Re’treat’: 889 Living Yoga School puts the ‘Treat’ into Retreat

 Elemental Vinyasa Retreat

What better way to learn about yoga than on a retreat! The ‘Elemental Vinyasa‘ Retreat at 889 can be taken individually or as one of the modules in the Living Yoga School Program. I have already started three modules this year; 1.) Vinyasa Yoga with Nicky Poole, 2.) Ayurveda with Matthew Remski and 3.) Mindfulness Meditation with Josh Cohen, and I am relishing every single moment. The yogic traditions steeped in ancient history and philosophy and the connection between mind, body and spirit are all being explored. Nicky Poole is the lead faculty of the Living Yoga School program and her caring and excellent teaching style made me eager to go on this yearly retreat lead by her. I was not disappointed.

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Magical Shanti Retreat Centre on Wolfe Island

The minute we entered the front gate of Shanti Retreat Centre everything changed. It was as if we had crossed the threshold of the real world and entered into a magical one. There was a subtle shift in the air. The ineffable beauty and peacefulness of the place was palpable. The retreat grounds had winding pathways leading to outdoor cabins, a yurt, and the main house. Three docks looked out onto the water; one with a Timor hut. And so, my imagination was captured! Strong trees with homemade swings falling from their branches, a statue of buddha outside the yurt, a St Francis of Assisi statue watched over a small garden, an elaborate stone labyrinth (modeled after the one outside Chartres cathedral) were just a few of the many surprises that delighted my inner yogini.

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Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space

The elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space were the focus of the retreat. We couldn’t have ordered better weather. All elements made guest appearances on those three days. Upon arrival you could smell the rain approaching, the earth was green and soft underfoot, and the wind was ready to make a dramatic entrance. Fire was demonstrated most elegantly by the setting sun cloaked in a fiery red-orange robe burning a slow descent across the western sky. No element was more dramatic than the other. One night during Vinyasa, the tumultuous winds banged on the windows of the yurt applauding our circular Vinyasa class. When we left the yurt the wind and rain suddenly subsided as if to lend us quick passage back to our rooms. Coyotes, in the distance, howled up at the silver moon to serenade us on our way. Pure magic.

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The loons’ circular flight over the calm lake during early morning meditation, the leaves rustling in the morning breeze, the cows grazing on the neighbour’s fields, the sun’s rays shining down on my face as I swung gently under an oak tree, were just a few inspiring moments where I found myself communing with nature. And did I mention the food? My God, the food! It was prepared with so much love and care by the staff at Shanti Retreat and shared with fellow LYS students who became fast friends. While the time went quickly, I have three memorable days I will hold with me forever. I’m already planning my return next year. Maybe you should too!

Namaste, 

Collette (Find her on Twitter here)

LYS student 2016-2017

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