If I could sink my teeth into the whole earth
Fernando Pessoa
And actually taste it,
I’d be happier for a moment…
But I don’t always want to be happy.
To be unhappy now and then
Is part of being natural.
Not all days are sunny,
And when rain is scarce, we pray for it.
And so I take unhappiness with happiness
Naturally, just as I don’t marvel
That there are mountains and plains
And that there are rocks and grass…
What matters is to be natural and calm
In happiness and in unhappiness,
To feel as if feeling were seeing,
To think as if thinking were walking,
And to remember, when death comes, that each day dies,
And the sunset is beautiful, and so is the night that remains…
That’s how it is and how I want it to be…
As someone who deeply appreciations the privilege of traveling – especially after 4+ years of living abroad – I cannot accurately express how much I love retreats : hosting and leading, enjoying the experience as a guest, organizing and coordinating the itinerary and excursions, setting an intention for how the days will flow and what the overall vibe / goal is. It’s rewarding, nurturing, magical, challenging, and it never ceases to amaze me how connected we all really are (to both nature and each other).
Whether or not you’re ever able to join me, I offer you a few of the many nourishing things about a typical day on retreat to encourage you to integrate self-care into your daily life in your own unique ways (time and circumstances permitted – but here are some ideas nonetheless) :
- Silent mornings start the day in a calm and introspective way. This reflective time offers us the opportunity to settle into the body physically and mentally. It prepares us for the hours ahead in a calm, centering way instead of rushing from one thing to another starting from the moment we open our eyes.
- Creative flow classes create stability and mobility for body and mind. Whether it’s only a few minutes or over 1 hour, it sparks both mental focus and physical strength and space, giving us a sense of both centeredness and fluidity.
- Breakfast / brunch nourishes and delights the senses. It is fuel for the furnace.
- Midday is an opportunity to explore or relax with local excursions or rejuvenating rest. Exploring new places is invigorating and inspiring; resting is just as essential for wellbeing of body and mind.
- Afternoon workshops are a time to further inquire and better understand the execution and application of physical postures and mindfulness practices (without taking it all too seriously). Together, we learn how to care for and listen to our bodies; how to embrace whatever our personal experience is.
- Dinners are joyful gatherings to connect with ourselves, each other, our nutritious food and our shared or individual experiences. Whether chatty or chill, it is the culmination of the day and the cusp of a new one ahead.
- Deep sleep is very welcomed by the end of it all, before we begin again…
The tools you’ll gain on retreat (even in classes and workshops!) will remain part of your mind-body wellbeing tool belt for a lifetime — not to mention the connections you’ll make with like-minded new friends and with yourself.
It is my honor to create a space to learn and savor this luscious life / these powerful practices together.
I hope you’ll come experience it for yourself sometime – here is what’s coming up 🙂
Reach out to me if you are seeking support around lifestyle choices that aim for this type of longevity of mind, body, and planet.
Take good care of yourselves, our planet, and each other,
xo
S
Photo: The Good Life Retreat / Rayos del Sol, Costa Rica / March 2023.
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