This Rumi quote came up on my newsfeed this morning and it instantly caught my attention. I know this sounds cliche, but the timing for this quote is perfect…. especially with the new year just around the corner. This week I will be taking a little extra time in meditation and quiet reflection to get clear on my intentions for the upcoming year. How about you?
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” ~Rumi
Love and Light in the New Year,
Autumn
Rick Steves says it’s time to go to Greece and we’re going to Ithaca for our June Greek Island Yoga Retreat. Thanks for the validation Rick Steves! Greece is cheaper than ever. According to Rick Steves article in USA Today “Hotel prices are down, the normally warm Greek hospitality has ratcheted up a few notches, and roads outside of Athens are essentially traffic-free, as higher gas prices have caused locals to cut down on inessential driving. The downsides (shorter hours at sights, reduced long-distance bus service, occasional strikes) are noticeable, but not reason enough for you to postpone a trip. All the things you’re looking for in a trip to Greece — mouthwatering food, deep-blue water, striking scenery and the thrill of connecting with ancient history — are all here waiting for you … at a cheaper price.”
Summer 2020 we’re hosting our Luxury Greek Island Yoga Retreat on the serene island of Lefkada at the gorgeous Urania Villas from June 27- July 6, 2020. And we’re offering the retreat at an awesome price (starting at $2298 USD).
Many are concerned about the influx of refugees in Greece and there is no doubt that their presence is visible on the mainland and near the island of Lesbos. The arrival of refugees in Greece, while taxing on local resources, hasn’t affected the communities on Lefkada or Kefalonia (both are in the Ionian). On the islands of the Ionian Sea it’s business as usual… beautiful seas, friendly people and delicious food. As a whole Greece remains to be a safe place to travel and is still recommended by USA Today, CNN, Time, Travel & Leisure, and the United Kingdom. Now is our opportunity to help Greece recover from its fiscal woes and support Greece’s tourism industry, which makes up a whopping 15% of their economy.
Are you traveling to Greece this summer? Here is a little travel advice summarized from the numerous articles I’ve read.
Our retreat is hosted on the island of Lefkada characterized by it’s laid back vibe and unhurried feel, PLUS it’s also home to ancient ruins. Pretty awesome. And just like all of the other Greek islands it celebrates delicious local cuisine, stunning vistas, charming hamlets and secluded beaches. If you’re interested in joining us for a week of celebrating life’s simple pleasures, erasing the pressures of daily life and enjoying world class yoga, cuisine and accommodation take a look at our retreat.
Lord Ganesh at the Yoga Barn
Congratulations! You’ve been accepted into your favorite teacher’s teacher training in Bali. Now what??? Time to start planning and packing for your trip to the tropics. Here is my packing list for my month long teacher training with Zuna Yoga at The Yoga Barn in tropical Ubud.
I may have overpacked compared to some of the other girls in the training, but I used everything I brought. And of all the things I packed I shared the tennis balls the most. Who doesn’t like a little self massage during lecture?
I packed thinking I would want to have enough clean clothes to last me until our first day off, which was about 10 days in. My husband and I were in Bali for nearly 7 weeks and did laundry about once per week. I didn’t always change my clothes after morning practice, but I would recommend packing enough that you have the option to change into clean clothes after a sweaty practice. The Yoga Barn has showers that you can use as well.
I had a hard time finding a good packing list when I was preparing for my trip to Bali, so I hope you find my YTT packing list helpful.
Osho
I’ve been spending a couple hours each week or two organizing all of my notebooks that are full of notes from different workshops and training, random quotes, and class plans and I came across this gem. And I love it!
“The greatest fear in the world is of the opinions of others. And the moment you are unafraid of the crowd you are no longer a sheep, you become a lion. A great roar arises in your heart, the roar of freedom.” ~Osho
Sunset over the Ionian Sea and this beautiful quote from the Upanishads.
I read this quote in my Yin class tonight at Midtown Juniper Yoga. This time of year is a time of introversion and reflection… fall turning to winter. It’s also a time where due to our holiday schedule we spend a bit more time with the family and for some this can bring up a lot of deep seated issues. This quote speaks to that. How can we cultivate more compassion and more love while still practicing ahimsa toward ourselves and them? Remember “attitude is everything”.
Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; for it becomes your destiny.
~Upanishads
Ambuja Yoga