Journey to the Heart of Life
Four Foundations Retreat to Goa, South India.
Unplug Rest Restore Reset
28th February - 14th March, 2019.
(Join for one week or two weeks)
Could you do with a relaxing get out of your head and into your body and heart retreat in nature to dive deep into self-enrichment, self-renewal and self-empowerment? If so, join Rosaleen by the Arabian Sea in South Goa and/or at the inspirational Isha Yoga Centre located at the Foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains in Coimbatore, South India. Experience an enlivening and uplifting week (or two) of yoga on your mat and in nature to unplug, rest, restore, reset, gain clarity, transform and shift to your next level.
This retreat is for you if you:
- Need to escape from the mundaneness of your world.
- Want to stop feeling victimised by others or even your own judgmental thoughts.
- Crave time to connect with nature away from your computer and hectic life.
- Spend a lot of time alone working working, working and would like to meet new people and make new friends.
- Want to bring more adventure, fun, freedom, exercise or spiritual practices into your life.
- Just need some time away to get a little clarity, relaxation and peace for yourself.
Imagine...You awaken to the soothing sound of the waves rolling onto the golden sand at Agonda beach. You step out of your charming abode and catch your breath as you gaze at the spectacular view. You smile and feel a quiet stirring inside as you say: "Yes, this is what I need." You already sense the calming spirit and invigorating energy of the Arabian Sea that's just a stone's throw away. It murmurs softly "Welcome! Now is your time for calm contemplation and uplifting transformations."
You realise that the spiritual allure of this land runs deep. Goa is a welcome assault on your senses and Agonda Beach is a peaceful enclave that awakens joy and vitality within you .
"Hello India!" - the enchanting eastern home of Yoga. The sacred land of India has been witness to countless sages, seers, and enlightened beings and you've come to this place of spiritual diversity to feel more vibrant, alive and more your “true self” than ever before.
This one or two week journey is suitable for all levels of practitioners and Rosaleen will lead you into practices to ensure that the benefit of your time in India continues to unfold long after the retreat ends.
Daily integrated yoga practices (including asana, pranayama, self-reflection and focus on the four foundations of life - purpose, prosperity, happiness and freedom, and meditation) and the wonderful nature will help to quiet your mind. Through inner wisdom work you'll gain more clarity about difficult life situations and remembrance of your sacred inner spirit.
There'll be plenty of free time to enjoy the waves of the Arabian Sea and excursions in Goa and the vibrant meeting of the West and East at Isha Yoga centre situated at the foothills of Mount Velliangiri in Coimbatore. This is a sacred space for self-transformation, where you can dedicate time towards your inner growth.
What will you gain from this retreat:
Magical inner shifts and transformations for starters! It's no secret that a trip like this can change your life forever. Witness with delight as you shift into a different mind space. Insights and aha moments will come to you and you'll have fun too.
With all the deep inner experiences and igniting of your hidden wisdom, it's no wonder that you'll return home rested, recharged restored and wanting to take action on what you've discovered. You'll feel healthier, happier, fitter and more peaceful.
The first 8 days (7 nights) of the retreat will be at Agonda beach, which is a beautiful environment to relax and be yourself.
Being on your yoga mat and with your new adventuresome companions , you'll be infused with yogic practices that have been passed down through the ages and your whole body-mind system will vibrate with renewed vitality and power. Gratitude and appreciation course through your veins like nectar. You say “Yes” to life.
You can't wait to discover the captivating charm of this melting-pot called Goa – region of Indian temples and sadhus (yogis/ascetic) contrasting with Christian churches and saints and diverse Indian customs melded with those of long-gone invaders – powerful dynasties of the past including the Portuguese...
And why should you join us?
Matthew who joined us in March 2018, wanted “to get out of the mundaneness of my world” and Angela wanted “to have a break from my hectic life in London, to have some me time, feel relaxed and stress free.”
This is time to reset and recharge your exhausted body, clear your mind and de-stress. The deep immersion into the science of yoga will ignite new positive habits that you will want to continue when you return home.
Without the distracting routines of your daily life back home, there's the opportunity to heighten your awareness and fine-tune your senses so that your experience of life changes. After just a few days, everything appears richer, fuller, more vibrant and alive. The promise is that there can be a shift in your perception - colours and images may become brighter and sounds clearer and sharper as you see life around you with fresh eyes. You feel more balanced and happy, more peaceful and whole.
As well as the postures, breathing exercises and meditations we will explore the four foundations of inner wellbeing that take you to the heart of life.
What are these Four Foundation?
Dharma - The desire to fully realise everything you are capable of. This is the drive to be, to thrive and become who you are meant to be. Dharma is about discovering your unique purpose or mission.
Artha - This is the means necessary to fulfil your purpose or dharma. It includes material wealth, prosperity and abundance and other means such as your will, meditation, physical health and wellbeing, food, money, career and a roof over your head.
Kama - The desire for all kinds of pleasures including fun, friendships, family, art, beauty, closeness and intimacy. The desire for pleasure is a driving force that compels us to aspire for and achieve outcomes.
Moksha - Longing for true freedom. This is the desire to realise a state that is limitless. It is the longing for lasting peace, love and to experience the sacred through self-inquiry, nature, contemplative alone time and spiritual practices. It goes beyond the first three desires and is the compelling drive to transcend suffering and temporal pleasures. When you fulfil this desire, you've self-realised.
Taking a rickshaw into town.
Not only will you meet and journey together with like-minded kindred folks, but you'll gain more clarity about your life, what matters most to you and why you are here on this earth. We'll be blending a range of ancient inner well-being and modern personal development methodologies to explore your purpose or dharma, abundance, how to build pleasure into your daily life and be your best with the aid of practices that bring more peace, love and joy into your life.
Meditation gathering
Imagine finally sensing the coming together of your body, mind and soul and knowing that each aspect counts equally. Every day you feel your body-mind and soul changing as you ease into your daily yoga practice and the surrounding magic of nature. You're more present and experiencing what the enlightened master Eckhart Tolle calls the "Power of Now." Your soul already knows this way of being and you are guided back to your unlimited self, to unconditional love and you feel an inner expansion.
You'll feel spacious inside as your body opens up and you improve your body's range of motion. Your nervous system is massaged and pampered and this brings deep calm and relaxation to your whole mind-body system. Is this possible in a week? Yes! And totally in your reach!
These transformations stir open the powers within you. You dream of greater possibilities and potential in your personal and professional life.
Rosaleen, I'm ready to Sign Up!
Yoga means to yoke, to join your sun and moon, masculine and feminine and unite your body-mind-spirit. This is what you can gain. You can feel empowered and ready to soar high like an eagle. Your real, untamed self begins to surface and offer a bigger picture for you. You feel strong and courageous.
Of course, you'll also want to enjoy the cultural side of Goa too, so we've woven in some excursions to spiritual sites such as the UNESCO world heritage cathedral in Old Goa and the oldest Hindu temple plus if time allows a little light trekking, visit to a waterfall and other natural environments.
There'll be time just to have fun wondering around the sites, being in the moment soaking up and enjoying the ambiance. Plus you can relax on the beach, go walking, have pampering massages, do some shopping if you wish, read or journal.
Agonda, South Goa
Agonda Beach, Goa here we come! The first week of our journey will be spent here by the Arabian Sea. The pristine beach is a beautiful cove of three kilometre long golden sand, secluded by palms.
Thousands of years ago, pre-historic shamanism existed in Goa. Shamanism organically arose all around the globe over 100,000 years ago. It is an ancient spiritual practice based on the act of voluntarily accessing and connecting to non-ordinary states for wisdom and for the purpose of helping people like YOU unlock the latent power and wisdom within and maintaining the connections between humankind, nature and spirit. This is the intention of yoga also - to allow you to connect with yourself and architect your inner well-being
We'll be visiting the ancient rock art of Goa, evidence of prehistoric Goan shamanistic practices so that you too in modern times can connect with the energy of these ancient practices, nature and the spirit realm.
Ah the call of a magical retreat to Agonda, South Goa...
Morning silent meditation beach walk
Daily morning walking meditation creates a connection with nature and is calming and energising. You'll step into the yoga lineage from the ancient yogic teachings of the sage Patanjali to modern personal development and wellbeing practices for inner wisdom, body-mind-spirit connection and personal transformation. All under the guidance of Rosaleen Bloomfield, who qualified as a yoga teacher in 2003 and founded Yoga Blooming as a way to share these ancient and modern practices with you.
Yogic personal development teachings have been passed down for generations, but as the ages rolled by and modern living became increasingly hectic, many forgot this way of living as fully embodied spiritual beings – living with purpose, joy and fulfilment. This retreat to Goa (and Coimbatore) is about reconnecting with your vast inner wisdom and intuitive nature and being more of yourself.
Daily Schedule: This is what the schedule for the retreat looks like. It may be subject to minor daily changes/rearranging of activitie. However, it gives you a basic idea of how your days will unfold while on the retreat. When you can expect to practice and when you can participate in other activities or simply relax.
Thursday: Arrival day. There'll be a short gathering to welcome you.
Friday - Sunday:
6.30am - 7.30am Morning beach silent meditation walk
7.45am - 9.45am Yoga
10:00am Brunch
11.am - 2pm Free time
2-3pm Personal Reset Session: The Four Aspirations
3.15 - 5pm Yoga
6-7:30pm Dinner
There'll be evening meditations with the sound of the waves as a backdrop before going to sleep most evenings (TBA).
Monday: excursion time to Old Goa, Goan rock art, waterfall... There's no yoga asana on this day. Pre-Sleep meditation will take place.
Tuesday:
6.30am - 7.30am Morning beach silent meditation walk
7.45am - 10.00am Yoga
10:00am Brunch
11.am - 2pm Free time
2-3pm Personal Reset Session: The Four Aspirations
3.15pm -5pm Yoga
6-7:30pm Dinner
Wednesday: after the morning yoga class and brunch is your free day until the evening yoga class! Feel free to do nothing, to swim, to relax, read, explore Agonda, do some gift shopping.
Thursday: Goa retreat ends. Morning walk, yoga. Depart after brunch, sigh…
Friday: Integration day. Only if you're going to Coimbatore or you can of course choose to add ths day to your visit and pay for the extra night's stay.
Day to relax and integrate before flying to Coimbatore the following morning.
Enjoying Holi - festival of colours in 2018
Accommodation
While in Agonda, we'll be staying at the charming Simrose resort, right on the beach. Nestled among palm trees, Simrose's tropical ambiance and friendly staff will make you feel like you're home from home.
Simrose offers several accommodation options. These include front sea view luxury huts, garden huts and you can also book rooms in a stone house. Rooms are based on twin or double sharing with double bed or a queen size bed. Please note that twin bed rooms are in the stone house. Single occupancy is available on request and incurs a surcharge.
The beach huts are adorable abodes complete with air conditioner and fan to keep you cool. Beds have specially designed mosquito nets to protect you as you sleep peacefully through the night.
These charming huts have open air en suite bathrooms so you can have the extraordinary experience of taking a shower under swinging palm trees, blue skies or the stars and moon - don't worry, your privacy is taken care of too. They are equipped with western style toilets, hot water shower and a big wash basin. Each hut/room has a balcony with comfortable seating where you can curl up to journal, read or close your eyes and listen to the sound of the waves.
You'll delight your palate with delicious, healthy vegetarian cuisine.
Sri Aurobindo said “ All life is Yoga” and this enchanting location naturally invites you to be in yoga 24x7 - to slow down, breathe deeply, be at peace, soothe your soul and feel full of verve and vitality.
Then after 8 heart-opening and revitalising days of transformation at Agonda Beach, we'll depart – some will return home - and those who signed up for week two will embark on the second part of our adventure to be blown away by the spiritual wonder of Isha Yoga Centre at Coimbatore, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Optional Extension to Isha Yoga Centre - situated at the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains (9th - 14th March)
As you approach the yoga centre, you suddenly catch a glimpse of the glorious 112 feet statue of Adi Yogi, which towers above the trees and your heart skips a beat with excitement. Its serene face sitting in meditation opens your heart and ignites the promise of merging your inner forces with universal forces. This is the abode of yoga – a place of inner transformation and empowerment.
Adiyogi (first yogi) statue at the Isha Yoga Centre, Coimbatore
As a continuation of your yoga immersion, Isha Yoga Centre is a place of mystical power. Steeped in the epic myth of Shiva, the Adiyogi or first yogi is said to have provided 112 ways for those who are rooted in the body to attain their ultimate nature (enlightenment). The tales of Shiva stir your imagination about the potential for inner truths to be unlocked here in this sacred space...
Walking to see Adiyogi, Isha Yoga Centre
You'll be mesmerised by the Dhyanalinga yogic temple and energy centre. Here the energies of the seven chakras have been amplified to the very peak and locked in this sacred space - providing a doorway to enlightenment and spiritual liberation.
Inside the Dhyanalinga, you settle in and close your eyes, allowing yourself to relax and surrender to the powerful vibrations that draw you deeper. Deeper into yourself. Deeper into life. Deeper into the truth of who you are. You exit feeling calm, energised and filled with aliveness.
Being in this space is enough. There is no need to try to meditate, watch your breath or use any other meditation technique to try to quiet your mind. You simply sit and after a short while meditation just happens because of the heightened vibrational energy in the Dhyanalinga.
The locally grown food follows Ayurvedic eating traditions and is soulful and nourishing. There's a cafe to relax in as you sip a healthy smoothie and chat with your fellow adventurers. There is also a grocery shop where you can buy local and western products.
Accommodation is in deluxe rooms with AC, twin beds and western toilet and shower.
You'll get a well-needed technology detox too as Wi-Fi and is not available and you're asked not to take photographs within the centre.
You can pamper yourself with a luxurious Ayurvedic massage and go for leisurely strolls in the extensive grounds of the ashram. Here the Eastern and Western cultures meet seamlessly.
At the Isha yoga centre the focus is on meditation. We'll do one yoga asana practice and you'll attend meditation sessions, sit in the Dhyanalinga – which is like a spiritual ignition or force to take you forward. It brings you the promise of going beyond your present limitations and growing spiritually. These 5 days are integration time and time to access your deeper self at your pace.
Our Adventure
The adventure begins from the moment you arrive at the airport in Goa. As you're transported to Agonda, you'll already start to soak up the colourful, vibrant Goan vibes.
Once you settle into your charming abode, among new like-minded friends, you will have a warm welcome reception and delicious dinner.
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But before this, you will get to know the others in a cosy little gathering to unwind from your travel – sacred yogic style!
Please note that this retreat schedule and what we will be doing from day to day is an outline only and it is possible that some change to the itinerary /schedule may occur if any unforeseen event occurs.
There'll be daily morning silent walking meditation with the Bloomfield twist, yoga asana and breathing practices in the morning and evening (except on excursion days), plus meditation before we go to sleep. Personal development activities will be scheduled based on the energies of the day. Excursion days will be decided once we are in Goa. Mostly our aim is to be in the now as yoga teaches us. Every day provides the opportunity for aliveness and a magical experience for all of us. So keep your heart and mind open to the experience that Goa brings you.
This adventure is TOTALLY for you if...
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You are open to many spiritual paths and want to deepen your connection with yourself, the world and nature.
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You love being outside soaking up nature and exploring new cultures and magical places like the Dhyanalinga.
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You secretly feel a spiritual connection, have been turning inwards more and more and want to discover more about who you truly are.
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Thinking about this trip gets you both excited and also a little nervous about stepping into unknown territory!
- You just want to relax, de-stress, gain some clarity and have some peace.
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Entrance to Isha yoga centre.
What Past Participants Say about their Retreat Experience
"I really enjoyed Goa. I wanted to come home transformed and I was. The different tools and techniques provided big learning, realisations and opened up possibilities. I experienced a heightened sense of sound during yoga relaxation and I am more aware of my senses. The location was perfect. I loved the weather, being by the sea, having time to relax and I enjoyed the food. It was intimate, I got to know and mix with like-minded people. This 2019 retreat will be my third trip with Rosaleen." Gina Clarke
“I loved Goa for the assault on the senses and getting the physical parts of the body in shape and the good nutrition. The ashram [Isha Yoga Centre]provided a deeper experience – expanded mind discipline and focus. Now I have more confidence to travel. I loved the freedom and I picked up good habits. My diet is changing due to the retreat and I listen to Aum videos on Youtube. ” Matthew Stallion, London
"Rosaleen, you are a truly beautiful teacher with a beautiful soul to match. Your energy and spirit came through in this retreat and you were so tuned into your students' needs. I wish I could record your voice- it was so soothing! Tracy Williams, Perth, Australia
"The yoga holiday was enjoyable and I improved my practice doing yoga both in the morning and evening. I'd love to go back to Goa. There was 'me' time to relax, enjoy the beach, culture and have fun." Maria Athayde, London
“My experience of time changed. Not having to worry about the time I have to do things in daily life made me more present in the moment”. Margaret M
“I was able to focus on myself, which is essential for health and wellbeing especially as I have a busy and demanding life and to develop a regular yoga routine and improve my postures while having a wonderful holiday. The food was delicious and healthy and during the silent morning meditations I was able to really appreciate the beautiful environment – the sound of the birds and the sea was soothing and relaxing.”
Bonuses!!
To help you prepare and have the best experience, you'll also receive:
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A Clarity Call – 30 minutes of 1:1 time with Rosaleen so she can get to know you, answer your questions personally and discover how to best support you on your adventure.
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Access to a Private Retreat Facebook/Whatsapp Group – so you can connect pre-trip, ask questions and receive up-to-date trip info. We'll also stay connected post-trip and of course swap photos!
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Pre-Trip Group Call – you'll have the chance to meet everyone in the group, share your intention and learn about everything you need to prepare!
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Life Purpose Discovery - 20-minute 1:1 free discovery/clarification session while in Goa/Coimbatore.
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Post-trip group call – we'll gather to help integrate your experiences once you're back home.
What's Included
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8 or 14 Days of deep dive science of yoga teachings, posture fine-tuning, resistance stretching, breathing exercises, guided and silent meditations, mashing and lots of juicy conversations throughout the week to deepen your intimacy with yourself and connect with others.
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Excursion to ancient and modern cultural/spiritual sites – so you discover Goan culture and spiritual heritage.
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Excursion out into the Goan countryside to experience more of the diverse tropical surroundings.
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Entrance fees to excursion sites we visit together.
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7 or 13 nights in charming accommodation with western-style facilities – double occupancy. Single occupancy on request.
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8 or 14 delicious, healthy vegetarian brunches.
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Welcome dinner on arrival in Goa and vegetarian dinners throughout your stay together as a group.
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Transport from the airport to your accommodation on arrival and departure (at designated times only!).
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Rosaleen Bloomfield's expertise including all teachings, meditations and personal development work she will be leading for you personally while on the retreat.
What's Not Included
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Your round-trip airfare to and from home.
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Food/snacks/drinks that you purchase that are not included in the inclusions above.
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India Visa fee. Visa is required for entry into India. This can be obtained online. Please make sure that you have got your valid passport and visa before entry into India.
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Other non-included items are souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, massages/spa services, additional transport you may take, laundry, bell-boys, tips for your room maid.
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Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (you must purchase this for the trip).
Flights
If you are joining week one, you must arrive into Dabolim, Goa International Airport on February 28th, 2019 by 3pm and depart March 7th, 2019 after breakfast. We'll have airport pickup for the group arriving in the daytime on 28th February. If you are not arriving for the designated transport, you will need to take your own transportation to Simrose, Agonda Beach (at your cost).
For the week two visit to Isha Yoga Centre, we will fly to Coimbatore on the morning of the 9th March or if you are joining Isha Yoga Centre leg of the trip only, fly to Coimbatore. Airport transfers to and from the yoga centre will be by taxi.
Feel free to arrive earlier or leave later for further exploring. Remember that you will need to arrange accommodation, transportation etc. for your extra stay at your cost.
Your Host
ABOUT ROSALEEN
The first time I truly connected with who I really am, I was on a week-long yoga holiday in Turkey. My relationship was shaky and I was experiencing corporate job trauma. For six days, I had the most relentless throbbing headache. Nothing would relieve it…
The final night, I went to bed in my tree house and could not sleep. My whole body was tense. My head throbbed. I felt desperate and despairing. I remember in the small hours saying to myself…”I’ve had enough. I’ve going to let go now,” and then I drifted off to sleep.
Next morning, I woke up and everything seemed different. Something had shifted. The headache had gone and I felt a deep peace and silence inside and around me—as well as an indescribable love...
I felt completely at home in my body - whole, deeply peaceful and brimming with inner joy. I suddenly knew that I was love and that loving myself and others was one and the same thing. I was experiencing the world anew—colours were brighter, sounds sharper and I felt an all-embracing, inner and outer silence. It was pure bliss.
A journey of formal tutelage and self-study began: yoga teacher training in Rajasthan, India, Vipassana meditation camps in Turkey and India, trekking to the source of the Ganges river. I sat at the feet of spiritual masters and teachers and learned first hand from them
I began teaching yoga and meditation. I qualified as an Institute of Leadership and Management level 5 coach and mentor facilitating individuals and groups to access their inner wisdom and find their own unique and creative solutions for attaining change and deep transformation. I learned the metaphysical science of hand analysis.
I love to return to India where the ancient roots and lineage of yoga run deep. Those I bring here experience their own transformation. It is my deepest pleasure to share this mesmerising place and land of magical spiritual traditions with you.
So if you're ready to step into your untamed power and bring your ancient inner wisdom and knowing back into your life for happiness, empowerment and soul-stirring transformation then won't you join me on this unforgettable adventure of the body, mind, heart and soul – adventure to India!