My yoga practice started out with a tape pushed into a VCR player in the privacy of my own home where no one could witness my clumsiness, weakness and inabilities. It took me months to be able to raise my pelvis and hold bridge for the 5 breaths and down dog seemed insurmountable. It did not come easily to me! I progressed to taking a class at the local YMCA and then followed my teacher as she moved to different studio spaces. Eventually taking my practice to a deeper level by studying with teachers from Mound Street Yoga and then becoming a teacher myself. Over the years I was intrigued by the idea of a Yoga Retreat and attended my first retreat in Costa Rica with Andrea Russell. Retreats with Andrea Russell and Michael Stone at the beautiful Wisconsin Northwood Christine Center soon became a yearly attraction. The quiet woods, the simple setting, the communal meditation, the renewed practice, the deepening yoga community were all unexpected benefits. And now I was presented with the opportunity to go to Bali for a Retreat at The Shala Bala in Ubud. I am here. I am sitting on my porch overlooking the rice terraces as the dawn is breaking. The rooster is crowing from the village across the fields. the morning doves are cooing, the birds each add their voice to the morning sounds as the low clouds light up with the rising sun. We are close to nature, we are emerged in its sights, sounds and smells. I feel my feet on the ground and find my relationship to the earth. I relax into my body and my surroundings. Morning meditation begins the gentle flow of the day, a nourishing breakfast, a dharma talk on Ayurveda, an asana (yoga poses) practice, lunch, relaxation for meditation, walking, sightseeing, relaxing by the pool with an evening self care practice. This is the easy enfolding of the day. I have nowhere to be but here. I have nothing to do but this. I am here. I am breathing. I am. The time is easy and relaxed and stretches before me. Going on a retreat can be nourishing to your mind, body, senses and soul. Take the opportunity if it comes your way!
4 Comments
Patricia
6/12/2017 04:27:27 pm
we are perfect yogini travel companions!
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Juli
6/12/2017 12:17:50 pm
This made my day. Thank you for sharing.
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Patricia
6/12/2017 04:28:09 pm
Thank you Juli!
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