True Nature Travels Blog

Yoga Teacher Stephen KirschStephen Kirsch (He/Him)

Stephen fell in love with yoga many years ago when he was looking for a way to balance an active athletic lifestyle and work on his feet with a complementary practice. He quickly pursued training and began teaching at some of the biggest yoga studios in Boston. Stephen is passionate about guiding his students through a practice that encourages them to listen and be present and challenges them physically while offering them ease and release. His classes are thoughtfully sequenced for all levels of practitioners and offer clear alignment and postural cueing.

Yoga Teacher Stephen Kirsh

Stephen teaches Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, and Barre classes and currently resides in Portland, Maine with his rascally Rottweiler Ruby. Stephen is an RYT-200 hour graduate of the Boston Yoga School and has been teaching yoga classes for over 8 years. He has led international yoga retreats to Tuscany, Morocco, Spain, and numerous other incredible locations. When he’s not in the studio, Stephen can be found reading, traveling, out for a run around town, or working on his margarita recipe.

Join Stephen for a 7-day, 6-night yoga retreat September 1-7, 2023 at a gorgeous 5-star resort in Greece! Begin each day with a morning yoga practice followed by a healthy, authentic Greek breakfast. Spend your days on the beach, exploring the local town, or embarking on any number of exciting cultural excursions. Take your time to discover the beautiful, scenic island of Amorgos.

 

 

True Nature Travels Blog

Cyndi Bulka Powers is a Health & Wellness coach and has been a Yoga teacher for nearly 30 years. She owned a successful yoga studio for 15 years where her yoga classes, workshops, and retreats touched thousands of lives all around the world. Her teaching philosophy is kind and clear so she can meet students where they’re at, regardless of experience, age or physical condition.

Cyndi encourages a non-competitive & welcoming atmosphere where everyone can thrive. With a strong background in anatomy, therapeutic Yoga and Thai bodywork, she’s keen on offering adaptations for whatever limitations you may have.

She is a mom to two wonderful adults, Nana to four beautiful grandkids, and partner to a wonderful man who is her best support. Three fur babies, an 1100-pound horse named Dak, an 11 pound dog named Lucie and a tamed feral cat named Stumpy are regular companions. When she’s not at the barn or on the end of Lucie’s leash, you can find her hiking the local greenways and trails, piddling in her organic garden or cooking up something fresh and healthy in the kitchen.

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Find your Flow with Cyndi in Panama

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as a tropical island surrounded by blue sea, where time evaporates & the rhythm of nature paces your days. Bastimentos invites you to immerse yourself in its tranquil, healing blue waters & delight in the freedom and playfulness it offers.

Water is healing & connects us to a sense of inner fluidity that we can use to deeply restore. This is our theme for the week. 

Imagine swaying on an hammock with a soothing island breeze, walking white sand beaches, napping in the shade, playing in the clear blue waters as you snorkel, kayak or paddle board.  Join Cyndi this May 2023 to find your flow in our newest retreat location, Panama!!

 

True Nature Travels Blog

Angel’s Aspirational Account

A past retreat participant shares her experience on a Costa Rican getaway with Jen Brewer.

Costa Rica Yoga Retreat

It’s been over a week since I woke to an alarm clock of howler monkeys, toucans and other tropical birds. It’s hard to believe a trip that you spend an entire year anticipating, in the midst of a global pandemic–when things are so weird–is finally here. Then seven quick days go by, and it’s over. The realization that I’ve already been home and back to work a week, time moves so fast!

I wanted to take a little time and reflect on my trip. I don’t want to forget any of it.

If you’ve been in my circle for any amount of time, you are not surprised that although a slight reservation about money I had my bag packed, so to speak, and was on board for a trip to Costa Rica early on. To be quite honest, I didn’t even know where we were going exactly. A friend’s dad had spent some time in CR and when she asked me where I would be staying, I couldn’t answer her. In fact, on the flight from Charlotte to San Jose, a sweet lady sitting next to me asked the same question and the only answer I could give her was the name of the resort. When she asked, “but what town”? I had no clue. I am certain she thought I was crazy or irresponsible, maybe both! But you see…when you trust your people, it doesn’t matter what town you are going to be visiting. I knew without a doubt that all I had to do was get to the San Jose airport and Jennifer would have the rest of the details wrapped up with a bow. She was my fearless leader for the week and I never had any concerns.

This trip was a yoga retreat. I mean, just read the description, how could I not sign up for this? The Lord knows I need to work on “practicing joyful living”.

“Reset, refocus, and learn to access the joy that lies within. In our everyday lives it is easy to fill the calendar to the max and stretch our limits. When life gets stressful it is easy to forget how to create our own self-care rituals. This retreat has been designed to bring awareness to the quality of thoughts, habits in body movement and posture, and the overflowing of our calendars. During your seven day stay you will be encouraged to slow down, breath deep, connect with nature and move mindfully.”


I get it…a yoga retreat seems so bougie. I was a little apprehensive at times to say that was what I was going for. I didn’t talk much about it before I left. People probably wondered why I would go on a yoga retreat – I mean, I do yoga, occasionally, but I’m certainly not a yogi – YET. But as we all know, I keep a bag packed and am ready to go whenever and to wherever the offer is made. But that description?? Yes, please!

So, with the balance paid for the trip I made my passport application, booked my flight and waited. I was a nervous wreck. Not nervous about Costa Rica  per se, or the virus; but nervous I wouldn’t have all my paperwork in order and I’d end up having to spend the week at the airport because I couldn’t get through customs. Or that I would have forgotten something significant and there wouldn’t be a Target to run to.

 

 

My husband and I needed to leave for the airport about 3:30am, and we finally got on the road just a little after 4 – SO TYPICAL. It was Daylight Savings Day – bad idea, lol, for a flight that leaves THAT early in the morning. Thankfully, our airport is a small airport and most of the staff and crew forgot it was DST also. I made it through security and on the plane with no issues. It was pitch black and COLD when we took off and the plane even had to be de-iced. It’s a quick flight from WV to Charlotte, thankfully, and a nice reward for being up that early was I managed to be up high enough and early enough to see the sun rise from above, what a sight! I love the sunshine, and it was fun to welcome her to work that day.

The Charlotte airport was PACKED out. I haven’t been around that many people in one place in – well, in over a year! CLT was the place that all my “covid related travel requirements” would first be checked. Score for me, my Costa Rican health questionnaire was completed properly and I was cleared to board the plane. Flying in to San Jose, all I could see were the mountains and I kind of felt like we took a wrong turn and I was back home. But, once I stepped foot off that plane, I felt the difference in the air and knew we had not in fact taken a wrong turn – but this also meant I had to ditch my sweatshirt, pronto!

The San Jose airport isn’t huge, and I managed to make my way to baggage claim to look for the travel rep that would be meeting us. This is where I met two of the sweetest women, who would become some of my favorite people during the week. Jennifer had mentioned to me that there would likely be two women from HHI on my flight, but I had no clue who they were…until I saw them. I have a steel trap mind for faces and I immediately recognized sweet Barbara from last summer when she and I were doing some virtual yoga classes with Jennifer, during the pandemic. If you know me, you know I’ve never met a stranger so I walked right up to she and Frances and asked if they were there for Jennifer’s yoga retreat. I think I may have scared them a little…I get it, it does seem kind of stalkerish, but it’s who I am. Lol

The 3 of us gathered our belongings and off we went. Once outside we were greeted by the sweetest travel representative, she was there to take us to the hotel. She told us her name was Jenni – without the –fer. Our hotel was only minutes from the airport so it wasn’t long before we were checked in and settled, heading off to the pool…get me to some sunshine, STAT! I had also met Pam by this point, another student of Jennifer’s from HHI, and the 3 of us headed to a lounge chair to chill in the warmth of the sun. It did not disappoint. We had a nice dinner at the hotel that night, went over our Monday morning game plan for breakfast and catching the shuttle to the coast and then we all retired to our rooms. Jen and I shared a room that night…I think we may have talked until we fell asleep, and I’m not sure who was asleep first. What a long day it had been.

Up and at ‘em early…the shuttle was set to meet us at 7:45 am for the three-four hour trip to the coast. Along the way, we stopped at a roadside fruit stand and bought local plantain chips, mangoes and a papaya, lol. We also made a pit-stop at the Crocodile Bridge and saw what must have been very old crocodiles under the bridge, they were massive! I had just watched the movie The Penguin Bloom on Netflix and all I could think about was “don’t lean on the rail – it might break and you’ll be eaten by a crocodile” (that’s what happens to the mom in the movie, except she isn’t eaten by a crocodile – she’s paralyzed).

 

Costa Rica Yoga RetreatFinally, we arrive at the resort, La Cusinga Lodge and Spa, walk up the jungle lined walkway and are greeted by a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean AND a HUMPBACK whale showing off. WHAT??? What a treat! We were served fresh pineapple juice with spearmint upon arrival and we stood in awe of the view before us. I don’t exactly know how everyone else felt, but this girl from little ol’ West Virginia felt incredibly fortunate. Okay, Okay…you’re right, there were tears. We journeyed over to the restaurant and had the best meal – so far – of the day. Lol. We would quickly learn that each meal we would be served would be THE BEST MEAL. Fresh, local, much of it farm to table…it was ALL so good. The manager took us on a tour of the property – showed us to our rooms, the path to the swimming hole, the pool and how to get to the yoga studio – also breathtaking! Jennifer and I had a room with a great view for the week! Shocking to no one…our door remained open most of the time, just like our college dorm room.

The next 6 days would be spent waking up to the sound of howler monkeys, jungle birds and rain forest bugs. We were up with the sunshine, errrrr, monkey howling, and the day was underway. We meditated and had breakfast, did yoga and ate lunch. Spent several hours lounging at the pool or hiking to the ocean and exploring caves, reading in hammocks or getting a massage (everyone but me!). Evenings would be filled with dinner and then restorative yoga. We went from daylight to dark and I wouldn’t have had it any other way – it was fabulous, much less stressful than when I’m daylight to dark at home. Most of the week, it felt as though we slept for 2 days at a time and then lived life for 4 days worth of time.

Costa Rica Yoga Retreat

IT WAS THE BEST WEEK!

In addition to good food and a lot of yoga, a few special things we participated in were: a visit to the Whale’s Tail one afternoon and had a picnic lunch. It was beautiful and can best be appreciated by googling it so you can see some drone pics. We walked the beach when the tide was low, and it would soon be swallowed up by the ocean again. It definitely makes you appreciate the way nature does its thing and doesn’t need any of us to remind it how to be perfect. Another thing we did was participate in a traditional cacao ceremony. This event was quite spiritual and personal for me, so I won’t write much about it here. Just know that it was deeply impactful and I’ll never forget it. The least fun excursion we had was getting tested for Covid. The guy was very kind and gentle – thank goodness. We eagerly awaited our results…half joking that maybe we’d be positive and have to stay.

This trip was one I’ll never forget. I got so much out of this week: time with an old friend, met three new friends, experienced the culture of another country and was well cared for by the staff at La Cusinga – I mean, seriously, they could not have been any better!!  Every single second of this trip was better than I could have ever imagined.

 

So much thanks to offer up:

*New friends – you guys were warned that I’m a lifer, you’ll never get rid of me! Thank you for being a part of my safe zone that week, and making me feel like I’m part of the HHI pack! I’ll see you for dinner the next time I’m there, count on it!yoga retreat

**Jennifer – thank you for organizing a trip that allowed me to practice joyful living – something that I had forgotten how to do. Thank you for letting me see I’m capable. That I can take up space. That I have the strength to hold Mountain Pose (my least favorite pose – I always feel SO vulnerable) as the one I wanted a picture of, to capture the growth I had; I’m now ready to face whatever comes at me! Thanks for helping me find it in me. I hope this won’t be my last Jen Brewer Yoga trip.

***My husband – THANK YOU for loving me enough that you are okay giving me room to be me. Thank you for supporting my need to be with my friends, while knowing I miss you much. I appreciate your trust and that you encourage me to go – to live – to do. Next time, you’re getting on the plane too…you have to see this place.

COSTA RICA – thank you – you were so kind to me ❤️

True Nature Travels Blog

Retreat. Recharge. Reset.

If you’re craving an antidote to the increasing amounts of stress the past few years, we have a full calendar of retreats in 2022 and 2023 that you can safely escape to and have a much-needed retreat! Starting 11/24, save $200 off all retreats! Combine with Early Bird offers for up to $500 off with promo code FALL200.

Ask us about our risk-free flexible booking policies. We’ve made a number of updates to our safety guidelines, flexible booking conditions, and trip departures. The safety and wellbeing of our travelers and leaders remain our top priority. Save now and travel later.

We look forward to safely giving you a much-needed retreat to find your true nature!

Save now:  https://truenaturetravels.com/retreat-calendar/

Retreat Yourself

True Nature Travels Blog

Spring Yoga Reset

Get inspiration to declutter, detoxify, and make space for your intentions and dreams. Learn simple tips to declutter your house, declutter your mind and declutter your life! Learn how to detoxify your body with the cleansing power of green foods and join me in the kitchen with a workshop on mason jar magic. Finally, explore how to plant seeds of intention to revitalize the body, re-energize the mind, and re-invigorate our lives for our dreams to grow and blossom.

 

DECLUTTER • DETOFIFY • MAKE SPACE

 

The Spring Yoga Reset Retreat is all about shaking off the winter slumber so we can reset our physical body and re-energize our lives.

SCHEDULE

Friday April 2 – Rest and RestoreSpring Yoga Reset

Inspirational Podcast
Opening Circle 4-6:00pm PST
Restorative Yoga Class

Saturday April 3 – Declutter and Detoxify

Morning Yoga Video
Inspirational podcast
Spring Re-set Workshop 1-3:00pm PST

Sunday April 4 – Renew and Energize

Spring Yoga ResetMorning yoga video
Inspirational podcast
Mason Jar Magic Kitchen Workshop
and Closing Circle 4:30-6:30pm PST

Spring Yoga Reset

 

Friday, April 2 – Sunday, April 4, 2021

Learn more and register!

FARAH NAZARALI

Farah is an inspirational yoga teacher, podcast host, and advocate of yogic practices that support health, happiness, and harmony. She is the founder of Drishti Point Yoga Podcasts and is currently the podcast host of In Conversation: The Podcast of Banyen Books and Sound. She has interviewed hundreds of spiritual teachers, Masters, and renowned authors and seamlessly integrates this wisdom into her teaching.

Farah specializes in teaching Workshops, Retreats, and Training locally and worldwide. She has a deep love for all things yoga and is profoundly inspired by the sacred texts of yoga, the teachings of Buddhism, and wisdom traditions that lead us to love, truth, and being of service.

Farah Nazarali

 

Testimonials

“Farah is a rare combination of spirit, intelligence, wisdom, and grace.” – Lisa H., Hollyhock participant

“The Retreat totally exceeded my expectations. WOW!” – Hollyhock participant

“Farah is the most relatable, wise teacher, I have ever had the pleasure of sharing time with. What I learned has helped deepen the connection to my spirit.” – Corrinne M., Hollyhock participant

“Farah is an inspiring and gifted facilitator who demonstrated her insightfulness and groundedness and shared her inner joy with us.” – Hollyhock participant

“Thank you for such a meaningful and memorable Retreat. I am so grateful for your gifts of devotion, clarity, and discernment. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Debbie M., Sacred Passages, Bowen Island 2019

“Thank you for creating such a wonderful and loving environment for everyone.” Andrea T., Sacred Passages, Bowen Island 2019 

“Thank you for an amazing jumpstart for a more focussed practice.” – Andrea M., Sacred Passages, Bowen Island 2019

“Farah, thank you for the insight I’ve been needing on my journey to manifest a new identity, purpose, and career.” – Linelle Mogado, Sacred Passages, Bowen Island 2019

True Nature Travels Blog

Wellness Trip 1

Nowadays, people resort to going on vacation solely to run away from the hard-working and tedious lives they are leading. However, many tend to return from holiday feeling even more drained. Organizing and going on a wellness trip where you can enliven all your senses, have long and relaxing spa days, meditate, and do yoga will enable you to find a greater purpose beyond tourism. While there are many resorts and wellness destinations around the globe for you to choose from, you still need some basic guidance on how to organize the best international wellness trip. Here is a guide that will get you fully covered.

 

Set a clear ‘relaxing’ objective

You can’t start browsing through various destinations before you figure out what relaxation and mindful wellness trip means for you. You need to have a clear and steady objective of what you want off your trip. For many, it’s the serenity of the ambient, while other factors like comfortable accommodation, beautiful scenery, and fitness amenities are vital. You may want solely to hold or organize spa retreats and offer quality spa treatments and dietary detoxes, so take a notebook and write down your ideas. Once you have everything sorted out, you can search for an international location.

Wellness Trip 2

Look for a lucrative destination

There is an abundance of gorgeous and peaceful wellness retreats around the globe that simply allure an individual to stay there forever. When you need to organize a wellness trip on your own, you need to be careful with your choice. Start your search by narrowing down the places that can fit within your budget. Envisioning impossible outcomes will only make you disappointed. Consider going somewhere touristy, but don’t opt for renowned retreats but many somewhere off the beaten path. Also, go off the popular seasons when there is less crowd. Chances are that you will get the most of your trip and more.


Coordinate trip wisely

Now for some technical matters. Firstly, if you are travelling by car either solo or with a buddy or two, you should find out how to drive internationally. This means that you must check the maps, roads, read the regulations, learn some foreign rules, get the necessary papers, check the rental possibilities if necessary, and others. Next, you have to schedule the sessions, provide suitable accommodation, confirm and reconfirm the timings, and of course, coordinate meals and make sure that dietary are taken care of.

Wellness Trip 3


Deal with the logistic upfront

Organizing an international wellness trip requires patience and diligence, but above all meticulous logistics. Besides transportation, transfer, meals, and food, you need to organize productive wellness activities that will enable you and the whole group to make the most out of your healthy travels. Whether you set your heart out to the beach, mountain, or a place within the rainforest, if you don’t clearly set the timing of the sessions, length, and find the right yoga teachers and trainers, you will be in for more stress. Therefore, in order not to get busy with the organization on your trip, deal with important matters upfront so that you can utterly unwind in your wellness trip.


Seek for physical tranquillity and activity

Going to a distant place where the sheer environment can help you improve your health and wellbeing is the key to an international wellness trip. Sometimes even if the surrounding can make you feel re-energized and uplifted, it may not be enough. Find a place where you can get active and have the ability to relax as well. Have some other activity in mind besides doing yoga and meditating. Think hiking, swimming, or stargazing. Organize some extra curriculum activities like writing, drawing and art sessions, learn how to play an instrument or how to cook some special international dish.

Wellness Trip 4


Have a light agenda and short sessions

You don’t want to do yoga for 5 hours in the morning and then sit and meditate for another five. No, you must set light and mindful agenda so that everyone can get the most out of their stay. If you are in a different timezone, pay attention to the jet lag that someone might be experiencing. Let your yoga or other spa sessions last up to 2 hours each or 45min of some other demanding workout. Have a short break where you would chat, drink green tea and meditate. In the afternoon, you can do other activities, roam around, and in the evening gather up to share experiences.

You aim should be to make this international wellness trip as restful and rejuvenating as possible. By following the above-mentioned guidelines you will certainly accomplish that and have a mindful and regenerating experience.

 

About the Author

Morgan Elliot

Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, and a happily married mother of two. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger things.

https://twitter.com/MorganRoseElli1

True Nature Travels Blog

Yoga Guide

As more and more people around the globe are getting mindfully immersed in yoga, it has become perfectly normal to practice it wherever you go. If you are planning a holiday, or you want to organize your yoga retreat or go to one, you should strive to do your maximum to reap the benefits of it. Creating a guide that will incorporate everything you need to do can be challenging, but if you set your mind to it spiritually, everything is plausible with positive thoughts and a little bit of effort. If you desire to deepen your yoga practice and travel to exotic places at the same time, here are some tips that will ensure you’ll have a serene and fulfilling trip.

Visualize your renewal

Before you embark on an adventure of a lifetime, it is vital to visualize your aim of the upcoming trip. You want to find the location that would help you reap the mindful benefits of that yoga retreat. Very nifty advice is to visualize your experience. You need to search deep within yourself to find out what kind of destination will enable you to get the most out of your renewal. If you seek to find a place where you can reset, renew and recharge, try to resonate what will suit your best. For instance, if you want a serene ambient in combination with perfect weather and breathtaking environment, then you should consider a yoga retreat in LakeAtitlán, Guatemala.

Do thorough research

Very often people believe that is simply necessary to travel all across the world to some exotic yoga retreat to get the most out of your experience. Some of those exotic places like Bali or India are truly remarkable and do offer the most outstanding yoga experience that you can ask for, but they can be rather costly. Make sure that you get your money’s worth and double-check the prices of yoga studios and retreats. Do thorough research to find out whether you can really get what you have installed for. In addition, while travelling if you are planning to do a yoga teacher training program, it might be better to complete it in an exotic and renowned place. Search for an eligible and professional yoga studio that can provide everything needed to earn a certificate of a registered yoga teacher.

Pack with a positive mindset

Yoga travellers don’t fall into the same category as other cross-continental travellers. You don’t need to carry two heavy suitcases with back up clothes for every single day. Neither are you obliged to pack little mundane appliances like a blow drier or an iron. All you need is a few casual and lightweight clothes, if you are going to a warm area, a pair of slippers, Pj’s and an oral and beauty kit. Always have in mind that you are travelling for a greater purpose of indulging in the free-spirited world, so there is no need to over-pack with clothes and shoes. However, there is one thing that you will most certainly need, and that’s your yoga mat. If you are packing personal yoga mat, make sure that you find a quality yoga mat bag where you would place your mat so that it doesn’t get ruined along the way.

Take your time to find the most outstanding yoga retreats and make the most out of your travels. If you follow this guide and carefully plan out your travels, you will feel more inspired and mesmerized with the world around you.

About the Author

Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of two. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran and she is obsessed with the Netflix Original Stranger things. https://twitter.com/MorganRoseElli1

True Nature Travels Blog

When we think of ideal yoga destinations, natural beauty and a positive environment instantly come to the mind. Amorgos is a beautiful island located in the easternmost part of the Cycladic area in Greece. Known as a top yoga retreat destination worldwide, Amorgos is truly an oasis of peace, beauty and serenity. Whilst it is a magical gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Amorgos island is no stranger to visitors. And even though tourist from all over the world choose the island as their dream vacation spot, it is not overly populated by people, offering just the right balance between busy and quiet. The energy here is pure and calming, empowering and cleansing. It is no wonder that many yoga groups travel here every year for their retreats.

Amorgos offers plenty of beautiful beaches, including the famous Agia Anna known for being the location of the Luc Besson movie, The Big Blue. The island also goes by this name as reference from the movie, but also because wherever you go, you will set your sight on the deep blue water of the Aegean Sea. Swimming here is a healing experience every time. Some of the must-see beaches are Aegiali Bay, Mourous beach, Agia Anna and Kalotirisia.

Beach Aegiali

And if you are seeking some grounding and quiet time, the mountains of the island welcome visitors to a truly unique hiking experience. With no dangerous wildlife (although you might see some friendly goats, donkeys and lizards), the hiking trails here welcome walking enthusiasts to enjoy some serene moments and become one with the nature. The air is fresh out there and the walking paths vary in difficulty, meaning that there is opportunity for anybody to take on the experience. Wherever you may find yourself during your walking journey, the views of the sea and the little villages around is one we can call picture perfect.

Hozoviotissa

By far one of the must-see places in Amorgos is Monastery of Hozoviotissa. Built in the 15th Century, the monastery is located 300m above sea level. Walking up the 300 steps that take
you to the Monastery, the journey up is a unique experience. On one side, you will see the crystal-clear Aegean Sea and on the other side, high stone cliffs, which the Monastery is built in. This is the second built church in Greece and it has great historical and religious significance for the country. As you reach the top and come face to face with the monument itself, you can find a quiet spot, overlooking the sea, a place ideal for meditation and moments of stillness. Another important place to visit is the old water oracle, which is now known as the Monastery St George Valsamitis. Back in the days, people used to ask the oracle for advice with their problems and dilemmas, and the answer was determined by the colour of the water. Now days, this is no longer practiced, but you can still see the water stream and visiting the small monastery is a great experience in itself.

The villages of the island are traditional, offering a cultural experience for everybody visiting. With narrow alleyways and whitewashed houses dressed in pink bougainvillea, each village offers great tavernas with Greek traditional food and heart warming hospitality. Some of the most popular are Chora (the capital of the island), Tholaria, Langagda, Aegiali and Katapola.

The island is also home to Elysia Yoga Convention, held at the famous yoga retreat location, where we offer all of our Amorgos Island Retreats. Offering 6 beautiful indoor shalas, one open rooftop and sea views from every room, the hotel is a mix of luxury, comfort and stunning Cycladic architecture, perfect for dreamy holiday photos. The convention is a yearly event happening end of March until beginning of April every year, bringing together toga teachers from all over the world and wellness enthusiasts.

Amorgos Yoga

Amorgos is beautiful to visit anytime of the year, depending on what you prefer. For a summery sunny experience, starting from May until beginning of October is a great time. Winter is beautiful here too, providing visitors with a quiet dreamy platform, ideal for meditation, self-discovery, artistic inspiration and relaxation.

Ready to head to Amorgos Island? View our upcoming Greece Retreats here.

Yoga Amorgos

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miriam Indries is a published author, yoga and meditation teacher, passionate about holistic healing. She is also a qualified Ayurveda Practitioner and NLP coach. A keen traveller, wondering soul and student of life, Miriam is the creator of Self-Elevation.com, online platform empowering others to find their greatness.

True Nature Travels Blog

True Nature was able to spend some time getting to know Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist, Alix Northup. Take a glimpse into her upcoming retreat in Costa Rica; Connecting to Nature, Inside and Out…

 

 

TN: How does the idea of connecting to nature, inside and out, play into your upcoming Yoga Retreat, and what themes do you see coming up throughout the journey?

A: I find solace and inspiration by spending time connecting to nature.  Things go about at their own pace, without rushing.  There is a sense of deep presence and peace throughout as weather comes and goes and beings coexist in harmony.  With yoga, I begin to connect to a similar sense – of being a part of something greater and spacious. During this retreat in Costa Rica, we will “connect to nature inside and out’ both with time spent on the mat in practice and with contemplative time spent in the serenity of nature in our immediate surroundings. Through practices of mindfulness and observation, we can begin to unravel the layers that sometimes obscure this sense of connection and keep us trapped in limited beliefs.  We become explorers, in a sense, of our inner landscape and watch the changing weather inside our own minds and bodies.  By taking time to nourish our inner resources of energy and vitality, we  deepen the connection to ourselves, nature, and the world we relate to.

 

 

TN: Who has been your greatest influence and why?

A: Tias Little has been the greatest influence in my practice over the last 7 years .  Tias and his wife Surya created Prajna Yoga, where I did 300 hours of training and continue to study.  Prajna yoga is innovative, blending intelligent and mindful hatha yoga with teachings from Buddhist and Zen traditions.

A lot of the work with meditation, yoga, and gentle unwinding somatic movements we will delve into during this retreat in Costa Rica are inspired by the teachings of Tias. Tias Little is one who truly embodies his work and ‘walks the talk.’

When you find a teacher, a path, that nourishes your inner knowing, it is no longer a question. You just arrive.  Again and again.

 

 

TN: If there was a yoga pose or meditation practice that described you – what would it be and why?

A: If there was a yoga pose that best described me, I would say I relate most with the Triangle Pose (trikonasana).  In Triangle, energy is pulled in different directions yet grounded down into the earth through the feet. It can be fiery and energetic and active and also cool and contained and quiet. It strives for symmetry but has a sense of fluidity rather than becoming rigid.  I explore the different sides of myself as I practice this pose from day to day. The triangle shape itself is deep with symbolism in sacred geometry, building a sense of harmony and grace.  I draw from the energy of the triangle pose to find balance in my life, especially when things feel busy or chaotic.

 

 

TN: Other than yoga and meditation – what are some of your passions? Will these be explored in your retreat?

A: Other than yoga and meditation, I am passionate about being active and exploring the outdoors.  That is what excited me about this retreat in Costa Rica- that there will be ample time to spend with various outdoor activities  including hiking, swimming, SUP,  and surfing as we connect our practice into nature outside and get into our bodies through physical movement.  I am imaging hiking through the jungle, trying SUP for the first time and surfing in some warmer water (I’ve only surfed on the Oregon coast so far).

I am also passionate about resting and eating well, so there will be plenty of time and opportunity for that too!

 

 

TN: What is on your “Costa Rica bucket list” and what are you most excited about?

A: I love the adventure of exploring an area new to me- and as this will be my first visit to Cost Rica it is a new frontier!   I have read that the Pacific Coast of southwestern Costa Rica, where we will stay during the retreat,  is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.  As a plant lover, my Costa Rica “bucket list” includes experiencing the rainforest and diversity within Ballena National marine park, visiting the white sand beaches of Playa Uvita and surfing, and whale watching.  Experiencing local community life and enjoying the local fresh cuisine is also something that interests me wherever I go.

 

 

TN: Is there a saying or quote that really resonates with you and your upcoming retreat?

A: I’m often inspired by the writings of John Muir about our precious connection to the natural world. I think his words are important reminders for our modern day lives. ‘Keep close to Nature’s heart… and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.’

 

Learn more about her upcoming retreat:

Connecting to Nature, Inside and Out: A mindful Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica
February 23 – March 2, 2019
Playa Uvita, Costa Rica

Details HERE


About Alix Northup:

Alix began her study of yoga as a teenager when her mom brought her to her first yoga class after discovering she had scoliosis. She draws from her own experience of finding balance in her body and mind to compassionately assist others on their own unique path of healing and discovery.

A student for over twenty years, Alix has been teaching yoga since 2007. She is registered with the Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level, recently completing 300 hours of training with her teachers Tias and Surya Little of Prajna Yoga based in Sante Fe, New Mexico. She received her Yoga for Scoliosis Teacher Trainer certification through senior Iyengar teacher Elise Miller, and continues to study yoga for back care and scoliosis with Deborah Wolk from NYC.

As a licensed massage therapist, Alix brings a deep understanding of anatomy and alignment into her teaching and hands-on adjustments. Alix offers group classes, private sessions, retreats, and workshops specializing in yoga therapeutics and back care both locally and internationally.

Alix finds inspiration and solace in nature and spends her free time exploring the outdoors through rock climbing, hiking up mountains, skiing, and surfing. At home, she enjoys gardening, cooking, playing music, and lying in savasana.

 

True Nature Travels Blog

One of the main questions asked by people who are planning on attending a yoga retreat is how to prepare properly for the experience. Even if you’ve been to a yoga retreat before, every one is different so you can’t be certain that you’re ready mentally or physically to attend. If this will be your first ever yoga retreat, you’re probably a little worried about whether you’ll be able to manage everything that’s expected of you and you’re probably thinking that if you could just be better prepared you’d feel more relaxed when you finally arrive at your destination. After all, most people don’t do yoga for two or more hours every day, and certainly not for several days in a row, so it isn’t surprising that some people are naturally a bit worried that they won’t be able to keep up with the other yogis when they arrive.

The good news for yogis old and new is that there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. You’ll cope just fine, however often you’ve practiced yoga. Even if you’re completely new to it, you’ll find that you can manage perfectly well since you can just work at your own pace and explore your practice in the way that best suits you.

However, if you’re still worrying about how you’re going to ensure that you’re completely ready, here are some top tips to reassure you and get you ready for your yoga retreat experience so that you can have maximum enjoyment.

1.Keep Up With Your Practice

It’s a pretty obvious tip, but if you keep practicing before you head off to your retreat, you’ll feel more mentally and physically prepared when you arrive.

If possible, add in a couple more classes and keep your practice as balanced as possible trying different styles. A couple of weeks before you set off is definitely not the right time to begin advanced postures if they’re new to you – you don’t want to get injured just before the retreat – so hold off for a while. Even if those postures do come up while you’re at the retreat you can just explore them then.

2.Pack Light

There is absolutely no need to take tons of stuff with you to a yoga retreat, so part of your preparation should centre around what not to take rather than what you should be putting in your suitcase. You definitely won’t need 20 pairs of yoga leggings and you won’t be wearing makeup or using a hair dryer. Just pack light and keep luggage to a minimum. You’ll probably wear the same few outfits repeatedly because it’s simple and convenient, and there’s no primping or preening at a yoga retreat. Everyone just accepts each other as they are, whether they’ve got frizzy hair, bad skin or the same clothes every day!

3.Think About Your Goals

Before you go to a yoga retreat, one of the key things you should be doing is thinking about your goals. What is your sankalpa or intention for your retreat? Why do you want to go to a yoga retreat at all? What do you want to get out of it? Perhaps you want to learn to meditate more effectively, or perhaps you want to widen your yoga practice. Maybe you’re keen to rejuvenate yourself and get some deep relaxation, or maybe you’re looking for a stronger connection with yourself. Some people go to yoga retreats to heal themselves spiritually, physically and emotionally. Whatever your reasons, you should make sure that you acknowledge them and honour them. Sometimes, that will mean that when you’re at the retreat you should let go of your barriers and be brave, or sometimes it means that it’s ok to skip a yoga practice so that you can take a walk or sleep in. You need to be completely aware of yourself to get the most benefit from the experience.

4.Eat Mindfully

A yoga retreat usually offers you the chance to eat some amazing, healthful food with minimal processed products, no caffeine, alcohol or meat. That means that it can be a bit of a shock for your body if you’re used to eating fast food and sugary snacks and drinking gallons of coffee and wine.

When you’re preparing for your retreat, cut back on processed foods and flush the toxins from your system a couple of weeks before you head off. Try including more vegetables, fruits and whole foods into your daily eating plan so that you already feel good inside and out, all ready to find a more radiant and healthy self on your retreat.

5.Find Out About The Destination

When you’re heading off to a yoga retreat overseas one of the best things is getting to know an exciting new country with its own culture, heritage and sights to explore. Find out more about the place that you are visiting and learn about what that region is best known for. See if you can find sufficient time to plan in excursions so that you can really immerse yourself in the full experience of the country you are going to. Learning more about the destination that you’re going to will also get you more excited about your trip and will get you in the right frame of mind to maximise the experience.

Above all, when heading off to a yoga retreat, no matter where in the world it may be, you need to manage the expectations that you have about what you’re going to get out of the experience. Asking the retreat leader about anything you’re concerned about or anything you need clarified before you go is very important so that you’ll be well prepared for what everything will be like. If it’s your first retreat you are naturally probably quite nervous, and having the reassurance of a clear idea of what you can expect will prepare you mentally and physically for what is sure to be an amazing experience for you.

This infographic is brought to you by TantraYogaThailand.com