Retreats

I feel very blessed to have been a student in Alicia and Oliver’s 200 hour YTT in Bali at the foot of Mount Batukaru in the autumn of 2018. I think one of the most powerful tools, apart from the illuminating teachings and brilliant instruction, is being surrounded and isolated by the sanctity of Balian nature, where we were able to attune to the ancient voices of self-connections of nature. This complete immersion in the natural world and protection from distraction lended to a moment-to-moment continuity of profound instruction and awakening to the awareness that yoga practice is a life practice, and does not merely live in compartmentalized pockets of time when we choose to practice or observe. In this environment, we were able to deepen and expand our mindfulness practices by observing, evaluating, dialoguing, dissecting, understanding, and elevating ourselves, our behaviors, thinking patterns, and beliefs. During my four week immersive course in Bali, I was fortunate to share authentic and deep communication–full of vulnerability and personal discovery–with Alicia, Oliver, and my fellow students. Our group, with origins spanning 3 continents, found loving friendships in each other, abundant with acceptance, non-judgement, camaraderie, deep knowing, and genuinely delightful hilarity. In Bali, I also unlocked a more joyful and powerful asana of expressive, intentional, and connective movement. Alicia and Oliver gave me the practical skills, language, and physical prompts that have enabled me to successfully teach yoga at Esalen, be invited to teach at Kripalu, and teach private clientele. In addition to the deepening of understanding of asana, I found the greatest source of evolution in my yogic path to be the emotional and spiritual growth through deep meditation and conversation. Alicia and Oliver have a way of “holding up a mirror” to students to propel, inspire, and illuminate the discovery process for each student, as opposed to merely guiding or instructing. I wish I could better express my gratitude for the experience that I shared with my classmates, Alicia, and Oliver, but these words will have to do: OM Sahana Vavatu Sahanau Bhunaktu Saha Viryam Karavavahai Tejasvi Nauaditamastu Ma Vidvishavahai Om shanti shanti shantihi. Namaste.