In September, I lead my first yoga retreat on the Isle of Crete with International Yoga. It was an amazing trip with exceptional people and deep practice in a stunningly beautiful setting. It was also my first time in Greece, and I loved it – the warm hospitality, landscape, and Italian structural influences offered me a sense of home.
Highlights included:
· Hiking Kritsa Gorge followed by lunch in a local village taverna
· The thoughtfully and beautifully designed Daios Cove Resort with amazing views of the blue-green sea
· The food, despite disappointing tomatoes (…maybe due to exceedingly high expectations)
· International Yoga’s Greek goddess and guide Anna Zorzou – loved by all, she became great friend and mentor
· Witnessing personal growth in practice, strength, self-awareness, kindness and compassion
· A group reading with my teaching assistant and spiritual medium Gurdeep @gurdeepbhogal_yogini_medium
· Being in community – especially with such a special group – and opening to another part of the world, the group and ourselves
· Reinvigorating attendees’ yoga and meditation practices
· Powerful sharing of Metta meditation practice after every asana session
· Sunset visit to a cave monastery in the mountains
I loved leading this charge with the abundant help of International Yoga. The attendees and myself benefited greatly from their experience and attention to detail. I am grateful to continue working with them; next in Peru and then again in Greece within the next couple of years as well.
For more pictures: @vito_politano