Yoga in SL
KANDY
This is a beautiful city located on the plateau of mountains with a breathtaking view of a forest. There is an interesting lake in the middle surrounded by sacred ancient temples. Kandy is on the UNESCO World’s Heritage list for its monuments and history.
Kandy a very special sacred place to practice anything spiritual like Yoga and Meditation.
I decided to take private yoga classes with Saman. Saman is a true yoga instructor who not only knows his skill and Buddhist philosophy but also he is VERY professional. His classes are higher in price than many in the area but they are worth every cent. He is incredibly in tune with his students to a very high energy level.
I included a private Reiki session with Saman which was the best Reiki session I have had until today. Reiki is an alternative form of healing therapy that originated in Japan. Saman channeled energy to do healing work on me and it was a superb experience. He is a true connected being incredibly gifted.
After my sessions, Saman recommended a massage place. The massage was the typical Ayurvedic massage with essential oils and aromatherapy.
A good massage after yoga not only helps you retain that relaxation and calming effect of a yoga class. A massage also helps decrease some of the lactic acids that build up during the yoga practice.
The massage that was recommended was incredibly pricey. I had the same type of massage in Kandy at a significantly lesser price. If you are like me, and work on a budget, then check out reviews. Reviews have been better than recommendations because workers change, teh service might also change and the recommendation you read might be outdated.
Ritigala (Ganewalpola): Yoga and Meditation Ashram
As of today this Ashram was my most favorite experience. I had the luxury to be there for several weeks with very few people. Unfortunate for the host culture but very fortunate for me, I was able to meet a lot of folks one on one.
An ashram, a spiritual hermitage (the dwelling of a hermit) is an amazing place I wish many could experience (not sponsored). I selected to visit an isolated place but a true gem! It was absolutely AMAZING and transformational. I must say that it is not a Spa type of site. It is a real Ashram where components of simple living are key in the healing process.
The Ashram is in the middle of nature surrounded by lakes, an ecological reserve, and close to archeological sites. The place is immaculate with an exquisite sense of architecture including the immersion of nature. The elegant rawness and authenticity of the place are perfect to keep a balance and to be in an introspective space.
I always had a big connection with water. I feel calm around water, I heal with and around water and love the ocean is the element that connects me to source. This lake above is one of those unspoiled small centers of magic in the world.
The first step to the Ashram is a choice of the available experienced Ayurveda treatments. Once the decision is made, there is an extensive meeting with the Ayurveda doctor. I had been to other Ayurveda Ashrams but Dr. Abe was fantastic. There were real care and concern, very Sri Lankan, for my care and wellbeing. Dr. Abe specified some treatments that were spot on.
These were the best treatments I have ever had until today.
There is a wonderful chef on-site called Sunil who made THE MOST delicious food. All ingredients were fresh organic grown and made on-site There were so many dishes each time, the widest variety I have ever had. I ate incredibly well here and truly never once feel heavy and it was very fresh and easy to digest. Miraculously I did not gain weight!
A good ayurvedic diet is tied to ayurveda medicine. Good nutrition provides better health for your body, mind and soul. In order to balance the body, mind and soul we need to take care of the doshas. The doshas are the three major energies believed to circulate in the body and we are all born with a combination of them. The balancing of the energies though food makes us healthier individuals.
Another important portion of Ayurveda are massages and treatments…awwhhhhhhhhh…..I had the very best here. best masseuse and the best preparation assistant. All water is boiled with special wood and they use special flowers, leaves and oils. HEAVEN ON EARTH!
Massages in ayurveda are used as preventive medicine and to relieve pain, increase blood circulation, increase immune function, to help sleep between many. My most favorite use of this treatment was to relieve stress.
Another major step in the Ayurveda treatment is Yoga and Meditation
Daily meditation sessions and yoga practice with a Master teacher called Kingsley were the highlight of my early mornings.
The first very early part of the day consisted of meditation and pranayama. Meditation is a great start to relax the mind and the body before yoga practice. Meditation is a great ritual that eases the mind.
Daily Hatha classes with Kingsley were the very best. Lucky to have found him.
Yoga in Trincomalee (Trinco)
Trincomalee is a unique place of worship, it has been a Hindu Pilmigrae center since 400 BCE (or BC for those preferring to avoid mentioning the Christian era). With that in mind, meditation and yoga centers and classes are available in the region. From resorts to yoga centers to individual yoga classes, all are available in the area besides in Trincomalee such as Nilaveli, Uppuveli, Mirissa, etc. I had a fantastic Yoga class by the ocean and then I just did my own yoga in the early morning.
