In a yoga class we may identify inner peace, gain access to it, and learn how to bring this forward into our dealings in the world. I say “learn” because I mean skills and techniques that are acquired. These are considerable aqusitions that takes time to learn and develop. I started my own path with yoga precisely because I was confused, unsure of myself and adrift in a maelstrom of undirected focus – not a state that can just be dissolved without learning, or a random quote or pill.

Last year, after a quarter of a century of daily yoga practice I travelled to India to learn deeper secrets of meditation from a master. For three weeks he coached me. The effect was profound, not only because it was the right thing at the right time, but because I took the trouble to take the time out to seek the learning and immerse myself in it. That is the main thing.

This is one of the reasons why I am promoting the spring yoga retreat Restore Your Inner Peace at the end of September. A retreat is a valuable time, that, like good wine, good food, and good company, takes time to mature. Time to stretch, breathe, and relax at leisure, without the demands that usually precedes and follows classes. For our retreat I envision a time of easy going fun and transformation, as the venue lends itself to enjoyment of meals and mealtimes, creature comforts and good yoga.

True inner peace

Recently, in my Saturday morning class, I was suddenly seized by an urge to share a simple but significant experience I had, just before class. I was sitting on the beach, my head was full of thoughts, as it often is, so I wanted to clear it an enjoy a quick dip in the ocean. I took along an orange and small flask of tea to bask with in the sunshine after the cold water. I closed my eyes, not thinking of, or trying to be awesome or zen or anything like that, only wanting to appreciate the warmth, and taste of the treats.

I got way more than I bargained for – for a moment I experienced a richness that cannot be contained in words, and as such, cannot be acquired by any other means than the experience itself. This is, possibly, true inner peace.

Most of us occasionally have, or have had such experiences. The remind us that inner peace is real, and is always there, under the surface, inside us. Yet is more often than not buried under a pile of distractions, misdirections, business. What is biblically refereed to as “the peace  that pass experiences of all understanding” is often, erroneously and at great peril, thought of as mystical illusion, rather than practical reality.

So here are the steps to attain inner peace 

● Identify inner peace – understand what it is, and how it feels
● Gain access to it – learn meditation and yoga breathing
● Learn how to bring inner peace forward into our dealings in the world – an important life skill!

Yet inner peace naturally arise, on occasion, as I described. To make best of this profound wonder, one has to practice to recognise the powerful but subtle nature of inner peace, be open to such moments, and develop the awareness and skill to evoke or call up the experience of inner peace at will. This is what requires practice and skill. Possibly not something that is learned in one day, or on one retreat, but every yoga class, or yoga retreat is a great place to start.

Also read my short blog on effortless meditation Go within.

In peace
Johann,
Johann Kotze Music & Yoga,
Muizenberg, Cape Town
27 July 2015

]]> https://johannkotze.com/blog/learn-to-access-true-inner-peace-with-yoga/feed/ 0 https://johannkotze.com/blog/a-spring-yoga-retreat/ https://johannkotze.com/blog/a-spring-yoga-retreat/#comments Mon, 13 Jul 2015 07:46:53 +0000 http://johannkotze.com/?p=2484 A wonderful opportunity to do yoga at leisure, at a lovely place, only one hour drive drive from Cape Town city. At Fynbos Estate, you feel secluded and welcome, a great place to easily connect to your eternal, inner peace.

● End of September weekend, Friday 25 – Sunday 27th, 2015
● R 1 700 includes all activities, great meals and comfortable shared accommodation

Book Now: Contact Johann

Rest, heal and do yoga at your leisure 
Experience restorative yoga in tranquil surrounds, on a working wine farm against the Paarl mountains. Johann Kotze, your host, has nearly 25 years of teaching experience, and invites beginner and more advanced practitioners to come enjoy his mixed level integrated, holistic yoga practice. Who is Johann Kotze?

Joining us for the occasion is Russel Brownlee, coach, who will help us sharpen our life and professional skills. Read his take on his offering: http://inspiredcoaching.co.za

Also with us is Sandra Smit, Cranio-Sacral therapist, to assist with stress release and restoration.

UPDATE 21 September:

Now that most of the beds are taken (there still is availability should anyone feel a last minute urge to join the retreat) there are also 2 additional participant options:

● Day visitor: R 450 per for day visitors (4 yoga, meditation, breathing, relaxation and workshop sessions & a Zen coach circle, lunch and teatime)
● Pitch your tent under a tree, a camping option. R 1400 p/p. Includes all the activities and 3 meals etc.

Restore your connection with inner peace

A retreat is a great start to effortlessly experience and explore inner peace, and help you maintain that connection alive in your day-to-day living. Read my blog on True inner peace.
The kind of practice we will do is based on an effortless meditation, read about it in my short blog Go within.

The energy of a retreat venue, i.e. the integrity of the space, owners and managers of the venue, is vital. Visit the Fynbos Estate website and see for yourself :-))
The Thursday 24th is a public holiday (Heritage Day) – so you only have to take off from work the Friday.

● 3 meals and 2 teatimes per day
● Includes a one-on one yoga consultation, a cranio-sacral bodywork therapy and Zen coaching session
● 4 yoga, meditation, workshop and satsang sessions total of minimum 4 hours daily
● Additional activities like wine tasting, hiking and horse riding may be arranged if there is demand

Please Contact me with any enquiries.

Updates on the Facebook Event Page

What will we do at the retreat?

There will be a specific time schedule for yoga classes, and a few events,
and lot of time to relax. You don’t have to attend anything you don’t want to.

The below program is a sample of what to expect… subject to change.

Friday

Arrive, settle in, meal ( you can add the farm’s wine to  your account if  you like) 7 – 8 p.m.
Introductions, discussion and meditation 8 – 9.30 in the lounge.

Saturday

Early meditation at six
Easy Yoga, Breathing and Meditation 7 – 8 a.m.
Breakfast 8.00 – 9.30.

Zen Coaching circle 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.

Tea time 11 a.m.

Power Yoga class 11.15 a.m. – 12.00
Yoga Workshop 12.15 – 1.00 p.m.

Lunch 1 – 2 p.m.

Tea time 3.30 p.m.

Easy Yoga class 4 – 5 p.m.
Relaxation, Breathing, Yoga & Meditation 5 – 6 p.m.

Dinner  7 – 8 p.m.
Satsang 8 – 8.30 p.m.
Wine tasting and social 8.30 – all in the restaurant

Sunday

Silent time (functional talking) until lunch

Early meditation at six
Easy Yoga, Breathing and Meditation 7 – 8 a.m.
Breakfast 8.00 – 9.30.

Zen Coaching circle 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.

Tea time 11 a.m.

Power Yoga class 11.15 a.m. – 12.00
Yoga Workshop 12.15 – 1.00 p.m.

Lunch 1 – 2 p.m.

Easy Yoga class 3 – 4 p.m.

Tea time farewell