Click HERE for more info about the 2011 retreat.
Yoga Retreat Reflections 2010 (Yoga Retreat with Robin and Arley) ~ by Debbie Williams
“Hidden among the palm trees, cherished by the turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea, the Shambala Petit Hotel is a secret spot where minimal meets the Mayan Culture.” These are the written words of Owner, Roberto Hernandez, when welcoming us to his retreat on the south beach of Tulum, Mexico.
The turquoise waters of the Caribbean were warm and gentle. 14 of us played in the waves like children. Kayaking, snorkeling, laughing and some of us even swimming at night under the full Autumn moon.
At times, the sea would turn violent during a storm raging with thunder and lightning. One of the most memorable morning practices was during a storm that seemed as if the end of the world was near. Crashing waves, wind, rain, thunder and lightning all swirling around us while we continued our morning practice. It was just like life. All of life’s craziness swirling around us while we remain calm, balanced and strong. We felt focused.
The endless white sand beaches felt like butter under our feet. But something minuscule lurked in the warm sand and the bites we shared are the distinctive marks of our new family. A family that supports each other. A family that shares so many common threads. I hope everybody knows what that feels like. To feel safe within a family.
We witnessed giant turtles returning to the sea after laying hundreds of eggs buried deep in the sand, which, like clockwork, will hatch in exactly 60 days. We felt humbled.
In contrast, we witnessed a hundred baby turtles emerging from their sandy nesting hole being guided by the moonlight searching for the sea. Several were misguided by the light of our Casitas and found themselves swimming in our footbaths. With gentle hands and heartfelt wishes, we carried the small turtles to the vast sea to begin their watery journey, which will surely outlast all of us. We felt helpful.
We practiced yoga twice a day and sank into meditation in the morning and evenings. The yoga room is nothing like what we’re used to. It is a glass enclosed room steps away from the ocean. A tall thatched hut ceiling with white paper lanterns gently swirling over head. The room was heated by the warm, Mayan sun and built around two palm trees growing through the studio and out the roof. Can you picture it? It is fantastic! Not what we’re used to but, it is what it is and it was fantastic! We were accepting.
Arley shared so much knowledge with us. He even shared lum lums, yum, yums and bim bims. Do you know what those are? We do and we feel enlightened.
The picture above was taken on our September 2010 yoga retreat in Tulum, Mexico. We are planning another retreat at the same place August 6 – 13, 2011.
Robin led us through practice every morning. Have you ever seen Robin’s advanced postures? Yowsa! We felt inspired.
Shopping? Playa del Carmen has an amazing shopping district loaded with alley bazaars, stylish boutiques, restaurants, bars and colorful vendors selling breathtaking Mexican art and fun souvenirs to bring home. We (the women) felt happy.
Roberto described his charming property as minimal. The accommodations were minimal. Roberto’s staff was helpful, hard-working and eager to please. And when they surprised us with a washcloth, we were so appreciative! And, after enjoying hibiscus juice, cucumber juice, coconut juice and honey iced tea, you’d think we were drinking nectar from the Gods when they served us fresh, iced, cold water on our last evening. We were so grateful!
Feeling enlightened, inspired, happy, childlike, humbled, supported, focused, safe, accepting, appreciative, helpful and grateful . . . what an amazing week!
Yoga ~ it’s how it makes you feel.
A Yoga Retreat in Tulum – you’ll never forget how you felt.
Testimonials:
“What an amazing week! Memories and words of wisdom I’ll carry with me forever!”
Love you sister, Debbie
“What a privilege to be here in Tulum to contribute to the unique experience of showing up – to become extraordinary to my full potential – and to share love so pure – learning together to go deeper.” -Joycelyn
“Thank you so much for arranging this trip to paradise. It has been an experience I will never forget.” Namaste’, Misty
“Robin, thank you for shining the light so brightly for us all!” -LJ
“This has been a life changing experience and I am grateful to have shared it with you and your fantastic group.” Namaste’, Audrey
“You said we were a gift, but I think it is the other way around. This was fabulous in so many ways.” Love, Diane
“This week has exceeded all my imaginings. Thank you for my “bestest” yoga ever!” Love, AA
“Thanks so much–it has been fun!” With love, John
“Can’t get any more perfect! I thank you so much for this week. Look forward to the next one. Be well! You are loved by all of us.” -Sunny
“A week to remember – thanks to you for making it happen!” Love, Kevin
“Inspirational, you are….thank you hardly touches it!” With Love, Namaste’, Carla
“Thank you for making this trip possible. I will be thinking of it often.” Namaste’, Matt
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark for another person.” -Albert Schweitzer “You have lit the flame within me!” Love, Cristina
“Thanks for your vision in bringing so many great people together to become a special family. Thanks for allowing me to be included.” Amor, Ron
note:
Being Yoga is planning another yoga & meditation retreat the week of August 6 -13, 2011. Click HERE for more info.
