After cleansing with clients for several years, we have witnessed firsthand how transformational and healing it can be to purify the body. By releasing old toxins the body renews its ability to absorb vital nutrients and heal on many different levels. With our continued exposure to environmental toxins, food additives, chemical medications and stressful lifestyles, the need to cleanse is becoming even more apparent.

Based on Chinese philosophy, we have crafted the 5 Elements Detox Retreat to address each major organ in the body and have specifically selected whole foods & juices to support the detoxification of that organ. In addition, we use an optional 3-day juice fast and the powerful healing of acupuncture, yin/yang yoga, meditation and yoga nidra to aid in this cleansing process, taking it to a deep cellular level.

During the retreat, we also incorporate and practice mindful or intentional resting. Now more than ever, people are filled to threshold with responsibilities and daily demands. If feeling energetically tired or burned out, this can be a transformative aspect that helps to further replenish where one feels depleted.

We want to support you in your own healing process and in becoming the most optimal You! Join us this season to uncover hidden stagnation and strengthen the life force within. Feel more enriched and vibrant, with results that are sustainable and life enhancing.

In wellness,
Joy, Quen & Deva Mitra

For time immemorial, yogis, some known as the Pine Forest sages, have taken sabbatical from their families, work and villages to go explore the inner space of their own Heart, Mind and Body. They would leave for extended periods of time and go deep into the jungle to practice yoga together, making offering and fully stepping into their own forest of life that is feeling and thought. Practicing yoga, meditation and sharing stories in satsang with their teacher, the Pine jungle sages awaken to the Ecstatic Dance, their own Dance of Bliss and make offering before going back into the currents of their own householder life, forever shifted, deeply connected to their Spirit and a deep awareness and understanding of their own Heart.

Our fast paced westernized urban culture can often knock our physical, emotional and spiritual bodies out of balance with the natural rhythms of the earth. The great benefit of doing all three immersions back to back in the jungle is the opportunity created to truly immerse and invest in
ourselves. By being physically spacious from our householder lives, deep in Nature, fully engaged in learning and practicing how to align and sync up our physical body, sharing in the rich stories of experience in a supportive space with other heart inspired Jungle sages – this is the catalyst for true change. The space created by not having the day to day callings of western life creates the outer space to explore and cultivate the inner space. The experience of being immersed in the jungle allows us to rebalance with the the circadian rhythms, the natural cycles of existence, day/night, sun/moon and the seasons. The immersion in the jungle, whether back to back, a combination of two, or just one, will invite you to make a shift that will ripple through lifetimes.

~The Goddess Circle as a healing path~

The earth-based tradition of the Goddess Circle is physically when a group of women sit in a circle around an altar of candles forming a circle.

The spiral dance and natural essence of the cycle of life begins to reveal itself, simply by the act of forming a circle.

First, we look at acknowledging the elements and directions of Earth (North), Air (East), Fire (South) and Water (West) and how they pertain to the cycles of our lives, Air-East-Springtime is our Birth, Summer-South-Fire is the Maiden, Autumn-West-Water is the Mother and Winter-North-Earth is the Crone. Plus, there is an energy that each woman can relate to as a memory or thought about how we feel during these times in our lives. We are given the opportunity have an audience of the other women hearing our story and us hearing them in the safety of the circle. There is a feeling of connectedness and magic that comes from hearing your own story within another woman’s story. And, to know that we are not separate, but always ONE!

These are ancient gifts that women have given to each other for centuries.

We are embodying the Return of the Divine Feminine as we show up, to sit in circle, and share our hearts desires, for each other and ourselves.

It is truly an honor and blessing to share these traditional gifts with you.

From my heart to yours~*~

When it was over, I wanted to continue. In fact, I felt a deep and primal yearning to continue.

Sunday had arrived, signaling the end of our cleanse. But I had found the cleansing and Yoga combination to be an eminently healthful and sublime alternative, to all the various unhealthy addictions that one encounters in modern life: junk food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine. The experience with Inward Bound and Hacienda del Sol had proven to be the antithesis of all that. And despite consuming negligible calories for the week, I was not hungry. My body intuitively craved the cleansing and weight loss, so much more than the calories.

The experience showed me that there is no healthy weight loss without cleansing, and vice versa. The two go hand-in-hand. I also found that there is no separation between mind and body. I found greater clarity and peace of mind, not to mention better sleep, to augment the looser clothes. I found that what is good for the body is good for the mind, and vice versa. Much of what I experienced with Inward Bound & Hacienda del Sol was, for me, revelatory.

I have already incorporated these lessons into my daily life. And I recommend a similar cleanse for anyone else suffering from modern-day addictions or pollutants. I found the experience to be quite easy and natural, with the support of about a dozen like-minded quality people.

~We’re deeply grateful for all the feedback and heartfelt thoughts our guests share with us. Both Quen & I feel that it is a privilege to walk this path with you.~

First, I have brought on a partner. A lovely woman named Quen Koetter has joined me at the helm of Inward Bound. Quen is smart, funny, beautiful (inside and out) and as committed as I am to truth-seeking (did I mention she’s a Virgo?) and has a sexy accent. Simply put, if you don’t know her already, you have to meet (and will therefore love) Quen!

Second, we have a ‘new’ brand identity and a redesigned website that we are quite excited to announce. Our new direction, logo, strap line and overall feel is a direct reflection of the thoughtful combination of our heartfelt, core passions: yoga + food + awareness.

*We reflected and reviewed – and decided that it is our mission to transform the yoga vacation into an intentional, life-altering retreat.* And at the crux of it all: It is our intention is to create space and provide tools for subtle yet radical transformation.

During this re-branding process, I like to call it our Inward Bound “revitalization party” (time to trim the fat and get real about what we really want to do and share, people!) Quen and I talked for days about what matters to us and what we know to be true in our own lives. It was powerful. In our experience, we have seen raw and healing foods drastically change people’s health – and change/save lives. We’ve witnessed and experienced the profound effects of an inspired, dedicated teacher and a committed practice, and we’ve felt how increased awareness can expand your life. So, imagine integrating these three fundamentals in a consistent, balanced way? With this approach it is possible, or rather, highly probable, to experience more vibrancy, clarity, purpose and connection to source.

With this in mind, our retreat weeks have been crafted to include and thoughtfully combine the practices of yoga (or some type of mind-body movement), food (conscious consumption and/or holistic nutrition) and awareness (satsang, meditation and inquiry). Depending on the retreat, the emphasis might be more concentrated on one of these aspects, but our chief aim is to bring these three fundamentals to all of our programs. So, whether you are choosing a Cleanse or Goddess Retreat week or an Anusara Immersion or Training, you will explore this three tiered approach and find a more balanced, energy-giving way to be in and experience your daily life. Because guess what dear people? …we don’t attract what we want, we attract what we are. In other words, we are directly responsible/accountable for our lives and what we’re experiencing. And we are what we consume – literally via the food we eat, and also on the mental, emotional and energetic fields (we all know how draining a negative person or bad news, etc can be.)

Please have a look, and hopefully take a tour, through our new site and menu and let us know your thoughts. And, if you’re a social media maven, please join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (we promise not to tweet bathroom or too many kombucha tea breaks – only the good stuff!) We will also be happily working with bay bird inc pr to help spread the love.

In vibrant wellness,
joy*
joy@inwardbound.com

Lastly, and on a more personal note, I had a beautiful baby girl in September and she has busted my heart wide open! My birthing experience, and motherhood, has really made me reevaluate my choices on all levels and even more deeply commit to living as healthfully as possible – for myself, my family and our planet.
pura vida

Anusara Yoga Jungle Immersion 2
with B.J. Galvan & Jack Harrison
Hacienda del Sol
San Juanillo, Costa Rica
March 31 – April 7, 2012

Join us at Hacienda del Sol in San Juanillo, Costa Rica for a very special, one of a kind Anusara Yoga Jungle Immersion. We invite you to cross a threshold and deepen your yoga practice on every level. Through focused studies of the life affirming philosophy underlying the Anusara Yoga tradition, deep practice embodying the Universal Principles of Alignment™, and stimulating conversation with other like hearted yogin you will experience a transformational and exciting spiritual, physical and mental journey into the ecstatic core of your own heart. B.J. Galvan, Jack Harrison and Inward Bound combine the Anusara Yoga Immersion 2 curriculum with music, mythology and raw and living foods to create a unique Anusara retreat experience.

Our Yoga Jungle Immersion 2
Retreat includes:
- Anusara Yoga Immersion 2
- 7 nights accommodation at Hacienda del Sol
- All daily meals (70% raw & living foods,
eggs available & fish offered several times)
- Skin cleansing clay baths
- Evening kirtans & folklore stories
- Personal free time to explore the area
- Optional $60 excursion (Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding or Hiking)

Immersion 2 -
The Illumined Heart

Curriculum for the week:
* Deeper exploration of the UPA’s and Level 1 Syllabus
* Level 2 Syllabus poses introduced
* Historical Overview of 3 main schools of Yoga Philosophy
* Overview of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali & Astanga Yoga
* Classic and Tantric perspectives on the specific sutras of Patanjali’s Sutras
* Malas, Kleshas & Jaladhara Bandha
* Tantra philosophy, Metaphysics and Cosmology
* Tantric texts – Intro to The Spendor of Recognition and Tattvas
* Deeper practices of Pranayama & Meditation
* Yoga Anatomy – Main muscles in Shoulders and Hips, Joints in Arms and Legs

Pre-Requisites for Immersion 2:
* Anusara Immersion 1
* Or permission from the Immersion instructor

Required Books for Immersion 2:
* Master Immersion Booklet by John Friend
* Teacher Training Manual by John Friend
* Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain
* Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – any translation

These can be purchased at the Anusara.com online bookstore.

Reading and Homework for Immersion 2:
* Master Immersion Booklet – Pages 1-22, 23, 23-41, Level 2 Syllabus
* Teacher Training Manual – Chapters 2-7, Chapter 10
* Anatomy of Movement – Chapters 6 and 7
* Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Additional items to bring:
* Journal and pens
* Yoga mat, water bottle and sweat towel
* Your own props if necessary
* Snacks

B.J. Galvan, Certified Anusara Instructor,
Reiki Master, and HypnoBirthing expert
B.J. Galvan has an energizing presence and is contagiously uplifting. In 1999, she began a steady yoga practice, and after an intense year of Astanga she discovered and aligned with the path of Anusara yoga. Aside from the deep appreciation of her teachers Jordan and Martin Kirk, Sianna, Darren, Noah and Desiree, B.J. is grateful for having been blessed with the opportunity to extensively travel the U.S., Australia, and Europe, studying with, apprenticing, and assisting master yoga teacher and the founder of Anusara, John Friend. Passionate about the practice, B.J. inspires students to align with the power of grace and their own intentions within. She will guide and assist you to transform, heal and awaken to the unique expression of beauty and goodness that is your divine essence.

Jack Harrison, Yoga Instructor, Singer,
and Folklorist
Jack Harrison is a yoga teacher, singer and folklorist. Creator of heavenly music and heroic stories, he has over 30 years of experience and has recently begun to blend yoga, music and mythology together in his Spanda Yoga Music workshops. He is an experienced Anusara Inspired and Ashtanga Yoga teacher.

“Wind Across the Sea” has received wide critical acclaim. His third released album is called “The Enchanted Island”.

Prices for the Jungle Immersion 2 Retreat week:
Hacienda del Sol
Single Occupancy (with private bathroom): US$1,645.00*
Double Occupancy (with private bathroom): US$1,395.00* per person
Single Occupancy (without private bathroom): US$1,595.00*
Double Occupancy (without private bathroom): US$1,345.00* per person

*Early bird discount, prices will increase by $200.00 after January 24th, 2012.

Inward Bound offers a comprehensive Anusara Yoga Immersion curriculum. In addition to Anusara Yoga Immersion 2, Inward Bound offers Anusara Yoga Immersion 1 and Anusara Yoga Immersion 3. Discounts are available when you register for 2 or more Immersion weeks:

A $100.00 discount will be given per person if you register for 2 Immersion weeks consecutively (for example, Level 1 & 2) and a $250.00 discount will be given per person if you register for all 3 Immersion weeks.

You can reserve your space with a $500.00 non-refundable deposit. Balance will be due on February 24th, 2012.

To reserve your space on multiple Immersions, we are asking for a non-refundable deposit of $1500.00. Balance will be due on February 24th, 2012.

What is an Anusara Yoga Immersion?
¿Que es una Inmersion de Anusara Yoga?
(Transferencia directa el folleto en Español)

For those with a dream to teach Anusara Yoga, this is the perfect opportunity to create a solid foundation from which to build from. It is the first step for those wishing to embark on the path of teaching Anusara Inspired Yoga. Although the immersions do not give instruction on how to teach yoga, it is an appropriate gateway for those who are already teaching Yoga, or those with the desire to become an Inspired or Certified Anusara Yoga® Instructor. The immersions are not designed to give instructions on how to teach, so there is no pressure to teach, only the empowering knowledge of the deeper aspects of the fundamental teachings of Anusara Yoga. (For more information on the requirements for Inspired or Certified designations, please go to www.anusara.com)

The immersion curriculum consists of a three-phase series totaling 108 hours and designed for anyone wishing to gain a comprehensive understanding of Anusara Yoga. Completion of immersions 1, 2, and 3 is a prerequisite for participating in an Anusara Yoga Level 1 Teacher Training.

The Immersion offers you an invitation to awakening, a venue for making meaningful friendships within a global community of other like-hearted, like-minded yogin, and it is exciting spiritual, physical and mental voyage into the core of Anusara Yoga teachings. The immersion provides the tools, the guide you need to engage life skillfully and move from that ecstatic place in your heart, on the mat and out in the world.

Shakti’pata anusarena shishyo ‘nugraha arhati – Kularnava Tantra 14.38

How to get to Hacienda del Sol:
San Juanillo is just over a 2 hour drive from the airport at Liberia, Costa Rica. Liberia Airport is served by Delta, American, US Air and Continental. Delta has also added a direct flight from Los Angeles to Liberia around the weekend.

The closest airport to San Juanillo (for domestic flights within Costa Rica) is Nosara. For your convenience, you can fly from San Jose to Nosara via a domestic commuter airline, flights are approx. 45 minutes in duration. For more information, prices, schedules & weight restrictions (small and strictly enforced), please contact:

- Sansa Airlines: www. flysansa.com
(Located at the International Airport, San Jose)
- Nature Air: www.natureair.com
(Located at Pavas Airport, a domestic airport 35 minutes from the International Airport)

The package price does not include transfers from Liberia or Nosara Airport however we would be delighted to assist with arranging your transportation arriving to and from San Juanillo. Please email Josh for more information: haciendadelsolcr@gmail.com

If you have any further questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to call us on +1 (843) 277 1479 or email us at hello@inwardbound.com.

On this note, I had the wonderful pleasure to interview Rita Trieger, who I deeply admire, and who seems to have this optimal balanced living down pat, or at least the right attitude about it.
Rita is the editor-in-chief of both Fit Yoga Magazine and Fit Magazine, and the author of “Yoga Heals Your Back” as well as a meditation cd. Besides her career in publishing, she is a highly regarded yoga teacher who works with numerous students as well as cancer patients.
Side note: I’m also thrilled to have Rita, along with Bruce Bassock, teaching for inward bound in Jamaica this March and sharing more of her insights and wisdom on retreat, in person!

Q: Rita, how do you do it “all” and keep your center?

A: For me, having a sense of humor is the key to staying centered. I need to laugh more than once in a while. I don’t get people who are dour all the time.
All of us get caught up in our daily dramas and all of us think that our drama is the drama that REALLY matters. The reality is that none of it matters. We just get attached to the busy-ness — the job, the title, the house, the car etc — and rely on whatever to define who we are; then when we realize [sadly, some people never do] that our attachments are causing us suffering, we get angry, depressed, anxious, and sometimes sick.
I feel fortunate to have two “jobs” – editor and yoga teacher – and they balance each other quite well. Being an editor of a national magazine is stressful. I work for people who are not yogis but my readers demand the magazine hold the integrity of a yogi. It’s a slippery slope more often than not, and for me that is the hardest aspect. I get to practice what I preach on a daily basis.
The stories and the ideas happen very organically – each issue seems to build itself. Very often my assistant editor, Lorraine, and I will look at a newly printed issue in amazement. We know we worked hard on it but it’s always a nice surprise.
And of course I am always grateful to be able to shut down the computer and teach. Even if I am in the foulest mood I will always be smiling afterward. It becomes my yoga practice. I usually teach what I feel I need, and it is always incredible to hear people say, “How did you know what I needed?” I think I “know” because I empathize with the stresses they face.
I often make a point to bring humor into my teaching too. I think it’s important for people to smile, or maybe even get a good belly laugh. Yoga isn’t brain surgery. It’s supposed to make you feel good in every way. Sometimes I’ll tell a funny anecdote while they’re holding a difficult pose. They’ll have these serious looks, and some will be struggling while others will be all full of ego. Then I’ll get to the funny line and everyone snaps out of their heads. The strugglers let go of the tension of “can’t do” and the egotists let go of their “perfection.” Humor allows us to realize what we are attached to, and, that it’s also possible to release attachment to our samskaras.

Q: Can a retreat really help give us tools to deal with life’s little and big challenges?

I especially love teaching on a retreat because the people that partake are seekers. They are giving themselves the space to learn and grow, and are open to experience. That attitude blossoms into a very creative environment resulting in an equal opportunity for the teacher to grow and learn. Destinations like Round Hill add an extra special, even magical dimension that makes the retreat experience even more valuable. Practicing yoga in the beauty of nature reminds us of the origins of the practice as well as our connection to something uniquely profound.

Q: When you write your “Letter from the Editor” each month, how do you decide how much of your personal life to reveal to your readers? Would you speak a bit to your creative process?

When you become a writer the most important lesson is to write what you know. The second lesson is not to be overly earnest.
Generally, I try to think about the overall theme of the issue and tie it back to some personal experience or memory. For example, if we feature a master teacher who is practicing advanced asana, I might discuss my trepidation for handstand, subsequent performance anxiety, and ultimate insight. However, I will often take poetic license to protect my privacy or the privacy of someone I may be writing about, even though the feelings are very real. I think when you reveal your heart it resonates with people even if they don’t agree with what you’re saying. Also, my letters are usually self-deprecating and a little funny, which is always acceptable in polite society, and hardly ever earnest!

Thank you Rita! As someone who is really living and fully engaged in both worlds, you offer such insightful perspective on this topic.

Read more about Rita at Fit Yoga Magazine and for her retreat in Jamaica at Jamaica Me Om

In closing, a friend who advises me regularly, told me that for every hour, or length of time, that she’s fully engaged in working, she gives herself that equivalent time to recharge and regroup. While initially that may sound a bit indulgent, especially to our hard working psyches, I find that by just holding that notion in my awareness I somehow begin to find more, or maybe create more, time and space in my schedule to relax and breathe. My next step is to get out of my left brain and play PLAY more!
(Although I’m still hoping the 4-hour work week will kick in at some point – if I read the book again, learn tango and hire a virtual assistant…maybe, just maybe?)

please email me your thoughts, ideas and insights around this topic.

In gratitude for all,
joy

joy@inwardbound.com

Optimal Practice, Optimal Life with Nixa DeBellis
Exhale Spa
980 Madison Ave, 2nd Floor
Thu 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM
Intermediate
www.exhalespa.com

As I sat facing the Buddha head in the Zen-like studio of Exhale’s Upper East Side location, Nixa DeBellis walked in, a true picture of summer with her blonde hair, flowing white yoga pants and purple tank top.

We began class in supported bridge using the yoga block. Nixa added the first of many twists on a traditional pose by having us bring one foot at a time back alongside our block, pressing the top of our foot into the floor in a Virasana-type leg variation. As Yoga Sleuth struggled to breath evenly into her slightly contorted toes, Nixa introduced us to the idea of “optimization.” She explained that we must constantly reevaluate what is most effective for us from pose to pose, practice to practice, and year to year.

We quickly built heat with a tricky transition of twisting high lunge to twisting crescent, followed by alternating straightening and bending our front leg as we synchronized our arm movements and our breath. During several rounds of this unique sequence, Nixa expanded on the idea of optimization to our lives off the mat, namely our relationships and our jobs.

Our final challenging standing sequence had us moving from standing split to Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana and then gracefully stepping back to the twisting crescent pose we had visited at the beginning of class. By this time, we were more than ready to find our way down to the mat for some less vigorous asana. We cooled down with Salabhasana, Vishnu’s pose and then, an inversion of our choice.

As we floated into a deliciously long Savasana, Nixa reminded us to reevaluate our optimum for that moment to find the deepest relaxation possible. Once Nixa slowly and gently brought us back to sitting, we closed with a single “Om.” It made Sleuth noticed how, at the end of class, the collective “Om” is always perfectly in tune and optimized for that particular group of yogis in that exact moment.

-Alison Richard for Yoga Sleuth

Yin Yoga is often called “the quiet practice” and similar to the restorative style naturally evokes a state of contemplation – more than yang-style practices or power yoga disciplines.  In our predominantly “goal-focused” culture we have become so habituated to look ahead, to improve, and to demand more from ourselves and our bodies. In Yin and Restorative Yoga we have the opportunity to let go into what is already here, to be nourished by being-ness. Instead of pushing, we yield and come home into natural Presence. Instead of being concerned with achieving and doing it ‘right’, we are invited to rest and to re-discover what is here beyond the concepts of right or wrong. We often hear the phrase “go with the flow” – Yin can teach us how to put that phrase into practice. Flow, actually, is about moving from stillness, knowing when to PAUSE instead of always rushing into action. In order to be in balance, it is essential for us to recognize the pause, and to let our doing to be informed by this, by this still openness that we really are.

And, Restorative and Yin Yoga are also great for people who have injuries but want to do something therapeutic, both mentally and physically, for restoration and healing.

Tell me more about the physical aspects of Yin Yoga…
Yin Yoga is suitable for all bodies, ages, shapes and sizes. It offers a perfect complement to a dynamic physical workout or other more yang-style yoga practices. Yin Yoga is a non-threatening yoga and there is never a feeling of having to “keep up” in class.  While most forms of exercise train the muscles and the cardiovascular system through repetition and quicker movements, Yin Yoga focuses on the ’slower tissues’ of the body.  It targets what is usually left out: our ligaments, joints, bones, and fascia – the connective tissues and parts of our body which deteriorate through over-use or degenerate through sedentary live-styles and aging. As we hold poses with the muscles relaxed for long periods of time, we effect passive stretches and therapeutic ‘stresses’ on precisely those body-tissues.  This stimulates and harmonizes the flow of Chi (or Prana) in our body, but more important, we can reverse and slow the usual aging symptoms. We don’t age in our muscles, but in our connective tissues, like our joints get dry, our ligaments shrink, and we feel more brittle and tight. When for example stiffness occurs in our hips or back, it is NOT a muscular problem, but because of our ligaments shrinking and contracting.  So in a Yin practice we cultivate elasticity and re-create space through a gentle pull and wait. This spurs deep releases in the connective tissues, but also stimulates the production of Hyaluronic Acid, which binds water and keeps for example our joints lubricated and young.

What is the difference between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga?
Restorative Yoga uses props to support and hold the body in positions in which it can completely relax and unwind for a longer period of time.  In Yin Yoga, we still ‘exercise’.  Like in Restorative, we also hold poses with the muscles relaxed, but we effectuate long, passive stretches on our joints and ligaments. We target those ’slower tissues’ of the body with a gentle ‘therapeutic stress’.

When the muscles do not engage as in dynamic workouts, they don’t “steal the stretch away,” it is the connective tissue that gets to “exercise.”

Let’s take the example of a Seated Forward Bend, or Pachimottanasana.  In more Yang Yoga styles, you activate your leg muscles, you engage bhandas and the muscles along the spine to lengthen your torso, and then tilt forward from your hip. In the same pose in Restorative Yoga we would place big bolsters and pillows under the torso, so we would lean forward, but resting and supported by the bolsters.  In Yin Yoga we also lean over our extended legs, but with the spine round and the muscles of spine, neck and head relaxed.  We don’t stretch and engage muscles or energetic locks to get deeper into the pose, nor would we support our torso up like in Restorative Yoga.  In Yin we simply hold this pose with the spine bent over the legs for 3 to 5 minutes, and allow gravity and time to do the work. As we are seated and ‘hang’ in there, the ligaments along the spine get slowly pulled and start to extend.  You often can literally feel the many releases along your spine with that.  I certainly can say that my body has opened up so much more in the last 3 years with Yin Yoga. It feels much more subtle, flexible, and energized in a very calm way.

Why should people practice Yin & Restorative Yoga?
Besides the numerous physical benefits we’ve discussed, Restorative & Yin Yoga styles are about including the other part of the equation – the softer more feminine side – of life. Yin and Restorative practices are not better than the more active styles of yoga, but instead can be viewed as a necessary component in our overly active yang culture and fast paced lifestyles.  The feminine side is always about nourishment and restoration. It is about experiencing and celebrating life. The masculine in us is about ‘the mission’, about getting things done, pursuing goals. But besides this necessary balance of Yang and Yin, of action and yielding, the ultimate aim of Yoga is to know our true identity and to reconnect to the sweetness and the openness that we are. Yoga is about the invitation to realize who we really are, it is about the timeless essence, the sacred.  I find that more contemplative practices like Yin or Restorative lend themselves wonderfully to that self-inquiry.  We are not too distracted by alignments or the form of the poses, but have ample space for insight, for stillness, and natural meditation to be revealed.

What is Energy Psychology?
Energy Psychology is a rather new field, but has already become well known, as it has proven to be an amazingly effective therapeutic approach. While in a more conventional therapeutic setting, one’s psychological problems are cognitively analyzed, Energy Psychology targets the underlying energetic component, the energetic field around the thoughts. So, in Energy Psychology the practitioner brings the attention shortly to the psychological issue, but then also notices simultaneously the habitual distress that occurs in the body with that. Through stimulating the energy points one then counteracts and releases the old habitual stress response in the nervous system and brain.  We can actually change our brain “wires” or more correctly put, neural pathways, and regain balance and emotional well-being. While with more severe trauma, personality disorders, or drug abuse, one should always consult and work with a mental health professional, there are nevertheless some simple and very effective tools that everyone can learn to be more relaxed and responsive instead of being driven by outdated anxious reactions.

What can someone expect to gain/receive in the retreat experience? Anything unexpected?
No goal other than creating space for deep nourishment, and letting go, and whatever else shows up that needs to be met and embraced.

Lastly, my signature interview question…what did you have for breakfast this morning?
The Harmony Special – eggs on a corn tortilla with avocado & black beans. Pura vida!

First of all I can’t believe it took me so long to visit Hacienda del Sol.
What an amazing place to be!

So I signed up for this 7-day Cleanse and didn’t really know what to expect.

I am pleasantly surprised!

I love my cabina. It’s important to have a comfortable place to retreat, if need be, when doing a cleanse. I have a loft, which I have yet to explore – and lots of space including my own hammock and porch! Note to self (sit in it tomorrow).

Everyone on the Cleanse this week is a woman. Super! Girl Power! What I came to Costa Rica for! It feels like a special week.

There are people on the cleanse who have flown to Costa Rica, specifically for the Cleanse, from long distances – way to get the word out there, Joy! Caroline came all the way from Belgium!

So now that I have been here for 2 days, I am getting to know the routine. I’ll fill you in on how it goes here.

Most of us wake up early, when it’s still a bit dark, before 6am. And, usually I’m up for the morning and can’t get back to sleep. (I am trying to balance that out tonight by staying up later than 8:30pm!)

Yoga with Joy is at 7am. It is so lovely. What a treat. Really! Then we have our morning check-in with our “green drink” not my favorite but, “it’s good for you Tierney!” This is what I keep telling myself. Everyone else seems to love them…?

Next, we do 1 of 2 daily colemas…which I won’t go into details. :) They’re intense – it involves 1.89L of water, an addition (coffee, lemon, garlic, apple cider vinegar or chlorophyll) and my colon and large intestines.

Today a few of us had a mud bath and laid on the deck in the sun until we were nice and crispy. End result: detoxified, beautiful, smooth skin.
Now its time for a another juice and off to the beach. Menlha calls it Venus beach. It is so beautiful and tranquil. I love this beach. It recharges the soul.

Back to Hacienda del Sol for another colema and then meditation at 5ish, along with some journaling and our “dinner” of potassium broth…and wonderful fellowship.

We get to do whatever we like, whenever we like. This IS good. It’s the kind of life I like.

My energy was really good today. The actual cleansing involved a lot of releasing and letting go which will eventually lead to more clarity.

So, my intention for this cleanse is to unplug, relax, clean out the colon, get clear and be present in the process.

I am inspired to eat more raw food and prepare more raw meals.
I am inspired to follow my heart and not waste time on frivolous things.
I am inspired to read more books that speak to my heart.
I am inspired to continue with my daily practice of yoga, prayer, meditation, and contemplation through journaling.
I am inspired to share joy, happiness and love with those around me. That’s you guys! woo hoo!!
I am inspired to follow my heart and bring my dreams into reality.
I am inspired to continue to be a channel and to be of service whenever possible in my daily life.
I am inspired to continue to be a true, happy, pure version of me.

Thank you for your love and support to help me become the best person I can be.

I love and miss you all so so much. You have a very special place in my heart.

Let’s hang out when I get back to the ‘hood!

I am here to love and support you on your journey in this life.
Life is precious, live it wisely.

And eat healthy. Because your body says so – it works hard for you so do it a favor!

Much love, peace, harmony, light and laughter to you,
Tierney