Sober September

Wanderlust Love

         Wanderlust, the 4 day travelling yoga festival, was in one word a: dream. 

I was lucky enough to attend the Whistler festival this past weekend ( they hold festivals across the US and Canada) and got to share an amazing experience with hundreds of other yogis. We gathered together in the sacred place that is Whistler and downward dogged our way to a high state of bliss. 

If the festival had a recipe it would have included a cup of nourishing the body, mind and soul through yoga, a spoonful of live music, a dash of amazing farm to table food,  and a sprinkle of  positive community. Whether it was the violinist leading a power flow class, or singing together in Warrior 1, it brought us all together in these moments and created a powerful connection between us all. As a new yoga instructor, I felt very inspired. 

Aside from taking part in some the most rewarding yoga classes (led by some of the best yoga teachers in the country no less), we were encouraged to hike and meditate in the trails that surrounded us. Adding this element to an already magical experience, gave me such a sense of gratitude. I felt thankful for not only this experience, but for life and everything it has to offer. Life is so beautiful when you are able to slow down and re-connect to yourself ( I am fully aware how cheesy this sounds but it is true!) 

One of my favourite classes was led by Kerri Kelly and Suzanne Sterling and took place on a mountain top. I took the gondoloa up early Saturday morning and felt the positivity the minute I laid down my mat. I was literally on higher ground at 3,000 feet! Even though I was hella sore from the day before, I got a new wave of energy once the class had begun. 

The teachers, who also work at the organization Off the Mat, shared a favourite line with us that hit a chord in me and made me get "yoga high" within minutes. She said "Let the beauty you love, be what you do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground" which is a quote from Rumi. They encouraged us to take the gratitude and love we feel during practise off the mat into the world (which ultimately is the basis of their organization- LOVE). 

*most images are my own, 2-3 are from the Wanderlustfestival.com website

All in all, there is literally something for everyone at a festival like this. It is not a granola festival for people who only eat raw food and wear clothes made of hemp (although there is some of that and I totally bought a shirt made of bamboo tree-HA)! My friend who has only dabbled in yoga here and there before this, truly felt the benefits of the practise and is now fully on board to start it regularly. 

The only bad part of the whole experience was realizing they have another festival in Mont Tremblant later this month and another one next year in Hawaii-I seriously started looking up plane tickets! Yikes!

Although I won't be able to go again anytime soon, I know that I will never forget it and I will forsure be going to the next one I can swing!

See you next time Wanderlust and thank you for having me

XOXOXO

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Here I go Again...

I thought I would be done talking about Madera's Village but apparently I can't stop. Here are some more pictures from paradise. 

I am missing the family dinners filled with homemade food from local Nicaraguans,  the howler monkeys waking me up at the crack of dawn, the bonfires on the beach filled with rum, squishing into the back of a van or pick up truck, hearing British accents, American accents and accents from cool people from all over the world, surf talk about "swells" and currents, the smiles between the locals and the expats, the sunsets that start out as yellow and turn to a bright orange, pink, purple portrait, the airy ocean breeze, not having to use a brush or blowdryer, having it be completely acceptable to go to dinner in bare feet, interesting facts that I would learn each day about how beautiful of a country Nicaragua is and SO MUCH MORE.

You so amazing, Nica!

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Madera's Village-no regrets, just love.

Photo credit: Jeff Ozzavay, Madera's Village Facebook Page and ME.

They say, "When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade". I've always liked that saying so I made up a new version:

"When life hands you the opportunity to travel to a surf village in the hillside jungle of Nicaragua, YOU GO!".

You go despite the financial gloom lurking over your head, despite other people saying "Didn't you just get back from a trip?", despite EVERYTHING working against you.  I couldn't be more happy than living out my new saying. 

Great trips are made up of amazing new people you meet, new memories that will forever be in your mind, tasty food and lots of laughs. UNBELIEVABLE trips are made when not only this happens but when your expectations are exceeded beyond belief and you cannot put your trip and experience into words.

Madera's village, a boutique bed and breakfast, was just that- unbelievable.  It was an equal mix of relaxation and excitement and made me feel like I was at an "adult only summer camp" ( it has been referred to that many times).  There is daily yoga ( beach lessons and classes in their yoga pavilion room), the chance to surf, hammocks in every nook,  fish tacos that put anything I've had in LA to shame and an overall energy that you cannot find ANYWHERE.  The good vibes in the air and the inspiring conversation ( sometimes over a lot of pina coladas and rum) make every guest feel like they are part of the community there.  

Each initial stranger that we met upon arrival became a friend. With each new friend, there was this mutual understanding of what we all came here for and that was to be ourselves in paradise; that in some way or another we were the same.  It made me realize how great the world really is when you need it to be and how the universal nature of mankind is pretty rad. Whether it was a new friend helping me surf or the local Nicaraguan cook sincerely looking happy to be making breakfast, I found myself smiling at the happiness and kindness that surrounded me. 

Thank you Madera's for giving me a fresh perspective on life and people. I WILL BE BACK SOON. Seriously though. 

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