5-Day Easter Retreat with Yoga, Breathwork and More
In Collaboration with Durga’s Tiger School
6 – 10 April, 2023
Bergengel, Reichenbach, Switzerland
This is not your usual yoga retreat. Take a break from everyday life and join us for this journey deep within yourself. Inviting aliveness and celebrating the spring awakening. Together, we are creating a choreography where intensity and expression alternate with silence and stillness, where the doing and the not doing dance together effortlessly.
Find the power of deep relaxation and the magic of your own energy in Kaula Tantra Yoga. And let our powerful breathwork practices guide you into feeling and transforming what is alive in you. These core practices are accompanied by meditation, singing, dancing, nature connection, and communication tools. All weaved together, leading you into a deep connection to yourself and existence.
Kaula Tantra Yoga
The retreat is built around our core practice: Kaula Tantra Yoga. This is a 3-hour, yoga sequence that comes from an ancient lineage and is based on the teachings of Bhagavan Shanmuka Anantha Natha. Different to other styles of yoga, this series is practiced in a slow and flowing manner to build patience and awareness. Each asana is held gently for a period of time to allow you to relax into the posture. This way, you can find your own unique way of expressing the asanas without pressure of competing or ‘performing perfectly’.
Tantra Yoga facilitators approach students as whole human beings and discourage ‘isolating’ or forcing muscles. Their priority is to hold a space of acceptance and love, with only little guidance where necessary.
Our yoga practice is gentle and accessible for everybody – no prior yoga experience required. At the same time, this practice might open a new dimension of yoga for you, even if you have years of experience. And even if the length of the series might intimidate you: The practice is open for all level of fitness.
Breathwork
In this retreat, we will place a special focus on working with our breath – and we will breathe together every day. While shorter practices may contain breath meditations and relaxations. the longer sessions are based on BioDynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System (BBTRS).
During a BBTRS session will guide you into an experience of deep connection to your body and exploration of your feelings by using conscious connected breath, movement, sound, and touch. The intention is to support your body’s natural process for releasing mental, emotional, and physical blockages stored in the body – opening the way for feelings of aliveness, self love, and deep relaxation. Throughout the session, you are invited and supported to stay present and connected to your body and felt sense. Through this embodiment, emotional charge can lose its intensity, empowering you to consciously feel what is alive in you, with love and acceptance. Through this, we access our innate power for healing and transformation.
Programm
Kaula Tantra Yoga and breathwork will be complemented with the following practices:
Meditation: We practice active meditations, using movement, our voice and/or visualization to dive deep into a meditative state. A great way to start the day or greet the moon.
Cacao Ceremony: In this ritual space, we will connect to the medicine of raw cacao. We will experience an opening of our heart and a deeper connection to ourselves and the group heart. In this space, we will both let go into deep relaxation and dance –
giving expression through movement to what is alive right now in our bodies and souls.
Nature Connection: Nature is our ultimate teacher, and it is always around us, in us; it is in connection with nature that we experience the magic of life in a very tangible way.
Forum and Talking Stick: We will use these communication tools where suitable to support the group process - allowing us to show ourselves fully, with everything that is alive in the present moment, and to grow together as a group.
Singing Circle: By sharing songs in a circle, we invite joy, we celebrate life, and we connect to our inner vibration. We will explore songs and mantras from different traditions.
Dance: At Durga’s Tiger School, we love to dance. Be it to warm up before yoga, or to celebrate life together. No worries if you “cannot dance” – this is simply about intuitively moving your body in any way that feels good.
Partner Yoga: In this practice, we will support each other to dive deeper into relaxation during parts of the Kaula Tantra Yoga series – by assisting deep stretches and holding space. This is a playful, fun space, and at the same time one of the most relaxing experiences we ever had.
We will flow with the weather and the group to define exactly when each part of the retreat happens. A typical daily flow may look like this:
7:00 – 8:00 Meditation
8:15 – 11:00 Kaula Tantra Yoga
11:15 – 14:00 Brunch & Nature connection
14:30 – 17:30 Program
18:00 – 20:00 Dinner & Break
20:00 – 21:15 Program
Connection
The foundation of everything we do is a deep connection to ourselves. We guide you to connect to your core, your essence, and to explore what is there when you drop the stories, the “shoulds” and “musts”. And through this, deepen the trust in your inner wisdom.
It is from there that we connect to the group, to nature, to existence itself. To share from our heart, to be seen as who we truly are, to witness others doing the same, holds deep power. Together, we will explore this connection to the group heart in many ways, creating a space of trust built on authenticity and vulnerability. A space where everything is welcome.
A Word on Tantra
Durga’s Tiger School is a tantric school. We celebrate sexual energy as life force and we strive to express ourselves and be in the world as who we really are – and we are sexual beings. However, during this retreat, our focus is not on sexuality. Classes do not involve nudity or sexual contact.
The venue
This residential retreat experience takes place in Bergengel seminar house, located in Reichenbach, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. The location is embedded into the spectacular mountain chains of the Bernese Alps. There are double, twin, and single rooms available. Bathrooms are shared. Bedding and towels are included. For socializing or relaxing outside your room, there is a lounge area at your disposal. The overall standard of the seminar house is cozy, personal, and comfortable. If the weather is friendly, there is a beautiful outdoor area to relax in and enjoy the mountain views. Experiences will be guided both indoors and outdoors.
We will live together and share meals, creating a tribal, family spirit. Our group will be small, with a maximum of 15 participants. There is enough space for you to take a breath on your own in case you so desire.
The seminar house can be reached with public transport (bus stop: Scharnachtal, Halten). Parking spots are available for free. We will send the link to a table for rideshare coordination to all participants before the start of the retreat.
Food
We will have two main meals a day: Brunch at 11:15 and Dinner at 18:00. There will be a snack bar (nuts, fruit, tea) available all day. All food will be vegan, organic and prepared with love.
Language
The retreat will be guided in English. German translation on the side is possible, please talk to us about this if you feel the need.
Dates and Time
We start with dinner on Thursday, April 6 at 18:00 (check-in from 17:00) and end with brunch on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 12:00.
Investment
There are different accommodation options available:
Per person in a twin room (shared bathroom): 950 CHF
Per person in a large twin room (shared bathroom): 1050 CHF
Per person in a single room (shared bathroom): 1250 CHF
For 2 people sharing a private double room (French bed, shared bathroom): 1900 CHF
For 2 people sharing a large private double room (French bed, shared bathroom): 2100 CHF
This price is all-inclusive, with around 8 hours of retreat program per day, lodging for five nights, two organic vegan meals per day and an all-day snack bar (fruits, nuts, tea, coffee, pleasant surprises).
Talk to us if this price keeps you from participating. We will find a way together.
Language
The retreat will be guided in English. German translation on the side is possible, please talk to us about this if you feel the need.
Dates and Time
We start with dinner on Thursday, April 6 at 18:00 (check-in from 17:00) and end with brunch on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 12:00.
Food
We will have two main meals a day: Brunch at 11:15 and Dinner at 18:00. There will be a snack bar (nuts, fruit, tea) available all day. All food will be vegan, organic and prepared with love.
Investment
There are different accommodation options available:
Per person in a twin room (shared bathroom): 950 CHF
Per person in a large twin room (shared bathroom): 1050 CHF
Per person in a single room (shared bathroom): 1250 CHF
For 2 people sharing a private double room (French bed, shared bathroom): 1900 CHF
For 2 people sharing a large private double room (French bed, shared bathroom): 2100 CHF
This price is all-inclusive, with around 8 hours of retreat program per day, lodging for five nights, two organic vegan meals per day and an all-day snack bar (fruits, nuts, tea, coffee, pleasant surprises).
Talk to us if this price keeps you from participating. We will find a way together.
Language
The retreat will be guided in English. German translation on the side is possible, please talk to us about this if you feel the need.
Dates and Time
We start with dinner on Thursday, April 6 at 18:00 (check-in from 17:00) and end with brunch on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 12:00.
Food
We will have two main meals a day: Brunch at 11:15 and Dinner at 18:00. There will be a snack bar (nuts, fruit, tea) available all day. All food will be vegan, organic and prepared with love.
About your guides
We are guides on a journey, and you may choose to travel with us for a while. But ultimately, only you know what is right for you, what feels good in your body, what you need. At any moment, we will support you in your sovereignty.
We are Carmen and Christian, part of the worldwide team of Durga’s Tiger School teachers and holding point for activities in Switzerland. Together, we co-founded and taught at Kaula Tantra Yoga Zürich.We hold space for joyful transformation through soft power – inviting gentleness and self-love into the process of diving deep into our inner worlds, our shadows, and our light. We act from a place of loving kindness, with authenticity and vulnerability. Our core mission is to support you to find your own truth, and to live that truth in your actions. We follow our curiosity for what makes us and others come alive, and how to truly nourish body and soul.
Carmen has a passion for challenging herself and others to move beyond their comfort zone, letting curiosity and love guide the way. In this retreat she brings together her experiences in Yoga, Tantra, intentional communities and art as well as her own deep connection to nature. She received her teacher training at Durga’s Tiger School® in Ecuador, Switzerland and Germany and is a certified YA RYT-500 teacher. She also co-founded a conscious community near Zürich, integrating personal development into daily co-living.
Christian creates experiences that connect people to their inner wisdom, their magic, and their personal power – based on his own journey in Tantra, Yoga, breathwork, music, dance, bodywork, and writing. He received his YA RYT-500 certification from Durga’s Tiger School® in Ecuador and is part of the school faculty both in Ecuador and Europe. Christian is a co-organizer of the Wild Love festival in Switzerland, a bodyworker and a breathwork facilitator.
What to Bring
Comfortable clothes for yoga and movement (make sure to pack layers, it may be cool at night; bring a warm pair of socks)
Yoga belt or some kind of strap
Outdoor clothes (according to weather forecast)
Blindfold
Slippers / indoor footwear
Toiletries
Water bottle
An item for the altar if you feel the call
Towels and bedsheets are provided. Yoga mats, meditation cushions and blankets are available from the venue – feel free to bring you own if you prefer a personal touch.
Cancellation Policy
You secure your spot with an upfront payment of the full price. In case of cancellation by us, you will receive a full refund. In case you have to cancel your participation, the following policy applies:
Cancellation more than 60 days before the start of the event: You will receive a refund of 80% of what you paid.
Cancellation more than 30 and less than 60 days before the start of the event: You will receive a refund of 50% of what you paid.
Cancellation more than 7 and less than 30 days before the start of the event: You will receive a refund of 30% of what you paid.
Cancellation 7 days or less before the start of the event: You will not receive a refund.
If you can provide a replacement, i.e. someone who is willing to take your spot for the same conditions, you will receive a full refund irrespective of timing.
We recommend cancellation insurance (“Seminar-Rücktrittsversicherung”). Please note our disclaimer with contraindications.
Kaula Tantra Yoga
The retreat is built around our core practice: Kaula Tantra Yoga. This is a 3-hour, yoga sequence that comes from an ancient lineage and is based on the teachings of Bhagavan Shanmuka Anantha Natha. Different to other styles of yoga, this series is practiced in a slow and flowing manner to build patience and awareness. Each asana is held gently for a period of time to allow you to relax into the posture. This way, you can find your own unique way of expressing the asanas without pressure of competing or ‘performing perfectly’.
Tantra Yoga facilitators approach students as whole human beings and discourage ‘isolating’ or forcing muscles. Their priority is to hold a space of acceptance and love, with only little guidance where necessary.
Our yoga practice is gentle and accessible for everybody – no prior yoga experience required. At the same time, this practice might open a new dimension of yoga for you, even if you have years of experience. And even if the length of the series might intimidate you: The practice is open for all level of fitness.
Breathwork
In this retreat, we will place a special focus on working with our breath – and we will breathe together every day. While shorter practices may contain breath meditations and relaxations. the longer sessions are based on BioDynamic Breathwork and Trauma Release System (BBTRS).
During a BBTRS session will guide you into an experience of deep connection to your body and exploration of your feelings by using conscious connected breath, movement, sound, and touch. The intention is to support your body’s natural process for releasing mental, emotional, and physical blockages stored in the body – opening the way for feelings of aliveness, self love, and deep relaxation. Throughout the session, you are invited and supported to stay present and connected to your body and felt sense. Through this embodiment, emotional charge can lose its intensity, empowering you to consciously feel what is alive in you, with love and acceptance. $$Through this, we access our innate power for healing and transformation.
Programm
Kaula Tantra Yoga and breathwork will be complemented with the following practices:
Meditation: We practice active meditations, using movement, our voice and/or visualization to dive deep into a meditative state. A great way to start the day or greet the moon.
Cacao Ceremony: In this ritual space, we will connect to the medicine of raw cacao. We will experience an opening of our heart and a deeper connection to ourselves and the group heart. In this space, we will both let go into deep relaxation and dance – giving expression through movement to what is alive right now in our bodies and souls.
Nature Connection: Nature is our ultimate teacher, and it is always around us, in us; it is in connection with nature that we experience the magic of life in a very tangible way.
Forum and Talking Stick: We will use these communication tools where suitable to support the group process - allowing us to show ourselves fully, with everything that is alive in the present moment, and to grow together as a group.
Singing Circle: By sharing songs in a circle, we invite joy, we celebrate life, and we connect to our inner vibration. We will explore songs and mantras from different traditions.
Dance: At Durga’s Tiger School, we love to dance. Be it to warm up before yoga, or to celebrate life together. No worries if you “cannot dance” – this is simply about intuitively moving your body in any way that feels good.
Partner Yoga: In this practice, we will support each other to dive deeper into relaxation during parts of the Kaula Tantra Yoga series – by assisting deep stretches and holding space. This is a playful, fun space, and at the same time one of the most relaxing experiences we ever had.
Programm
Kaula Tantra Yoga and breathwork will be complemented with the following practices:
Meditation: We practice active meditations, using movement, our voice and/or visualization to dive deep into a meditative state. A great way to start the day or greet the moon.
Cacao Ceremony: In this ritual space, we will connect to the medicine of raw cacao. We will experience an opening of our heart and a deeper connection to ourselves and the group heart. In this space, we will both let go into deep relaxation and dance – giving expression through movement to what is alive right now in our bodies and souls.
Nature Connection: Nature is our ultimate teacher, and it is always around us, in us; it is in connection with nature that we experience the magic of life in a very tangible way.
Forum and Talking Stick: We will use these communication tools where suitable to support the group process - allowing us to show ourselves fully, with everything that is alive in the present moment, and to grow together as a group.
Singing Circle: By sharing songs in a circle, we invite joy, we celebrate life, and we connect to our inner vibration. We will explore songs and mantras from different traditions.
Dance: At Durga’s Tiger School, we love to dance. Be it to warm up before yoga, or to celebrate life together. No worries if you “cannot dance” – this is simply about intuitively moving your body in any way that feels good.
Partner Yoga: In this practice, we will support each other to dive deeper into relaxation during parts of the Kaula Tantra Yoga series – by assisting deep stretches and holding space. This is a playful, fun space, and at the same time one of the most relaxing experiences we ever had.
Programm
Kaula Tantra Yoga and breathwork will be complemented with the following practices:
Meditation: We practice active meditations, using movement, our voice and/or visualization to dive deep into a meditative state. A great way to start the day or greet the moon.
Cacao Ceremony: In this ritual space, we will connect to the medicine of raw cacao. We will experience an opening of our heart and a deeper connection to ourselves and the group heart. In this space, we will both let go into deep relaxation and dance – giving expression through movement to what is alive right now in our bodies and souls.
Nature Connection: Nature is our ultimate teacher, and it is always around us, in us; it is in connection with nature that we experience the magic of life in a very tangible way.
Forum and Talking Stick: We will use these communication tools where suitable to support the group process - allowing us to show ourselves fully, with everything that is alive in the present moment, and to grow together as a group.
Singing Circle: By sharing songs in a circle, we invite joy, we celebrate life, and we connect to our inner vibration. We will explore songs and mantras from different traditions.
Dance: At Durga’s Tiger School, we love to dance. Be it to warm up before yoga, or to celebrate life together. No worries if you “cannot dance” – this is simply about intuitively moving your body in any way that feels good.
Partner Yoga: In this practice, we will support each other to dive deeper into relaxation during parts of the Kaula Tantra Yoga series – by assisting deep stretches and holding space. This is a playful, fun space, and at the same time one of the most relaxing experiences we ever had.
We will flow with the weather and the group to define exactly when each part of the retreat happens. A typical daily flow may look like this:
7:00 – 8:00 Meditation
8:15 – 11:00 Kaula Tantra Yoga
11:15 – 14:00 Brunch & Nature connection
14:30 – 17:30 Program (breathwork, cacao ceremony, forum…)
18:00 – 20:00 Dinner & Break
20:00 – 21:15 Program (singing circle, breathwork…)