What to expect
Mangrove Yoga Ashram is a residential yoga centre based on ashram principles. An ashram is traditional place of learning for yoga and other spiritual disciplines. It is a place where one can spend time away from the usual distractions of daily life and focus on understanding one’s own experience and purpose in life. An ashram is a place of simplicity and regularity.
We encourage you to appreciate ashram life by joining in the spirit of yoga as it is practiced in an ashram. This is yoga as a way of life, rather than just a practice. In order to best experience this, keep your belongings to a minimum, don’t bring additional food to the ashram (unless you have food allergies which restrict your intake of ashram food), practice regularity in following the daily routine, follow the ashram disciplines such as mauna (silence), and practice slowing down and living simply in each moment.
Guests are expected to participate in the group karma yoga (meditative action) session each morning and those not on structured retreats are also encouraged to attend the 9am visitors gatherings each morning to touch base and to discover what is happening for the day.
Climatic Information
Summer days are generally warm, with maximums in the 30’s, however there can be the occasional day of 45º.
Winter days are generally clear and sunny, with average temperatures in the teens. The overnight and early morning temperatures can be VERY cold with minimums of 0º not being uncommon. This makes for excellent yoga practice as the tendency is to naturally be more introverted in this weather. We live simply and naturally in the ashram so rooms are heated only enough to be comfortable and heating does not run all day and night, just at selected periods when most guests are in their rooms. There are warm common areas available. The buildings are spread out amongst beautiful grounds so you do spend a fair amount of time out doors. Please bring lots of warm clothes, including beanies, ugh boots and warm bedding. Bring your own hot water bottle or borrow one from us. Both summer and winter temperatures are generally more extreme than Sydney.
Autumn and Spring days are gorgeous, with days generally being warm and nights and early mornings cool. There can often be a large variation between the night and day time temperatures…so dressing in layers is a good practice.
Observances
In order to maintain an atmosphere conducive to yogic principles, please note that the consumption of drugs, alcohol and other intoxicants is not permitted within or around the ashram. Cigarette smoking is not permitted within the ashram grounds, but there is a designated smoker's area just outside the gates.
General Information
Pets are not allowed
Please do not bring them with you; they are not permitted to stay in or by your car outside the grounds.
Keys
We do not generally issue you with a room key. However if you have a single or twin room and require a key you can leave a deposit and obtain a key. Reception can also assist you with a safe deposit service for valuables if required.
Internet Access
The students’ room has computers with internet access for the use of guests and residents. Please keep this to a minimum as we are on a limited satellite download plan.
Phones
There are 2 public coin phones available for use. There is no mobile phone reception at the centre.
The Bookshop
The Bookshop is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 2pm Saturday and Sundays 1pm till 3pm. We sell books, CDs, clothing and other yogic accessories and gifts.
Your Health & Wellbeing at Mangrove
Mangrove Yoga Ashram provides a unique community learning environment, where almost all of your time is spent with groups of people in classes, at meals, and in shared accommodation. As you may increase your physical activity and will spend most of your time in activities with other people, it is important to take care of health and wellbeing. Here are some useful tips for staying healthy whilst visiting Mangrove Yoga Ashram.
Colds and flu
If you have a cold or flu, please see reception and avoid close contact with others. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Do not undertake karma yoga in the kitchen. Rest as much as possible. To avoid catching colds if others around have them, ensure to follow sensible hygiene practices of washing hands before meals and avoiding close contact with those who have a cold.
Insect awareness and protection
We have the following disease carrying insects at Mangrove – ticks, leeches and mosquitoes. We recommend bringing insect repellent or using the repellent we provide at reception. In addition to this, follow these guidelines:
· When walking in the bush or long grass wear long pants of a light colour, with the pants tucked into your socks.
· Inspect your clothing, body, and hair and/or shower after being in the bush or grass.
· Avoid going outdoors when mosquitoes are typically most active, during dusk or dawn.
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from bites.
· If you are bitten by a tick or leech and need assistance in dealing with the bite, please ask for help at reception.
