with Adam Duke

This unique Art Retreat, coupled with Yoga and Meditation, aims to harmonize the body and mind through artistic expressions that includes paintings, meditations, and creativity exercises that explore the sub-conscious mind. Mother Nature on this river-side location, in a peaceful countryside, along with yoga, meditation, yogic diet can help participants to discover their creative passions.

Most of the yoga and meditation practitioners are well aware of vagaries of the sub-conscious mind but not sure how to deal with it exactly. The practice of yoga, along with regular meditation can certainly help, but can take several years (or decades) to raise above the ever busy sub-conscious thoughts to enter into the zone of stillness within. In the realms of Zen Buddhism, it is a well-established practice, to use artistic expressions with eyes open, to express our deep rooted seeds of the sub-conscious world.  

This Art & Yoga Retreat is a great opportunity to deepen the inner dialogue with our sub-conscious mind and to unleash the hidden expressions within. Adam, the lead teacher, will guide you to discover what is unique and essential out of myriad colours of our mind. 

Through paintings, mandalas, sketches & intuitive art, you can explore your creative expressions and come out with concrete steps to support personal development and authentic Self expression. This retreat can help you to grow and trust your creative vision so that you have a greater clarity and boldness in the direction you need to take with your art and heart of life.

Who Can Come to Art & Yoga Retreat?

Anybody with interest in artistic expressions, yoga, meditation and personal growth. It is not necessary to have any prior experience in these fields. Beginners as well as intermediate and advanced seekers and art lovers are welcome. Please note this retreat is not for teaching any specific technique of art, nor are the creations critiqued and motivated by what is ‘good’ & ‘bad” art. We assume everybody is an artist, or have the potential to be artistic, when the right circumstances can inspire them to express.

Daily Schedule:

06:00 – 06:30 am: Meditation
06:30 – 07:00 am:  Hot Lemon Ginger Drink
07:00 – 09:00 am:  Hatha Yoga and Pranayama with ashram teachers
09:00 – 10:00 am:  Brunch
10:30 am – 12:30 pm: Art Workshop (Individual Expressions)
1:00 – 2:00 pm: Fruit & Snack Lunch
2:00 – 3:30 pm: Rest
3.30 – 5.30 pm: Art Session (Group Expression)
6.00 – 6:30 pm:  Nature Walk/Yoga Nidra (Visual Meditations)/ Chanting
7:00 – 8:00 pm: Dinner
8:00 – 9:00 pm: Video Show / Meditative Dance

The schedule is subject to change, as per the individual participants background and group projects.

What do I learn in this Art & Yoga Retreat?

The morning Art Workshops, are more person-centered approach to enhance the expressive arts of each individual, through visual art, writing (poetry), journaling etc. It is also an option to make a photo/video montage of plenty of flora & fauna, birds, bugs, animals, people in the ashram, if you are hesitant about muddying your fingers with colours! This session is all about students to gain self-awareness, acceptance, and resolution. The lead artist, Adam, can suggest various methods to suit the individual needs and guide you to find your best ways to express your creativity and to achieve creative confidence.

The afternoon Art sessions are more focussed on building the connections and bring your artistic expressions into social-emotional skills. This session can include teaming up with other participants randomly and spontaneously. We use plenty of flowers, leaves, twigs/twings, stones or whatever is around! By the end of the session, all teams  will try connect their work together to showcase the Unity in diversity!

The evening Art sessions can include sharing circles, singing, chanting, musical instruments (we have some, but you are welcome to bring your own). We also try to include at least one mediative nature walk in silence and another hour long yoga nidra (deep relaxation while lying down) with visual journey into the mind.

We normally end the day with watching an art movie or a bit of meditative dance before going to bed! Please note we follow 10 pm silence rule, so that we can wake up fresh for the morning meditation.

About Lead Teacher: Adam Duke

Adam is a Hatha Yoga Teacher (EYRT 500), meditation instructor and an established visual artist who has integrated his passions for visual arts and yoga science into a unique path. He specializes in bright contemporary pieces and mandalas. He has countless pieces and murals across the globe. He has traveled the world teaching and sharing his artistic gifts in workshops and retreats. Approaching art as an expression of the self, his playful and patient teaching style allows everyone to release their inner creativity and see artistic and creative expression as a dynamic meditation.

Adam has been teaching “Manadals as Meditation” workshops in several yoga retreats around the world: Casa Anyi in Mexico,  Salisa Retreats in Europe, La Choza Del Mundo Retreats, Costa Rica, Children’s Yoga & Art day camps at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bowmanville Gymnastics Club, both places in Canada. Adam also offers healing meditation workshops for rehabilitation centers and hospice programs (Gateway Recovery Program, VON Durham Hospices, both places in Canada. Alongside his long list of teaching yoga classes, retreats and yoga teacher trainings, he teaches the youth, elderly students, parents, corporate and private audiences.

Adam is also currently teaching Yoga Classes and leading Bhajans for Yoga Teacher Trainings at AyurYoga Eco-Ashram, Mysore, India.

Other Teachers:

During this Yoga and Art Retreat, the ashram teachers would be leading the morning meditation and yoga sessions. Please check Our Teachers page for more info about the ashram teachers.

Group Size: 5 – 10 only
Duration: 5 Days / 5 Nights

Upcoming Dates for Art & Yoga Retreat in India

Dates Register
November 8 - 13, 2024

Arrival & Departure

  • Check-in: After 12:00 noon on the start date. Orientation will be at 2:00 pm.
  • Check-Out: By 12:00 noon on the end date. Farewell brunch included.
  • Additional days of Stay: You are welcome to stay before or after the retreat by paying an additional charge of $50/day. This price includes all meals and drinks. If a yoga and meditation class is being offered, you’re welcome to join.

Price for Art & Yoga Retreat:

$500 USD (Includes all classes + art materials + food + accommodation in a Private Room)
$400 USD (Includes all classes + art materials + food + accommodation in a Twin-Share Room)
10% non-refundable deposit (included in price) at the time of Registration.

Price includes:

  • Art classes – 5 to 6 hours a day
  • Yoga and Meditation – 2.5 hours a day
  • Painting materials – Canvas, brushes, water colours, Colour pencils art book, etc.
  • All Food & Drinks.
  • Internet: Complementary Wifi

Price does not include:

    • Flight Tickets
    • Airport Transfers: which can be arrange at extra cost. More info: Travel & Visas 
    • Laundry (available at additional cost)

Please email: info(at)ayuryoga-ashram.com for any further questions.

From the past Art Retreats with Adam

 

Past Art Retreats at AyurYoga Eco-Ashram: