Yoga & Mindfulness Freediving Retreats In Zanzibar

Asana, the physical practice of yoga postures, forms the foundation of a balanced and holistic practice. The asana classes are designed to condition the body, making it a strong and flexible vessel capable of sustaining long periods of seated pranayama and meditation practice.

Asana in sanskrit means a stable and comfortable posture, one that can maintained for at least an hour without pain. In the classical tradition of yoga, asana serves a purpose far beyond achieving physical fitness. In modern yoga, series of postures derived from Hindu gymnastics are practiced to create a strong, flexible, and healthy body capable to achieve asana, laying the groundwork for the higher stages of yoga.

HATHA

We follow the teachings of classical hatha yoga, providing a calm and steady pace that allows for deep exploration of each posture and its effects on the body and mind.

VINYASA

We integrate principles of vinyasa, connecting movement and breath to create fluid sequences of postures, enhancing both physical vitality and mental clarity.

IYENGAR

We draw from the principles of Iyengar Yoga, emphasizing proper alignment and precision in each posture to prevent injuries and maximizes the benefits of your practice

VINIYOGA

In the spirit of Krishnamacharya, we offer personalized modifications to ensure that each posture is accessible and beneficial to you, regardless of your level of experience.

Pranayama, the practice of breath control, is a vital component of yoga that bridges the physical and mental realms. The pranayama classes are designed to teach you the fundamentals of breath control and its significance in yoga practice.

Pranayama is derived from two Sanskrit words: “prana,” meaning life force or vital energy, and “ayama,” meaning to extend or control. Together, pranayama refers to the regulation of breath to enhance the flow of prana throughout the body and mind.

Pranayama is where all modern breath training methods or breathwork originated from, but its practice does not stop at the layer of the breath. It is also about cultivating awareness and harnessing the breath to restrain the senses and act as a preparation for concentration practices.

KRIYA

Kriyas are cleansing techniques that purify the body, enhance respiratory function, and clear mental blockages, setting the stage for effective pranayama and meditation.

PRANAYAMA

From Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) to Bhramari (bee breath), these practices balance the nervous system, calm the mind, and connect you to a deeper sense of inner peace.

BANDHA

Bandhas, or body locks, are techniques that direct, control and help channel the flow of prana within the body, leading to greater physical strength and mental focus.

MUDRA

Mudras are symbolic hand gestures that influence the flow of energy in the body and align the mind with specific states of consciousness, helping you achieve inner harmony.

Mindfulness Freediving is a practice combining pranayama with freediving techniques. Mindfulness freediving has two intentions, the first one is to help beginners looking to learn how to meditate and meditation practitioners who are having difficulty to reach a state of mindfulness with their meditation practice.

Mindfulness Freediving is not another new age breathwork method or pseudo science claiming to bring to its practitioners all kind of out of this world experiences. The exercises and techniques that comprise Mindfulness Freediving have been developed and practiced by yogis for millennia and freedivers for decades. Mindfulness Freediving is just a systematization of these different techniques and exercises to create a framework for practice.

There is no chasing of longer breath holds, deeper depths, marine life or freediving certification card involved with Mindfulness Freediving. What we seek instead is a deeper understanding of ourselves so we can grow into more mindful human beings and be free in and out of water.

The meditation classes are designed to offer you the tools needed to cultivate a state of inner peace and mental clarity.

Meditation is not something that you can practice or teach. Meditation is a state of absorption, that you achieve through the practice of concentration techniques. Every person’s mind is different, and each individual will find that certain techniques resonate more deeply with them.

We guide you through a variety of essential techniques, helping you quiet the mind and reach a state of profound inner stillness.

TRATAK

Tratak is a concentration technique that involves focusing your gaze on a single point, such as a candle flame.

JAPA

Japa uses the repetition of a mantra, a sacred sound, word, or phrase to focus the mind and deepen your meditation practice.

VISUALIZATION

Visualization is a concentration technique that involves creating vivid mental images to evoke a state of mental clarity.

ZAZEN

Zazen involves cultivating a state of present-moment awareness, where you let your thoughts pass by without judgment.

The philosophy classes cover ancient texts and classical scriptures that form the foundation of yoga and meditation to offer a clearer and deeper insight into the practice.

By grounding your practice in the ancient and sacred teachings of yoga philosophy, you can navigate your yoga journey with authenticity and depth, ensuring that every aspect of your practice is meaningful and transformative.

Our philosophy program is structured around four essential texts, to offer a wealth of knowledge.

THE YOGA SUTRA OF PATANJALI

The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is considered the cornerstone of yoga philosophy, outlining the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga. These sutras provide a detailed guide to living a life of ethical discipline, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

THE HATHA YOGA PRADIPIKA

The Hatha Yoga Pradipika is one of the foundational texts of Hatha Yoga, focusing on the physical practices that prepare the body for higher states of meditation. This text covers techniques such as asanas, pranayama, mudras, and bandhas.

THE BHAGAVAD GITA

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, offers insights into the nature of life and duty. This epic presents various paths of yoga, including Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

THE WHITE LOTUS SUTRA

The White Lotus Sutra of The Good Dharma is a key text in Mahayana Buddhism, known for its teachings on the nature of enlightenment, the importance of compassion, wisdom, and the interconnectedness of all beings.