The Science of Yoga & Meditation Retreat

Retreat Overview

This 3 day personal and professional development retreat is for those who wish to know more about the science behind yoga and meditation, how and why it works on our brain, emotions and physiology. Yoga teachers, health professionals and educators will receive knowledge and inspiration to use in a professional capacity. This event is not just limited to those with a yogic profession, it is also perfect for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge on the benefits of yogic practises evident within neuroscientific research. 

The three day retreat option will allow you to fully immerse in yoga, meditation and relaxation practices in a peaceful and stunning natural environment whilst also examining the brain processes that underlie our emotions and daily experiences. Inspirational speaker, Dr. Maarten Immink, cognitive neuro-scientist and a trained yoga teacher, shares the science behind the powerful and transformative influence of yoga and meditation on your brain and emotions.

There is also the option to attend a day workshop and delve into the topic of your choice through theory and practice. We are not offering transport to and from the daily workshops.

Read more in our Blog Interview with Dr Immink.

Saturday Topic: Yoga, Your Brain and Your Emotions

9:30am-5pm with optional Havan and dinner afterwards, concluding at 7pm NZD $125

Sunday Topic: How Meditation Works on the Brain

9:30am-4pm NZD $108

Full Retreat Programme:

2 nights, shared accommodation (unless camping), all meals and the full retreat programme, including both the daily workshop sessions and extras:

• Further informative sessions with Dr Maarten A. Immink
• Guided Meditation
• Hatha Yoga Classes 
• Morning Chanting
• Kirtan (singing mantras to music)
• Yoga Nidra (deep relaxation)
• Fire Ceremony (Havan)

Additional Information

Details of Full Retreat Programme:

Start Time: 1pm Friday 17th January – arrival/registration

Finish Time: 4pm departure Sunday 19th January

Complimentary pick up (if attending the retreat in its entirety): 11am 17th January Golden Bay Visitor Centre 

Complimentary drop off (if attending the retreat in its entirety): 4pm 19th January Golden Bay Visitor Centre 

Discounts: 

Early-Bird Price: 10% discount (use promo code EB10 on booking form) if full payment is made by 18th Dec 2019

Yoga Members: We’re currently offering 20% off* The Science of Yoga & Meditation Retreat to all members of IYTA, SYTA, Yoga Alliance, Yoga Australia & Yoga New Zealand (use promo code YOGA20 on booking form)

Locals Discount: Golden Bay Residents can receive 20% off the retreat overall, using the code LOCALS20 at checkout.  This discount cannot be applied to individual day workshops. Terms & Conditions Apply.

Special Dietary Requirements: All meals provided are vegetarian. Vegan, Dairy Free & Gluten Free can be provided for an additional NZD $15. Add this to your booking at checkout.

Private Sessions: Are available, please enquire at the time of booking. There is the option to arrive a day early or stay for an extra day to gain personal guidance from a private session with Dr. Maarten. Spaces for these sessions during the weekend are limited. 

Private rooms: Limited options are available upon request, subject to availability.

Camping: Tent hire is available for an additional cost of NZD $30.  If interested in hiring a tent, please enquire with us at the time of booking as we have a limited amount available.

For more information or to request any extras, please email us.

Teachers

Dr Maarten A. Immink is a cognitive neuroscientist who investigates brain, mind and cognitive processes underlying learning, memory and performance. He holds a doctorate from Texas A&M University in the USA and is currently a Senior Lecturer within the School of Health Sciences at the University of South Australia. 

His current theoretical research investigates the effects of meditation, both short and long-term, on the function of attention, executive function and performance. His applied research has tested the benefits of yoga in clinical settings including stroke, chronic headache, brain injury and breast cancer. Other applied research involves investigating the effects of meditation on psychological wellbeing and performance in elite athletes.

Dr Immink, is a dynamic and engaging presenter with the ability to explain complex topics in a very accessible manner. With his experience as a research scientist and a yoga and meditation teacher, Dr Immink has a wealth of knowledge that allows him to integrate the ancient wisdom of yoga with more contemporary western scientific principles. 

As well as publishing articles in scholarly journals, Dr Immink has also published essays appearing in print and online including SBS News and The Conversation. He has also been interviewed for Australian Yoga Journal, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Advertiser and has made regular appearances on television, including Ten News, and radio to discuss his research in yoga and meditation.

Swami Karma Karuna, founding member and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, NZ, is an engaging, intuitive yoga teacher with more than 25 years of training and experience. She specialises in therapeutic applications of yoga, yoga nidra relaxation and pranic practices and shares in a simple and practical way, inspiring people to access and apply yogic practices in their own lives.