Rules for being human handed down from ancient Sanskrit:
1. You will receive a body.
2. You will learn lessons.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons.
4. A lesson will be repeated until it is learned.
5. Learning lessons does not end.
6. “There” is no better than “here.”
7. Others are merely mirrors of you.
8. What you make of your life is up to you.
9. Life is exactly what you think it is.
10. Your answers lie inside you.
11. You will forget all of this.
12. You can remember it whenever you want.
When I was planning to move from NYC to Paris in early 2019, I decided to partner with 1 co-leader for my Costa Rica retreat and receive support with the many duties it takes to create this experience.
I emailed a few trusted and like-minded colleagues – many of whom also studied Iyengar with Nikki Costello – and didn’t quite know what to do when 2 of them responded with a resounding yes.
I knew Sarah and Amber from studio sub lists and classes, workshops, or trainings with Nikki. After meeting with each of them personally, I wondered how it would be to partner as a trio.
I knew I wanted to maintain my values of sustainability of mind / body / planet, making meaningful connections, staying nourished physically and mentally [i.e. great food], immersing in different cultures, and exploring how to infuse mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation outside of retreat settings.
They helped me to expand upon my original idea of The Good Life via our collective concept of what it means to live well – whether on retreat or at home during everyday life.
Cut to: a highly intentional and collaborative week, alongside a deeper connection between us as friends and a passionate, compassionate team – and we are now approaching our fourth retreat together.
I not only invite you to retreat with us [we have a lot of fun, I can assure you], but also to consider what it means to you to live a good life.
Does it translate as taking care of your Selves, being kind to others, protecting our Mother Earth, laughing a lot, exploring new places, eating nourishing food, connecting with heartfelt humans, setting healthy boundaries, expressing yourself truthfully, embracing your unique creativity practices?
Whatever the case – I encourage you to take a moment each day to embrace whatever practice supports you in celebrating your Good Life.
It might not always be easy; sometimes it might feel messy; it might shift depending on how your lifestyle inevitably shifts with time – but it will give you the opportunity to connect with your Self and your life in a way that cultivates deep meaning, gratitude, love, and beyond.
So – what does The Good Life mean to you, and how will you live it?
Read the newsletter for Sappho’s tomato toasts [simple and scrumptious], upcoming events in Paris, a save the date for Costa Rica 2023, discounts and wisdom for like-minded brands, and good vibes.
Work with me one-on-one for personalized support and accountability on your unique wellbeing journey.
Take good care of your Selves and each other,
[Thank you Chateau de Bardouly for taking care of us]
xo
S
Photo by Sappho: early-morning post-practice / Dordogne, France / August-September 2022.
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