Australian_Yoga_Journal_October_2017

PHOTO: SWISSMEDIAVISION/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

BYRON YOGA CENTREis well known for

itsteacher trainings. Founder John

Ogilvie has been training teachers for 30

years, and I had heard whispers from

recently trained graduates about the

food, location and authentic yoga style.

When I discovered that the school now

operates from the enticing Byron Yoga

Retreat Centre, I eagerly booked into a

weekend retreat, searching for

relaxation, rejuvenation and the

opportunity to create some new, healthy

habits.

Although the tranquil eco-haven is a

short drive from the iconic town of

Byron Bay and its breathtaking beaches,

the large, lush site feels like a hinterland

oasis. Once onsite, I felt immersed in

nature, but close enough to town if a

sugar craving got the best of me. As it

turned out, my fear of missing sugar and

caffeine was unfounded. The centre

delivers on its reputation for delicious

vegetarian food and I was told that they

now follow the principles of SLOW food:

Seasonal, Local, Organic, Without

processed foods (including refined

sugar). Meals are prepared with produce

from Byron Yoga Retreat Centre’s

organic garden and sourced, where

possible, from local organic suppliers.

GETTING WITH THE

PROGRAM

With just three days to relax, recharge

and reconnect, the type-A in me hit the

ground running. My retreat began with

a soothing massage, followed by an

opening circle, restorative yoga class and

post-dinner yoga nidra session — the

perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep.

Days two and three were a relaxed

combination of wellness sessions and

yoga classes, focusing on instilling

nutritional advice and yoga practices to

set healthy habits that would be realistic

to maintain once I arrived back home.

A COMPLETE PRACTICE

We were offered the choice of up

to threes yoga classes a day. A

pre-breakfast Morning Flow, a mid

morning Hatha-style class and the

afternoon Restorative or Yin session.

Underpinning the classes was John

Ogilvie’s signature style: Purna. Purna,

Can a weekend in Byron Bay give you the tools

to create healthier habits? Our writer embarks

on a break at Byron Yoga Retreat Centre and

discovers wholesome food, uncomplicated yoga

and some delicious, nutritious recipes.

The fast way to

SLOW

88

october 2017

yogajournal.com.au

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EXPERIENCE

By Jane Prince