All measurements are approximate since I am not a cook who measures.

I welcome any questions and comments to info@amewren.com.

Saturday March 22nd~Saturday March 29th, 2014
www.xinalaniretreat.com

Nestled between a white-sand beach and the mountains, on a 10-acre property only accessible by boat, resides the eco-chic retreat center called Xinalani. Despite being only 12 miles south of Puerta Vallarta (making for easy travel to and from), Xinalani feels like it’s own island. Picture a completely secluded beachfront cliff property settled in amongst the trees of the jungle. But don’t let the seclusion fool you—- Xinalani is a well-equipped, impeccably built, pristine property boasting 2 open-air yoga spaces, a meditation cabin, 15 oceanfront suites and an exquisite spa. The creators of Xinalani took great care not to disturb the remarkable biodiversity of Banderas Bay. You will be snuggled in and atop trees in palm-thatched cabins with private outdoor showers. Gourmet chefs, utilizing the abundance of local produce and seafood, prepare each meal. Xinalani is bliss embodied and you will leave feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and ready for spring.

Each day will begin with a vinyasa practice inspired by the sun (think sweaty, firey and oh-so-good). You can spend your late morning and afternoon basking on the beach, surfing, swimming with dolphins, getting a massage, taking a hike or anything else your heart desires. We will wrap up the day with a second practice inspired by the moon (think cooling, calming, yin and restorative-style) before gathering in candle light for dinner.

SIGN UP AVAILABLE FALL 2013

About your teachers:

Ame and Jo met a long time ago during teacher training. Throughout the years they have become dear friends, sharing a love of all things yoga, Mexican food and sandy beaches. This will be Ame’s second retreat at Xinalani and she is so excited to go back and bring Jo along for the ride. There is nothing better than waking to the sound of the ocean, reading in a hammock for hours on end and having no need for shoes. Mexico is dear to Ame’s heart and soul and she hopes to return every year for as long as she can.

January 11th-18th,2014
www.ojodelmar.com

This retreat is for the adventurous yogi. Ojo del Mar sits on the pristine and untouched shores of the Osa Peninsula. Off the grid and surrounded by the jungle, Ojo is the perfect place to retreat from the stresses of city living and get back to the earth. Wake to the smell of home-cooked breakfast sourced from the garden and Costa Rican coffee. After morning practice you can spend your day surfing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, hiking or relaxing on the beach. Rinse in your outdoor shower while listening to the symphony of birds and cicadas. Fall asleep under clear skies to the sounds of howler monkeys and waves breaking. You will never be closer to nature than this. Don’t miss this opportunity to practice twice a day, live a simple life for a week and reconnect to the land and yourself.

Price includes all yoga, lodging and 3 meals per day. $500 deposit to hold your spot with the total amount due 3 weeks prior to departure. Deposit is non-refundable and there are n refunds within a week of the retreat. Space is limited.
*We will be adding a surf option that will include 3 lessons and board rental, to be paid upon arrival.

Cost includes all yoga, room & board:

Single Cabina $1550
Share a Cabina $1450
Solo Tiki Tent $1250
Shared Tiki Tent $1150

About your teachers:
Ame and Brenna met, how else, in a yoga studio when Brenna stumbled into one of Ame’s classes. Over the past few years their mutual love of all-things vegetarian, vinyasa and dog friendly has kindled a close friendship. They are both hugely inspired by NYC-style yoga and traveling. This will be their third retreat together and they are looking forward to unplugging, eating lots of mangoes and surfing.

Join Boston senior teacher Ame Wren for a week of exploration into teaching, practice, purpose and potential. Each day will consist of a two-hour morning practice with a focus on intelligent and informed sequencing, potent adjustments and intentional alignment instruction. At the end of each practice, Ame will open the floor to discussion about the development of the class, why each pose/assist was taught when and how to up and down-level the class to suit the needs of particular students. In the afternoon Ame will be offering workshops on a variety of topics including: composing an intelligently themed sequence, creating a structural blueprint for vinyasa classes and adjusting/cueing in a way that aids your sequence and generates clarity. Ame will detail the benefits of “postural” sequencing: systematically opening the body towards a pivotal pose or set of poses. She will also discuss the benefits of teaching a specific structure that you develop over time, and how structure actually allows for more freedom in teaching and studentship. Other topics for discussion will include families of sequential postures, complimentary and counter postures, the energetic waves of postures, suitable variations to meet the needs of your student body and how to incorporate more than just asana into your classes. You will be asked to teach brief segments throughout the week and will be given feedback on your sequencing (if applicable) and delivery.

This training is well suited to currently working teachers. Those who have recently completed a foundational training are welcome with the understanding that the training is geared towards experienced teachers and refining your teaching (as opposed to getting used to teaching). Please come with basic anatomy knowledge, any and all questions and an open mind.

For details and sign up contact Andrea Robertson

Breath and Bandhas: Tools to Ignite Your Yoga Practice
1 to 3:30 p.m.
Cost $60

In this workshop, Ame will explore the uses of pranayama and bandha engagement to create deeper strength and connection within asana practice. Through a sequence tailored to cultivate understanding of the 3 bandhas- mula, uddiyana, and jalandhara, you will learn how to integrate them into your normal practice and subsequently transform your asana experience. From twists to arm balances to hip openers and backbends, breath and bandha integration will help you to stabilize and support yourself from the inside out. Come on an empty stomach.

Align Yourself: Safe and Sustainable Vinyasa Techniques
4 to 6:30 p.m.
Cost $60

You love flow yoga. You’re a chaturanga-holic and you couldn’t possibly live without the sweat, surrender and challenge of a good vinyasa class. You plan to practice for a long time. If you meet this description, this workshop is for you. Come and learn techniques to avoid the most common yoga injuries (wrists, shoulders, hamstrings) and prepare a long-term, intelligent vinyasa practice. Through exercises and a thorough alignment refresher, you will gain skills and knowledge to make sure you never end up with “up-dog shoulder” or “yoga butt “(not the desirable kind)

SIGN UP HERE

Boston School of Yoga Fall 2013 Yoga Teacher Training

Directed by Ame Wren
Hosted by North End Yoga
Assisted by Joanna Benevides & Brenna Matthews

Guest Faculty
Zachery Dacuk (Anatomy & Conscious Embodiment)
Josh Summers (Core Concepts of Yin Yoga and Meditation: Theoretical and Practical Implications)
Nicole Clark (Power of Touch)
Kevin Courtney (Yoga Philosophy)
Alison Sinatra (Teaching the Softer Side)
Alex Auder (Practical Adjustments for the Modern Vinyasa Class)
Chip Hartranft (Yoga Sutra Study)
North End Yoga Staff (Ashtanga Methodology and the Art of Self Practice)

About this training:

Applicants to this training must have a consistent and serious yoga practice. The curriculum is designed for committed yoga students looking to enrich their understanding of hatha yoga, yogic philosophy & lifestyle and anatomy & physiology while gaining the skills to teach a safe and intelligent yoga class. If accepted, students should be prepared to steep themselves in yoga for the duration of the training, both within the scheduled hours and outside of the classroom.

This training is limited to 22 students with the intention of being an intimate, dedicated and resourceful program. In addition to the many hours you will spend with Ame, this training also offers an opportunity to study with many of Boston and New York’s finest teachers in a small setting. There will be ample practice time and abundant practice teaching. Expect to learn a lot. This program will give you the tools to sequence, cue, adjust and execute a well-informed yoga class while also deepening your understanding of personal practice.

To graduate, students must showcase their understanding of the material covered in the training. This is done by completing all hours and outside assignments as well as passing a final exam. Graduation is dependent on the fulfillment of all requirements and not guaranteed. This training is registered with Yoga Alliance and exceeds all of the requirements for a 200-hour training.

About your leader:

Ame Wren began her yoga practice in 2001. Her teaching is a reflection of her deep love of precision and movement, and heavily influenced by all of her gifted mentors. She is known for her lighthearted but very specific approach to asana and sequencing and her desire to make every student in the room feel known and attended to. This will be the 6th teacher training Ame has directed in Boston. Graduates from her trainings are now teaching at many of Boston’s premier yoga studios as well as in private & corporate settings, for non-profits and around the world in other communities. She is excited to be launching Boston Yoga School at North End Yoga and honored to have such a prestigious support staff. Ame prides herself on her sense of community and students of this training can be assured they will have her support long past graduation.

Schedule:
First week: Saturday Oct 12th~ Friday Oct 18th, 830am-530pm everyday
Ongoing weekends: Saturday 11am~8pm, Sunday 1pm~ 8pm
Oct 26/27
Nov 9/10
Nov 23/24
Dec 14/15
Jan 4/5
Jan 25/26
Feb 1/2
Feb 15/16
March 8/9

Investment:
Deposit due at time of acceptance— $600
If paid by September 1st, cost of training is $3000
If paid after September 1st or by payment plan, cost of training is $3200
Payment plan: 4 installments of $650 due Nov 1st, Dec 1st, Jan 1st and Feb 1st

(Includes over 200 hours of content, training and mentorship by Ame and her stellar faculty, a lengthy and comprehensive manual and a 20 class package at North End Yoga)

Email Ame for an application or with any questions (info@amewren.com)