THE HERO’S JOURNEY 2025/26
The intensive consists of 7 weekend modules in Zurich and a 5-day retreat at beautiful Casa Corvo in Ticino. Each module is dedicated to a specific theme.
The weekend modules in Zurich start on Friday morning with a long morning sadhana curated around asana, pranayama, chanting and meditation set to the module’s theme. In the afternoons we continue the exploration with input, exercises and discussions.
Dates, Time and Place
- Module 1: 26 - 28 September, 2025
- Module 2: 31 October - 2 November 2025
- Module 3: 21 - 23 November 2025
- Module 4: 19 - 21 December 2025
- Module 5: 16 - 18 January 2026
- Module 6: 6 - 8 February 2026
- Module 7: 13 - 15 March 2026
- Module 8: 8 - 12 April 2026 (Retreat at Casa Corvo)
Modules 1 - 7:
- Friday 8.00 - 11.45 and 1.15 - 4.30 (7 hours)
- Saturday 1.00 - 5.00 (4 hours)
- Sunday 8.00 - 10.00 and 12.15 - 2.45 (4.5 hours)
Retreat-Module 8 (at Casa Corvo):
- Arrival on April 8, 2026 (check-in from 15.00)
- Departure on April 12, 2026 after brunch (11.00)
Requirements
- At least 2 years of regular Yoga practice
- Familiarity with Yogic and/or Buddhist philosophy acquired e.g. in a Yoga Teacher Training, self-study or similar
- Physical and mental health
- English (Sabine can offer German translation)
Application
For applications, questions and other concerns please email michaelhamiltonyoga@gmail.com
Cost
The course rate is CHF 3’650.-
Payment as follows:
- CHF 500.- upon application (reservation fee, non refundable)
- CHF 3’150.- before August 29, 2025
Included are:
- Teachings
- Training Material
Not included are:
- Cost for board/ accommodation in double bedrooms at Casa Corvo (Chf 520.-)
- Travel cost to Ticino
modules
September 26-28, 2025
In this module we will build a foundation from which to explore the practice methods that support participants on their personal path towards a deeper understanding and the cultivation of their inherent heart qualities. In the theoretical part, we introduce the Buddhist teaching of the Four Noble Truth and the Eightfold Noble Path and discuss its meaning in the context of our modern life. This module is the starting point of a journey. We get in touch with one another and start growing together as a group which opens up a sacred space arisen out of trust to support each individual on their personal journey.
October 31 - November 2, 2025
This module is dedicated towards clarity of one’s individual motivation and intention for the practice. In contemplation and reflection, we move closer to what truly matters to us and what our heart longs for. We gently touch on individual tendencies and investigate how these shape the ways we look at ourselves and the world around us. Informed by a deeper understanding of the internal forces driving us, we encourage participants to connect to an intuitive and personal approach towards the manifestation of their vision. To support us in this exploration, we introduce e.g. Kleshas as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra as well as three levels of emotional experiences as described in Buddhism.
November 21-23, 2025
The third module is a playful exposition of and a deeper dive into the different orientations towards Asana, Pranayama/Kriyas, and Meditation in order to connect participants to an experiential understanding of the different approaches. Enriched by theoretical knowledge on Asana sequencing, different aspects of the meditation practice as well as approaches to classical Pranayama practice, this module gives Yogis concrete tools to keep up a purposeful practice at home. Theoretically we will base this weekend on inspiration from e.g. the Krishnamaycharya traditions (Ashtanga, Iyengar), teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and the three turnings of Buddhism (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana).
December 19-21, 2025
This module is dedicated to the teachings of natural wisdom that reaches beyond a conceptual mind. Letting body, mind and heart be our guides, there is the potential to discover that natural presence is always and already here and profound transformation can occur by resting in just simply being. The Satipatthana Sutta, Heart Sutra and other Buddhist texts are introduced with the aim to broaden our understanding and encourage the inner exploration.
January 16-18, 2026
The module’s focus is the traditions emphasizing and the practices cultivating heart qualities such as compassion, patience and kindness. Participants are guided to familiarize themselves with their inner landscape and find ways to move closer to inherent heart qualities that touch their life and the life of the people around them in a beautiful way. To support us in this module’s dialogue and practice we draw inspiration from texts such as The Way of the Bodhisattva (Shantideva).
February 6 - 8, 2026
The sixth weekend focuses on working with difficult emotions. The practice offers a safe space to confront us with difficulties and with that, opens up the opportunity to learn and discover skillful means when encountering distress. Methods from Essential Psychotherapy (approach integrating psychotherapeutic work with Buddhist mind training) are introduced, which invite us to embrace healing and stimulate inner maturity through self-exploration.
March 13 - 15, 2026
In this module the participants are encouraged to pause and reflect on the past weeks. How did my individual practice unfold? What creates resonance, what resistance? How do I connect to the motivation that keeps my practice steady? Does the practice lead me closer to my vision and heart wishes? Where do I want to go from here? How can I dedicate my life energy to the wellbeing of me and other beings?
April 8 - 12, 2026
These days are an invitation to unplug, slow down, relax and integrate the practices and experiences of the past months. A long morning practice in silence, the surrounding nature and sharing this experience with a group of likeminded practitioners support us in further cultivating a gentle awareness. There will be enough time for walks, swimming, and discovery trips into the surroundings.
Michael Hamilton
Michael Hamilton is a committed yoga and meditation practitioner who teaches mindfulness and compassion, using the methods of Yoga, Buddhism and Psychology. In addition to Yoga, Michael supports practitioners on their path of individual though using the methods developed in essential psychology with Buddhism’s teachings on wisdom in order to better facilitate development and healing in individuals and small groups. The practice of insight meditation and aspiring to tread the path of compassion forms the basis for his approach to the interpretation of the yoga traditions. As well as leading AIRYOGA's teacher training courses, Michael teaches the Hero's Journey, an advanced personal development course which he founded with his wife Sabine. Michael is based in Zurich. www.michaelhamiltonyoga.com
Sabine Glück
Sabine Glück is a Yoga and meditation practitioner and teacher and is co-directing the Center of Mindfulness in Zurich. She has practiced and studied avidly since 2010. Her love and commitment to spiritual practice influences her life and what she shares as a teacher.Sabine honors her primary teachers of Hatha and Classical Yoga, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, Michael Hamilton and Doug Keller as well as U Vivekananda and Baddhamanika for their compassionate and wise guidance in meditation practice. She holds an MA in Psychology from the University of Zurich and is a certified MBSR teacher. Currently Sabine is absolving a 3-years training in Essential Psychotherapy, an approach integrating psychotherapeutic methods and Buddhist wisdom. Sabine lives in a remote valley in Ticino, Switzerland. She is regularly retreating for longer practice periods.
Info
The Training Modules 1 - 7 will take place at AIRYOGA, Fabrikstrasse 10, 8005 Zürich.
The final Module 8 at Casa Corvo in beautiful Ticino.
Casa Corvo
Ra Strécia 5
6986 Novaggio
Ticino