Hi everyone, it seems like forever since I’ve communicated with you. There was the whirlwind of work and travel abroad for 3 weeks, catching up once back in Phoenix, and now on vacation at the beach on Coronado Island. Life couldn’t be sweeter. Of course it’s not without it’s challenges either. No one told me about the toilets in Europe (especially at train stations!). I found that I’m very conditioned to certain American ways. Also, the gypsies are very cleaver. I’m in awe of their expertise in lifting my purse, which led to a half-day adventure at the American Embassy in Florence. They were very kind and guided us to the most delightful restaurant for lunch, one of our best meals in Italy. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!
My journey began in Switzerland, where I taught at Jessica and Philippe Magnin’s studio, Entre Ciel & Terre which means ‘between heaven and earth’ - http://www.atelier-yoga.ch/. Their studio is stunning, full of color and design, and the students were warm and welcoming, dedicated and eager to learn about Anusara yoga and tantric philosophy. Even with a little language barrier the essence of yoga comes through, and Sanskrit is universal. I loved Switzerland, so clean and outlined by mountainous green. We took a short 20-minute ferry ride across Lake Geneva and found ourselves in Yvoires, France, a charming village complete with a castle and a five senses labyrinth garden. Pure pleasure!
Then it was off to Italy by train, Santa Margharita, the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Florence, Siena, Rome and finally to the yoga retreat at In Sabina. Pictures don’t even begin to describe the beauty or do this place justice. A picture can’t capture the essence or soul of a place; that is remembered in the heart. We have many heart felt memories: a spectacular week of yoga on the stunning hillside deck, gourmet vegetarian meals, perfect weather, the smell of jasmine and elderflower in the air and much laughter as new friendships were formed. Added amenities were the nearby pond of bullfrogs in mating season serenading us during meditation, the luminous fireflies that lit up the evening sky and the blood orange sunsets every evening as we dined. Mary Oliver, an amazing poet of nature said it best with - “Have you ever seen anything in your life more wonderful than the way the sun, every evening relaxed and easy, floats toward the horizon.” Pure magic!
And now here I am on Coronado Island, enjoying a cool 75-degree ocean breeze daily. Long walks, lounging on the beach and restorative yoga with the lovely Avalon at Bamboo Yoga are my activities. A special treat was the resident cat, a beautiful sun kissed calico with sky blue eyes that laid across my belly like a sandbag during one of the poses. Purrfectly Divine!
Last evening, beneath a nearly full moon at sunset, a school of dolphins gracefully leaped for their own pleasure not 75 feet from the ocean shore to the delight of those of us taking in the shakti filled moment. By slowing down, we restore balance to our busy lives. Grace and goodness come by simply paying attention, nurturing ourselves, and savoring the moments of our lives. There is something tremendously soothing and calming about the ocean for me. The infinite blue ocean meets the vastness of the sky blue sky and I feel at one with myself, re-enchanted and inspired anew. Rudolph Steiner said -“surrendered to nature’s beauty I find myself in her.”
May you find yourself, enjoying immensely the remainder of your summer, moment by sweet moment.
My journey began in Switzerland, where I taught at Jessica and Philippe Magnin’s studio, Entre Ciel & Terre which means ‘between heaven and earth’ - http://www.atelier-yoga.ch/. Their studio is stunning, full of color and design, and the students were warm and welcoming, dedicated and eager to learn about Anusara yoga and tantric philosophy. Even with a little language barrier the essence of yoga comes through, and Sanskrit is universal. I loved Switzerland, so clean and outlined by mountainous green. We took a short 20-minute ferry ride across Lake Geneva and found ourselves in Yvoires, France, a charming village complete with a castle and a five senses labyrinth garden. Pure pleasure!
Then it was off to Italy by train, Santa Margharita, the Cinque Terre, Portofino, Florence, Siena, Rome and finally to the yoga retreat at In Sabina. Pictures don’t even begin to describe the beauty or do this place justice. A picture can’t capture the essence or soul of a place; that is remembered in the heart. We have many heart felt memories: a spectacular week of yoga on the stunning hillside deck, gourmet vegetarian meals, perfect weather, the smell of jasmine and elderflower in the air and much laughter as new friendships were formed. Added amenities were the nearby pond of bullfrogs in mating season serenading us during meditation, the luminous fireflies that lit up the evening sky and the blood orange sunsets every evening as we dined. Mary Oliver, an amazing poet of nature said it best with - “Have you ever seen anything in your life more wonderful than the way the sun, every evening relaxed and easy, floats toward the horizon.” Pure magic!
And now here I am on Coronado Island, enjoying a cool 75-degree ocean breeze daily. Long walks, lounging on the beach and restorative yoga with the lovely Avalon at Bamboo Yoga are my activities. A special treat was the resident cat, a beautiful sun kissed calico with sky blue eyes that laid across my belly like a sandbag during one of the poses. Purrfectly Divine!
Last evening, beneath a nearly full moon at sunset, a school of dolphins gracefully leaped for their own pleasure not 75 feet from the ocean shore to the delight of those of us taking in the shakti filled moment. By slowing down, we restore balance to our busy lives. Grace and goodness come by simply paying attention, nurturing ourselves, and savoring the moments of our lives. There is something tremendously soothing and calming about the ocean for me. The infinite blue ocean meets the vastness of the sky blue sky and I feel at one with myself, re-enchanted and inspired anew. Rudolph Steiner said -“surrendered to nature’s beauty I find myself in her.”
May you find yourself, enjoying immensely the remainder of your summer, moment by sweet moment.
