YOGA WEEKEND RECAP

Last weekend was seriously one of the most relaxing and energetic weekends I have experienced. I had never been to a yoga retreat before and had no idea what to expect. I knew that we would be doing yoga all weekend and I was excited to share this experience with like minded people. Plus, I was doing a three day cleanse so it was perfect timing. I let my body cleanse 2 x a year. I don't do it to lose weight, I do it to make sure that I am ridding all of the toxins out of my body and making room for good healthy nutrients to sweep my system. That, and I just feel WAY better after doing it. Please limit the amount of cleanses you do do 2-4 x a year and make sure you consult with your primary doctor first before and after!

YOGA WEEKEND RECAP FROM AN INEXPERIENCED YOGI --

I was super excited to take this opportunity in. I packed my bag full of the basic yoga essentials; my 2 practicing mats, a water bottle, some relaxing tea's, essential oils, and of course the gear! I also brought food and snacks to share, mainly because I didn't want my food to go bad over the weekend. I learned a lot over the 3 days nestled up in the woods on Lake Clitheral, MN.

THROUGH MY EYES

Yoga isn't just a restorative practice for training for life, it's an experience where you can learn a lot about yourself. Coming from an inexperienced yogi, I knew little about the practice. I knew the different types of yoga. I knew that breath was important. I also understood that focusing on the practice and not what happened last week, earlier today or what might happen in the future was important. But what I didn't know is that yoga can deeply influence and strengthen your mind and can teach you to practice with integrity for what lies ahead. Each new breath is an opportunity to refresh the practice. To seek out diligence and energy with every single minute.

Practicing daily all weekend long was actually very physical. I was focused on each practice, which made me sleep well each night. I was sore from guiding my body into new positions when it felt right and I was more calm because I was breathing more deeply and with honor.

WHAT I LEARNED

Two, out of the many things that I can take away from this past weekend is:

---- A single sequence, when practiced consistently, can provide grounding, openness, and a greater sense of stability in all aspects of your life.

---- Yoga is an ongoing practice and I cannot wait to make it a daily thing! I really hope that yoga will become second nature and my mind will gain the ability to focus, trust, honor what is right and DO (verb) in the coming days, weeks, months and years.

Rumi writes, “This being human is a Guest House, every day a new arrival. One never knows what emotions may arise—we cannot control the natural fluctuation of our vibrant heart, the ongoing flow of feelings and thoughts. What we can do, however, is work with our mind by accepting its nature and with our body by strengthening and opening it so that it is both powerful and spacious enough to welcome all sorts of interesting thoughts and sensations. A diligent yoga practice can help cultivate a sense of stability, trust, and ease in dealing with the unexpected."

GL