In November, we went on our first ever Elevate Yoga retreat to Amansala Resort in Tulum, Mexico. It left me speechless for so long, this is the first I am even trying to put it into words!
We have been building this community up for nearly 5 years, it felt like time to take ourselves out of Sheboygan and out into the wild.
After really listening to what our students seemed to be going through collectively, I decided on a theme of Rejuvenate. And we ALL seemed to need exactly that.
Starting with our travel from Sheboygan to Tulum, the group all connected and meshed well and quickly. Upon arrival at the resort, I think everyone's breath was taken away. The resort is described online as eco-chic, and it is just that. Sand and wood floors only, ocean front, open air restaurant accommodations, beautiful and unique yoga studio settings, always clean facilities, friendly staff, incredible fresh and nutritious food, and resort dogs and cats to greet you as you move about the space.
Our schedule each day included guided meditation, journaling, active yoga, brunch and coffee, an excursion, gentle or restorative yoga, dinner, and SO many laughs. There was a spa on site, there were ice baths, many went to see the Tulum ruins and the mangroves, we swam in a cenote, took salsa lessons, and experienced a cacao sound bath led by resort staff, all while finishing books, sharing stories, telling jokes, quietly reflecting, meditating, and practicing yoga twice every day. The sunrises were truly special, and the evenings were full of connection and reflection.
Everything was optional. If you found you needed a walk on the beach, or a gym workout, a longer journaling session, or more sleep... it was all up to you. Rejuvenating sometimes is choosing solo time, or more rest, and not following a schedule.
It was every ounce of releasing, restorative, reconnecting, and rejuvenating. We built relationships, broke down and rebuilt yoga practice habits, we rested, we asked each other questions, we asked ourselves questions, we answered some of them, we uncovered things that you just can't do from your everyday ordinary routine lives. The sun was shining, the sand was warm and soft, the friendships were strong, and the rejuvenation was real.
If you have any questions about joining a retreat, ask at the studio, and look for more to come.