In 2021 Deakin University interviewed a number of men from my Thursday night ‘Mens Class’ as part of a research project looking into the health benefits of yoga for men. The results were overwhelmingly positive and the paper was selected for publication in the prestigious and highly regarded ‘Australian Psychologist’.
Well done to the original author, Bo Nixon the whole team at Deakin University, in particular Melissa O’Shea and most importantly many thanks to the men who partook in the interviews. Hopefully your courage and candour will inspire many other men to take up yoga.
Whether you are looking for a competitive edge in your sporting pursuits or needing something to enhance your life both on and off the field, Yoga practice may just be the answer.
An extract from Australian Yoga LIFE magazine:
“What do Geelong Cats’ vice-captain Harry Taylor, three-time world champion cyclist Kaarle McCulloch, and Brisbane Heat fastbowler Nick Buchanan have in common? They’ve all embraced yoga to enhance their lives inside and outside the sporting arena. And they join a growing list of elite Australian athletes using yoga to gain a competitive edge and cope better with the pressures of high-level competition.
For the past nine years Taylor has been doing Iyengar yoga weekly with Tim Oddie of Geelong City Yoga. For Cats’ players, yoga is a recovery option. “Yoga is a mental break in the week, a re-set button between putting the last game on the shelf and moving forward to the next game,” explains Taylor. And while he enjoys the stretching, he says it’s the mental side of yoga he really gets the most out of.
Do you, your husband, your son, your father, your mate need to start looking after themselves?
Men often have particular challenges with yoga and in most regular classes are greatly in the minority. They may be strong, but are often less flexible and this can mean poses take a bit more time or need a particular approach. Geelong City Yoga’s men’s class focuses on addressing these issues. Classes are taught in a challenging yet supportive, non-competitive environment.
“Tim Oddie – a Certified Iyengar teacher of 15 years – sees yoga as a powerful mechanism for investigating men’s healthand identity. And he’s in a position to preach: for over 20 years he has commonly been the only male student in class; he has taught many men one-on-one; has instructed large private groups of men (including the Geelong AFL team for the past eight years); and he has consulted and encouraged yoga teachers and yoga studios on men-only yoga.
As is often the way, what started out as an exercise in commercial viability (i.e. how to get the other 50% of the population on a yoga mat) has moved to heart level and he cares deeply and passionately about fully and personally meeting the needs of his men.”
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE – MensYogaArticle – Australian Yoga LIFE magazine
The full article first appeared in Australian Yoga LIFE magazine www.ayl.com.au
Come and join us in this deeply healing environment where the majestic Otway Rangers meet the Great Southern Ocean.
5 Days of Yoga and Mindfulness, delicious food, cultural and creative activities, forest and ocean walks, time for solitude and opportunity for supportive company.
Join Tim Oddie and Anna Loughrey on a yoga and mindfulness retreat at the stunning, award-winning Gaia Oasis Abasan (mountain resort) in Tejakula, Bali. If you have not yet been to one of these retreats then look forward to arriving at a green sanctuary nestled in the hillside on the north coast, interwoven within the local culture and well away from mainstream tourist developments. We are sure that you will discover that Gaia Oasis is the perfect location to experience the meaningful and restorative retreat that you so need. Let Anna and Tim guide you on an amazing journey using meditation and yoga. Meet like-minded people from all walks of life, all wrapped up in the beautiful surrounds of Gaia Oasis.
The retreat features:
6 nights accommodation
Daily early morning mindfulness sessions
2 daily yoga classes (Asana & Pranayama)
Adjustment for individual needs / injuries
All meals (gourmet, gluten-free, no red meat)
Meaningful engagement with the local culture
Complimentary 1.5 hour on-site ‘spa treatment’
Shuttle transfer to and from Legian or Ubud
Tim Oddie – Yoga Teacher,is a highly regarded and internationally certified Iyengar Yoga teacher, Senior teacher registered with Yoga Australia and Director of Geelong City Yoga, With over 20 years of teaching experience, Tim is renowned for his extensive knowledge, warmth and humour.
Anna Loughrey – Mindfulness Facilitator, brings many years of personal and professional investigation into supporting individual and community well-being. Drawing on her skills Anna helps create an inspiring environment and transformative experience for guests.
Yoga
Tim Oddie teaches with precision and clarity. Tim is able to cater to all levels of Yoga practitioner. His classes are challenging and joyful. After a week you will feel uplifted and indeed renewed.
Mindfulness
Each day begins with a mindfulness practice. Anna will utilise a number of different techniques for inspiring greater connection to yourself and the world around you. You will find this practice of sensitivity to what is happening within and around you, permeating your yoga, your week at Gaia Oasis and your life beyond.
Home to small village of farmers, numerous chickens, ducks etc.
Tropical gardens with many peaceful areas to ‘rest’
Large salt water pool with sun loungers
Expansive views of valley and sea
Tranquil lounge / dining area
Herbal teas, Balinese coffee available 24/7
Regulated access to wi-fi
Friendly, professional locally staff employed 24/7
Profits from the resort redirected to the Gaia Foundation*
* Gaia Foundation funds local community development projects including coral reef rebuilding, sponsoring conservation education, establishment of Tejakula’s first municipal waste disposal system, provision of school uniforms, lunches and scholarships for local children, cultural programs for local children and more.
The Accommodation
Your accommodation is in traditional Balinese cottages. All rooms are set apart and connected via a series of peaceful walking paths. Rooms include: open air shower (hot and cold water); pedestal fan; tea and coffee making facilities; small fridge; and personal safe.
PLEASE NOTE – When booking you have the option of single, twin or double room (note the single rooms are popular – so best to book early!)
The Food
As part of your all-inclusive retreat package, you’ll enjoy healthy cuisine that is eclectic, absolutely delicious and designed with care for your nutritional needs. At least one meal per day will include a chicken or seafood option. Wherever possible food is sourced from the surrounding gardens. Most of what is offered is gluten and refined-sugar free, with the odd treat to tempt you. Purified water, coffee and organic herbal teas are in endless supply and delicious afternoon tea is also supplied daily – you will not go hungry! Other food sensitivities or allergies can easily be catered for. The only things you will need to pay for are additional drinks such as smoothies, non-alcoholic cocktails and café lattes. Beer is available however we ask that alcohol consumption be kept to a minimum during the retreat.
The Swimming
There is a large salt water pool for lap swimmers and sun lovers. For walks on black sand beaches, swimming and snorkelling – the ocean is a 5 minute drive in a courtesy shuttle.
The Spa Treatments
Complimentary with your retreat is a ‘Rain Forest Dream’ spa treatment in the beautiful Abasan Rainforest Spa Centre; this lasts for 2.5 hours! If you would like to book for additional treatments you can select from a diverse menu of other beauty and health treatments – inspired by the local environment, the herbal traditions of Bali,of India and of the West.
The Activities
INCLUDED
– Local children’s ‘traditional dance’ on arrival
– Sea temple cleansing
– Diverse and unique mindfulness approaches
– Festive final dinner and quality cultural performance
OPTIONAL *denotes small additional cost
– Walk down the mountain through the local village
– Gaia Oasis garden tour
– Balinese cooking class *
– Tour of local weaving cooperative *
– Walk and swim at Les Waterfall *
The Program
Subject to slight daily variation
06:30 – 07:00 Meditation
07:00 – 08:00 Silent breakfast
08:00 – 09:00 Free time
09:00 – 11:00 Yoga (Asana)
11:00 – 11:30 Question time
11:30 – 12:30 Free time
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch
13:30 – 16:00 Free time/activity time (mostly optional)
16:00 – 17:30 Yoga (Pranayama)
17:30 – 19:00 Free time
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
20:00 – Free time or planned / optional activity time
Know Before You Go
1. How to get there
Jetstar, Virgin, Garuda and Air Asia are the most common carriers. It is worth considering that with the budget airlines there is more chance of delays and flight cancelations than the others.
2. Travel insurance
It is essential you take out travel insurance as some hospitals will not treat foreigners unless they are covered. This should also cover you for cancellation costs caused by things out of your’s or our control.
3. Airport transfer / Check-in
On the Sunday your retreat begins, you have the option of booking on board one of our two courtesy shuttles. The first leaves Legian at 9am from the Kusnadi Hotel (approximately 20 minutes from the airport) and another leaves Ubud at 10am from the carpark of Museum Puri Lukisan. At approximately 11.30am the shuttles rendezvous for a beautiful buffet lunch at ‘Organic Sari’ restaurant in Mt. Babur.
4. Check-out / Airport transfer
On Saturday afternoon following your final morning yoga session and then lunch a fleet of courtesy cars will be available for you to book travelling to Legian, Ubud or Denpassar airport.
5. Mobile communication
In the case of an emergency, there is a phone at Gaia Oasis that can be used to make or receive calls. Tim and Anna also have operational local and international mobile phones. In the interests of minimising digital distraction wifi in the common areas is only available during specific times of the day. If needed outside these times access can be arranged in the office. If bringing your mobile phone ensure data roaming is disabled to prevent excessively high costs on your return.
6. Passport / Visa / Departure Tax
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. Early this year Australia was listed as exempt from paying for an entry visa into Indonesia. You will be granted a free 30 day tourist visa upon entry. All airlines departing Indonesia are required to include airport departure tax in the price of your ticket.
7. Money
You will need minimal money whilst at Gaia Oasis Resort. Any extras, spas, smoothies etc. can be paid for by credit card at the end of the retreat. ATMs are readily available in Bali, including Tejakula ‘village’ 5-10 minute shuttle drive from the resort.
8. What to bring
Essential
Non slip sandals, yoga clothes, two sarongs if possible (for ceremonies), bathers, sunscreen, sun hat, favouite ‘out-fit’ for festive final dinner, light umbrella or rain coat, mosquito repellent (tropical strength), personal medical supplies including paracetamol, anti itch such as ‘SOOV’, antiseptic, band-aids (note Tim and Anna will have an extensive medical kit), small pocket torch, water bottle.
Highly recommended
Good walking shoes (if interested in hiking), googles (for lap swimming), mask (for snorkelling), antihistamines, local currency (to purchase souvenirs), credit card (to pay for spa treatments and additional activities on offer as you choose).
Cost
Single $2400
Double / twin share $2100 * Please note cost does not include airfares or taxes.
Deposits / Early Bird Rate
$300 secures a booking
Pay deposit by 31/1/19 to receive ‘Early Bird’ discount of $200 off full amount
Payment by EFT
Geelong City Yoga
BSB 063512
ACCOUNT NUMBER 10767466
Cancellation
25% of your payment forfeited – if you cancel between 1-2 calendar months of the first day of the retreat 50% of your payment forfeited – if you cancel within 1 calendar month of the first day of your retreat 75% of your payment is forfeited – if you cancel less that 7 days (1 week) of your retreat start date
PLEASE NOTE
Cancellation requests must be received in writing to info@geelongyoga.com
To make a booking or if you have any further questions please contact us:
Nourish your body, mind and spirit in the healing spa country of Hepburn Springs.
This retreat promises the opportunity to…
Immerse yourself in your yoga practice with Iyengar Yoga teacher, Tim Oddie
Still your mind with mindfulness educator, Anna Loughrey
Eat luscious, nutritious vegetarian food
Connect with like-minded people
Enjoy a massage or Turkish hamman steam session. Both available on-site!
Connect with your sense of play and appreciation of simple pleasures
Detox from the increasingly ‘digitalised world’
The Place
You will be staying in the renowned and refurbished Continental House built in the 1920’s and set in the beautiful, healing spa town of Hepburn Springs. The ‘Conti’ sits high on a hill just above the famous Hepburn Springs Bath house, is adjacent to magnificant forrest and is surrounded by beautifully cared for gardens. This unique guest house offers hydraulically heated rooms, large communal lounge / reading room and dining rooms each with an open fire, a Turkish Hamman Steam House and an extensive vinyl record collection for music lovers! Although we will not be meeting as a group until 7pm your room will be available from 2pm. Also, if you wish to stay another night or two your room may be available at a discounted rate. If travelling from Geelong it is a lovely 1 hour 20 minute drive (via Ballan) or from Melbourne 1 hour 30 minutes (via Western Freeway).
The Yoga and Mindfulness
With Tim and Anna’s combined years of experience in running yoga and mindfulness retreats, locally and internationally, you will be encouraged and supported to take your practice to that ‘next level’. By removing yourself from the competing demands and unavoidable distractions of a ‘modern’ lifestyle you come closer to your true essence. By participating in the yoga and mindfulness sessions throughout the weekend you will be supported to connect more deeply with yourself and to explore how this positively affects your interactions with the external world. You will leave the weekend feeling more grounded and yet uplifted, rejuvenated.
About Tim
Tim is a highly respected Iyengar yoga teacher whose approach is filled with both depth and humour. With his skilful use of props – Tim can equally support and inspire those who are new to yoga, those with many years of experience and those with injuries.
About Anna
Using a range of techniques Anna offers a gentle and thoughtful approach to mindfulness that will leave participants feeling less anxious and with a greater sense of connection between their inner and outer being.
The Food
First and foremost the food will be delicious. It will also be nutritious, vegetarian and gluten-free. Snacks and hot beverages will be available throughout the day.
The Cost
$580 (based on twin share and all inclusive)
What’s Included
2 nights accommodation (all linen, towels and aromatherapy toiletries are provided)
2 x mindfulness sessions (early morning)
4 x yoga classes – Asana & Pranayama (mid morning and late afternoon)
All meals & snacks (includes Friday dinner to Sunday afternoon tea)
Extras
Massage by appointment – $100 p/h ($50 for 30 mins)
Authentic Turkish steam room experience – $60 pp
Guided / non-guided forrest walks to suit your level of fitness and motivation
Guest laundry
Payment
Payment in full will secure your place
EFT – Geelong City Yoga BSB 063512 Account Number 10767466
In payment description please write your name and ‘Conti 2018’
Enquiries / Bookings
Call Tim 0419 313 677 or email info@geelongyoga.com
PLEASE NOTE – If attending as a couple or you wish to nominate a ‘twin share’ partner then please email us ASAP – thank you!
