Embrace Your Destiny:: Stretch Your Limits

Here I am in Puerto Morelos, Mexico on the long awaited Yoga Retreat. Our studio teacher and owner Adi Westerman and  Janet Horn former teacher and studio owner in Shelby, NC, put together this retreat at the end of last year. It proved to be a wonderful mix of people: city and rural, experienced and novice yogis, and of course age and interests. The glue that bonded us all together was a love of yoga with a healthy respect and admiration for our teachers. The location in the warmth of Mexico and at Casa Om where we stayed also contributed to the fun experience.  

Sari before boarding

Upon looking at the retreat information, I was curious but very reluctant to commit. The adventure had all the ingredients I could envision for a great learning experience, but alas, my traveling buddy, "hubby" refused to go. He had other things he wanted and needed to do. He did however, wholeheartedly encouraged me to pursue going. My insecurity is all about having someone capable, fun and totally unflappable as a travel companion. I found her in Sari McCaffrey, a good yogi friend! She is over the top good with travel details! She told me what to do and when to do it before the trip. Love that! No worries making the trip either. Sari is a travel guru in navigating airports, connections, and linking up with ground transportation. In short, Sari eased all my travel anxiety.

First room

The van we boarded at the airport for transport to Casa Om was full with nine retreat participants and luggage. When we arrived at Casa Om, Adi, Janet and the Casa Om staff greeted us at the door with umbrellas. It was pouring the rain! 

First order of business was to get settled in our room. Unfortunately, the first room Sari and I were assigned proved to be flawed. Once again, Sari checked everything out, especially the AC. It didn't seem to be working and it gave off an odor. No good. Sari got us moved to a different room for the night. It was a dorm style room, not as fancy, but more to our liking overall. We decided to stay there for the entire time.

The Yoga Retreat was a big stretch out of my comfort zone.  I was challenged in ways I haven't been in a long time. The new people, the interesting food, and the fluid agenda were fine. In reflecting, I think one of the biggest adjustments was realizing I could made decisions about what I wanted to do independent of anyone else's needs. For example, a big group planned to go to Tulum for the day (after hot yoga in the morning) to see the pyramid, beaches and town. I could tell the intense afternoon sun and heat would make me weak and miserable. I decided to stay back at Casa Om in the shade by the pool instead. Later in talking with friends who went on the trip, I decided I did the right thing for me. I evaluated each excursion for the risks I could handle and felt confident in taking. I chose to do the Cenotes excursion but decided against the snorkeling adventure. 

There were other low risk adventures to do as well. I was signed up for the meditation, singing bowl session early in the week. Another low risk and very informative workshop was about cocoa with a demonstration for making a guilt free treat. I'll do a complete postings on each of those experiences. 

The Cenotes excursion was a highlight of the trip for me. It was definitely out of my comfort zone! I was worried about the heat in the jungle, the number of stops we would make, the trails we would traverse to get to the sites and availability of restrooms. Janet's husband Don came to the rescue. He assured me that he would take care of me. I really, really wanted to see these natural wonders so I got on board the van. There were so many unknowns to deal with! I don't like unknowns. In the end, I'm so glad I conquered the fears and went. I leaned on Don and lots of other friends throughout the excursion and it was all good. I'll do another post for that excursion soon! 

We fell into a lovely routine of leisurely wake up, 9:00 am yoga, brunch, afternoon activities and dinner. Both brunch and dinner were prepared by the Eduardo, chef of Casa Om. He was amazing! The final night was poignant as retreat endings always are. I said good-bye to friends of both silver and gold. Stretching my limits was a good thing to build my confidence. Yes, I'll do it again.