Oooooo... I feel goooood. Just what the inner feel good doctor ordered. This yoga retreat is definately going to have to be an annual event. Why don't you join me next time? It can be a secret Backwoods Mama expedition. That would be so sneaky! In this glorious setting I picked up a few life skills for my journey, got back in touch with my authentic self, fell in deeper love with her and came home to a beautiful, healthy and thriving family that, who I'm sure missed me in their own special way, grew so apparently much from my absence. Yes, we are all still glowing from this adventure.
Oh what a glorious rhythm we had going on there. At 6:15 there was a designated wake up fairy that frolicked through the forest dinging a bell to gently wake us from slumber. From 7 to 8 we had private practice together before breakfast. At 8:50 I got to gong the bell for the guided meditation followed by a yoga class before lunch. Yes, this routine did make me pretty sleepy after the first day (especially since my dear friend Kimberly was there too and we ended up gabbing until the wee hours each night). But luckily they happen to still have the espresso maker I left behind four years ago. Phew! That was a close call.
We had free time after lunch and going for a swim in the bath water temperature lake was a no brainer. There were canoes available to hop onto but I chose the walking distance spots to avoid the embarassement of paddling around in circles. Up there is the designated Lizard Goddess spot with more boobies than you can shake a weaning two and half year old at. It was glorious to splay out on the flat rock and then simply roll into the lake to cool off and then roll back up on to the rocks. Yes, a fancy trick only a yogini can pull off. All in the mula bandha, my friend.
Usually though, I would venture out on my own for a little more solitude and relief from the sun that was basking down on us the whole time. This beach had the most beautiful pebbles you can imagine (I collected many for Miss Edie for she loves pretty rocks) and was only a magical ten minute hike away. I hung out here usually in the afternoons before hiking back, plopping out on the hammock and knitting until snacktime. Snacktime deserves a smiley face if ever there was a word that does. Then more practice from four to six, supper and a sharing circle. Beautiful forever bonds were created in this short sweet time.
And here our my beloved gurus. Karuna led the yoga while her husband Paul led the meditations. True masters; both of them shining inspirations to me to foster a consistant, solid practice and shining out and sharing the joy and love that overflows my cup. I'll be back next year and hopefully, with my intention to practice each morning before milking Miss Daisy, I'll be back everyday.
