Why go on a yoga retreat?

Many of you have asked me about my upcoming yoga retreat in Tuscany in October, so I thought I'd give you a little more insight into why I host these retreats.  To be honest, the first time I held a local weekend retreat, it was a way to diversify income on top of teaching public classes, which unfortunately typically do not pay very well.  But during that first retreat, I realized that getting a group of people together outside of their every day routine is a very powerful experience.  And I believe that traveling internationally is a great way to broaden your perspective, open you up to new cultures, and push you out of your comfort zone.  

Speaking of being pushed out of a comfort zone, many of you may not know that the decision to go to Thailand for a month last year without my husband was very difficult for me.  First of all, I thought everyone would think I was crazy to leave for such an extended period of time.  That is not what middle aged, married women do!  And, I have a pretty big fear of flying.  So, the idea of traveling for 24 hours by myself was quite frankly terrifying.  However, my desire to train with a particular teacher was greater than my fear of flying and my fear of the unknown.  So, with the support and encouragement of my husband, I went.  

And I can't even begin to tell you how impactful the entire experience was for me.  First of all, traveling alone reminded me that I am strong, independent, and courageous.  It is so easy to get into a rut and routine, that I had forgotten that I was all those things.  Also, being exposed to an entirely new culture was so exciting, from the food, to the modes of transportation (riding in a tuk tuk is mildly frightening and also exhilarating), to the architecture and the beautiful people.  Traveling is eye opening and enriching.  

Why am I telling you all this?  Because I have talked to some of you who think there is no way you can take a week for yourself.  

• Maybe you think you do not feel you deserve to invest in yourself.  I'm here to tell you that you deserve it!  Many of you have spent so much time investing in others, do not think for one second that you are not worth it.  
   
• Or maybe you are afraid to go by yourself.  I'm here to tell you that you may surprise yourself and will learn that you are strong, capable, and independent.  When you are forced into uncomfortable situations, you will be able to figure out how to handle them, whether it is communicating with someone who does not speak your language (take a hint from me, there will be a lot of hand gestures) or finding your way in a new place.  
   
• Or maybe you are concerned about money.  Believe me, I get this one.  Thailand was a huge investment for me and my husband, and I was very concerned about the cost; however, I will tell you this...I do not miss that money one bit.  I do not look at my bank account and think that I should not have gone.  The entire experience was worth way more to me than the amount of money we paid for that trip. 

So if you have concerns about any of the things listed above, I encourage you to stop and really consider if you are just scared or if you really can't make it work this time around.  Either way, I completely understand.  I just know that this retreat will be a once in a lifetime experience and hope you can come!

So for me, hosting a retreat is not about money any more, although it does help me continue to make a living teaching and doing something I love.  It is about something so much more than that.  To me, the yoga is a way to bring together like-minded people and is a tool to facilitate more beautiful ways for you to grow and expand your horizons, such as travel, relax, dream, make friends, and explore a culture.  You might just find that time away from your every day routine will help you make a change or try some things you have always wanted to try!  

For more information, or to make your deposit, click on the link below!  Or feel free to email me with questions!  

*Please note the deposit is due by 1/31/18 so I can reserve the appropriate number of rooms with the villa.  Payment plans are available.