June 2020:
One year ago I was leading a life-changing Yoga + Metta retreat and journey to Peru. It was an intimate group of special souls in a sacred land, that is made even more so by the practices of the indigenous people and shamanic ceremonies.
Now in this time of COVID-19, I was given a time of “retreat” from the seemingly endless cycle of pre-COVID days of teaching and commuting – luckily my cycle includes special people and places…and the ability to bicycle to class!! I have been able to experience the precious changing landscape of flowers and trees along the greenway and harborwalk of Boston throughout the days and weeks, in a way I never have.
A few weeks ago, I wasn’t looking at mountains or valleys, but sitting by the water watching the dance of the waves, the reflections of the effects of light and sky, the endless palette of blue, sunset and cloudy. Reflecting on the continued lessons of interconnectedness, and inequality – I remembered, Peru was already a year ago!!!
I don’t believe I could capture in words the experiences we shared, as I was regularly awed and speechless. I am so grateful for each on the trip — for making it possible, and for sharing their presence.
I am grateful to the International Yoga team of Stephanie, Merrisa and Michelle for not only making this possible, but also coordinating and connecting us to this journey. I am grateful to the warm hosts of Sacha Munay, the natural connected architecture, the paradise of exotic flowers, and the bounty of local food, their kind and generous cooking team – the teas!, the beauty of the yoga temple, the ever more expansive sense of place offered by Tony’s astronomy lesson, the breathe work with Jesse, Garth’s welcome, guidance and care, our grounding Shaman Vilma, our teacher and leader Valentin, and his BEST team including Nilton! and our safe travels with Daniel on our bus-filled adventures…I could go on and on.
My deep gratitude for the trip, a true exposure to the beauty and sacredness of nature and our surroundings – the mountains, water, earth, astronomy, history and our interconnectedness. I am grateful for the puma, snake and condor, the sacred timing and circumstances that brought us all together.