Na Balam Yoga Retreat, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

 

Isla Mujeres is home to amazing people, delicious nourishing food, and healthy colorful beaches.

Starting each day with yoga established a sense of calm and grounding throughout the day as well as the opportunity for each of us to attune to a natural rhythm.  The energy and vibrancy of the nature surrounding us enhanced a sense of shakti- powerful, positive energy.

Breakfast each day at Na Balam included green detox juice, lattes or cha., fresh baked breads, homemade granola and yogurt with fresh fruit, and eggs with chaya (a green like spinach). When we could not finish our food, Ponchito (pictured above) was sure to help!

We spent afternoons exploring the island on foot or golf-cart, visiting Mayan ruins, resting on the beach, practicing meditation, and reading. Every moment is and was an opportunity to practice yoga off the mat.

The inward journey that accompanies twice daily yoga practice, and true relaxation on retreat, tends to last longer and be more effective than other vacations.

Before exploring the island for dinner, we practiced late-afternoon yoga in the beautiful Yoga Life studio at Na Balam hotel. Each session began with a journal question to help clarify goals and intentions from thought into written word andby extension,  into reality.  Asana flows included a Warrior series, the Moon Salute, Hip Opening, and on the last day we practiced Partner Yoga & Yoga Nidra.

The evenings were star-lit and warm. Our flavorful exotic dinners tended to be accompanied by the rhythm of the gentle sea.

When we return to Isla Mujeres for the next retreat, we will not only enjoy the island and our personal time there but we’re making arrangements to give back as well by doing yoga with a local girls organization and helping with an animal-rescue organization.

Read more about this and other Jane Yoga retreats | View the entire Photo Album from this retreat

If you’re interested in attending this retreat in 2012, please email jane@empvt.com- Namaste