Restorative Yoga Retreat at Kabania Eco Cabins, August 2016

Time spent is nature is always time well spent... On August 22-26 I hosted a yoga retreat at Cabana Eco Cabins in Lanaudiere, Quebec along with Amy Longard, who nurtured us with the most amazing vegan food.  We arrived Thursday evening settled into out rustic cabins along the river and enjoyed a decadent meal prepared by Amy, set our intentions for the 4 day retreat, and closed the evening with a restorative yoga session as we listened to the sound of the rain.   Each day started with an early morning guided meditation, breakfast, and a yoga practice.  We enjoyed complete silence until 11:30 am each morning.  Although some people though this would be impossible, many actually enjoyed the experience and the luxury of not having to comment, talk or make conversation.  Sometimes it feels like such a relief to find quiet, and just watch the thoughts in your head.  

Each morning we enjoyed a slow-flow yoga and closed the day with a blissful  restorative yoga practice.  In the afternoon participants had the option to go for a hike in the amazing trails in the park just across the bridge from the cabins, or enjoy some personal free-time.  On Sunday afternoon, I hosted a "Happiness workshop" inspired by Max Strom, which gave participants some perspective about where they spend their energy and what brings them joy and happiness.  On the last night, I treated the  participants to a hot-stone restorative yoga class, where I guided participants to a hot-stone restorative class as I placed some hot-stones carefully on the body for each pose. It is a very warm, soothing and healing practice.  The wonderful hosts at Kabania had also started everyone's wood stoves that evening,  so we were all warm and cozy to fall asleep in our cabins that night.  We closed off the weekend with a delicious brunch where people chance to share their thoughts about the weekend.  

​Many people came on the retreat to find stillness, calm, quiet, rejuvenation, and relaxation.  Although most of the participants were used to more active styles of yoga, many of them appreciated this slow style of yoga.  Combined with the most decadent and healthy food, and the sights and sounds of nature, it made it the most amazing retreat!  Looking forward to hosting another one next year.