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Yoga With Rumi
Konya, Turkey
November 1-7, 2024
Somatic explorations, Zikr & Poetry in the Ka’aba of Lovers
“Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come.”
—Mawlana Rumi
Hi, I’m Ali & I absolutely love this program!
Rumi has been a constant source of inspiration and a guiding light along my path; his teachings lift me up when I’m down, help me collect the pieces when I’m broken and remind me to continue growing my compassion and deepening my devotion.
Rumi taught me to relate to my Maker with love and appreciation, to see him in others, and embrace myself with forgiveness. And, his teachings, gave me the permission to be inclusive in my practice rather than to adhere, rigidly, to a singular path. in 2015, I brought my first group to Konya to combine some of the tools that have inspired me most in what became known as Yoga with Rumi. Ten years on, I combine the tools I’ve learned working with trauma with insight from a variety of spiritual paths to the yoga, Zikr and poetry
This conscious travel experience, in Mawlana’s hometown, combines yoga, Zikr (chanting) and poetry with a wealth of insight and tools from from a variety of traditions and modalities to help usher you home to yourself. One of my core values is to keep things simple and the invitation is to slow down, ground and connect from the heart.
My intention is to empower my clients and students with approachable tools to help … and in Konya, we get to combine some of the plentitudes of tools I’ve learned over a decade of teaching yoga and healing from generational trauma and physical injuries
The program, refined over the 10 years I’ve been bringing groups to Konya, is designed to inspire, nourish and empower you. It strikes a balance between approachable practices, sightseeing with intent and just enough free time to be with yourself, integrate the aha’s of our enquiries and, of course, do a bit of exploration (or shopping!) of your own.
Above all, I hope to help you slow down, ground and connect from the heart as we look to cultivate safety. And our resources will include not only yoga, Zikr and poetry but a number of tools from my trauma therapy work a
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is an invitation to slow down, ground and connect from the heart as we look to cultivate safety in the body. As your teacher and guide I’m bringing 10 years of experience as a yoga instructor, a love for chanting (Zikr) and a multitude of insight and other explorations to help usher you home to the love, wisdom and healing capacity contained (in abundance!) within you. teaching yoga with zikr, poetry and a multitude of multitude of tools, insight and other explorations to usher participants home to the love, wisdom and healing capacity contained, in abundance, within.
Central to Rumi’s message is the principle of inclusivity and this retreat welcomes and celebrates all regardless of their school of thought or path of practice.
Coming Home to Yourself
Coming home to yourself has to do with recognizing you are worthy of love, learning to be the provider of it, and growing your capacity for holding a compassionate space for all the aspects and versions of yourself that didn’t have their needs met.
Practically speaking, it looks like learning to slow down, ground, and check-in with yourself habitually. With practice, you become more attuned with your body, aware of what arises in the way of sensations and emotions, and increasingly able to contain both joy and suffering with compassion.
The willingness to meet what’s uncomfortable, honor pain and tend to our wounds with a more open heart and unconditional love is what’s refered to as safety, or secure-connection in the context of relationships. It gives way to confidence, trust and intimacy in one’s relationship with self and others.
A Program Curated for Connection
This Conscious Travel Experience is an opportunity to slow down, ground, cultivate safety and heart-centered connection.
It’s a journey of wellbeing set in Rumi’s hometown; a place that’s rich in culture, history and invitations to cultivate loving-kindness and compassion.
The schedule offers practices that are approachable and nourishing. A daily hatha yoga class, poetry & Zikr (chanting) circles, nourishing conversations and both guided and independent practices to inspire you home to your body. In what was once the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate and a town that continues to be a rich and vibrant center of Sufi pilgrimage we will also explore and pursue sightseeing with intent.
Beyond an inspiring and unforgettable experience you will gain tools and insight to empower you in the way of holding a safe and compassionate space for yourself long after the conclusion of our program.
“Look inside yourself; everything you want, you already are.”
—Mawlana Rumi
Core Elements of the Program
The Homebody
In addition to an approachable morning Hatha Yoga class, our exploration of the body will include somatics, embodiments, and other practices.
These are designed to help you learn to ground, center and find ease, learn to listen to your body, and appreciate the intelligence of your nervous system.
Heart Practices
Beyond a vital organ and the chakra that goes with it, the heart is a sacred space we’ll look to connect with and seek guidance and inspiration from.
Heart practices include poetry circles, recitation of Zikr, meditations, cultivating compassion, and keeping the company of like-hearted humans, or what we call Sohba.
Sightseeing With Intent
Konya is rich with culture and history and, together, we’ll spend time in the Rose Garden, meditate at the mosque where Mawlana Rumi gave his Friday sermons, attend an unforgettable whirling ceremony known as the Sema.
Additionally, we’ll meet local dervishes and, if we’re lucky, Mawlana’s 22nd generation granddaughter who carries the mantle of his teachings.
Beyond the Mat
Our “work” is not confined to the mat or our circles; it extends to the things we do and the way we do them. Together, we’ll hold a safe space for each other, co-regulate, connect from a place of authenticity, and ensure we’re prioritizing ease and looking to cultivate both gratitude and compassion in navigating each day.
Sample Schedule
8.30AM | Morning Practices
10.00AM | Breafkast
11.00AM | Free Time
12.15PM | Daily Walk & Sightseeing
2.00PM | Free Time
4.30PM | Stabilization Practices
5.30PM | Poetry and/or Zikr Circle
7.00PM | Dinner
Konya
The Ka’aba of Lovers
Konya is an enchanting place with undeniable beauty.
Exquisite mosques, mausoleums, museums, and monuments attest to endless layers of culture and civilization and its markets offer a thing or two of interest but Konya’s real appeal—its magic!—has to do with Rumi and the Rose Garden.
The garden is the spiritual center of the city—a thing of beauty—and the destination for millions who make their way to the Ka’aba of Lovers each year seeking inspiration and heart-connections. We’ll meet some of them, count ourselves among them, and stay at the finest boutique hotel overlooking the Rose Garden and Rumi’s maqām, or resting place.
When we’re not in practice, we’ll visit the shrine, wander the medieval streets, and engage in sightseeing with intent as we uncover the beauty and mysticism of the town that once served as the seat of the Seljuk Empire.
What’s Included?
Just about everything!
6 nights at HICH Hotel
Breakfast each day and a couple of dinners
An unforgettable whirling ceremony (Sema)
Guided tour of Konya
Visits and meditations in some very special sites
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Tools, insight, and support to empower your journey of wellbeing
An unforgettable experience in the Ka’aba of Lovers
A Seamless Experience
I plan and execute my conscious travel experiences with plenty of care and attention to deliver seamless and nourishing experiences. Here’s some key info to help you make your travel plans and get the most out of the program:
Arrive in Konya by 3PM on November 1st and join us for dinner at 6.30PM
We conclude on the morning of the 7th after a short las practice and early breakfast.
And, if your circumstances permit, I recommend staying on in Konya to integrate your experience further and explore some of the town’s magic further.
About Me
I’m a human being in awe of the beauty, grace, and intelligence of the natural world, a student of various wisdom traditions, and a yoga teacher of more than 11 years learning to renegotiate the effects of trauma as I seek to gain my Somatic Experience certification.
For over a decade, my mission has been to heal my body and mind, and grow my capacity to hold space with presence and compassion.
As a teacher, I look to inspire others who seek to be more present, gentle, and grateful for their existence, and empower them with the tools and insight that have served me on my path.
I love this program as it combines key elements from my own journey and practice in one of the places I love most in the world!
“In the house of lovers, the music never stops, the walls are mad of songs and the floor dances.”
—Mawlana Rumi
HICH Hotel
HICH Hotel is a multi-award winning boutique hotel comprised of 2 historic houses renovated to modern standards.
It’s comfortable, charming, located at the heart of Konya’s old town and overlooks Rumi’s Rose Garden.
HICH has just a handful of rooms including a select few with views of the Rose Garden.
FAQ
Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel to Turkey?
No, you don’t need to be vaccinated or even show a PCR to visit Turkey.
Are flights included?
Flights are not included but I can put you in touch with my travel agent to assist you, if you like. Complimentary airport pickup and drop-off will be provided for all participants.
I’ve never done yoga. Is that OK?
Absolutely! My yoga classes are super approachable, as are all the practices I lead. Every retreat begins with a foundational class, I make a point to explain things clearly, and I always offer plenty of support to my students, as well as modifications for those who have injuries and/or health conditions. For more about my Hatha Yoga classes, check out this video.
I don’t live in Egypt. Can I still join?
Yes! This retreat draws heart-centered humans from all over the world and Konya’s easily-accessible by flight via Istanbul.
What about the visa?
Most nationalities can get the Turkish visa online.
Egyptians 20 to 45 years must apply for the Turkish visa in-person and obtain permits from the Egyptian government.
How can I book my spot?
Please register here to get all the info as soon as it’s ready to be announced.
Do you offer a couples discount?
Yes, I offer a discount for married couples. After registering, please contact me via WhatsApp on +201211277710.
