Engaging instruction on the Art of Yoga... more than a stretching exercise a path of inner listening and attention to Body. Energetic fields surround this body with high intelligence, informing cells on how to behave, how to feel, how to heal. Joyous expression of dance and patient periods of relaxation unwind the stress and disarm the fear body. Hours of asanas warm and expand our physical bodies. Frequent meditation on the beach, open air pavilion, or ocean view studio focus and widen our inner vision of Self. As we live outside in a luxurious yet simply arrangement of mini-room sized tents and delightful banos, each moment is shared with interesting insects, humming birds with white stripped temples, shy jack rabbits, chirping geckos, friendly dogs, and if we are so fortunate, the occasional snake or dolphin pod. Sunrise accompanies our silent movement to morning beach meditation... palm trees and cactus silhouetted in the remaining dark corners of dawn. The ceaseless crashing of ferocious Pacific waves backdrops the air. We´ve watched a whole half cycle of the moon since our arrival, bathed in her various forms from crescent to waxing to full...
Daily routine is both structured and subtly unique each new day to reflect the organic yet intentional style of this yogic haven on the skinny peninsula of Western Mexico. Mornings promise a breakfast of fruit, an nutty, conconutty, rasiney mix, honey, and cinnamon. The cinnamon and honey combo over apples has practically become a religion and we its worshipers as it is the sole sweet we can indulge in. Hot tea is present day and night for our appreciative delight. Lunches and dinners vary, always delicious, healthy, and plentiful. Self-regulation is a personal duty as there is no scarcity of food; part of the nurturing, generous spirit of this place. Yet coffee, sugar, bread, and all those devious temptations are not part of the program as may be expected in a sattvic environment (although there is a chance to blur the line a tiny bit during our 3 hours of ¨free time¨ in the nearby pueblo of Todos Santos on Sundays!) Yet to imagine that any of this training is anything but free time would be crazy talk. This is truly a freeing time, a time to be freely oneself, freely embodied in awareness of optimal health on all levels.
In addition, the unique inclusion of soft and dynamic Thai Qi into the yoga practice here is a clear reflection of Yandara´s intentions to cultivate the inner energy and direct it for the good of our own bodies and all beings. The whole system and schedule seem to flow to the frequency of this gentle, powerful, and ancient Asian practice.
A yoga teacher (which I officially now am!!) is supported in her role when she knows the asanas (the poses or more accurately translated, the seats), their names, and their effects on the consciousness and bodies. However, she really serves as a healer who can uplift and guide students down a positive path when she herself is grounded and blossoming into her own authentic self.
The July training I just completed attracted 24 gorgeous women from all over North America and even Europe. The bonding that occurred has created yet another powerful grid of positive, feminine energy for our Planet Earth. The instructors here are some of the fines, wisest, most down-to-earth and down-right radiant yoga practitioners I could have been blessed to encounter in this learning manner. The wider community of musicians, artists, healers, and astrologer are a generous and active group of humans who work and teach by example, making all feel welcome and connected to the greater movement of Light work in these times. I will forever feel as a family member here.
Sandy, sun-kissed, physically exhausted some days and definitely sassy on others, my Spirit feels so good about this 16 day yoga teacher training. I feel abundantly prepared for my next steps in the journey.
... Mexico City, July 30, 2010, on the way to Ecuador and my 7 day Vision Quest, or Encounter with the Moment...
