Last week I went for 7 glorious days and nights way in the deep woods for a yoga and nature retreat at Birchdale. This was my second year going and it's safe to say that I'll be back there next year. Everything is perfect out there - no electricity, no highways so no cars, no motorized boats in the lake (only our kayaks and canoes), of course no television, radio, computer or cell phones, no junk food. But lots of bike rides, nature walks, bird watching, delicious organic meals prepared by an ayurvedic chef, three amazing teachers (two from India), restful sleeps and many soothing cups of tea.
But one can never forget the friendships that are forged at this retreat.
Nature forces you to slow down and appreciate what surround's you.
It's kind of like at an ashram where everyone helps out with the chores. This year I was in charge of the flowers in the chapel and lighting all the candles in the chapel before meditation every night.
View from our front porch. The cabins are very rustic (just the way I like it) with a wood stove and fireplace. We had rain for a few days but the rest of the week was nice and sunny. Our day started with one hour of asana, followed by breakfast, than 90 minutes of sutra studies (yoga philosophy), lunch, free afternoons to do whatever activities we wanted (I mostly read and knitted on the front porch of our cabin) than at 4 pm we had another hour of asana practice, supper, meditation and the evenings always ended with a fire in the fireplace, tea and cookies with everyone sitting and chatting.
But one can never forget the friendships that are forged at this retreat.
Nature forces you to slow down and appreciate what surround's you.
It's kind of like at an ashram where everyone helps out with the chores. This year I was in charge of the flowers in the chapel and lighting all the candles in the chapel before meditation every night.
View from our front porch. The cabins are very rustic (just the way I like it) with a wood stove and fireplace. We had rain for a few days but the rest of the week was nice and sunny. Our day started with one hour of asana, followed by breakfast, than 90 minutes of sutra studies (yoga philosophy), lunch, free afternoons to do whatever activities we wanted (I mostly read and knitted on the front porch of our cabin) than at 4 pm we had another hour of asana practice, supper, meditation and the evenings always ended with a fire in the fireplace, tea and cookies with everyone sitting and chatting.
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6 comments:
Glorious. Your floral arrangement is perfect.
ahh yes- so glad you had another lovely year!
Very awesome that you brought le drapeau acadien :)
Thanks Margaret. I added to it as the week progressed.
Eco Yogini - we have our Acadian Flag every year. We are in the cabin ''Elizabeth'' but now it is called within the crowd as the ''Acadian Cabin'' ;-)where the French Connection lives.
Sounds amazing! I think I need a retreat like this once I finish my PhD just to get it completely out of my system! :)
Hi Vickie ~ Glad you had a wonderful retreat , it sounds like the perfect get away. Love the pics and your flowers , they're all beautiful.
~ Be Blessed ~
ahhhhhhh, sounds heavenly! yes, your flower arrangement was beautiful!
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