Rhythm & Stillness
THAI MASSAGE RETREAT: a journey toward the heart
Five days of retreat and work on/with the body in which we practice: multiple levels of touch exploring Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad), Dynamic Thai Massage and Osteothai; the personal practice of conscious movement, meditation; the spirit of welcome and community (sangha).
FOCUS ON THE HEART
In this third edition we will focus on the Heart: the master/fulcrum of the organs.
The heart and its arterial network are the central system for the rhythmic movement of life through the myocardium and all the systems connected to it: it is a master-clock generator of systemic coherence; defined as the fulcrum of fulcrums as its vital function is that of integration. Far from being a mere pump and system of pipes, ancient traditions and scientific research have shown that the heart can influence the entire body in various ways. The heart is, in fact, a highly complex, self-organized information processing center with its own functional “brain” that communicates with and influences the cranial brain via the nervous system, hormonal system and other pathways. These influences profoundly affect brain function and most of the body’s major organs, and ultimately determine the quality of life.
THAI MASSAGE & OSTEOTHAI: THE CHANGE OF RHYTHMS
Being able to adapt and change the rhythm of your treatment to the different needs of the receiver brings greater therapeuIc effecIveness, creaIvity, fluidity as well as playfulness and intuiIon in the practice.
MULTIPLES LEVELS OF TOUCH
This is what is needed to learn to communicate with the different layers and issues of the body. We learn different types of touch to support the system at every level: musculoskeletal, fascial, fluidic, energetic, craniosacral, etc.
LIFE IS RHYTHM
Rhythm is one of the fundamental principles of life. Rhythm allows adaptation, transformation and evolution. To respect and acknowledge the rhythms that regulate biological, physical and natural life allows us to find a beneficial balance that will always be made up of alternating phases of movement and stillness.
THE STILLNESS
Stop, calm down, rest… as the great masters of Buddhism teach us, it is only in the practice of stillness (calm abiding) that the preliminary conditions for individual and collective healing are found.
In bodily practices it is in the moment of stillness that the “system” integrates and adjusts, rediscovering homeostasis and self-regulation.
“THE JOURNEY TOWARDS THE HEART IS A JOURNEY TOWARDS HOME”
FOR WHOM IS THIS RETREAT?
This retreat is an invitation to you to come back home, in the center of your heart. We wish the participation for those who work with body-mind -spirit system, who have minimal or advanced experience in Thai Massage, Shiatsu or Yoga practice, fisio, osteopaths and anyone who wants to implement their own practice with different and useful perspectives, anyone who want to learn how to take care with love and kindness through the “art of touch”. We also welcome dancers, artists or those who work with expression, all those who wish to find new inspiration for their vocation.
FACILITATORS
You will be guided by two teachers, Flora (Italy) and Pasi (Finland), both Master Osteothai with decades of experience in teaching Thai Massage, Yoga and meditation. You will be able to appreciate their differences, geographical origins and cultural specificities, their kind and funny way to teach.
WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THIS RETREAT:
-
- DAILY MEDITATION PRACTICES ON/WITH THE HEART
- PRACTICES WITH THE ABUNDANT NATURE’S RESOURCES
- DAILY CONSCIOUS MOVEMENT
- WELCOME AND SPIRIT OF THE SANGHA
- NOURISHMENT FOR THE HEART, BODY AND SPIRIT WITH ETHICAL FOOD
- LOVELY MUSIC, SINCERE SMILING, HUGGING AND KIND SPEECH
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AND PRACTICE EVERY DAY:
- HOW TO FOCUS ON YOUR HEART AS A GIVER/THERAPIST
- HOW THE DIFFERENT TRADITIONS AND SCIENCE CONCEIVE THE HEART AS A FULCRUM/MASTER OF THE SYSTEM
- DIFFERENT TECHNIQUE TO NOURISH THE HEART OF THE RECEIVER
- GUIDED AND SUPERVISED SEQUENCES OF THAI MASSAGE, OSTEOTHAI AND DYNAMIC THAI
- HOW TO SUPPORT COHERENCE, MOBILITY AND VITALITY OF THE HEART
- SPECIAL FOCUS ON FASCIAL NETWORKS AND VISCERA
- HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR ABILITY TO FEEL&LISTEN WITH MORE CONSCIOUS TOUCH, PRESENCE AND METTA
- HOW AND WHY TO USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOUCH AND RHYTHMS IN THE TREATMENT
- HOW TO MANAGE A TREATMENT IN A FLUID, EFFECTIVE AND CREATIVE WAY BALANCING PRESENCE, LISTENING, PRECISION AND INTENTION
PASI KUUSELA BIO
Certified massage therapist and massage teacher with over 20 years of experience in healthcare and bodywork. His deep interest in the body, mind, and spirit, as well as the importance of awareness and presence, has moIvated him to travel and learn from various teachers worldwide. Over the years, he has practiced and studied many different forms of therapy, including Thai yoga massage, Osteothai, Craniosacral therapy, Osteopathy Classical massage, Sports massage, Yoga, and Meditation.
For eight years he travelled to Thailand deepening his knowledge of Thai yoga massage and Osteothai. In recent years, Pasi has focused his studies with Krishnatakis, David Lutt, and Jörg Schürpf, also completing the Master Osteothai training (MOT). Studying and travelling in Asia opened his views on life, and his spiritual growth was strengthened by a serious illness. His goal is to live an honest, authenIc, and love-filled life and to encourage others to do the same.
Pasi guides and teaches through his own experiences, emphasising the importance of honesty, trust, gentelness, and sensitivity. His goal is to support students in their own experiential and individual development.
Currently Pasi works in his own wellbeing studio in Finland and organises trainings and courses both in Finland and Europe. At the same time he is studying osteopathy to deepen his understanding of holistic healing. He enjoys spending time with his family, singing, playing guitar and ice swimming.
Learn More:
hkps://pasikuusela.com/ hkps://www.instagram.com/pasi.kuusela hkps://www.youtube.com/@pasikuusela-theartofvinimaya hkps://www.facebook.com/Pasi.Kuusela.Vinimaya/
WHERE:
Tenuta Ferracci (Polcanto – Borgo San Lorenzo) province of Florence
In the splendid Tuscan hills, in the middle of the woods and in a peaceful atmosphere. We are located in the splendid landscape of the Tuscan hills, at about 600 meters above sea level. 25 km from Florence, the city of the Renaissance, in a land of history and nature, in a place of peace and spirituality near the Sanctuary of Montesenario, along the pilgrimage route of the “Via degli Dei”, near Fiesole, as well as to the famous Mugello area.
The main house is a typical Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by an immense chestnut forest, far from the noise and lights of the city. The outdoor space is abundant and generous. We will have Ime to go for walks and excursions, alone or in a group. We will come into deep contact with the beautiful trees surrounding the practice house.
Members of your “tribe/family” are also very welcome to enjoy the surrounding space. Unfortunately we are not able to receive pets.
ACCOMODATION AND FOOD:
The house is rustic and simple. It has mulIple rooms/dorms (with 4-6-8 beds, mainly bunk beds), plus shared bathrooms and showers.
For those who prefer it is possible to come with your own tent/caravan. Unfortunately we are unable to provide water and electricity. In this case the cost is the same.
3 vegetarian meals (with dairy products).
We can provide vegan and gluten-free meals.
INDICATIVE DAILY SCHEDULE:
- 7-8.30 meditayion and yoga/conscious movement practices outdoors
- 10-12.30 Thai Massage/Dynamic Thai/Osteothai classes
- 1pm-4pm lunch, relaxaIon, sunbathing, excursions, games
- 16-19 Thai Massage/Dynamic Thai/Osteothai classes
- 19 dinner
- After dinner, free time or practices
- Noble silence until after breakfast
THAI YOGA MASSAGE RETREAT: “A journey toward the Heart”
Date: 21-25 August 2024
Where: Borgo San Lorenzo (Florence)
Days: 5
Schedule: from 12 pm of the 21st till 4 pm of the 25th
For Whom: beginners and advanced in Thai Massage and other massage disciplines
Language: Italian and English, with translation
Teachers: Flora Bisogno, Pasi Kuusela
Costs: € 690,00 for EARLY BIRD before 30.05 (included food and accomodation); € 760 after this date
- Fill the application and send it to
- You will then receive an email with the details for the deposit
- Please send the deposit’s receipt to the same mail
- Your place is reserved!