With our 2024 Yoga For Good Annual Yoga Retreat fast approaching, we are eagerly anticipating three days immersed in creativity, beauty and spirit amidst the tranquil embrace of nature with fellow yogis. We are especially looking forward to gaining practical insights from Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati on holistic yoga practices that promote well-being and longevity.
At Yoga For Good, we firmly believe in yoga’s transformative power to enrich lives both on and off the mat. Dr Shankardev, a talented presenter, will lead a brief meditative session, offer simple tools for daily life, and host a Satsang to answer yoga-related enquiries. Last year, we had an enlightening chat with Dr. Shankardev before Good Yoga Day. That interview didn’t disappoint and provides a good preview of what’s in store for our retreat this August.
“Having a public Satsang with such a distinguished yogi is a rarity, making this retreat a truly unique opportunity.” – Moira Gordon, Director
Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati is a luminary in the world of yoga and holistic health. A Western medical doctor, Yoga Acharya, psychotherapist, author and Jyotish astrologer, Dr Shankardev integrates the best of Western science and Eastern philosophies. His unique approach supports the development of a resilient and powerful identity, guiding people on a journey towards self-mastery and spiritual evolution.
Swami began his journey after earning a medical degree in 1976. He immersed himself in yoga at the Bihar School of Yoga in India for a decade. Returning to Australia in 1985, he pursued advanced studies in yoga physiology, earning a Master of Science degree from the University of New South Wales. These experiences have reinforced his belief in yoga and meditation as powerful tools for personal rejuvenation, mental clarity and profound insight into life and the world.
In our past interview, Dr Shankardev shared his philosophy on blending Western and Eastern practices. He emphasised the importance of maintaining physical health while focusing on spiritual evolution.
“When someone comes to see me, it’s as a Western medical patient within the Western system, with everything a doctor would do. I take a history and examination, do testing and then we would combine, because the word yoga means combination, for the best possible way. A way that’s harmonious with that person with a treatment plan that helps them to achieve their goals.
Many people come to see me because I am a Swami, I let people know it’s my interest, and my passion and the Eastern side is available. We have a discussion about adding yoga poses, breathing, and meditation which gives an experience. That experience is yoga.” – Dr Shankardev
A key theme of our retreat will be self-mastery. According to Dr. Shankardev, self-mastery involves self-awareness, self-regulation, and the ability to influence your body and mind positively. It’s not about achieving perfection but making continuous progress and embracing the challenges that come our way.
Dr. Shankardev acknowledges that the path to self-mastery is filled with obstacles. While many seek quick results and instant gratification, true growth comes from understanding and overcoming these challenges. At the Yoga For Good retreat, participants will gain tools for ego strengthening and self-regulation, helping them cultivate a strong sense of self and a deeper connection to their spiritual journey.
“Even though in spiritual life people say you should get rid of your ego, in my opinion, that is not the end state. It is not something people should strive for, they should become stronger in their Sense of Self, who they are, and their identity and unify that identity with something greater in themselves.” – Dr Shankardev
In our conversation with Dr Shankardev, he explored the concept of myths in our lives—stories we create to understand our place in the world and connect with our cultural heritage. These narratives provide a framework for interpreting our experiences and fostering a sense of belonging and continuity. By examining personal myths and archetypes like the hero, warrior or seeker, individuals can deepen their self-understanding and sense of purpose, crucial for spiritual growth and self-mastery.
Dr. Shankardev emphasised the importance of Swadharma, his personal life purpose, which aligns with familial, societal and national duties.
Conflicts may arise when personal Dharma clashes with societal or familial expectations, but maintaining a connection to Spiritual Dharma—a guiding force of eternal principles—helps individuals navigate these challenges. Spiritual Dharma offers a higher perspective and enables alignment with universal principles across psychological, spiritual and relational dimensions.
Our 2024 Yoga Retreat, to be held August 11-13, featuring Dr Swami Shankardev Saraswati and other amazing presenters, promises to be a transformative and rejuvenating experience. Whether you are a yoga teacher, enthusiast or beginner, you’ll gain valuable insights and practices to enhance your journey toward self-mastery and spiritual growth.
Connect with your true self and discover the holistic benefits of yoga at our 2024 retreat. Register now to secure your spot, or watch the full interview with Dr Shankardev here.
For additional insights on yoga, meditation and self-mastery, explore our Yoga For Good Foundation articles and join our free community classes.
We are passionate about sharing the joy of practising yoga and offering you an opportunity to connect with your true self on a regular basis.
View previous classes or book now for our next class.
Online Yoga Community Class Link
Meeting ID: 834 8185 1566
Passcode: 326861
Join Nicky to experience the Dru Yoga difference, finding the stillness within. Dru Yoga is a fresh approach to nurture your entire being, balance the nervous system and leave you feeling deeply connected and calm.
Stay cool and calm this Summer with Energy Block Release 7 or Dynamic Relaxation. This sequence is perfect for those hot days when you want to practice some slow yoga. Dynamic Relaxation is well suited for those with a busy mind and who have trouble settling into the stillness of relaxation. The focus is on the coordination of breath and movement in slow, subtle mindfulness, leaving you refreshed.
Nicky is a Dru Yoga Teacher, Dru Meditation Teacher, Dru Breath Coach and Mental Health Aware Yoga Teacher. Her business is True Equanimity Yoga, and her practice focuses on mental health and wellbeing or “innercise”. Nicky lives in Dalyellup, Western Australia and loves to spend her time walking in nature and fostering rescue kittens.
Online Yoga Community Class Link
Meeting ID: 838 7373 9503
Passcode: 767969
This loving-kindness yoga class is an extended version of Melina’s insight timer class, held weekly at 7 a.m. at the weekend and sponsored by YFG. The asana sequences are based on traditional yoga and guide our awareness to be super kind and loving to ourselves as we move through this restorative yoga practice.
We fall into Self-love as we move and stretch to open the body, mind and spirit to flow and dive into the deep well of happiness within.
Melina presented at our Annual Retreat 2024, where her joy brought us joy and laughter. She is a healer with thirty years of experience helping people create joyful wellbeing through counselling, herbal medicine, nutrition and yoga.
Melina fell in love with yoga as a teenager, and her passion is going strong. She has been teaching yoga since 2005 and has taught at festivals, in halls and rooms, at her local gym, online, and in her Natural Health Clinic on Djangadi Country.
Our sole mission is to create opportunities to do good for others through yoga.
And we’re making an impact.
…for their incredible contribution to our Life Now Yoga and meditation programs!
This generous donation will mean we can buy new yoga equipment, run a new yoga class in Broome, and enhance our meditation program for cancer patients and their primary carers.
Cancer Council Western AustraliaTheir grant is enabling me to offer FREE trauma informed therapeutic movement and relaxation to frontline mental health and social services staff in Bega.
Participants are really valuing the time out for themselves and experiencing integrated poly vagal theory. And I get to be in a teaching space, yay!
PremKranti Counselling…allows us to reach more underserved and vulnerable community groups who can benefit from a trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness practice at zero cost to the participants.
Some of the community groups we’ll be serving in the current months include 000 Foundation, Men’s Walk and Talk and WAGEC.
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