HOLISTIC RETREATS
AND JOURNEYS
NEJA & PETR ZUPAN
Dr. NEJA ZUPAN is a chief executive officer of the Institute BISERNICA, an institute for the development of creativity and personal growth.
She is an internationally recognized trainer of Personal Excellence and NLP (Neurolinguistic programming), NLP coach, registered with International NLP Trainers Association and an internationally recognized trainer and therapist of the method Touch for Health, registered with the International Kinesiology College.
She is also an extremely experienced practitioner of many forms of healing as well as Craniosacral therapy and very senior and advanced practitioner of OM KARA Kriya Yoga studying with lineage holder swami Anandakapila and practitioner of ancient shamanic traditions.
She established the Institute BISERNICA when she finished her successful work at the University of Maribor in the Faculty of Organizational Sciences.
At the faculty, she was involved in research and lecturing in the field of Organizational Anthropology, Human in Working Process, Systemization of Work, Assessment of Work. Neja received her Ph.D. at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences. In addition to her public education, she attended several educational programs on human management.
Neja is involved in the development of individuals and groups so that they find their way to success, satisfaction, and health in an environment full of challenges.
Her knowledge comes from her scientific research background and from her research into alternative science. She recognized that combining both fields is effective especially when things change quickly. She lectures and facilitates seminars and workshops worldwide.
She has facilitated many workshops on Personal Excellence in the medical area. Some projects were supported and founded by EU and Ministry of education in Slovenia. Neja is licenced facilitater of workshops for Personal Excellence at Ministry of public relations and Ministry of work, family and social affairs in Slovenia.
She has also held a lot of sessions with individuals helping them awaken their inner qualities and potential. Among all individuals that she helped, some of the most relevant were recovery from cancer, hyperactivity, asthma, dyslexia, suicidal attempts and others. Some stories are described by individuals on DVD “The Body Speaks the Truth”, published in 2008 by institute BISERNICA.
Neja is author of many national and international professional and scientific papers, books and DVDs. Her work was filmed and broadcasted on different television stations. She has published many clips on the YouTube and other Websites.
But more than all of above mentioned… she has conquered cancer on herself with natural approach.
She has proved that she walks what she talks.
Petr Zupan
iVitalis trainer, Touch for Health Practitioner, Healing with Sound therapist
“Music accompanies me in different forms all my Life.
Singing, dancing and playing on different instruments travel with me through the endless Universe of Sound, Motion and Rhythm.
I am researching the magic and the soothing influence of the universal language on well-being, balance of energy state and widening the realization of myself and others.
I am walking with Sunshine and Laughter on my shoulders.”
SANDRA ANAIS & GORAN BOGDANOVSKI
SANDRA ANAIS
Sandra is a founder of DANCE ECOLOGY
Dance ecology, in addition to build a bridge between nature and culture through dance, also aims to expand the perception of contemporary dance practices in spiritual and emotional sense and encourages to revitalize forgotten wisdom of sacred traditions and bring them back in to dance education.
It also raises the awareness of the need to transform the man through body work and through revival of poetic discourse and interdisciplinarity within different artistic practices.
Sandra Anais, the culturologist and artist from Slovenia - works, researches and develops programs in the field of dance, which she understands as an interdisciplinary field of artistic, scientific and spiritual practice.
She is active as a dancer, teacher, facilitator, organizer, producer, curator and coordinator of the festivals. She is currently exploring the physical practices of other cultures, embodiment of thoughts & emotions, site-specific performative practices and Nomadism in relation with urban rituals, New Age practices and creation of urban communities / tribes.
She studied Contemporary dance, Contact Improvisation, dance improvisation, Horton technique, Jazz Ballet for more than 15 years with renowned pedagogues in Slovenia, Great Britain at LABAN, China, Austria and Georgia. In the field of dance and improvisation she was teaching in Slovenia, India, Indonesia - Bali, Vietnam and Croatia. She is also integrating knowledge of Kundalini & Dynamic Meditation, Dance Movement Therapy, Authentic Movement, Dervish and other practices into dance education. Sandra is also a licensed Pilates instructor.
MORE: http://sandraanaisvidim.wix.com/dance-ecology
GORAN BOGDANOVSKI
Goran is an award-winning performer, choreographer, teacher, curator and artistic director. Since 1989, he has worked with over 70 choreographers and directors in many fields of the performing arts. At the same time he was also a soloist at the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.
He founded Fičo Balet in 2000. Since then, he has developed his own style of expression, combining music, light, dramaturgy, technology, text and body. Until now, he realized numerous dance productions, international research projects, festivals and educational programs.
Since 2006 he had an opportunity to pass the knowledge and understanding of dance to more than 1500 participants and groups in a form of classes, workshops, research projects, coaching and mentoring in Slovenia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey, Georgia, Egypt, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan and USA.
Teaching methods he uses are synthesis of techniques and tools, that he have intensively experimenting with and developed throughout the last 20 years. Ranging from Classical Ballet to Martial Arts, from modern to Contemporary Dance, from Tai Chi to Kundalini and Dynamic meditation, from Contact to Theatre Improvisation and from artistic and therapeutic experience he had working in his own creations and collaborations with more than 70 choreographers, directors and teachers in the field of performing arts and healing.
His special interests are experimenting through practice on topics like: Improvisation, Choreography, Being present, Group consciousness, Group Dynamic, Artistic Creation, Community building, Audience development, Urban tribalism, Shamanism and Synergy.
MORE: http://goranbogdanovski.wix.com/goran-bogdanovski
Photo by Pedro Lastra
BODY-MIND-SPIRIT & DANCE IMPROVISATION / MOVEMENT SESSIONS with Goran Bogdanovski
Body - Mind- Spirit & Dance Improvisation is a synthesis of dance techniques and tools, ranging from classical ballet to martial arts, from modern to contemporary dance, from Tai Chi and Qigong to Kundalini and Dynamic meditation, from contact to theatre improvisation, from traditional folk dances to modern urban developments ... that bind with specific abilities, desires and expectations of the individual who wishes to develop an autonomous dance and conscious body.
In the sessions we are working on awareness of the body, mind and emotions through breathing , on power and softness of movements, flow and the usage of the energy and on focusing the attention and awareness. By traveling in an imaginary world and with will pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
We are providing participants with a set of tools for improvisation that they can implement in their own creations and in daily life.
More about Goran Bogdanovski teachings
Photo by Issara Willenskomer
EMBODIMENT OF POWER ANIMALS / MOVEMENT & GONG SESSIONS with Sandra Anais, Goran Bogdanovski & Petr Zupan/ LECTURES by Neja & Petr Zupan
We will embody Power Animals with the sacred sound of gong and by focused movement. Experience with Gong is a sound adventure, when you can feel heavenly vibrations of the universe through the full resonance of spiritual substance directly in your body. With Gong meditation and healing sounds, where the power of the soul merges with the spirit and is embodied through focused movement, body releases hormones and side effect is a feeling of rejuvenation.
Benefits:
- It cleans thoughts and feelings, which opens the body for spontaneous healing
- It helps releasing the stress and emotional tension as well as it brings inner silence and peace.
- It releases the hormone of happiness and helps you feel the harmony within yourself
- It connects with vibrations of the universe
For thousands of years the sound was a means of exploring the expansion of our consciousness, awareness and used for treatment. Its healing power has been used by shamans, as the sound of the gong purifies thoughts and emotions and that results in spontaneous healing and transformation. At the same time the sound of the gong brings initiation into other dimensions as to allow contact with the energies of the universe, which take us into higher states of consciousness. Gong is a portal that allows contact between the physical and the spiritual part of the personality. The boiler, in which the preparation of Alchemical mixture of qualities help opening and developing inner self. Usually during meditation with gong, we are aware of our body, even if it actually sleeps. This condition is known "to enter the fourth dimension", where our spirit can travel freely, while the body is at rest. This situation in our body causes the release of hormones and rejuvenation.
Besides having gong meditation, we will also activate our body with focused movement & dance, which will capture the spirit of Power Animal and embody its attributes. By controlled warming up body exercises we will put ourselves into a state of "emptiness" and begin to dance the "inner body". The body, which is moving, without the aid of bone and muscle. The body, which will be starting base for effortless, calm and focused improvisation that leads to embodiment of qualities represented by a Power Animal. When we return to a state of consciousness in the body, we have more energy, are more stable and at peace. It becomes easier to maintain the state without judging, which is a state of complete harmony between mind, body and soul.
Photo by Erik Stine
PEARL SONIC WATERFALL & SHAMANIC JOURNEY WITH DRUM BEAT / with Neja & Petr Zupan
You are invited to experience ancient healing techniques involving breathing, sound and deep relaxation.
Suitable for anyone wishing to improve their wellbeing and gain clarity and insight into living a fulfilling and more enjoyable life.
Ancient peoples knew instinctively how to connect deeply with themselves and bring about natural healing and peace. Learn and experience techniques which have been practiced for centuries. We all have a unique energy field vibration, gifts and talents. Discovering these and expressing them in the world can bring about great joy.
It is a very valuable life skill to learn how to positively influence the energies of your body and ultimately your thoughts.
Throughout the session you will be guided into a state of deep relaxation in which you will be able to perceive information which is not normally detectable in the normal state of consciousness. You will be connecting with delta, theta and alpha brain waves to allow you to access the deepest parts of yourself. Being more aware of what is happening at a subconscious level allows you to more easily create your reality, choose responses and program yourself for success. You will in fact be influencing your own energy and thoughts!
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
a deeper connection to yourself, elimination of fatigue
release of stress and emotional tension, inner silence and peace
harmony
stimulation of brain function
becoming creative
regenerate and receive healing energy, create and design your own life!
The session is split into 4 stages
1. Touch for Health guided exercises
Simple movements and reflex points on the body are used to balance the energy flow in your body. The energy field stabilizes and is prepared for the sound vibrations and breathing which follows.
2. Holotropic breathwork
Holotropic breathwork is a special form of breathing which enables you to recognize and release any stuck emotions and thoughts. As air is life, breathing brings fresh air into our body, manifesting new life. A refreshed body is ready to learn and grow.
3. Shamanic journey with a drum beat
Drumming has been used for thousands of years by ancient peoples as a powerful medium of self-realization and entering into realms of higher consciousness. The vibration of a drum beat is used to lead you into a heightened state of awareness. In this deep state, you will gain insights and clarity regarding your personal situation.
4. Relaxation
The relaxation phase is a place of integration to allow you to consider your own understanding and knowledge. You will be able to contemplate how to use your new knowledge in real-life situations.
All four stages of the pearls sonic waterfall form a complete 4-hour session in which every individual will experience relaxation, insights, clarity, and learning. You will not have to remove any clothing (just your shoes for comfort). This is a unique personal experience and, although conducted in a group setting, you will not be expected to talk about your experiences with others.
YOGA NIDRA / SESSIONS with Neja & Petr Zupan
Yoga Nidra is one of the deepest forms of meditations, leading awareness through many levels of mental processes to a state of profound stillness and insight. In Yoga Nidra, one leaves the Waking state, goes beyond the Dreaming state, and enters into Dreamless Sleep while remaining awake. While Yoga Nidra is a state that is very relaxing, it is not the same as deep relaxation. Yoga Nidra is used by Yogis to purify the Samskaras, the deep impressions that are the driving force behind Karma.
The practice of yoga relaxation has been found to reduce tension and anxiety. The autonomic symptoms of high anxiety such as headache, giddiness, chest pain, palpitations, sweating and abdominal pain respond well. Yoga Nidra refers to the conscious awareness of the deep sleep state.
INTRODUCTION TO OSHO KUNDALINI MEDITATION / SESSIONS with Sandra Anais
This “sister meditation” to the OSHO Dynamic is best done at sunset or in the late afternoon. Being fully immersed in the shaking and dancing of the first two stages helps to “melt” the rock-like being, wherever the energy flow has been repressed and blocked. Then that energy can flow, dance and be transformed into bliss and joy. The last two stages enable all this energy to flow vertically, to move upwards into silence.
Osho on How to Shake:
"If you are doing the Kundalini Meditation, allow the shaking – don't do it! Stand silently, feel it coming, and when your body starts a little trembling, help it, but don't do it!
Enjoy it, feel blissful about it, allow it, receive it, welcome it, but don't will it.
"If you force, it will become an exercise, a bodily physical exercise. Then the shaking will be there, but just on the surface. It will not penetrate you. You will remain solid, stonelike, rocklike within. You will remain the manipulator, the doer, and the body will only be following.
The body is not the question, you are the question.
"When I say shake, I mean your solidity, your rocklike being should shake to the very foundations, so it becomes liquid, fluid, melts, flows. And when the rocklike being becomes liquid your body will follow. Then there is no shaker, only shaking; then nobody is doing it, it is simply happening. Then the doer is not.
"Enjoy it, but don't will it. And remember, whenever you will a thing you cannot enjoy it. They are reverse, opposites; they never meet. If you will a thing you cannot enjoy it, if you enjoy it you cannot will it."
Osho
Photo by Greg Rakozy
ASTRO DANCE STORYTELLING / *INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT and CHART INTERPRETATION SESSIONS with Sandra Anais
Astrology is complex. Some people view it as a pseudo - science, some experience it as worthless “fortune telling”. But there is allways a bit of curiosity & mysticism present, when we open up this subject, cause there might be some fundamental thruth expressed through this almost forgotten wisdom. The truth is, that astrology is somewhere “in between”. In liminal space. Like dance. It is not only a sport and it is not only an art. It is somewhere “in between”. Dealing with concrete physical body and its limitations and at the same time dealing with profound, subtle and poetical realms of mind and imagination. Also astrology is dealing with concrete, physical “objects”. These are planets, their movement in space through zodiac (signs & degrees), their relations (aspects) and positions in so-called houses. Can we cultivate a bit different perception and go beyond the judgmental intellectual view of the world? Can we dive into the myths and tell stories about our life through perspective of space? Can we learn something new about ourselves through a bit unusual conversations? I like astrology, because it is such an old wisdom, so mysterious, so endless in variations of interpretation of reality. If you take it as a game and story, then maybe your prejudices will vanish and you will come to talk with me.
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This interpretation will give you deeper insight into your current problems and will illuminate your gifts and talents. You will look on events and relationships in your life with refreshed eyes
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You will understand better why you have blockages in certain fields of life and which fields need greater investment of energy and attention in coming months.
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With my support your perspectives will possibly change and you might discover new and inventive solutions to current problems.
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You will get holistic report on your life potentials and obstacles that prevent you from expanding further as well as you will get familiar with your prevailing archetype (myth) that is manifesting at the moment.
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By movement sessions you will internalize and embody written information (behavioral characteristics, talking and moving habits..) and I will provide you with different solutions to change repeating patterns
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Through improvisational movement tasks you will improve diversity of organic movement paths in your body, which will result in greater understanding of psychological process through direct embodied experience
For interpretations I integrate knowledge of western, Tibetan & Mayan (tzolkin) astrology with body language & movement habits observations.
MASSAGES / *INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS with Petr Zupan
Swedish massage or classic massage is the most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage. Swedish massagetechniques are gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction, and shaking. It has shown to be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis. It can effectively reduce low back pain and it is effective in management of stress and improvement in mood.
iVitalis massage This massage focuses on neuro lymphatic reflex points on the body thus stimulation flow of lymph in muscles and inner organs. This creates balance of energies in meridians in the body which then reflects on your Health and Vitality.
Abhyanga — the ayurvedic oil massage — is an integral part of the daily routine recommended by this healing system for overall health and well-being. It is nourishing; pacifies the doshas; relieves fatigue; provides stamina, pleasure and perfect sleep; enhances the complexion and the luster of the skin; promotes longevity; and nourishes all parts of the body.
Photo by Josh Marshall