itinerary

September 21 - October 2: Rio de Janeiro

Accommodation: TBA

Activities: Samba lessons - Capoeira - Hippie Fair - Bossa Nova - Tom Jobim Museum - Cristo Redempter - Rio Scenarium - and a few surprises.

  

Thai Yoga Massage Intensive: 60 NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education Credits Available

The intention This innovative and comprehensive 60-hour introductory level intensive is designed to prepare the practitioner to safely and confidently perform, and creatively integrate, traditional supine, prone, sitting and side-lying techniques into a fluid and effective two-hour session. 

Cultivating deep roots In an effort to deepen the practitioner's understanding and experience of this work; cultivate healthy, efficient body mechanics; and nurture the optimal state of mind to promote healing; this curriculum devotes a significant amount of time to honoring and practicing the rich cultural and spiritual traditions on which Thai Yoga Massage was founded. Please come with an open heart and mind in preparation to practice yoga and meditation, explore Ayuervedic medical theory and discuss relevant Buddhist philosophy.

  

October 3-9: Ilha Grande

Accommodation: Gota do Mar Lodge

Stunning location at the mouth of the Blue Lagoon - several room options ranging from super deluxe to simple elegance, all with serene ocean views - exotic and delicious vegetarian-based diet that combines the harmony and benefits of natural foods with the fantastic flavor of Brazilian cuisine - fresh tropical fruits (bananas, mangos, pineapple, açai, papaya), organic vegetables, regional grains, and locally-caught fish will all be featured.  **Specific dietary requests can be accommodated.

    

Activities: two yoga classes daily - one supervised Thai Yoga Massage practice daily - one guided meditation practice daily -two full body massages- daily outdoor activities (trekking , kayaking, snorkeling) supervised by professional guides/trainers - Brazilian cultural events

 

 

 

 

 

This is an adventure, no a tour, therefore, this itinerary is subject to change. Please bring an open mind, an open heart and a good sense of humor!

Instructors

Thai Yoga Massage Instructor Sunny Klaber

In 2001, I graduated from the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and embarked on a career in compassionate touch. In addition to completing over 1000 hours of coursework for my massage certification, I went on to receive special training in Pregnancy Massage. I also traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand several times to study Thai-Yoga Massage with three different masters and completed the requirements established by the Institute for Thai Massage to become a teacher of the Nuad Bo-Rarn style. During my most recent trip to Thailand I focused on learning a unique form of Chinese abdominal massage called Chi Nei Tsang.

Before I developed my passion for massage, I earned a BS from Duke University and an MS in Geology and Environmental Policy from the University of Colorado. During this time, I spent several years teaching science at field schools in California, Colorado, Alaska and Switzerland, as well as instructing backpacking/ climbing courses for Outward Bound in Montana and “Dragons” in North India.

What began as an interest in earth systems and a desire to create and maintain a healthy, balanced environment, was slowly transformed,(due to heavy backpacks, stiff boots and a fortuitous meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama) into a deep curiosity and respect for the human body, its relationship to the mind and soul, and its ability to create and maintain health and balance. My unique combination of educational opportunities, physically challenging adventures and spiritually awakening encounters has strongly influenced my therapeutic approach. 

Years of observing and living in harmony with nature have taught me that our bodies function very similarly to, and in sync with, earth systems. The poetic interplay of water, earth, fire, metal and wood described in Traditional Chinese Medical Theory demonstrates that we can learn a great deal about the health of the microcosm by first coming to understand the macrocosm. I believe that by receiving bodywork, we, as individuals, feel more whole; and our awareness of our interconnectedness with all living creatures increases. As our perspective shifts, we can learn to make lifestyle choices that will bring ourselves and our environment back into balance.

Years of carrying heavy backpacks up and down steep mountains in thick, stiff, leather boots left me with intense sensation in my back, feet and knees and an even more intense interest in learning how to relieve it! The scientist in me craved the wisdom of anatomy and physiology books, while the mystic in me searched in deeper places for answers. After several years of exploration I have experienced a positive shift in my own health and have become convinced of the existence of a connection between mind, body, and spirit. While my practice reflects my strong foundation in the science of anatomy, physiology and nutrition; I believe that my intention to reduce suffering by helping my clients to open and integrate their bodies, hearts and minds is primarily responsible for the healing that occurs.

Over the past seven years I have enjoyed developing and teaching the Thai Yoga massage curriculum at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, Cortiva Institute, and The Center for Massage and Natural Health in Asheville, NC. I am currently on the faculty at the Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy and serve on the board of the Tibetan Village Project.

 

 

Yogini, Rolfer Kimberly Johnson

Rooted in the Krishnamacharya lineage, I have deeply explored Viniyoga, Iyengar yoga, and Ashtanga yoga, and find the heart of my practice to be a continual return to self-inquiry. My classes are informed by my background in dance, Structural Integration, the Feldenkrais method, Advaita Vedanta, and Sanskrit.

I myself experienced a huge awakening of the heart on Ilha Grande, which led to the birth of my daughter Cecilia, who is now 2 years old. I now live in Rio de Janeiro where I live with some of the warmest people on earth. And I am always just a day away from the island!

I have been teaching yoga all over the world (in New York City, San Diego, Chicago, Boulder, Thailand, Malaysia and Brazil) for the past ten years.

 

getting there

 

Plane:

Flights to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (Airport Code: GIG) are available from major US, European and South American cities. Book your flights now because there are some very low fares and the sooner the better.

The Thai Yoga Massage intensive begins on Wednesday September 22. Please plan to arrive at the Rio International Airport Tuesday morning before 11:30 at the latest. We will meet you at your arrival gate. The program ends Saturday October 9, and we will transport you back to the airport by 5 PM Saturday evening.

 

logistics

packing suggestions: yoga mat, yoga clothes, t-shirts (mostly short sleeved, but one or two long-sleeved), tank tops, shorts (for hiking and swimming), hiking socks, tennis shoes or hiking boots, bathing suit, sunglasses, hat, dancing shoes, camera, journal, toiletries, an extra pair of contacts if you wear them, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

internet connection: internet cafes are common in Rio, but you will be "unplugged" in Ilha Grande.

mobile phones: you will have cell phone reception in Rio and in Ilha Grande. If you bring aan unlocked cell phone you can purchase a SIM card for use during your stay.

money: the current exchange rate is about 1.75 reals to the US dollar. ATMs are easy to find in Rio and tend to offer a competitive exchange rate. 

passports: US citizens must apply for a tourist visa. Please check http://brazil.visahq.com/ for requirements.

photos

Photos

traveler or tourist

Do you want to be a Traveler or a Tourist?

Motivation: A Traveler is motivated by an insatiable curiosity and endless fascination with the world in which she finds herself a citizen. She delights in questioning old assumptions, testing new hypotheses, and exploring opposing perspectives on her quest to dissolve boundaries and cultivate an expanded and integrated view of herself and her life´s purpose.

Expectation: A Traveler enjoys planning and preparing for a journey, but he is wise enough to expect the unexpected and he looks forward to embracing the unknown.

Reaction: A Traveler intuitively knows how to surrender to the flow of life - riding its waves with abundant laughter and grace. She receives unforeseen challenges like gifts, recognizing feelings of disorientation and frustration as invitations to expand and evolve.

Interaction: A Traveler respectfully immerses himself in a new culture, a new environment. His mind and heart remain open as he engages in new activities, learns new skills, and gains new perspectives. Whether observing, or participating in dialogue, he practices patience, non-judgment and compassion.

Contribution: A Traveler understands that the amount of joy that she experiences during her journey is a reflection of the joy she generates in her wake. This wisdom guides her to look for and create opportunities to connect deeply with the local people and generously offer her help and a piece of her heart.

Evolution: A Traveler understands that his journey doesn't end when he returns "home". He practices his craft - the art of living a fully integrated life - wherever he is!

 

investment

Investment: $2875

Price includes 18 nights' accommodation, airport transfers, transportation to/from Ilha Grande, meals and massages at Ilha Grande, tuition, and study guides.

Price does not include meals in Rio, transportation to/from Rio, Brazil visa, or travel insurance (required).

register

Go for IT!  Please complete and submit the registration form