Reflections on the Retreat

sharing laughter over the language of teaching

This weekend, I had the privilege of spending time away from the hustle and bustle of normal life with all of the wonderful Evolution yoga teachers at the Tao of Health in Ira, Vermont.  Nestled in a particularly beautiful section of the Vermont countryside, our little community of yogis got to share a few pieces of our lives with one another.  I’ll disclose a top 10 list of spicy details from the weekend:

1. We started off with a great wine-tasting (very yogic, I know!) and learned the ins and outs of wine tastes and smells, thanks to Bill O’Connor, wine expert.  We even geeked-out a little by learning how to navigate a vintage wine chart.
2. Experienced some of the most amazing Vegan and Vegetarian foods, cooked by owner/chef Janet Dunn-Davenport.  This kept our bodies well nourished for the weekend of learning, laughing and rejuvenating!
3. LAUGHED long and hard through some uproarious improvisation games, inspired by Kelli Mae’s kid’s classes.  Imagine GROUPS of yoga teachers miming their most hilarious versions of swimmers or even drunk cave miners!
4. Deeeeeep relaxation in Janet’s Yoga Nidra, found volume and space Martha’s Restorative, and Jenn Harris’ Shavasana.
5. Heart pumping: early morning Pranayama with Jane followed by vigorous vinyasa with Danielle!
6. “So, um, but”…learned what NOT to do when teaching yoga!…Alrighty then!
7. Partner yoga with Kelli Mae!!!
8. Learned about our bodies in the adjustment clinic and 5-minute consults with Janet Carscadden, PT and yoga teacher!!
9. Patrick’s INDIA SLIDESHOW!!!
10. Iyengar with Lydia and Movement Patterns with Annelies = lots of new knowledge about how our bodies move.

Since we’ve been back, my heart feels fuller and there is a buzz, a calmness that seems easy to settle in.  I am so grateful to be a part of such a great community and am lucky to be able to share this feeling with the rest of the community at large.  Keep smiling!

NAMASTE~

Jamie