The 4 Seasons FCBD-OG Retreat
"from Seed to Flower"
Yoga Program

Kundalini Yoga and Yin Yoga
by 
Kirti
(bientôt en français)

We will explore the theme of the four seasons through the lens of the 5 elements, following the Traditional Chinese medicine approach. The idea is that the microcosm reflects the macrocosm at every level. The balance of  five elements  forces controls the balance of movement of energy within the body. One of the main theme is the cyclical movement between contraction and expansion. For example, the whole body expands and contracts with the breath many times each minute. This expansion-contraction rhythm is replicated at different frequencies in every tissue, right down to the sub-cellular level. 
From this point of view:
 - Earth is Stillness (also late Summer & the stillness between all seasons) 
Movement: balance
Life cycle: change/ peace
Yin/Yang organs : Spleen (Pancreas) / Stomach
- Metal represents Beginning Contraction (Fall, leaves drop and vitality withdraws)
Movement: toward the core
Life cycle: Aging / Decline
Yin/Yang organs : Lung /Liver
- Water is Maximum Contraction (Winter, rest and dormancy)
Quality of movement: Maximum contraction
Movement: At the core
Life cycle: Death / Germination
Yin/Yang organs : Kidneys / Bladder
- Wood represents Beginning Expansion (Spring, new growth)
Quality of movement: Expansion
Movement: Toward the surface
Life cycle: Birth / Growth
Yin/Yang organs :  Liver / GB
- FIRE represents Maximum Expansion (also Summer and maximum growth)
Quality of movement: Maximum expansion
Movement: on the surface
Life cycle: Growth / Life
Yin/Yang organs : Heart (Pericardium) / Small Intestine (Triple heater)


Every day we will have a deep stretching session focusing on the muscles corresponding to the element of the day, using Yin yoga style (holding the position for 5-10 min to stretch the connective tissues and stimulate the circulations in the area of pressure).


Then we will use the Kundalini Yoga (Yogi Bhajan school) techniques to work on the organs, body functions corresponding to the season/element of the day and we will cover all the possible corresponding aspects (consciousness, emotions….) through breathing, meditations, postures and sets.