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This unique course A Year of Tao starts again on 4th September. This course will take us through the changes in Nature throughout the seasons to tune into our inner changes and evolution. We will meet online weekly via zoom and also in person during 6 beautiful retreats throughout the year. It is designed to meet the needs of just five people and at the moment there is only three places left. If you are interested please continue reading and let’s see how your needs can be also met.
A YEAR OF TAO
This is an entire year to dive deeper into the Tao and inspire our modern lives with its ancient wisdom. We will study the ancient text The Tao Te Ching and will connect with its teachings in the forests, mountains and seas of Asturias.
Only five places available
Starting in September 2024, finishing in August 2025
Weekly Zoom meetings and retreats every two months in Asturias, Northern Spanish Coast
Price: 150€ per month. (the price is only for the tuition, it does not include the price of the accommodation and food of the retreats which will be paid separately)
How does it work?
During the year we will read the Tao Te Ching following varied translations, interpretations and renditions as aids to extract the essence of each poem. This is a super-inspiring process as every author that has worked with the Tao offers us a new layer of understanding. As the year goes on we will see how this study opens our awareness, changes our perceptions and places us at a different view point which will allow us to embrace life from an all-encompassing broader perspective. If you are not very familiar with the Tao Te Ching please follow this link
We will meet once weekly via zoom to work with the poems and their applications to our daily lives and we will also meet a weekend every two months in Asturias, to listen to the Tao where it expresses itself the best: Nature. We will work with the Forest, the Mountain and the Sea through walking, meditations and water activities. We will spend time outdoors harmonizing with the Way, learning from the forms and expressions of Nature . We will also work with the Tao in yin yoga and in more dynamic forms of yoga too and, depending on the seasons, we will learn the Way of Water practising static apnea and deep relaxation in an indoor swimming pool and freediving in the sea in shallow and secure waters. During the colder months, as water activities out in the sea will not be possible, we will retreat in the Asturian mountains and work with nature and meditation. No previous experience in Yoga and/or diving required as you will be guided to learn at your actual level.
In yoga we will learn how to apply Wu Wei – the principle of not-forcing or non-action – and Wu-Wang – the principle of not-knowing or innocence – to our yoga practice. We will learn to apply this as we get into the posture, we stay breathing into it and we come out of it. We will work with yin and yang styles of yoga throughout the year
The Tao has been called The Watercourse Way and the best way to physically experience its principles is through the free immersion in water. We will work at your current level and you are most welcome if you feel that working in water is still a challenge for you. We will work with deep states of relaxation, flowing with the water and dancing with it, we will practice secure static apnea (breath-hold) and secure dynamic apnea in free immersion dives. We will work with partners learning relaxation techniques inspired in the Tao.
Asturias is a place of outstanding natural beauty. Wild beaches, beautiful forests and high mountains will become our well-beloved teachers. During our retreats we will visit Asturian hidden natural gems and work in this amazingly ancient places.
PRICE
Monthly Tuition Fee: 150€ payable at the beginning of each calendar month
Non-refundable registration fee: 100€
Accommodation available in Pensión Prada, (individual room with bathroom and breakfast: 25€ /30€ per night, paid upon arrival). Other more expensive locations also available, please enquire.
Some retreats will be held in the Mountains and Forests, so expect different prices for accommodation to be confirmed. (around 35€ per night per participant in twin shared room)
Equipment (neoprene suits, goggles, tubes and fins will be hired at an extra cost of 30€ per weekend)
Enquiries and bookings WhatsApp 00 34 609236453
SCHEDULE
Weekly Zoom meetings are on Wednesdays from 11.00 to 13.00. Please write if these times are not at all suitable for you.
The retreats dates are as follows. Please book your flights, buses or trains in advance to access low-cost prices and avoid disappointment. Arrival to the retreat is on Thursday afternoon and leaving days are Monday mornings. Transport to the airport or nearest train or bus station available on demand free of charge.
From Thursday 24th to Monday 28th October 2024
From Thursday 12th to Monday 16th December 2024
From Thursday 20th to Monday 24th February 2025
From Thursday 10th to Monday 14th April 2025
From Thursday 19th to Monday 23rd June 2025
From Thursday 21st to Monday 25th August 2025 (please expect more expensive accommodation this weekend)
If you have any doubts, further questions or need clarification please do not hesitate to ask.