Karma Yoga Retreat

Practice Yoga in the Shala and in Daily Tasks

Yoga is for all! The Karma Yoga program is an opportunity to experience Asturias Yoga Centre and community, participating in a yoga-centered lifestyle, free of cost.

Karma Yoga is a way of integrating Yoga into  daily life. The basis is being fully present in what you do, and having no expectation regarding reward for your work.

Through the Karma Yoga program, you are invited to live the day to day life at Asturias Yoga. This retreat does not require any money, but rather is given in exchange for helping with the running of the centre during the low season (October to mid May). The goal is to live, practice yoga, meditate, work and enjoy nature together in the Asturian mountains.

The key to a Yogic community is presence. Please keep in mind that, in order to form a conscious environment the following are pre-requisites to participation:

  1. A commitment to Yoga and / or meditation (ideally Ashtanga or Saoirse Yoga / Vipasana meditation, which are taught here)
  2. A commitment to digital detox i.e. using only what is strictly necessary and never disturbing others through your usage (unless we are collaboratign together on a digital project)
  3. A commitment to maintaining a non-violent (i.e. vegetarian) diet during your stay
  4. A commitment to sticking to the daily timetable (see below)
  5. The intention to be present, tolerant and compassionate with other participants

Spaces are limited and participation in this program is by application

Help Exchange

The help that you offer will be dependent on whatever is required in the centre during your stay, and to some extent, whatever you are inspired / capable of doing.

The centre is off grid with herb and vegetable gardens and fruit trees, and aims as much as possible towards self-sufficiency.

The main project in 2025 is the creation and publication of a book on Saoirse Yoga. If you have experience in interion book design, photography, editing or publication please let me know!  Other typical tasks are:

  1. Cleaning and Cooking
  2. Gardening and Orchard Maintenance
  3. Building repairs and restauration
  4. Firewood preparation
  5. Preparation for scheduled retreats
  6. See Timetable

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday:

Up until 9:30 a.m.: Group Self Practice in the Shala

9:30 – 10:30: Breakfast

10:30 – 14:30: Karma Yoga

14:30 Lunch

Afternoon Free

9 p.m. Short group mediation

Monday and Thursday:

9 – 10:30:  Guided Yoga Session 

10:30 – 11.30 Breakfast

11:30 – 14.30 Karma Yoga

14:30 Lunch

16:30 – 20:00 Karma Yoga

Sunday

9:00  – 11:00 Guided Yoga  Session 

11:00 a.m. Brunch

12:00 – 13:00 Yoga Nidra

13:00 – 14:00 Workshop

Silent Meditation Days:

We plan to have occasional self-organised full days of silent meditation…typically twice every month. Such days we would have a different timetable, which would be explained during your time here.

Other Activities:

I (Simon) am a nature and adventure enthusiast. During the free afternoons we have the possibility to rock climb, cycle, trek or surf.

Musicians artists and writers will also find a supportive environment 😊

Length of Stay

The minimum length of stay for this program is 1 week. The maximum we can guarantee without knowing you is 2 weeks. Longer stays are possible, but are dependent on a review meeting during the second week of your stay.

If you wish to apply, please first review the pre-requisites and the timetable. You can then send an email to info@asturiasyoga.com for an application form. Please note that spaces are limited and demand high fort this retreat. Please note that Karma Yoga during paid retreats is only available to those who have already completed the same retreat.

Karma Yoga During Formal Retreats

Those who have already completed a retreat with Asturias Yoga are eligible to return as a Karma Yogi during the same yoga retreat or YTT program they have already attended as a full-time participant.

Karma Yoga offers you the opportunity to continue learning and practicing alongside those on retreat, attending practice sessions, workshops and other parts of the program. In exchange for approximately five hours of help per day, six days a week, you will be able to participate in the majority of the retreat program and stay in a large prepared tent or shared room. All meals are included. You will also be welcome to come on some local excursions when we do them (hiking, rock climbing, etc.).