LIVING YOGA

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For the past three years, I have hosted a special Death & Renewal New Year's Eve practice, inspired by the Indian deity Shiva's cosmic dance (the ananda tandava). In his form as Nataraja, the lord of dance, he dances in an eternal ring of fire, symbolising the perpetual cycles of birth and death. He holds both the drum of creation as well as the fire of destruction, poignantly reminding us that every ending is in itself a beginning, and that death (in all its forms) is necessary for the next cycle of renewal to begin.

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Into its fourth edition this year, I am inspired to expand the format into a retreat. And to me, no place in the world better teaches us about death and beginnings quite like India, a land where colours, scents, sights and life collide in one kaleidoscopic mess of beauty and despair. In the many times I've travelled to the country over the past 16 years, I've had my heart broken countless times, both from pain but also from moments of breathtaking, exquisite beauty. There is no shying away from reality as it is in India, and every moment there is truly Yoga off the mat, in every sense of the word. 

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Our sojourn begins on Fri 29 December in one of my favourite cities in the world — Mumbai. After settling into our hotel on famed Marine Drive, we will meet for an evening walk through South Mumbai, passing through some of my favourite spots to eat, shop and just breathe life in. (Fun fact: The Art Deco buildings on Marine Drive have been recognised as a World Heritage site by Unesco.) We'll take in iconic sights including the Gateway of India and the historic railway terminus Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. We'll dine at a 105-year-old coffee house to soak in its old world charm, shop for trinkets at Colaba Market, then cap our night with drinks at the famous Leopold Cafe and a nighttime stroll along the Queen's Necklace.

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After a good night's rest and breakfast, we will set off the next morning to an Ayurvedic retreat centre, about 2-3 hours' drive outside of the city. Steeped in nature and run by a team I love and trust, this will be our homebase for the rest of our time together. Its peaceful setting is conducive for the transformative practices of Yoga and Ayurveda, so we can declutter and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit for the turn of the year.

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Our days will be bookended by daily morning and evening practice (and a special practice on NYE night), along with a luxurious Ayurvedic massage therapy daily. Being in a sattvic setting supports us to relax into a simpler, slower way of being, so take it easy during our down time: read a book, journal, take slow walks in the surrounding nature, or just spend time swinging in the hammock (my favourite activity). We will take an excursion one morning to the historic temples — Khandeshwar Shiva Mandir and Shree Ballaleshwar Mandir, and on other days, partake in two pujas (prayer ceremonies) — a private New Year Eve Nataraja puja to fully anchor our intentions to release in order to receive, and a New Year Day Ganesha puja organised by the retreat centre, for an empowered start to 2024.

 

The retreat ends after morning practice and breakfast on Wed 3 Jan, about 10:30am. Transport will be arranged to drive you to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. If you're taking a late flight, you can choose to stay and relax in the retreat centre, or we can head to Mumbai central for some free and easy fun (depending on time, I can bring you to high tea, or for an early dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, ever.) 

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Please note

• All rooms have ensuite baths and toilets. Every room in the Ayurvedic retreat centre has a patio/sit-out.

• In the Ayurvedic centre, we are on a rejuvenation therapy (which is gentle and easeful), not the strict Panchakarma detox. We will enjoy very tasty and nourishing vegetarian meals, but note that there is no caffeinated drinks served, only herbal tea. You are also encouraged not to bring snacks from home.

• India always has a way of surprising us. I do ask that you come with an open mind and heart, and be flexible to any changes we may have to make to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. Being able to be in such a mindset will make the retreat a lot more easeful on both you and myself.

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Retreat fee
 

Early bird (until 6 Oct)

SGD1,900 for twin-share; SGD2,500 for single occupancy (subject to availability)

Thereafter

SGD2,100 for twin-share; SGD 2,700 for single occupancy (subject to availability)

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Inclusions​

• Daily ensuite accommodation

• All meals, including all planned snacks, chai, dinner and drinks on our Mumbai walkabout

• Twice-daily Yoga practice once we settle into the Ayurvedic retreat centre

• Daily Ayurvedic therapy (four sessions in total)

• Mumbai airport pick-up and drop off, if you travel on recommended flights

• Transfer to Ayurvedic centre, planned excursion transfers during the retreat (additional costs for food and car rides if you choose to extend for a free and easy evening with me upon our return to Mumbai on 3 Jan will be borne by you.)

• Temple entrance tickets, if required

• All puja expenses (you can bring some spare cash for donation to the priest if you would like)

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Exclusions​​

• Flight tickets

• India visa fees

• Compulsory travel insurance

• Expenses incurred should you test positive for Covid in India. Please make sure your travel insurance adequately covers this.

• Any necessary Covid tests, should regulations require them then

• Optional activities

• All personal expenses eg. laundry, extra food orders