After six days of yoga and detox I feel like a million dollars. Days three and four were hard work (not the detox but the yoga - stiff, sore muscles had to be gently coaxed out of bed at 5.40 am but they came around eventually). I love this photo of me with the two wonderful friends who came all the way from NZ to join me on this retreat. Wendie (in the middle) is an absolute champion, she has never really done yoga before and yet she made it through the daily morning session which lasted between two and half and three hours. I was aching and I have some preparation. Mary (at the back) is a natural at yoga with the kind of natural flexibility that I some days dream about, and she makes every pose look graceful.
I have had the most fabulous week imaginable, but I learned one thing that I didn't expect. Even when you get in touch with your true inner voice, the answers to your questions are not always clear. My heart can tell me many things, but there are many things unknown even to my deepest self-knowledge. So now I need to bring what I have uncovered from my true heart together with what I can find out in other places and I hope that clarity will begin to emerge. I may not have a clear answer but I am happy that I know my own true feelings as a foundation for whatever choice I end up making.
Here we are again, in our fabulous outdoor yoga hall, which had views over the ocean and the sounds of nature wakening as we practiced every morning.
So fantastic!
This line really hit me: "Even when you get in touch with your true inner voice, the answers to your questions are not always clear."
It's true, isn't it? We work really hard to clarify and understand everything, but it does not all come at once. There are yet more lessons to be learned in the process.
Again, I am so glad that you had this wonderful week of retreat.
xoxoxo
Posted by: ceanandjen | June 15, 2007 at 11:40 PM
2 1/2 - 3 hours of yoga - impressive! The photographs are perfect - what a beautiful setting and experience. And what amazing memories you three are creating for yourselves. I know what you mean about questions not being always clear, even after much self-reflection. I'm experiencing that myself. Sigh...it's a big lesson in patience, isn't it? :)
Posted by: susanna | June 16, 2007 at 12:38 AM
Life takes us on this journey to discovery but there are always new things to discover! I guess that's what makes us cling to life so desperately sometimes...
Your yoga retreat looks and sounds fabulous and just what you needed- but even more sweet is being with dear friends...
xo
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | June 16, 2007 at 07:38 AM
Wow. This:
"I learned one thing that I didn't expect. Even when you get in touch with your true inner voice, the answers to your questions are not always clear. My heart can tell me many things, but there are many things unknown even to my deepest self-knowledge. So now I need to bring what I have uncovered from my true heart together with what I can find out in other places and I hope that clarity will begin to emerge."
Hit me right between the eyes. I seriously need to sit and sit with THAT one.
Your retreat sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.
And 2.5 hrs of yoga? I am sore (yet enlightened) just thinking about it!
Posted by: Mardougrrl | June 17, 2007 at 10:39 AM
Look at you lovely ladies! Needless to say I am absolutely green with envy. In terms of finding all the answers and understanding and clarifying everything, is this attainable or even desirable? Most of my world is an absolute mystery to me. I guess we just need to go easy on ourselves as we try to understand our feelings and desires and our place in the world as much as possible. You are becoming an expert in 'letting go' though, so I think you are streaks ahead of me!
Kisses to you and M especially.
Posted by: immy | June 18, 2007 at 05:41 PM
So glad to see that you are replenishing your energy source. Stand firm, friend.
Posted by: homeinkabul | June 18, 2007 at 09:30 PM
You women are fantastic. egad, wish I were there.
Posted by: Maryam in Dhaka | June 19, 2007 at 12:38 AM
I'm just catching up on your posts of the last couple weeks and SO glad you have the opportunity-so beyond earned- to get some R&R in such a beautiful part of the world. I hope it is rejuvenating far beyond your expectations! I continue to be amazed and in deep admiration of your work and courage. I also owe you a card!!! I apologize for my flakiness of epic proportions these days. Sending you a hug!
Posted by: Alexandra | June 19, 2007 at 08:26 PM
I have blogged about Khaled Hosseini's book signing at my town. You are welcome to stop by and have a look at his picture.
Posted by: Frieda | June 20, 2007 at 10:49 AM
This sounds absolutely divine. I have been exercising a lot more than usual lately and can relate to your soreness!
Posted by: Swirly | June 20, 2007 at 07:57 PM
what a wonderful experience to share with your friends. you inspired me to take a look at the Radiance Retreat website. i live on the East Coast of Australia and would love to venture up to Byron for a week. do you think the classes be too tough for someone with a permanent injury? i'll send them a note and ask.
thank you for sharing your travel tales!
best wishes,
amy
Posted by: amy | June 21, 2007 at 09:14 AM