A One Week Retreat with KIA NADDERMIER in Istria, Croatia
Kia weaves an embodied approach to Ashtanga Yoga with classical Pranayama (Kaivalyadham-lineage), Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation and Compassion Practices.
Being a devoted practitioner in Yogic and Buddhist traditions she draws heavily from both streams of wisdom. During the retreat we immerse into these somatic teachings as vehicles of insight, inviting us to awaken our heart through the wisdom of our body.
Whether exploring Asana, Pranayama or the Buddha Dharma, we work from a non-dogmatic, inclusive and creative place, open for personal inquiry.
The retreat is open for all levels familiar with Mysore Self Practice.
Retreat will take place in Prašćari, an authentic Istrian estate surrounded by nature with original, restored houses providing an unforgettable experience of tranquility, relaxation and the spirit of past times.
“Our journey of becoming is shaped by how we nurture our inner garden. The virtues we cultivate to blossom, the habits we uproot, and the bravery we muster to turn away from cynicism and compassionately embrace the wholeness of life in its myriad forms”
– Kia Naddermier
Kia Naddermier has been a devoted practitioner for more than 30 years. She is the founder of Mysore Yoga Paris – a global yoga community dedicated to an embodied, wholistic approach to practice.
Kia’s teachings integrate her profound knowledge of the philosophy and practice of all aspects of yoga – Asana, subtle and physical anatomy, Meditation, Kriyas, Pranayama. She is one of the first – and very few – Pranayama teachers to be certified at the highest level within the Kaivalyadham lineage. Being a dedicated Dharma practitioner and a certified Mindfulness Mentor, her teachings draw extensively from both Yogic and Buddhist traditions.
Kia teaches with authenticity, clarity and generosity, making ancient practices relevant in our daily lives as a means for spiritual growth and inner healing. Her deep love and years of dedication to all aspects of yoga shine through in her insightful, creative and compassionate teaching. Practitioners return year after year to benefit from the continuous evolution of her research, practice and teaching.
She is the co-creator of the much appreciated podcast:
Mysore Yoga Paris - Closer Together offering free practice resources available for all.
Watch: An interview with Kia at Purple Valley
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Mornings open with Mindfulness Meditation, cultivating deep awareness aligning body, breath, heart and mind. A couple of guided Master Classes will be offered at the beginning of the retreat to expand our understanding of embodied anatomy, energetic movements, actions and principles of Asana. These comprehensive practice sessions will offer new insights to be explored in the Mysore classes that follow. This will allow for your personal practice process to evolve, while receiving individual support from Kia to further deepen your experience. With a sincere dedication to the growth and development of each of her students, Kia offers a warm, inclusive and inspiring space open for personal inquiry.
Afternoons are dedicated to the philosophy and practice of traditional Pranayamas in the lineage of Kaivalyadham as well as reflections around the Buddha Dharma, Meditation and Satsang. These mindfully crafted afternoon sessions allow each practitioner to develop transformative skills and embodied resources to help grow their personal practice from a place of deep authenticity and clear understanding.
New students will be mindfully introduced to classical Pranayama & Kriyas, whilst those with more experience will refine and deepen their practice and understanding.
DAILY SCHEDULE
6.30 to 8.00 am LIGHT BREAKFAST (coffee, tea, nuts, dried fruits, cookies…)
8.00 am MORNING PRACTICE
11.00 am BRUNCH
free time
4.00 pm AFTERNOON CLASS (Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday)
6.30 pm DINNER
LOCATION
Istria, also known as Croatian Tuscany, is a peninsula in the Adriatic Sea facing Venice and bounded to the north by the Gulf of Trieste. Surrounded by the sea and mountains, it is characterized by various landscapes and climates. It is sometimes seen as Croatia's most spiritual and nurturing region - rich with history, dotted with medieval towns, and surrounded by the healing Adriatic Sea.
Its history has bestowed it with Italian sophistication, most obviously seen in coastal towns like romantic Rovinj. But, leaving the Istrian coast, through the vineyards, olive groves, and dense forests, you will reach the heart of the peninsula and discover amazing countryside where picturesque medieval towns, like Motovun and Grožnjan, are something to experience. Our retreat location, a beautiful Mediterranean estate in the quiet village of Prašćari, is located in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, not too far from the Italian and Slovenian borders and just a short ride from the Adriatic Sea.
ACCOMODATION
The Prašćari Estate is surrounded by vast green fields, vineyards, and olive farms rimmed with dense forests. Surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, our home is inspired by tradition and nature. There, you can encounter horses, sheep, cows, and other farm animals raised and cared for by the few people on the estate.
Restored old stone houses to meet modern-day demands offer a creative blend of old and new, a unique feature that will surely intrigue and excite even the most discerning traveler. Rustic beams on the ceiling, carefully chosen furniture, walls made of original Istrian stone and natural flooring materials are just a few features of interior decoration.
This estate has two beautiful swimming pools, lush herbal garden, olive orchards, a huge fire pit, and a gorgeous and comfortable yoga shala. We will be using two houses, each one with spacious living room and fully equipped kitchen. Almost all rooms have ensuite bathroom and include Wi-Fi and air conditioning. You can choose to stay solo, in a shared double bedroom or an economical bedroom shared by four people.
Altogether, The Prašćari Estate creates an idyllic image of village life in Istria. It offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life yet is only a 15-minute drive to the sea and beautiful beaches.
GETTING to Village of Prašćari
30 min drive from Pula airport, 90min drive from Trieste airport, 2hours drive from Ljubljana airport, 2.5hours from Venice airport, 2.5-3hours drive from Zagreb airport.
We can arrange transportation for you from Pula and near by cities.
Some people may prefer to rent a car or take the bus to the neighbouring towns (Poreč, Buje, Pula) where we can arrange transportation for you.
FOOD
Istria is characterized by its product quality and particularly fertile land. It is famous for its exceptional white truffles and olive oil, considered today one of "the best in the world."
Our vegetarian meals are prepared by a local chef who sources almost all ingredients directly from local farmers, ensuring the freshness and authenticity of each dish.
Traditional Mediterranean dishes are served for brunch and dinner. If you want to have a vegan option or have some specific food allergies, we will be happy to prepare for you all you need.
PRICES & BOOKING
Superior double room for four 1,150€
Deluxe double room for two 1,390€
Deluxe single room 1,790€
The price includes: yoga classes (6 morning sessions and 4 afternoon workshops), accommodation, and food.
For application and informations about the payment please contact us!