Just returned from yet another Spring Yoga Retreat. I never know what to expect upon arrival and this year was no different. About a 1/2 hour prior to embarking on the 4 hour drive to the retreat center in Stannard, VT, I got an email from the host saying it was "mud season" and to wear heavy duty boots (also "please bring a 4 wheel drive vehicle if you have one".) So of course I was unprepared but I was ready to go. I didn't even know there was such thing as mud season.
Once I arrived I had already let go of wanting it to Spring and I found myself focusing on all the amazing elements that were already there. Yes there was a foot of snow on the ground but it was 55 degrees!!! That's amazing for Vermont. When it poured rain and we lost power during our scheduled Silent Walking Meditation hike, I just calmly changed the schedule to reflect an indoor walking meditation. Let's face it, the best thing about these retreats is the food, the people, and the yoga! I found myself just enjoying the darkness and sound of the rain dancing against the windows and roof.
After 20 years of practicing yoga, I find that what used to be hard work is second nature to me now. I can switch my mind from a negative state to a positive accepting state in less than a second. I can see more clearly all the elements of a given moment and choose the ones I want to hold onto. I can let go of what doesn't serve me or the moment. Honestly, yoga has helped me to see. I believe we wear a veil most of our lives but yoga helps us shed that veil that holds together our roles, identities, beliefs; things that keep us separate and alone. These retreats always teach me and others so much and I am so grateful to have had the time with another special group to remember the beauty and power of yoga.
I invite you to reflect back to when you first started practicing yoga. What were you like then? How has your life changed and more importantly how are you more ABLE to change and go with the flow of life?
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My next retreat is AUGUST 8-10th and Sky Meadow is in it's full glory with animals, full blossom flowers, trees, and of course the glorious swimming ponds. Outdoor yoga on the actual earth can not be beat. I hope you can join us! Only $360 for yoga, food, lodging.
www.yogawithnatalie.net only 8 spots left.
