The Zen of Zuna

As I sit on the beach surrounded by coral and corse grains of sand I gaze across the crashing waves to the mountainous island of Lombok. I am completely full of wonder. Wonder that I find myself in this magical place of beauty. Wonder of the path I am on and wonder of the teachings which have manifested in the first week of the Zuna Yoga 200hr teacher training in Indonesia.

This experience of wonder on the small island of Gili Meno feels like a precious gift for honouring my path of truth. I am beyond grateful for the forces which have made this possible. There are 18 other beautiful souls who are also sharing in this devine reward. We stem from all four corners of the globe, drawn by different goals yet joining to share our individual passions for yoga. Although not yoga as you may know it, what we are discovering is so much more than any singular word can encompass.

In the rustic yoga shala at Mao Meno a powerful space is held where we, as Zuna Yogi’s have the freedom to let go and the openness to be our authentic selves. Since arriving one week ago, a safe sanctuary has been provided to nurture growth and development. Not only in physical aspects of asana but in a much wider scope of what it means to be a true yogi. Surrounded by nature at every turn I can’t think of a more ideal environment for deep transformation. Meditation, breath, mantra and philosophy form a bigger picture of modern day yoga. Somewhere between the natural environment and inner teachings I come to realize that a shift is taking place, change is occurring. 

Time is needed to process the information presented and the two hour pause for lunch is the perfect break to absorb the teachings and explore the island. While snorkelling in the turquoise waters I am reminded of the ebb and flow of life and the subtle vibration of the universe. Nutritious vegetarian food leads me to realize my body is a tool, not something to be abused or judged rather a vehicle which I must fuel appropriately. When you are in a state of awareness it is effortless to see how each learning presents itself in daily life. The ever changing island weather patterns of storms and sunshine reinforce duality and the teachings of impermanence. Understanding that change is imminent and nothing in this lifetime can be certain. 

 What is certain is that the process of yoga is continuous, a never ending school of knowledge. For now the focus is to be present in this moment in order to embrace all the wisdom which offers itself through the practise of yoga. The next two weeks are a chance to embrace this experience with even wider arms, deepening personal practises and expanding awareness. Now is the time to surrender to the zen of Zuna.

Finding your Heart Centre-Anahata

Situated on the boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park, Anahata Yoga Retreat looks out over Golden Bay from the vantage point of Birds Clearing. It’s a long windy and narrow gravel road to the sanctuary on the top of the hill above Clifton. It is clear that for anyone drawn to Anahata this is part of the journey, the path which must be taken. As I drove up and up I eventually found myself quite literally high in the clouds (& the meditating hadn’t even begun!). Like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie, Anahata is a misty mystical place of beauty.

Greeted warmly with a cup of ginger and lemon tea I joined the weekend group who had come together to take part in a course: ‘managing the mind and emotions’. Anahata has a number of permanent residents and operates with ashram-like principals- a rather unique community in New Zealand. The grounds are surrounded with nature. The meditation/yoga halls, organic vegetable gardens, compost toilets and solar run yurt buildings are tucked in among native beech forests. In this place of peace and harmony anyone is welcome to stay as long or as short as they like.

I spent 3 days at Anhata where I focused on my inner state, providing some much needed perspective and recharging the spiritual batteries for the year ahead. I could have easily spent longer in this scenic spot with only the birdsong and baa-ing of the sheep to keep me company. There is something special about spending time alone, to know yourself and listen to your own heart song. This is not your average yoga retreat, and definitely not what i was expecting on signing up. Much less physical yoga practice and much more about a yogic way of life. In operation for over 18 years this community provides a simple yet sustainable lifestyle for yogis from all walks of life and all corners of the world.

In this place, days consist of rising to the sun and using Hatha Yoga to awaken and energise the body. This is followed by either chanting or meditation to get the vibrations following through the energy centres of the body. Simple vegetarian meals are provided during your stay, these are served with love and devotion and sourced from the abundant seasonal gardens on the property. Another form of yoga which is performed daily at Anahata is the practise of karma yoga. This is a way to be mindful
and aware in everyday activities and tasks.

To the ‘novice yogi’ be prepared for the vedic tradition embedded at Anahata. Chanting Kirtan and performing Havan fire ceremonies and rituals can be overwhelming to those of us who are new to these ancient practices. If you are searching for a physical yoga retreat I suggest you look elsewhere. Otherwise prepare yourself for deep emotional, mental and spiritual learnings whilst resting and relaxing the physical body. As far as locations go, Anahata will be tough to beat. This is where I have found my centre and am now ready to embark on the next step of my yoga journey. Shortly I will be off to Bali on my next adventure. I will be taking part in my teacher training on the small tropical island of Gilli Meno. 2015… year of the yogi! Namaste.