SATURDAY MAY 11 – SATURDAY 18TH, 2024, Purple Valley Tenerife

Relight Your Fire – An Ashtanga Week with Adam Keen

Hosted by Purple Valley Tenerife at the incredible this event sold out last year so early bookings are recommended.

Adam talks quite freely about the history as well as the modern inception and influences upon the practice of Ashtanga. While appreciating the tradition based on his own years spent in Mysore, he is convinced that the practice needs to be made to work for individuals and not vice versa.

It must make life easier, more comfortable, not harder! There is a way to practice that’s equally dynamic and effective for progress yet safe, gentle, effective, and suited to the uniqueness of each body.  Adam’s retreat will show you how to incorporate these principles in this unique setting.

You can expect:

• A friendly and inclusive group with a range of ages and abilities.
• To make new discoveries in your practice
• Delicious and nutritious meals.
• Lots of laughs.
• To be surprised by the astounding healing nature of this area of Tenerife.
• To make new friends and engage with a support group.
• To return with renewed enthusiasm and energy for your practice.

Retreat schedule

Sunday to Friday, 6.30 -9.30: Mysore Class

Adam teaches traditionally as he learned and experienced it in Mysore, defined by subtle, inner techniques. Following the sequences as they are in Mysore, adaptations will be given to keep you moving forward.

Practitioners will be approached individually and offered a gentle and holistic approach to physical assistance (if you want that).  All are welcome to the Mysore class. Adam is happy if you need practice sheets, or he or Theresa will show you the postures.

Afternoon Workshops: 4.00 to 5.30 p.m.

Sunday: Fundamentals of An Effective Practice

The building blocks of the work in asana are deeper than just making shapes. Using asanas from the primary series Adam will show how you can move forward in the series effectively and safely. We will discuss using active as opposed to passive stretches and how to best work with them using right tension to set up with forces structured within the body.

Monday: Technique Session 2

Based on the group Adam will share techniques which enable all to work where they are to progress safely and effectively.

Tuesday: Technique Session 3

Based on the group Adam will share techniques which enable all to work where they are to progress safely and effectively.

Thursday:  The Meaning of Tradition

A run-through of the modern history of asana and the more recent tradition of Pattabhi Jois’ Ashtanga yoga. Just because what we are practising may be younger than we think, it does not render it less valid. Rather, it allows us to see what we want to keep as effective, and what was political, cultural, or circumstantial that is now confusing or surfeit to purpose.

Friday: Open Q and A (recorded)

An open discussion on the workshops and anything else that’s on your mind.  A hugely enjoyable finale where Adam always talks honestly about his own background, experiences in practice, and what his practice has evolved to as well as giving his ideas (and often further resource tips), on all the questions you bring to the table.

ADAM KEEN

Adam is one of only a few students to have completed the Advanced A series in Mysore with Sharathji. He received Level 2 Authorisation in 2012 and has taught Ashtanga yoga for almost 25 years.

Equally at home teaching all levels, he gives all students attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like a test. Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.

Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga and he hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast & YouTube channel, interviewing many of the world’s most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.

Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga

Cost for one week Ashtanga retreat at Purple Valley Tenerife: 

There are a limited number of single rooms, before booking confirm availability info@yogagoa.com.

Premium Rooms - The premium rooms are the largest rooms at the retreat. These rooms have attached indoor bathrooms.

Shared: £1,250 GBP
Single or couple (Per person):  £1,550 GBP

Standard - The standard rooms are smaller than the premium rooms. These rooms have attached, indoor bathrooms.

Shared: £1,050 GBP
Single or couple (Per person): £1,350 GBP

Budget - The budget rooms are the smallest rooms at the retreat, some share bathrooms, and a few of them are outdoor bathrooms. In a few of the rooms, there may be disturbance from the road.

Shared: £900 GBP
Single or couple (Per person): £1,200 GBP

Dormitory (3 persons sharing) - The dormitory is a spacious room for 3 persons. It has an attached bathroom.

Shared: £780 GBP

The accommodation price is all-inclusive (includes accommodation, all meals and yoga). There is an option to pay a deposit of 50% of the full amount to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable and must be paid at least 4 weeks before the start date.

Arrival day and check out. 
The rooms are available after 3pm. The retreat starts with an introduction meeting at 5pm, followed by dinner at 6.30pm. All students should aim to arrive for the introduction meeting. The first practice is on Sunday morning and the last practice is on Friday in the morning. The checkout is on Saturday at 9am.

The price is all-inclusive (includes accommodation, all meals and yoga). There is an option to pay a deposit of 50% of the full amount to secure your place. The deposit is non-refundable and must be paid at least 4 weeks before the start date.

All bookings are taken by and handled by Purple Valley Tenerife. To book this retreat, follow the link below and complete the form to make your payment.