Joy of Living Retreat

TEACHER

Esther Chang,
Advanced Certified
Jivamukti Teacher

Maria Pamoukia
nAdvanced Certified
Jivamukti Teacher

DATES

April 25 - 30, 2023
5 nights

CATEGORY

Yoga Retreat

PRICE

From 1020€

Joy of Living Retreat

Our Invitation To You
Whether you are a new or experienced yoga practitioner you are welcome to practice various yoga methods and experience the “Joy of Living” with us for a few days at the paradisiacal land of Mani at Zen Rocks overlooking the Mediterranean!

All in fun and friendly company, in the comfort and beauty of this serene piece of land in Mani, with delicious vegetarian food, and the chance to give yourself the gift needed: from movement, to relaxation, to relishing the sun and water, to being pampered with comfort and great food, laughs and beautiful walks in nature.
Description of the Retreat

Join Maria and Esther in this Mediterranean paradise for a week of joyful Yoga practices, swimming, walking, resting and the wonderful company of yogins and yoginis from their Lebanese sangha and around the world.

The Joy of Living is Maria and Esther’s third collaboration and they are delighted to be crossing the shore of the Mediterranean together.

The program will include four full days of yoga, meditation, local vegetarian meals, seaside and poolside hangouts, in community. Designed specifically for wellness, our stay at Zen Rocks will be curated mindfully and with a lot of love to optimize our experience of retreating somewhere beautiful and relaxing.

We have been planning this retreat for many months and we are eager to be able to share this offering.

Please join us for what will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Program Schedule

April 25-30, 2023
5 Nights, 6 Days

First Day, Tuesday April 25, 2023

15:00-17:00

Arrivals

18:30

Welcome circle & light practice

Last Day, Sunday April 30, 2023

6:30

Wake Up

7:00

Zazen, Sitting Meditation

7:45

Yoga or Movement Meditation

8:30

Breakfast in Silence

9:45

Singing Meditation & Dharma Talk

11:30

Walking Meditation

12:30

Farewell Lunch with Joyful sharing,
first 10 min in silence for reflection

14:00

Departures

Daily Schedule, Saturday & Sunday, Feb 25 & 26, 2023

6:30

Wake Up

7:00

Zazen, Sitting Meditation

7:45

Yoga or Movement Meditation

8:30

Breakfast in Silence

9:45

Singing Meditation & Dharma Talk

11:30

Walking Meditation

12:45

Lunch with 5 Contemplations,
first 20 min in silence

14:00

Total Relaxation

15:30 - 17:00

Dharma Sharing

17:00

Yoga/Nature Walk

18:30

Dinner & first 20 min in silence

20:00

5MT Presentation, & Beginning Anew

Teacher(s)

Sisters Sisters Tu Nghiem (Sr Eleni) and Trai Nghiem are both monastics at Plum Village and they have both been ordained by venerable Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh. They are dedicated to sharing the way of joyful, compassionate living through the practice of mindfulness and inter-being.

Esther Chang,
B.S., M.A., Advanced Certified Jivamukti

Esther’s yoga exploration began in the heart of NYC at the former Jivamukti Yoga School auspiciously landing her in the jewel of the Middle East at her teacher’s home city of Beirut.

What was to be a 3-month teaching residency in 2019 continues to be a journey in growth of the yoga community in Lebanon and of herself. After a deadly blast in 2020 that nearly destroyed the studio and much of the nation’s capital, and amidst the height of COVID, Esther remained steadily in place raising funds and helping rebuild the shala and the students they serve.

The ground on which she stands is where Esther meets all practitioners on their own trek through life’s peaks and valleys. Her personal practice of meditation, asana, and karma yoga inform her yoga classes and retreats, offering students a rooted and uplifting quality for personal and collective transformation. She has taught internationally in Paris, Lisbon, NYC, Los Angeles, and Lebanon. Along with an Advanced Certification in Jivamukti Yoga, Esther is certified in Trauma Informed Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Sivananda Yoga, and Yoga + Mindfulness for youth.

Esther is immensely grateful for the teachings of yoga and meditation, and the continued guidance of her teachers Rima Rabbath, Deepak Chopra, and most beloved Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Maria Pamoukian
Advanced Certified Jivamukti Teacher

With over 10 years teaching experience, Maria strives to provide a safe and playful environment in her classes, allowing people to explore the practice of Yoga with compassion and non-judgment. Infused with positive energy, full engagement with every student, and a dedication to the practice itself, Maria’s classes are challenging, always filled with valuable instruction and insight.

She integrates ancient wisdom, modern life, and a lot of humor into every class, and everyone, with no exception, is welcome. She continues to study and learn as often as she can, and is grateful for all her teachers, especially Jules Febre. Maria is also a health coach, helping people design a lifestyle focused on nourishment and well-being.

Drawing from her own personal and professional experiences across careers and countries, she is always inspired to serve and be of benefit to everyone she encounters. She lives in Beirut with her two cats and dog.

Costs

Registrations Fees, 5 night stay

Accommodations in:

Your own Tent:

€790 (bathroom & shower available)

Zen Rocks Luxury Tent:

€1,090 (subject to availability)

Triple:

€1,020 (you will need to be 3/room to secure price)

Double:

€1,120 (you will need to be 2/room to secure price)

Single:

€1,370

  • Accommodation

  • All programmed activities

  • Τwo delicious vegetarian meals a day (brunch and dinner) and Light Breakfast

  • Yoga props/sitting cushions

  • Biodegradable toiletries

  • Transfer to and from Zen Rocks Mani

  • Transfers around Zen Rocks and the area

  • Additional therapeutic treatments or private yoga sessions where applicable

Have a question

How do I choose the Retreat for me?

All our retreats aim to create a nurturing and welcoming environment for all levels of practice and all student needs. All programs offer the opportunity for a dose of daily good exercise through yoga or pilates, walks in nature and/or swimming in the sea, and both restorative and meditation practice. A weekly program offers a complete experience of well-being. Our teachers are highly experienced and skilled. If a program seems enticing to you, it is probably the one you need. Make a bold step and trust it: Go for it!

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Our friendly staff and group of guests/friends will make you feel right at home. Surrounded by good company, with space to be on your own, according to your needs and wishes.

Can I bring my partner who is not a practitioner?

Yes. As long as one understands and respects the philosophy of Zen Rocks, your partner can join in the daily activities, or feel free to relax and follow their own schedule. Your friend or partner will feel warmly welcome at Zen Rocks.

When should I book?

Book early, as soon as you know the retreat you are interested in, and your schedule. Click here to send us your questions or to register. Link: REGISTER

Where do I fly to –How do I arrange my Transfer?

We would be happy to help arrange your transfer from Athens or Kalamata to Zen Rocks.The retreat is located about 30 minutes south of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kalianeika, about one kilometer from us. There is airport access both from Athens Airport (3 hours from ZR) and from Kalamata Airport (30-40min from ZR).

-Flights to Athens International Airport (ATH) and transportation to Zen Rocks
All major airlines fly to Athens international airport, called Eleftherios Venizelos. Zen Rocks is about a 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Athens. We can arrange a private transport for you and/ or your group or you can rent a car to drive yourself to Zen Rocks. The ride is beautiful, and you can enjoy a direct ride along the new Athens-Kalamata highway, or you can make stops in places like the sites of Ancient Mycenae, Ancient Nemea, the city of Nafplion, and the town of Kalamata.

-Flights to/from Kalamata (KLX)
More and more there are direct and/or charter flights to the small airport of Kalamata from different European cities. Also, new 30 minutes flights have just started from Athens to Kalamata regional airport are very reasonably priced if booked well in advance.
Alternatively, you can fly to Kalamata from the northern Greek town of Thessaloniki.

-Transportation options while in Greece
The way to reach Zen Rocks is either with our luxurious Mini Van for 8 people or by renting a car from Athens or Kalamata and drive around on your own. Our office can assist you with your car rental reservation. Or you can make your booking directly. During your stay at Zen Rocks our minivan is available for hire along with an experienced driver. The rates for transfers with our minivan are in the attached document titled: ZenRocksRates.
Allow us to book your transfer from Athens or Kalamata. Simply email us at: info@zenrocksmani.com

Driving Directions to Zen Rocks

The retreat is located about 30 minutes South of the city of Kalamata, in a quiet olive grove amidst the sea and blue skies. The closest village to us is Kallianeika.

1. Drive on the new freeway from Athens to Kalamata, and be prepared to stop frequently for tolls. Expect to pay around 15€ each way. It may take you 2-2.5 hours to reach Kalamata.

2. Stay on the freeway and exit Kalamata heading towards Areopolis and Kitries. After the freeway ends, you will pass Lidl, and a café called Cosi on the right, and then the road forks and you see a road sign. At this point you have the option of heading up towards the mountain towards Areopolis and Kardamyli, or taking a right towards the sea and Kitries. You can reach us either way. We are giving you directions through the coastal road here, as it may be easier to find our location this way.

3. Take a right towards Kitries and drive down the coast for about 10-15 minutes. Right as you approach Kitries, the road goes uphill. There is a big retaining wall right in front of you, causing you to almost stop. You see a road sign for Doloi.

4. Make a sharp left up the mountain towards Doloi.

5. Drive for 5 minutes until you reach the village of Kalianeika.

6. When you reach Kalianeika, stop in front of the church and set your odometer to 0.

7. Drive for one kilometer, and you will come to switch back turn where you will see a fence with big cacti and a huge rock. You are getting close.

8. Immediately afterwards, you see a second switch back turn and a couple small signs for Zen Rocks. At this point leave the asphalt road and enter a smaller cement farm road. Drive 200 meters on cement, and then another 400 meters of dirt road. At this point you will see the electrical posts and a cement road up on your left. This is our private drive way to Zen Rocks.

(Attention: our drive way is the SECOND paved road you see on your left. Do not take the first one, right where the cement ends… wait till you drive the extra 400 meters of dirt and pebble road and you come across the electrical wires and big posts… at this point you will also notice that the farm road you are on is covered with the cement of our paved drive way.)
9. Go left on our cement road. It is a sharp incline. Come up on first gear and full throttle. Small cars will do fine if you know how to drive fearlessly.

10. Welcome to Zen Rocks.
As Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn says: YOU HAVE ARRIVED!

Οδηγίες για το Zen Rocks Mani

Το Zen Rocks Mani βρίσκεται σε απόσταση περίπου 30 λεπτών Νότια από τη πόλη της Καλαμάτας, ανάμεσα σε ήσυχους ελαιώνες, τον ουρανό και τη θάλασσα! Το κοντινότερο χωριό είναι τα Καλλιανέικα.
1. Πάρτε τη νέα εθνική οδό απο την Αθήνα προς τη Καλαμάτα οπου θα χρειαστεί να σταματήσετε συχνά σε σταθμούς διοδίων. Υπολογείστε οτι το συνολικό κόστος των διοδίων θα ειναι 15€ η διαδρομή. Η απόσταση ειναι περιπου 2-2.5 ώρες απο την Αθήνα μέχρι να φτάσετε στη Καλαμάτα.
2. Μείνετε στην εθνική οδό και βγείτε στην έξοδο της Καλαμάτας με κατεύθυνσή προς Αρεόπολη και Κιτριές. Όταν τελειώσει η εθνική οδός, θα συναντήσετε ένα σούπερ μάρκετ Lidl και μια καφετέρια στα δεξιά σας που ονομάζεται Cosi. Σε εκείνο το σημείο ο δρόμος χωρίζεται και θα δείτε μια πινακίδα. Σε αυτό ακριβώς το σημείο, έχετε την επιλογή είτε να συνεχίσετε προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Αρεόπολη και Καρδαμύλη είτε να πάρετε το δρόμοι που είναι στα δεξιά σας που πάει μέσω του παραλιακού δρόμου στις Κιτριές. Όποιο δρόμο και να πάρετε μπορείτε να έρθετε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Εμείς παρακάτω σας δίνουμε οδηγίες από το παραλιακό δρόμο μιας και θεωρούμε ότι είναι ο πιο εύκολος δρόμος για να έρθετε.
3. Κάνετε δεξιά προς Κιτριές και οδηγείτε στο παραλιακό δρόμο για περίπου 10-15 λεπτά. Στο σημείο που έχετε φτάσει σχεδό στις Κιτριές, ο δρόμος έχει μια ανηφόρα. Στο σημείο αυτό υπάρχει ένας μεγάλος τοίχος μπροστά σας που σας αναγκάζει σχεδόν να σταματήσετε. Εκεί βλέπετε μια πινακίδα προς Δολούς.
4. Εκεί αριστερά προς το βουνό με κατεύθυνση προς Δολούς.
5. Οδηγείστε προς τα επάνω αυτόν τον δρόμο με τις στροφές, για 5 λεπτά μέχρι να βρείτε το χωριό Καλιανέϊκα.
6. Όταν φτάσετε στα Καλιανέϊκα, σταματήστε μπροστά από την εκκλησία και ρυθμίστε το μετρητή χιλιομέτρων σας στο 0.
7. Οδηγείστε για 1 χιλιόμετρο και θα δείτε μια στροφή φουρκέτα, η οποία σας φέρνει προς τα δεξια. Εκεί θα δείτε ένα φράχτη με μεγάλους κάκτους και ένα τεράστιο βράχο. Πλησιάζετε!
8. Αμέσως μετά βλέπετε μια ακόμα στροφή φουρκέτα που στρίβει τον δρόμο προς τα αριστερά. Θα δείτε δύο μικρές πινακίδες για το Zen Rocks. Σε αυτό το σημείο αφήνετε το ασφαλτοστρωμένο δρόμο και μπαίνετε προς τα δεξιά σε έναν μικρό αγροτικό δρόμο από τσιμέντο.Οδηγείστε για 200 μέτρα στο τσιμεντένιο επαρχιακό δρόμο και άλλα 400 μέτρα σε χωματόδρομο. Ακολουθήστε τις πινακίδες για να μην μπείτε στον ελαιώνα που είναι πριν από εμάς. Περιμένετε να δείτε το σημείο με την πινακίδα του Zen Rocks να δείχνει τον ανηφορικό ιδιωτικό τσιμεντένιο δρόμο στα αριστερά σας. Είναι που θα σας φέρει στο κατάλυμα.
Σε αυτό το σημείο και μόνο θα δείτε και τους στύλους της ΔΕΗ να ανεβαίνουν προς τα πάνω.
9. Κάντε αριστερά σε αυτόν τον τσιμεντένιο δρόμο. Έχει έντονη ανηφορική κλίση, οπότε βάλτε πρώτη ταχύτητα για να ανεβείτε. Ακόμα και μικρά αυτοκίνητα ανεβαίνουν άνετα. Είναι λίγο σα να ανεβαίνετε ίσια πάνω στον ουρανό, στα σύννεφα… Απογειώνεστε λοιπόν.
10. 5 Δευτερόπτα μετά: Καλώς ορίσατε στο Zen Rocks Mani. Χαλαρώστε και απολαύστε τη διαμονή σας!

Όπως λέει και ο δάσκαλος του Ζεν Thich Nhat Hahn: You have arrived! Pause. Enjoy!

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