Interview: Inner Growth

Life is change. Growth is optional. Choosing to recognize the greatness within ourselves is a positive and powerful self tool we can use to make decisions about what is good for us. We may be inspired to follow a path that we have created and having the ability to take action for it. Whatever we choose, make sure it is for our own personal growth. Yoga instructors and retreat leaders Anne-Marie and James Burford explains about finding the greatness within ourselves through yoga, ayurveda and meditation.

What is the aim of the retreat?

The aim of the retreat is to offer a nourishing and secure environment for students to explore yoga, meditation and the basic principles of Ayurveda. James and Anne Marie will give their students tools to help make positive changes in their life and with the right attitude the student will experience profound personal growth and transformation.

How do the benefits of Ayurveda and yoga practices complement each other?

Yoga and Ayurveda are ancient Indian disciplines. The goal of Yoga is ‘union’; the uniting of the individual self with the cosmic self. This is done through the training of the mind, body and breath. Ayurveda means the ‘science of life’ and is the Indian traditional medicine. Ayurveda gives guidelines for humans to come into perfect balance with the environment. Both have their origins and philosophies based in the ancient Indian Vedas. They are the perfect complimentary practices as both seek mastery of the human being, the environment and the end to suffering. Their approach is slightly different however if used together as this allow the maximum benefit.

What is Sivananda yoga? Can you explain a little about it?

Sivananda yoga is a style of yoga initiated by Swami Vishnudevananda, a disciple of the famous Saint, Swami Sivananda in India in the 20^th Century. Sivananda yoga presents the core teachings of Hatha Yoga in a clear and systematic yoga class. James trained with the Sivanadna Centre in india however he combines his knowledge of Hatha Yoga, Iyengar yoga , Asthanga yoga and Pilates when teaching his Hatha Yoga class.

Why did you choose Bali as the place to hold the ‘Ayurvedic/yoga flow in Harmony with the Universe’ retreat?

Bali is an island paradise with a strong and beautiful energy. It is the perfect place for a yoga retreat.

We were also given an introduction and recommendation by one of the students whom Anne-Marie taught while on retreat in Sri Lanka, whom had previously being on retreat at ONEWORLD retreats.

Who should join your retreat?

This retreat is perfect for those who are looking for a healing, nourishing and balancing yoga experience. It will help any yoga practitioner on their journey of self-discovery and self-mastery. The retreat is suitable for all levels, beginners and the more experienced. James s morning yoga class will give students the opportunity to engage in a stronger physical practice with appropriate options give for all levels.

The afternoon class with Anne-Marie will be restorative yoga, with yoga Nidra offering a gentler and more relaxing approach.

This retreat is probably not best suited to the Asthanga yogis only looking for a vigorous and purely physical practice. As this retreat will go deeper and will have a deeply nurturing and spiritual element.

Ayurvedic/yoga flow in harmony with the Universe - ONEWORLD retreats, Kumara Sakti – Ubud

Anne-Marie Burford is a highly qualified and experienced teacher with over 27 years of teaching experience. She was named as one of the top Pilates instructors in the UK by Harpers and Queen Magazine – Feb 2002. Together with her son James, Anne-Marie runs Harrogate Yoga Retreats.

James Burford has spent 5 years of study and training in India to teach on their Harrogate Yoga Retreats. He is a Sivananda yoga teacher and an Ayurvedic massage therapist and a Reiki master.

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