Yes, yes, yes! Gratitude for our Hiking + Mindfulness Retreat

Photo by Catherine Anne Curtis

Photo by Catherine Anne Curtis

Photo by Missy Hatch

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. ​

 I was able to experience São Miguel in all it's beauty & enchantment, a healthy daily yoga practice, hiking in the hills, and getting to know some of its people - participant testimonial 

There are many yoga retreats out there. Yoga Azores retreats will always stay true to the richness and authenticity of the practice and integrate it to the energy and elements of nature in the Azores. 

As residents of the islands our retreats not only provide the teachings and practices of yoga, but also an understanding of where you are, an invitation to feel the earth breathe and an opportunity to connect with the energy of the earth. 

 I feel like I'm thinking about yoga all the time, even when not on the mat. Getting to know myself better I like this feeling. I feel more peaceful - participant testimonial

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

Send me 2019 Retreat Info