This retreat has come and gone. This is how it was:
Are you interested to join the next one? e-mail: [email protected]
The 8 limbs of Yoga
A Traditional Balinese Yoga retreat
with Orsi Foldesi and Dewa Nyoman Arsana
"I am Dewa, born and raised in Bali.
Living my life to share happiness to others by showing people our Culture and tradition through adventure , farming and food. Always excited to meet new people for exchange culture and continue my life's Journey. Have a good Day Wa! |
February 10-18, 2024
|
"My name is Orsi Foldesi.
Born in Hungary, having lived in Holland and now a grateful citizen of Vancouver Island, Canada.... ultimately: Planet Earth. I have been practicing Yoga for 20 years, teaching for the last 18. I believe in the freedom of choice and the healing power of human connection. Let's practice being present together. " |
You are invited to a sweet old fashioned, authentic Balinese Yoga retreat. If the timing is right for you to join us, you will feel it in your body somewhere. Listen.
Our intention is to immerse in the collective energy of gratitude and Yoga tradition. The people of Bali LIVE Yoga. I feel like I'm going back home every time to the humid air and jungle sounds of this land.
Our activities are geared towards all levels of Yoga Practitioners. All activities are optional. I want you to listen to your body 100%.
Do you feel like sitting in the garden or by the pool with a book? Do just that. Otherwise, take a look at our menu of incredible activities on the schedule and join our group. Our group will be 14-18 people only.
Dewa and myself are proud to present this 8 day program to you. You can be proud knowing that we are supporting Balinese people directly by attending this retreat.
Our intention is to immerse in the collective energy of gratitude and Yoga tradition. The people of Bali LIVE Yoga. I feel like I'm going back home every time to the humid air and jungle sounds of this land.
Our activities are geared towards all levels of Yoga Practitioners. All activities are optional. I want you to listen to your body 100%.
Do you feel like sitting in the garden or by the pool with a book? Do just that. Otherwise, take a look at our menu of incredible activities on the schedule and join our group. Our group will be 14-18 people only.
Dewa and myself are proud to present this 8 day program to you. You can be proud knowing that we are supporting Balinese people directly by attending this retreat.
|
|
|
SCHEDULE:
|
Prices including accommodation:
Please note, prices are in CANADIAN dollars. Prices include taxes. Bungalow rooms at Toko Toko, all with air-conditioning, private or shared kitchens, some with showers some with bath, based on double occupancy: CAD 1890 / person Bungalow rooms at Toko Toko, all with air-conditioning, private or shared kitchens, some with showers some with bath, based on private occupancy: CAD 2190 / person Deposit $500 due by September 1st, payment plan is available until full amount paid December 31st, 2023 Payments can be made by e-transfer or PayPal to [email protected] |
|
Enjoy the hospitality of this incredible Balinese Family within their traditional Family Compound with 12 apartment style rooms, bungalows and a pool. Toko- Toko Bungalows have been serving guests for generations. We are located walking distance from downtown Ubud.
Vegetarian meals will be prepared and served by the family. Please find me with any dietary special requests at least 3 weeks before we start retreat.
Vegetarian meals will be prepared and served by the family. Please find me with any dietary special requests at least 3 weeks before we start retreat.
Yoga and meditation classes:
Ananda Ashram and Resort
|
Our Yoga and Meditation classes will be held at:
- Ananda Ashram next door to our location, as well as - in Kumulilir jungle cafe, - at Gunung Kawi sacred site and - on Black Sand beach, outdoors. Please bring your own yoga mat, or let me know if you need one. 
Kumulilir jungle cafe
Sunsrise yoga on the beach
|
|
Other activities on our schedule
Included in your package: Tirta Empul - Water blessing ceremony Gunung Kawi - Sacred site of Balinese Kings Kumulilir - Yoga in the jungle followed by lunch Guided walk through the rice fields 
Gurung Kawi Banian Tree
Rice field behind our accommodation
|
Tirta Empul -Water Blessing ceremony
Gunung Kawi, ancient sacred site
|
Optional activities, not included in your package:
- rent a scooter and discover Ubud
- visit a waterfall
- visit a local healer
- visit the monkeys at the Monkey Forest just down the road.
- wanna take a day at the beach? no problem:)
- go shopping at the Ubud Market,
- get a massage
and more...
Flight info:
Book your flight to Danpasar Bali, as soon as you made up your mind. Cost can be anything from $1300 to $2500 based on who you book with.
Companies I recommend:
Eva Air, www.evaair.com
Garuda Airlines, www.garuda-indonesia.com
Air Canada www.aircanada.com
Travel insurance:
Please remember to get special travel insurance for the duration of this trip.
- rent a scooter and discover Ubud
- visit a waterfall
- visit a local healer
- visit the monkeys at the Monkey Forest just down the road.
- wanna take a day at the beach? no problem:)
- go shopping at the Ubud Market,
- get a massage
and more...
Flight info:
Book your flight to Danpasar Bali, as soon as you made up your mind. Cost can be anything from $1300 to $2500 based on who you book with.
Companies I recommend:
Eva Air, www.evaair.com
Garuda Airlines, www.garuda-indonesia.com
Air Canada www.aircanada.com
Travel insurance:
Please remember to get special travel insurance for the duration of this trip.
A few more images from our last trip:
And now... the real reason why I travel:
The Soul Traveler’s Diary
Traveling as a spiritual practice or The speedway to awakening
Once I read an interesting study about the number of people traveling, flying, walking, driving from place to place, year by year. I don’t remember exactly how fast this industry grows, but I remember wondering: why? How come so many people are going to so many places? What are we searching for or running away from?
I’was born a traveler. I walked to the corner store when I was 5, just for the sake of going somewhere. I left home at a very young age and have seen countless places on our beloved Earth since. Once I walked 800 kms in Spain just to find out that I can.
If I had a magic wand I would send everyone to see the sunset in Indonesia, but not just see it… hear it’s sound! To walk the cobble stones of Prague, not just see them on a picture… feel them under their feet! The goats chasing each other on the cliffs in Croatia. Not just see them on a video, but smell them!
Traveling gives me perspective of my own size and problems, it humbles me and teaches me most about People of the World. How different we are… and at the same time, exactly the same. I feel transformed each time. I leave the way I am today and always come back a little bit transformed. Or sometimes actually, majorly transformed.
Stepping out of the repetition of daily life, one can only surrender to LIFE as it is.
Here is what I have learned over the years about this process. May it be a short weekend getaway with a lover, or a strenuous hike throughout the Himalayas, the stages of transformation are always there. Is it possible that traveling is part of evolution? One of the Soul’s many ways to initiate and grow?
Stage 1. The idea. - When the Heart responds to The Call.
There are so many invitations. Commercials, promotions, posters on the street, stories of friends. None of their journeys speak to you.. “I wouldn’t do that…’ That sounds boring”.. “ not for me, thanks”… One day however that ONE image awakens the heart! It just beats a little faster for a minute, and the mind is second to react. The Hero (my nickname for the Traveling Soul) always knocks on the door of the heart first. That is how I know that THIS journey is the one to take next.
Sometimes the mind says: nope, you can’t do it. Too long, too far, you are too busy, this is too expensive. However, the Call has been answered, the heart will flutter over and over again, this is how The Journey starts.
Stage 2. Preparations - Anticipation and Imagination
At one point the reality of the Journey begins. It’s not just an idea anymore. There are things to do. Book the flight, find a hotel, do a little research, etc. While the organizing nature of the Mind is really happy, our Hero deep down is tapping with her fingers. The question at this stage is: How much can I leave for faith to arrange? Do I trust the Universe? How much control do I need to have? These are always very useful questions for self reflection at this stage.
Stage 3. Leaving - Letting go
Saying good bye to our family and friends is always a little practice of Death. What am I taking with me, what stays behind? These are the questions to ponder. This is a very short, intense stage. Emotions are always involved. The Mind may be confused a little, just for a few minutes. The play of Life, or let’s just say it: Some Greater Forces are at play now. The Mind has no choice but to surrender control. The flight takes off. The Journey begins.
Stage 4. The journey itself - Presence and faith
We are on auto pilot no more. The known, the comfortable, the safe is all behind. Every site is new. Even if I have been somewhere before, the site is new again. A different season, or perhaps buildings changed since I last visited. We can not help but become and remain (!) present during the Journey. Decisions to make at every crossroad, can I trust this person? investigating every new bite of food. Will my body absorb this well? Impulses, impressions, truly: a sensory overload. How do we handle the stress of DIFFERENCE? This is the major question all along the way.
Stage 5. The Challenge - Transformation
Some of these different impressions will be breathtaking and mind-blowing, but others, (and there is always a few of these on every journey) will be challenging. Maybe a little bit uncomfortable, sometimes life threatening. Anything from missing a bus connection to being kidnapped (which happened to a friend of mine, not me, wink wink:) There will certainly be something at some point that we do not like about the Journey. Let’s call it: The Lesson. This is where true transformation starts to take place. This is the real reason for this trip.
Stage 6. The Hero returns - Conclusions
If we manage to survive the challenge (and let’s imagine a less dramatic lesson for now) we will start our journey back home. A bit perhaps shaken. Most of the time overwhelmed. What this means is that we have been tested and pushed to the limits. We have a story to tell and the story includes all good and bad.
A lesson was learned. One time I have faced the question: How much I allow the weather to influence my moods? Another time I had to reevaluate what is more important: to be popular by pleasing others, or to be myself” The conclusion is always clear and concise. We know the answer now. We learned it first hand, with all of our senses involved.
Stage 7. Returning to home - Re-connecting
Have you ever had the experience to walk in someone else’s shoes? Some say we can never do that. However, on the way home I feel exactly just that. As if my shoes or clothes don’t fit the same. Or my skin changed, somehow got tighter or shape shifted. The longer, more intense the journey has been, the change in me is more obvious and relevant. I always feel FULL. Complete. Looking back at the trip the challenging aspect starts to fade away and nicer memories surface. Those are easier to show on the pictures we take. And that is all we are able to share answering the question: “How was your trip?” The other part, the transformation remains deeply intimate and private most of the time.
Stage 8. Reflections - The story to tell
As weeks, months and years go by, the dust of the experience settles. Even our ability to share about the journey improves. That weekend getaway with my family? That was so memorable! Just perfect. That time when I climbed the Pyrenees? Crazy man! What was I thinking? … and so on..
There is one thing in common in all the journeys of all people though:
Those are the ones we TELL when we get old. We will pull out the photo albums, reminisce about them around the dinner table. Not the day to day, going to work, cleaning the house, paying the bills, but out journeys. They will stand out, fuel, shape, grow us and turn into chapters of a larger story: the story of our LIFE.
Traveling as a spiritual practice or The speedway to awakening
Once I read an interesting study about the number of people traveling, flying, walking, driving from place to place, year by year. I don’t remember exactly how fast this industry grows, but I remember wondering: why? How come so many people are going to so many places? What are we searching for or running away from?
I’was born a traveler. I walked to the corner store when I was 5, just for the sake of going somewhere. I left home at a very young age and have seen countless places on our beloved Earth since. Once I walked 800 kms in Spain just to find out that I can.
If I had a magic wand I would send everyone to see the sunset in Indonesia, but not just see it… hear it’s sound! To walk the cobble stones of Prague, not just see them on a picture… feel them under their feet! The goats chasing each other on the cliffs in Croatia. Not just see them on a video, but smell them!
Traveling gives me perspective of my own size and problems, it humbles me and teaches me most about People of the World. How different we are… and at the same time, exactly the same. I feel transformed each time. I leave the way I am today and always come back a little bit transformed. Or sometimes actually, majorly transformed.
Stepping out of the repetition of daily life, one can only surrender to LIFE as it is.
Here is what I have learned over the years about this process. May it be a short weekend getaway with a lover, or a strenuous hike throughout the Himalayas, the stages of transformation are always there. Is it possible that traveling is part of evolution? One of the Soul’s many ways to initiate and grow?
Stage 1. The idea. - When the Heart responds to The Call.
There are so many invitations. Commercials, promotions, posters on the street, stories of friends. None of their journeys speak to you.. “I wouldn’t do that…’ That sounds boring”.. “ not for me, thanks”… One day however that ONE image awakens the heart! It just beats a little faster for a minute, and the mind is second to react. The Hero (my nickname for the Traveling Soul) always knocks on the door of the heart first. That is how I know that THIS journey is the one to take next.
Sometimes the mind says: nope, you can’t do it. Too long, too far, you are too busy, this is too expensive. However, the Call has been answered, the heart will flutter over and over again, this is how The Journey starts.
Stage 2. Preparations - Anticipation and Imagination
At one point the reality of the Journey begins. It’s not just an idea anymore. There are things to do. Book the flight, find a hotel, do a little research, etc. While the organizing nature of the Mind is really happy, our Hero deep down is tapping with her fingers. The question at this stage is: How much can I leave for faith to arrange? Do I trust the Universe? How much control do I need to have? These are always very useful questions for self reflection at this stage.
Stage 3. Leaving - Letting go
Saying good bye to our family and friends is always a little practice of Death. What am I taking with me, what stays behind? These are the questions to ponder. This is a very short, intense stage. Emotions are always involved. The Mind may be confused a little, just for a few minutes. The play of Life, or let’s just say it: Some Greater Forces are at play now. The Mind has no choice but to surrender control. The flight takes off. The Journey begins.
Stage 4. The journey itself - Presence and faith
We are on auto pilot no more. The known, the comfortable, the safe is all behind. Every site is new. Even if I have been somewhere before, the site is new again. A different season, or perhaps buildings changed since I last visited. We can not help but become and remain (!) present during the Journey. Decisions to make at every crossroad, can I trust this person? investigating every new bite of food. Will my body absorb this well? Impulses, impressions, truly: a sensory overload. How do we handle the stress of DIFFERENCE? This is the major question all along the way.
Stage 5. The Challenge - Transformation
Some of these different impressions will be breathtaking and mind-blowing, but others, (and there is always a few of these on every journey) will be challenging. Maybe a little bit uncomfortable, sometimes life threatening. Anything from missing a bus connection to being kidnapped (which happened to a friend of mine, not me, wink wink:) There will certainly be something at some point that we do not like about the Journey. Let’s call it: The Lesson. This is where true transformation starts to take place. This is the real reason for this trip.
Stage 6. The Hero returns - Conclusions
If we manage to survive the challenge (and let’s imagine a less dramatic lesson for now) we will start our journey back home. A bit perhaps shaken. Most of the time overwhelmed. What this means is that we have been tested and pushed to the limits. We have a story to tell and the story includes all good and bad.
A lesson was learned. One time I have faced the question: How much I allow the weather to influence my moods? Another time I had to reevaluate what is more important: to be popular by pleasing others, or to be myself” The conclusion is always clear and concise. We know the answer now. We learned it first hand, with all of our senses involved.
Stage 7. Returning to home - Re-connecting
Have you ever had the experience to walk in someone else’s shoes? Some say we can never do that. However, on the way home I feel exactly just that. As if my shoes or clothes don’t fit the same. Or my skin changed, somehow got tighter or shape shifted. The longer, more intense the journey has been, the change in me is more obvious and relevant. I always feel FULL. Complete. Looking back at the trip the challenging aspect starts to fade away and nicer memories surface. Those are easier to show on the pictures we take. And that is all we are able to share answering the question: “How was your trip?” The other part, the transformation remains deeply intimate and private most of the time.
Stage 8. Reflections - The story to tell
As weeks, months and years go by, the dust of the experience settles. Even our ability to share about the journey improves. That weekend getaway with my family? That was so memorable! Just perfect. That time when I climbed the Pyrenees? Crazy man! What was I thinking? … and so on..
There is one thing in common in all the journeys of all people though:
Those are the ones we TELL when we get old. We will pull out the photo albums, reminisce about them around the dinner table. Not the day to day, going to work, cleaning the house, paying the bills, but out journeys. They will stand out, fuel, shape, grow us and turn into chapters of a larger story: the story of our LIFE.
