Craving some time out? No cooking, dishes or interrupted conversations for 2 whole days!
Reset in time to embrace summer & the Christmas craziness
A wee bit about us ...
Jaz's wholistic lifestyle approach will enhance your energy levels, mental well-being & awareness. Registered Nurse, Naturopath, Massage Therapist, Alchemist - Founder of Cocorose IG:cocorose_nz
Leonie is passionate about supporting people to find their joy, while creating a vibrant, healthy & balanced life. Therapeutic YogAlign Instructor, Reiki Master, Massage Therapist, Nurse, EFT Facilitator, Nature Lover, Design & Art Admirer IG:leonie.gypsetlife
An insight into Your retreat weekend
Nutrition
Create your awareness around the connection of gut health, emotional well-being, energy levels, immunity & weight management. Let us help you gain a fresh perspective on low moods & anxiety.
YogAlign
A therapeutic style of yoga from Hawaii, that connects breath, posture, mindfulness & movement practices into your everyday. A tool to help align yourself with your passions & purpose. Yoking all facets of yourself - mental, emotional, spiritual & physical.
Meditation
Finding your own unique meditation practice to bring more joy, stillness & presence into your life.
Create
Lift your spirits, creating your own rose facial spritzer & essential oil blend to take home. The perfect calming, anti-aging & hydrating products for sunny days.
Nourish
Delicious & nutritious vegetarian food & you don’t have to lift a finger! Tea & coffee provided. Sorry no meat, drugs or alcohol. Re-energising & gentle bush walk with coastal views.
Connection
Connecting with like-minded individuals, while exploring the intricate connection of your mind, body, spirit & surroundings.
Pamper
Free use of Sauna. Massage treatments, as therapists are available, at an extra cost. $40 30mins & $80 60mins.
Sleep
Two nights twin shared accommodation, towels & bedding included. Some single rooms available.
Investment
$450 per person. An additional $60 single room supplement available - limited number only.
Internet
Wifi available in the main centre building. Mobile reception available.
Location
608 Manaia Road, RD1, Coromandel, 3581. Allow 2.5 hours for your drive from Tauranga.
Book
Enter into your calendar now! Friday 27 September 2019, check-in 4pm includes dinner, to Sunday 29 September, check-out 2pm includes lunch Sunday. Book now, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
If your body’s stress response is triggered throughout the day and if it doesn’t know how to return to its regular state of relaxation afterwards, you may find yourself in a state of chronic stress.
Chronic stress is the type of stress that can do a lot of damage to your health, contributing a whole host of stress-related health problems, including heart disease, the common cold, and high blood pressure, just to name a few. Learning relaxation techniques can help you restore your body to its natural state when you’re feeling stressed and will help you deal with stress in a healthy way in future. If you can become less reactive to the stressors that you face and can recover more quickly from it if you do react, your body and mind will thank you for it.
Relaxation can occur when you’re taking some downtime, i.e. sitting in a comfy chair, reading a good book. But sometimes it’s helpful to have a more structured plan for relaxation as, in the face of stress, you’ll have a whole toolbox ready to help you recover. It will also mean you actively choose strategies that build resilience rather than merely distracting you from what’s creating stress for you on a given day. Learning to relax your body and your mind can be more effective than either one on its own, obviously.
Here are some of the best relaxation strategies you can use to combat stress…
Breathing exercises should be your first line of defence against stress. The beauty of these for relaxation is that they can be used anytime, anywhere, and they work quickly. They’re also very easy to master. Start with deep breathing. To do this, breathe in through your nose and feel your chest fill with air. Then, breathe out through your nose. As you do so, place one hand on your belly and another on your chest. Focus on feeling your belly and chest rise as you breathe in, and fall as you breathe out.
The wonderful thing about practising meditation is that it allows you to “let go” of everyday worries and literally “live in the moment.” People who meditate regularly report improvements physically, mentally, and spiritually, using it as a technique to not only combat stress but prevent it in the first place. To begin a meditation practice, you will need to find a quiet spot, away from the phone, television, friends, family, and other distractions. Meditation practices often involve learning breathing or mantra techniques. Initially, your mind may wander when you first start meditating, but by training your mind to focus on the moment, you will feel relaxed and more centred. Most experts recommend meditating for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time. Beginners may find it difficult to meditate for this length at first, but don’t despair. It will become easier once you are meditating regularly.
Playing music is a great way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. When at work, keep a pair of headphones at your desk so you can enjoy your music for yourself. This technique often helps to provide a safe space to help you to recharge, even if you are in a room full of people. Because music brings real benefits in terms of wellness (music therapy is a growing field), it can be conveniently used effectively for relaxation as well.
It may seem that exercise is the opposite of relaxation, but a good workout can actually make you feel more relaxed afterwards for a few reasons. First, working out can be a good way to release stress and blow off steam. Second, the endorphins released during a good workout can aid relaxation quite nicely. Additionally, exercise can get you into a state of flow where it’s difficult to stay stressed—your body has to move toward relaxation as your stress response begins to reverse.
Yes, these relaxation methods don’t all have to be clinical and practised. Letting loose and having fun with your family and friends is an excellent way to relieve stress and experience relaxation. Most people don’t prioritise this as an important part of life—they don’t fit time for it in their busy schedules because they don’t realise the value of fun for balance as well as physical and emotional health. So schedule some downtime in your calendar, it’s just as (if not more) important than any other pressing matter.
If you focus on stress management regularly, in a relatively short time you can learn to more easily relax when you need to, and build resilience toward stress.
Read more: A relaxed body promotes healthy eating
nutritional biochemist, author & speaker
Nutritional: Your food choices throughout the day may have been missing
some key nutrients, and so your body drives you to eat unresourcefully at the
end of the day in an attempt to get these needs met. This is particularly
common if you haven't had enough nutritious fats throughout the day,
if you've missed a meal or swapped food for a coffee.
Biochemically: When we race around all day living on adrenaline due to
our perceptions of pressure & urgency, the body will predominately burn glucose,
rather than fat, and you will crave more sugar to replenish your stores.
Emotionally: Often our craving for sugar has more to do with an emotional need that
isn't been met as we seek more "sweetness" in our lives. Identifying this and
cultivating ways to bring more joy into your life can transform these cravings.
for more info check out www.drlibby.com
Join us tomorrow evening at @paulaknightartist home & studio for our Bail Retreat Info Evening! Grab a mulled wine or @goodbuzznz kombucha & relax in the warmth of the log fire while we chat about the Bali painting, @yogalign & pampering retreat.
Meet repeat retreaters & new retreaters for this amazingly rejuvenating experience 20-26th September 2018. Suitable for all ages & stages!
There will be a tasting platter of absolute goodness & exceptional giveaways on the night, including an hour massage & facial combo from the skin specialists @mountskinandbody & a @zeparltd glass flask for all your hot & cold drinks on the go.
For those itching to known more, come join us & you are welcome to bring a friend. Tomorrow Thursday 26th July from 6.30pm at 682 Papamoa Beach Road, Papamoa.
Unleash your inner vitality & radiance. Join Paula Knight artist & painting tutor and I for a tropical journey to indulge your senses and relax into a truly inspirational environment. Set in a luxury coastal villa, we will be sharing with our guests our collaborative knowledge base with dedicated relaxation, pampering and creative inspiration to feed your soul.
When
September 20th – September 26th 2018 (6 nights)
What you can expect
On arrival to our villa, life becomes a dream. This week is about relaxation and connecting to your creative flow. Paula will lead you through fun, confidence building painting exercises and guide you while you create your watercolour and acrylic paintings.
Practising YogAlign, modified to accommodate each inviduals ability, set in a tropical garden. Everything is optional, and we encourage our guests to relax as they need to.
Safe and easy
We have a preferred travel agent who will help you with flights and get you onto the same flight as other guests. We will arrange a driver to meet you at the airport and bring you to either the villa or if you prefer a day or two prior to the retreat, prearranged separate accommodation, where you can join us and the others in your group to relax and catch your breath after your flight. We will also have a meet and great before we leave NZ for those who can make it.
Booking options available for couples, singles and small groups. You can sign up to Paula's email alerts at www.paulaknight.co.nz so you don't miss out.
Who’s there
+ Paula Knight: renowned art teacher, mentors, guides and advises, as well as helping you to deepen your creative connection and maximise your time there amongst the magic. Covering botanical watercolour painting and acrylic on canvas painting. Suitable for all levels, no experience needed. Paula loves introducing beginners to painting.
+ Leonie Main: YogAlign instructor & wellness enthusiast will teach you a complete healing modality integrating mind, body & soul.
+ Harriet Meyer-Knight: architectural talks explaining local Balinese architecture. Plant-based food demonstrations, happy tummy delights and beautiful creations to make you smile.
+ The villa staff will be on hand to make your whole experience that little bit more special – you just wait and see!
The food
Delicious and healthy meals, using local produce, including authentic Balinese cuisine. We will be offering nutritious plant based, raw food options and cater for gluten, vegetarian and dairy free diets.
Our Villa
Our secluded luxury villa has panoramic views overlooking rice paddies and surrounding tropical jungle, near Balian beach.
Our beautiful bedrooms are shared or private, all with ensuite bathrooms, luxury linens and overlook the tropical garden. Fresh fruit and purified water being replenished daily. Massages at the villa and plenty of time relaxing on king size daybeds by the infinity pool, overlooking the beautiful tropical gardens. Staff can arrange any extra pampering as you feel. Your entire week will be about looking after you.
Surrounding areas
You are 2min from the beach by car. Alternatively you can walk and enjoy the glimpses of Balinese life on your way. Only 1km from the sacred Balian river, Balian beach and the lively local village.
Rice field walks and visits to water temples, beach & local night market.
Bedroom with king bed & ensuite NZ$3295 pp (NZ$2995 pp king share)
Twin share rooms & ensuite NZ$2995 pp
All beautiful bedrooms have ensuites, air conditioning & lovely views.
NZ$250 discount for all Earlybird bookings paid by 30th June 2018
Dates: 20 September – 26 September 2018 (6 nights)
What’s included?
+ 6 nights luxury villa accommodation
+ Private or twin share rooms all with ensuites
+ Each room is serviced daily by our attentive local staff
+ Guided nature walks in surrounding rice fields
+ Transportation for our excursions, visits to all natural sites & temples
+ Adventure to the beach, sacred Balian river & hike (weather permitting)
+ Local architecture narrative from Harriet who holds an architectural degree
FOOD, NUTRITION & NOURISHMENT
+ All your delicious, healthy breakfasts, lunches and 4 evening meals at the villa included. We cater for vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and other dietary requirements
+ Raw plant-based food demonstrations
+ Daily tropical, fresh fruit platters
+ Bali coffee & fresh herbal teas
+ Filtered water, fresh fruit juices
YOGA & BODY TREATMENTS
+ Daily YogAlign classes
+ Individual client assessment & YogAlign consultation
+ Powerful tools to create awareness & self-heal
+ Re-set your body with proper alignment, breathing & self-care
+ Release self-limiting beliefs
+ Meditation in movement
+ 1/2 or 1 hour Balinese massages
PAINTING, ART EXERCISES & TECHNIQUES
+ Acrylic on canvas painting. Take your piece of tropical paradise home with you
+ Botanical painting in water colour
+ Confidence in your creative side & general self-expression
+ Relaxing art therapy
+ All art supplies
FREE WI-FI
Why us?
Bali is a special place for us, having been there a combined total of over a dozen times and we wish to share Bali with you as a place for inspiration, growth & healing. A friendship spanning over 30 years, Leonie & Paula share a love of nature, art, travel, people & cultures. We will be in Bali to nourish, support & teach you, while allowing you to find & maintain your optimal wellness in a way only a creative retreat can.
We invite people of all ages & stages to join us!
Get in touch through Paula's website to reserve your spot, you don’t want to miss this years Bali Magic! www.paulaknight.co.nz
(limited spaces remain)
Come join us in Bali for 6 nights in a luxury villa, from the 20th to 26th September 2018.
Indulge your senses in a tropical oasis & let your creativity flourish.
Myself & artist/teacher Paula Knight www.paulaknight.co.nz will be sharing our knowledge & create an amazing experience for those who wish to join us.
More details for this luxury retreat to follow.
In Part 1, we looked at how a consistent sleep routine enhances the quality of rest and rejuvenation. In Part 2, we focused on synchronising our sleep routine with nature’s doshic rhythm and in Part 3, we looked at practices that help you relax in the evening. Now we look at some more evening routines for better sleep.
Avoid backlit screens
Turn of all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Backlit screens interfere with your biological clock and fool your body into thinking its daytime, straining your eyes and stimulating your mind. Spend this time with yourself. Indulge in soothing meditation or self-reflection, listen to relaxing music, or read an uplifting book (although not in bed!).
Avoid reading in bed
Reading in the bed can confuse the body by signalling for sleep and alertness at the same time. Designate a place to sit down and read. Avoid reading excessively emotional or distressing content. If you struggle with sleeping, try giving up bedtime reading.
Keep a journal
Spend a few minutes writing about your day to clear your mind and remove any residual emotions associated with the day’s events.
A soothing glass of milk
If your system allows it, drink a glass of warm milk, with a pinch of cardamom and honey, to promote deep sleep.
Relax your body
Once in bed, consciously relax your entire body. Bring your awareness to each part of the body and will it to relax itself. Then focus on your breathing and gently drift into sleep.
Sleep according to your dosha
Vata types may suffer from irregular sleep routines and have to take extra effort to establish a daily sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time every day, even if you don’t feel sleepy. Sleep on your left side to encourage breathing through your right nostril, to promote heat.
Pitta types tend to easily get disturbed from their sleep. Keep your bedroom quiet and fragrant. Sleep on your right side to encourage breathing through your left nostril, for cooling.
Kapha types have a tendency to oversleep and this causes imbalance. Ensure you wake up before 6 am. Sleep on your left side to promote heating.
Incorporating all these practices into your daily life may sound daunting. Choose a few of these that appeal to you most and commit to doing them every day. As you become comfortable, you can gradually add more practices into your routine. Observe how your body feels and celebrate the small improvements—these are your body’s way of thanking you.
EVENING DINACHARYA, PART 3: RELAXING ROUTINES
By Shyam Kumar for Yogibeings
In Part 1, we looked at how Ayurveda considers sleep to be essential for good health and how establishing a consistent sleep routine goes a long way in enhancing the quality of rest and rejuvenation. Part 2 explained how the night is governed by different doshas at different times and how to synchronise your sleep routine with nature’s rhythm. Now, let’s look at establishing a soothing evening routine to help you wind down and prepare for a night of restful sleep.
Following a regular routine reassures your body that everything is well, providing a tremendous sense of comfort. Establishing a daily evening routine ensures that, with time, the body learns that these are signals that the day is ending and to prepare for a good night’s rest. It’s important to be consistent with the routine. Here are some things that you can incorporate into your evening routine:
Avoid that evening cup of coffee
Drinking coffee or any other stimulant prevents your brain from responding to fatigue, instead making you feel fresh and energetic. This causes problems in trying to sleep early. If you are suffering from sleep-related problems, cutting down on caffeine may go a long way in helping you sleep better.
Turn down the lights
Our biological clocks are highly sensitive to light. For most living beings, sunset is a signal that the day is winding down and it’s time to rest. In today’s modern life, there is so much artificial lighting that it severely interferes with the natural biological response to sleep. One of the best things you can do is to dim the lights at home as the sun goes down. This sends the signal to your body that the day is ending.
Reduce exertion
It’s best to reduce strenuous physical and mental activity at least two hours before bedtime.
Have an early dinner
Have an early dinner to ensure that the food is completely digested before you sleep. This prevents the accumulation of toxic waste (ama) in your body, which could make you feel dull and lethargic. It’s ideal to leave a gap of three hours between dinner and sleep time. To get used to eating early, you can begin by eating a lighter dinner than usual.
Wash your face
Wash your face with lukewarm water, preferably using an Ayurvedic cleanser. This cleanses the dirt accumulated through the day, removes oil from the pores and helps your skin breathe at night.
Massage your feet and scalp
Take a few drops of oil and do a slow, relaxing massage of your scalp. Wash and dry your feet and apply a few drops of oil slowly from heel to toe in slow, circular movements of your palm. This removes excess heat and relaxes the entire body.
In Part 4, we shall look at a few more things you can do before bedtime and how to incorporate these into our daily lives.
Contact Leonie Main
m: +64 (0) 274 96 96 33
19B Golf Road, Mount Maunganui 3116, New Zealand
Facebook: Gypset Life