. Y verás que no hay crisis si estás conectado con tu paz interior.
Mi intención es crear un espacio seguro y sagrado que te permita crear o profundizar tu práctica espiritual en el mat y adquirir nuevas herramientas que puedes aplicar en tu diario vivir fuera del mat.
Durante este fin de semana tendrás la oportunidad de alinearte energéticamente a tu visión de vida, implementando los principios de co-creación para manifestar tu verdadero ser en cada faceta de tu vida. También exploraremos formas de crear comunidad para apoyar un estilo de vida sano y espiritual.
Tómate un tiempo para recargar tu vida en este retirado santuario donde puedes disfrutar toda la belleza natural de esta tierra sagrada, con su río de agua pura, cascada, piscina natural y bosque.
Fecha/Hora
viernes, 12 de marzo – domingo, 14 de marzo, 2010
Registro comienza a las 2:00 pm el viernes, 12 de marzo. Habrá una clase de yoga de 4:30 a 6:00 y cena alrededor de las 6:30 pm. El retiro comienza oficialmente a las 7:30 pm y termina el domingo, 14 de marzo a la 1:00 pm.
Lugar
Samnyasin/La Finca
Este centro de retiro y finca orgánica, administrado por la familia Muriel, está localizado en un hermoso terreno de 20 cuerdas en las montañas de Utuado, Puerto Rico.
El costo del retiro incluye:
- 4 clases de Kripalu Yoga (para todos los niveles)
- 2 Talleres Vivenciales donde incorporaremos poderosas técnicas para descubrir tu verdadero ser.
- 2 Círculos de Compartir (un espacio seguro y sagrado donde compartes cómo te sientes sin recibir retroalimentación)
- Kirtan chanting (cánticos devocionales)
- 6 deliciosas comidas vegetarianas, incluyendo desayuno, almuerzo y comida
- Alojamiento por 2 noches
- Baños de barro
- Oportunidad para zambullirte en el río y pasear por las veredas
- Impuestos y cargos por servicio
- Un ambiente cálido y hogareño
- Y más …
Todas las actividades son opcionales y para todos los niveles. No se require experiencia previa.
Otros servicios (costo adicional)
Sitara estará disponible para sesiones privadas de sanación.
Meika, nuestra anfitriona, estará disponible para ofrecer terapia de masaje integral.
Costo (por persona) – USD
Precio Especial:
$300 sencillo / $275 doble / $250 compartido / $200 caseta de campaña
Si estás interesado(a) en atender pero no cuentas con los recursos económicos, favor de contactarme.
Matrícula
Se require un depósito (no-reembolsable) de US $100 por persona para reservar tu espacio.
Para registrarse, puedes contactar a Sitara a: sitara@sitaraom.com o 416-421-2220
Pago puede ser en efectivo, money order o cheque pagadero a Sylvia Maldonado.
Política de Cancelación En caso de cancelación, el pago total será reembolsado excepto el depósito de US $100 si la cancelación es hecha antes del 12 de febrero. Pagos son no re-embolsables después de esta fecha.
Day-long Winter Retreat
Sunday, February 7, 2010
There is no denying it, winter is truly here. This is the time of year when plants go dormant, birds fly south and animals hibernate. Yet, many of us insist on functioning against the flow of nature. In this way, we create more stress and compromise our physical, emotional and mental well-being. Winter provides us with an opportunity to go within.
Are you ready to embrace the season in its full expression? Would you like to learn ways to become more alive with the natural flow of these darker colder months? Are you needing a day to get away from your daily responsibilities and pamper yourself by connecting with your loving, joyful Self and other like-minded people?
You are invited to join me for the Kripalu Yoga On & Off the Mat Winter Day-long Retreat. Create a lifestyle and practice that supports your body and mind during this time of year.
My intention is to create a sacred safe space that will allow you to create or deepen your yoga practice on the mat and learn new tools you can apply into your every day life off the mat. This will also be an opportunity to have some fun and share with spiritual seekers like yourself.
This retreat includes:
- Kripalu Yoga on the mat practices such as breathing exercises, postures, meditation and an extended yoga nidra (deep relaxation)
- Kripalu Yoga off the mat experiences including:
- a sharing circle
- a discussion on how to create a lifestyle, including a seasonal diet that supports your body during this time of year
- a vegetarian cooking class where you will learn how to prepare a healthy, natural, vegetarian meal suitable for this season which we will enjoy together for lunch
- and time for chanting.
Day/Time
Sunday, February 7th, 2010
10 am - 5 pm
Location
a space in east end Toronto (to be announced)
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the retreat, including address and directions.
Cost
$75 (early bird special)
$90 if you register after Jan 24th
To reserve your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $25 per person is required. Full payment must be made by Jan 26th, 2010. Payment can be made by cash, money order or check payable to Sylvia Maldonado.
If you are interested in attending, but finances are a concern, please feel free to contact me to discuss your situation and how we might find a mutually beneficial arrangement.
All activities are for all levels. No previous experience is necessary.
I look forward to sharing this experience with you.
Room to Grow: Day-long Play Experience
for young women 13-17
with Sitara and Celeste Shirley
Sunday, January 24, 2010
As young women, many teenage girls struggle with their own self-identity. They may feel many pressures, often related to the belief that they need to adhere to others’ expectations. This can create conflict between who they truly are and who they believe they are supposed to be.
What does it take for these girls to find their way through the muddle of emotions, insecurities and self doubts, complicated by hormonal changes, peer pressure and family dynamics?
During our time together we will provide girls with the opportunity to address these issues. Together we will explore practices that will promote self-empowerment and acceptance so that they can continue to grow and evolve as conscious, trusting, peaceful and joyful women.
On this day-long play experience, teenage girls will:
- learn yoga postures and exercises that will help them to connect with their body through movement and breath
- experience a sharing circle in which they will:
- learn how to communicate their feelings, emotions, thoughts and needs in a safe space
- develop the skill of listening to others as they speak
- discuss issues of self-esteem, body image and how to create support in their lives
- explore ways to manage emotions
- experience the powerful practice of chanting to open their voices and release negative emotions such as fear, anger, depression, doubt and confusion
- learn how to prepare healthy friendly fast food which we will have for lunch.
Day/Time
Sunday, January 24th - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $50
To hold your space, please make payment of a $25 deposit by cash, money order or check payable to Sylvia Maldonado or Celeste Shirley. Full payment must be made by Jan 24th.
Location:
a space in east end Toronto (to be announced)
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with all the details about the retreat, including address and directions.
For more information about Celeste and her work, please visit www.theyogahouse.ca.
Click here to see photos of past retreats. Please read what clients and others say about Sitara's retreats. Please contact Sitara if you have any questions or wish to learn more about her upcoming workshops and retreats.
