Post by Rimi

I glanced across the studio at the unfamiliar faces I met just hours before, in anxious anticipation of whether anyone would join me in the deep guttural "LAM" chant I led us through in our first class. 

Our Hiking + Mindfulness Retreat was our first as Yoga Azores, taught by Mandy Brinkley and myself. We were joined by 11 incredible women who started as strangers and left as as sisters. It was truly touching to see the impact that our practice can have on us and as individuals and as a group.

We chanted LAM in a resounding vibration, grounding us into our muladhara (root chakra). Each day that followed we explored VAM, RAM, and other beeja mantras as well as asana, mudra and meditation that guided us through each chakra and element (earth, water, fire, air, ether). 

We meditated in nature, got to know one another on cliff hikes and through enchanted forests. We ooo'd and aaah'd in the warm thermal waters of the volcanic hot springs. And we sang. ​

We hope you'll join us on our next Yoga Azores retreat, April 6-12, 2019 and October 26 - Nov. 2. 

A little look into the background and world of Yoga Azores co-founder Mandy in our teacher highlight series. 

What got you into yoga?
When I was 21 I lived in Singapore for a few months and visited other south east Asian countries whilst there. It opened my eyes to different ways of understanding the world. I became interested in Buddhism and read lots of books about it - in one of them Yoga was mentioned so I looked for a yoga book. There began my first dip into yoga with Richard Hittleman's 28 day exercise plan! I didn't take it that seriously but it was something that I kept coming back to. Then upon return to England I started going to classes. What really 'got me into it' was realising that here was something that addressed body, heart and mind and I felt better for doing it.
What is yoga to you?
A practice. A way of life. A way of understanding the world. My practice on the mat  includes mindful movement, breathing, mantra, mudra, reflection and meditation. For me the main practice is meditation because it is the most direct way to experience yoga. I am really interested in all the ways we practice and experience yoga off the mat.
How do you practice sustainability or social awareness?
Moving to the Azores from England was largely motivated by a desire to try to live in a more sustainable way. We live in a yurt which is a very low impact dwelling and have a couple of sheds for our kitchen space etc. We compost everything, including our own waste, we generate our electricity via solar and wind, we use all of our grey water on the garden, we grow a lot of our own food (organically), we buy very little stuff apart from food that we can't grow and a few extras. Every decision I make, especially when consuming, has the question 'what is/has been the impact of this to the environment and people?'. So that means being mainly vegan and always going for organic and fair trade when it is an option. 
What do you love about the Azores?
Well, speaking from the perspective of this little Azorean island of Santa Maria, I love the quiet, the nature, the lack of pollution, the laid back culture, the slow pace and the climate!
What are you grateful for today?
My beautiful daughter Ostara who reminds me every day of all that is good in the world.

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The moon shone bright overhead, a positive omen and reflection of what was to come. Children gathered around the gong, innocently aware of its powerful vibrations. We all felt a bit giddy, warmed by the thermal waters, floating gently toward each other. 

There was something truly magical about this experience. 

In the first week of January on São Miguel island, locals and visitors soaked in the hot thermal waters of Terra Nostra Garden, guided by Arnbjörg Kristín Konráðsdóttir, who led us in the first Yoga in Water event in the Azores.  

Inextricably linked to her home in Iceland (both are on the same Mid-Atlantic ridge), São Miguel gave Arnbjörg an opportunity to make recordings for her new album, which will be out soon on www.peaceresound.com. 

Yoga Azores' mission is to connect the global yoga community to the Azores and the Azores to the global yoga community. Many locals gained their first ever sound therapy experience and their first yoga in water class. We proudly enabled a powerful exchange of culture and experience, aligned with our mission, in our first event of 2017. 

We intend to offer community events with every international retreat and workshop we bring to the Azores. Are you interested in hosting an event here? Contact us!

What got you into yoga?
Yoga just happened to me. Walking in East Village, Manhattan I once saw a sign about yoga classes in a place that looked like a temple. I got curious and went in for my
first yoga class and since then yoga never left me. It just feels like the right
thing for me. Yoga made me realize that I belong to something. And exploring
this feeling of belonging through yoga made me a better person. Also, it makes feel wonderful and calm.
What is yoga to you?
For me yoga is everything. Is a way of living, seeing and acepting life. It's getting to know myself on a daily basis, taking care of myself and continually learning through my actions and thoughts. It is my journey of awareness into love and relaxation.
How do you practice sustainability or social awareness?
I recycle, I make my own soap (soon I will start with laundry detergent, softner
and toothpaste). I try to avoid all products that are tested on animals and
the ones with palm tree oil (which is very difficult, most of all the
products have palm oil). I usually look for organic and local produts.
What do you love about the Azores?
Everything! I like the feeling of living in a tiny point in the middle of
atlantic ocean. Being surrounded by nature, allows me to realize how lucky
I am for the gift of being alive.
What are you grateful for today?
Grateful for having a crazy wonderful family and friends. For all the
people that crossed my path and allowed me to grow, for being born on this
special "rock" of the Azores, the gift of being alive.

Contact Daniela to take a class! 

We've criss-crossed the island over the past few months personally vetting options for yoga workshops and retreats. We seek venues that support the local community and are committed to sustainable tourism. Below are four of our top picks in São Miguel.

Why it's on our list: quinta minuvida orchard lodge celebrates the traditional Azorean fruit orchard with an acre of enclosed fruit frees, gardens and pathways. Guests are immersed in Azorean culture, food, and natural wonders through the hosts' on-site organic cuisine and experiences in hiking and food. 
Yoga + Workshop spaces: A new indoor yoga studio with adjacent outdoor patio and grill area. There are also several outdoor spaces, including a roof terrace and pool deck.
Great for: Intimate retreat groups (up to 13 participants) who want to stay in a boutique B&B farmhouse with creative organic meals offered on-site. 
Room types: Five spacious suites, each with en suite bathrooms. Capacity of up to 13, including the host teacher. 
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double suite in low season range between 75 and 85 euros per night.

*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages, including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics. 

Why it's on our list: Caloura Hotel Resort is a 4-star facility on five acres of environmentally protected land. Caloura Hotel promotes endemic plants, uses local products in food and events and invests in employee wellness.
Yoga + Workshop spaces: Multipurpose conference room with ocean views can fit up to 40 people.
Great for: Larger retreats (over 15 people) who want the resort experience.
Room types: 80-room hotel with pool, private ocean access to natural swimming pools, nearby beach, and on-site restaurant and bar.  
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double room in low season range between 80 and 90 euros per night.
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*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics. 

Why it's on our list: Quinta do Bom Despacho is committed to sustainability with it's state-of-the-art composting toilets, natural swimming pool and edibles forest offering guests organic fruits and veggies and fresh eggs to use in self catering kitchens.
Yoga + Workshop spaces: A charming indoor space for smaller groups (less than 10 participants) and several covered outdoor spaces in the gardens.
Great for: Retreats that want to focus on sustainable living concepts, desire the option to cook meals and seek a city setting (downtown PDL is about a 15 minute walk).
Room types: 10 double bedrooms, 7 of which share bathrooms. Capacity of up to 30 people.
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double room in low season range between 50 and 60 euros per night.
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*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics. 

Why it's on our list: Archipels is a quaint "ashram" style guesthouse in remote Faial de Terra. Archipels runs a small organic farm growing fresh fruits and veggies for guests. The guesthouse is also walking distance to the small town, beach, and great hiking trails.
Yoga + Workshop spaces: The school adjacent to the guesthouse offers a beautiful wooden floor room as a yoga space. 
Great for: Retreats that seek a more secluded and remote setting. A budget-friendly option with tastefully appointed, basic accommodation.
Room types: 7 double / triple rooms, all of which share bathrooms. Capacity of up to 14 people.
Price range*: Average room rates for shared double room in low season range between 40 and 50 euros per night.
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*These prices are "a la carte" room rates only in low season between October and May. Contact Yoga Azores for retreat packages including use of yoga spaces, inclusion of meal program and other specifics.