Journeys

 

~ Thank you to all those involved with this year’s magnificent retreat! ~

Tentative dates for Alison’s next journey are

27 October – 4 November 2012

To receive information about this trip as it becomes available, please send a message to:
dancingstorysinger@yahoo.com

In the meantime, please take a gander at the layout of the latest trip:

 

YOGA & WRITING IN MEXICO

with Alison Wearing

28 January – 5 February 2012

Tepoztlán, Mexico

***this retreat is limited to ten participants***

 

INTENTION

The intention of this journey is to offer a travel experience that inspires both an inward and an outward journey: a contemplative focus and inspiring activities, as well as a respectful introduction to the natural, cultural, historical and spiritual riches of Mexico.

 

DETAILS

This journey will offer as its focus a daily practice of Anusara Yoga* on the spectacular rooftop terrace of El Amate Healing Arts Centre in Tepoztlán, Mexico, along with an optional program of hiking, dance, visits to local markets & restaurants, massage, meditation, afternoon memoir writing and performance workshops, and the lively and engaging myth- and storytelling of writer/performer and guide Alison Wearing. The retreat will be limited to ten participants.

* Anusara yoga means, “flowing with grace,” “flowing with Nature” or “following your heart.” Yoga practitioners might notice the emphasis on ‘heart-centred awareness’ of this beautiful practice. While prior yoga experience is recommended, it is not absolutely necessary, as postures and sequences can be altered and simplified for the beginner. As well, spouses and/or travel companions who are not interested in participating in the yoga portion of the journey are also welcome, as all activites, including yoga, are optional!

Thanks largely to the generosity of those at El Amate Healing Arts Centre, who will be offering their gorgeous facility, bountiful meals in an open-air terrace overlooking the mountains, and family-run accommodation next door, this 9-day retreat can be offered at an extremely reasonable price.

 

DAILY OFFERING

Days will begin with an optional half-hour meditation in the sanctuary of El Amate. Then, as the sun rises over Tepoztlan’s stunning volcanic cliffs, radiant yogi Alexei Gomez will offer a 60-90 minute (depending on demand) Anusara Yoga class on the rooftop terrace of the centre. The 360-degree view of the mountains makes this one of the most beautiful yoga classes imaginable. Yoga is followed by a relaxed, buffet breakfast of freshly-squeezed juices, abundant fruits, yogurt, granola and a varying menu of hot Mexican-style breakfast foods.

After breakfast, there will be a varying and optional program. Participants are invited to enjoy as much or as little of the activities and outings as they desire. These include:

-   exploring Tepoztlan’s famous food and artisan markets

-   experiencing the ‘Candelaria’ celebrations in the central marketplace, a typically colourful festival celebrated by the town

-   visiting an extraordinary and uplifting ashram/orphanage and their successful experience of ‘living yoga’ and sustainable living (a portion of the cost of each trip will act as a donation to this project)

-   Mexican-style brunch in the famous colonial Posada del Tepozteco

-   pristine mountain hike and mountaintop meditation

-   climbing the mountain path to the pyramid of Tepoztécatl, the god after  whom the town was named, and then feasting in a fine restaurant set in the canopy of centuries-old trees

-   a complimentary relaxation or Thai yoga massage at el Amate Healing Arts Centre

-   Latin dance classes with el Amate’s resident Columbian salsa dancer

-   entertaining explanations of local legends, myths and festivals through guided walks and storytelling

-   afternoon writing and performance workshops with Alison Wearing

-   an ‘on-location’ performance of Giving Into Light, Alison’s award-winning one-woman show set in the village of Tepoztlán

Participants will also be invited to spend a quiet afternoon in a garden cafe, explore the winding cobblestone streets of the village at a relaxed pace, and take time to shop in the lively food and artisan markets. Nearby Hotel Tepozfuego offers use of its gorgeous pool for a reasonable fee. Extra options (not included in base price) include a trip to the famous archaelogical site of Xochicalco or a Mexican cooking class at Hotel Tepozfuego.

While opportunities to learn about and experience this unique part of Mexico will abound, the priority of this journey is to enjoy…in joy.

ACCOMMODATIONS

While El Amate’s [pronounced, el-ah-MAH-tay] accommodations are basic, they are also perfectly adequate and comfortable, very clean, and run by a lovely local family in a beautiful part of Tepoztlán. Guests need to be prepared to share rooms (2-3 per room) and bathrooms. Providing this is an acceptable arrangement, participants will be able to enjoy an extraordinary nine days at a very reasonable price.

If you are interested in learning more about this year’s journey, making a tentative reservation or asking Alison any questions about the details of the retreat, please contact dancingstorysinger@yahoo.com.

To make your reservation, please complete the online registration form.

See you in Mexico!

 

Prices

Payment

Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS FROM 2011 MEXICAN YOGA JOURNEY

“Words can not express the inner experience of transformation that I received in the Mountains of Tepoztlan, Mexico. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who enjoys laughter, colour, engagement of all your senses and the feeling of ‘complete inner joy!’”
Susan

“Tepoztlan is unlike any other place I have ever experienced. The magic of those mountains, the beauty of the people, the colours of the blossoms everywhere and the market - that alone is worth a trip.
El Amate Healing Arts Centre and the lovely people who run it certainly create the right environment to go within to find happiness and contentment. There is so much love, caring and laughter there that it is easy to have your guards down and let the light flood in. El Amate feeds your body the same way they feed your soul: the food was pure beauty and deliciousness!
Alison does a fantastic job tying all this beauty together for the group. She knows Tepoztlan very well and is part of the Village. She was there for us every minute of our journey with an open heart and an open ear for any concerns we might have had. A very heartfelt Thank You to everybody who was involved in this gorgeous journey!”
Verena

“What an amazing delight this journey turned out to be. Every day started with morning meditations and yoga to greet the rising sun and warm our bodies, then mouth-watering, healthy breakfasts, and then the adventures would begin. I loved the people, the beauty of the village, the mountains and the forest. I would return again in a heartbeat. Thank you, Alison, for creating such a rich, memorable journey for us and for making us feel like friends, not just guests, in your home.”
Jana

“I have had some fantastic holidays, but this would have to be the best! I am still on a high from the warm reception of Mexico and the people we visited. I felt very safe while in Mexico and felt the love. Alexei and Urania were both a piece of the divine. I thank Alexei for his great yoga classes, Urania and her fantastic massage and her grace in teaching us salsa dance with her wonderful humour and sparkle. Alison, the trip would not have been the same without your smiling face, fun-loving involvement and knowledge of the area. In summary, I loved it all.”
Bev