Yoga and Meditation Retreat
in Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- New Year's 2002
General Remarks, Testimonials and Photos
The first AYA Christmas/New Year`s Yoga retreat took place in Puerto Morelos, Mexico and was a resounding success. There were 25 guests, many of them familiar to yoga and similar retreats and a few newcomers as well. You can read their testimonials below as well as viewing the retreat photos.
The weather was outstanding for the most part contributing to the general feeling of relaxation, cheerfulness and friendliness among all. The highs varied from the high 70s to low 80s except for one day which was a bit cooler. A few short rainstorms came sporadically not disrupting our activities at all.
Group
Most of the attendees did not know each other before but all mixed very well, sharing freely their yoga experience and getting to know each other better. Everyone came with the expectation of deepening their practice and knowledge of yoga and acted accordingly. Some said they appreciated the option of not attending classes and satsangs and yet the attendance was remarkably high including at the 6 AM morning satsangs.
All kids - ages 6 to 13 - brought a refreshing energy of playfulness and purity.
At the time of leaving the homogeneity of the group was obvious.
Classes & Teachings
There was no theme to the retreat which of course adhered strictly to the teachings of Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu-devananda. There was an emphasis on both introducing the fundamentals to the newer practitioners and presenting the deeper aspects of the teachings to the more expert yogis and yoginis. Some even took advantage of the 5 AM swadhyaya class during which we studied the ¨Bhaja Govindam¨ scripture.
On the last morning two attendees took mantra initiation, thereby strengthening their connection to Master Sivananda, Swami Vishnu-devananda and all the masters of our illustrious Guruparampara.
One night we had a talent show. Most participated in one or several perfomances, showcasing their skills, talents, and above all, sense of humor.
Two silent meditation walks were taken on the beach. At the end of the second one we were treated to a poscard-like sunrise.
Accommodations
Since it was our first retreat hosted at Villas Shanti, we were very happy to see that all apartments were luxurious and very spacious. Just minutes off the beach, Villas Shanti is the perfect setting for such retreats and we are hoping to go back soon. Part of the charm comes from the friendliness of the owners, Jack and Jean, who did all they could to make our stay pleasant and comfortable.
Meals
All brunches and most dinners were catered for the retreat by local chef Johnny, owner of one of the town´s main restaurants. The food was extremely fresh, full of prana and savor. The cooks did a wonderful job at accommodating our yogic dietary requirements and serving wholesome, delicious Mexican meals.
Area
Not far from Cancun, Puerto Morelos is a small, quiet village which has not (yet?) been invaded by tourists and big time hotels. Right off the beach - which is just a few minutes walk from the ashram - lies a great reef. Spectacular snorkeling can be done as well as scubadiving in a nearby town. Incidentally the reef is the only earth´s feature visible from the moon. Or so we were told. We all went on an excursion to the ruins of the ancient Mayan city located in Tulum. That day was followed by a swim in the local ¨Cenote¨ (salted water/river/pond in a jungle setting). Amazingly across the street from the jungle-Cenote was the beach so most of us took a bath in the Caribbean sea as well. All this was capped by yet another excellent meal at the close by Mexican restaurant.
Conclusion
We all had a very good time and came back home relaxed, refreshed, energized and inspired to intensify our spiritual discipline. This is so important in these difficult and tense times.
Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!>
Photos
Casual philosophical discussion during free time
There were five kids. They had a fun and healthy vacation
Kids showcasing the official retreat t-shirt
Breakfast
View from the Mayan ruins in Tulum
Pool area at Villas Shanti
Swami Atma with two retreat attendees
Swimming in the cenote
Local natives at the ruins in Tulum
Los pelicanos
Did we mention the beaches on the coast are really gorgeous?
This retreat was life-changing! On the way home with my husband and daughter, I was so calm and focused that I was able to help the stewardesses save someone's life on the plane--for real. I attribute this not only to my newfound ability to stay calm (and a small amount of medical knowledge), but to the fact that Swami Atma chanted for a safe journey home for all traveling with us. This journey home provided dramatic evidence (to me) for the interconnectedness of all life. I have only felt that way once in my life--after the birth of my child. Moreover, during the retreat, Swami Atma's unique personhood made me and my whole family feel accepted (as newcomers). We were able to be who we really were and not have to pretend to be otherwise. His sense of humor and wide-open heart helped us in our journey! We met so many wonderful people and are looking forward to seeing them again. The talent show was one of the highlights of the retreat and something wholly unexpected. Also, being together on New Year's Eve and chanting for world peace gave me a feeling, or experience, that is beyond words. It was the best New Year's Eve I've ever had. Cathleen Anne Carter, Buffalo, New York
The best Sivananda retreat I have ever been on including my TTC. Swami Atma's love and caring flowed over the whole retreat and made everyone happy and comfortable in a new environment. Things could not have been better. A truly wonderfull experience. Mark Cohen (Mahadev), New York, New York
This retreat offered me everything I expected, good asana classes, great weather, beautiful food and accomodations, and good company. In addition the level of Vedanta teachings helped me make connections in my practice that far exceeded my expections. Henry Jessup, New York, New York
I went to the AYA retreat in Puerto Morales with no prior experience with AYA or Shivananda and only a little yoga experience. I found the staff and the participants very open, accessible and helpful . It was rewarding to be around so many experienced yogis/yoginis who had so much to offer. Doug Woods, Machiasport, Maine
This was one of the most energizing, inspirational, and fun retreats I have ever been a part of. The teaching was outstanding and the astmosphere was relaxed but focused. I haven't felt this good about my own yoga practice since I started teaching 5 years ago. Susan Feathers, Philadelphia, PA
I felt like I was in heaven. The weather was pefect, the accommodations were beautiful (cockroaches not withstanding), the teachings were inspiring and in the company of such good yogis made it feel like one continuous Satsanga. I even enjoyed having a roommate! Bhavani, Los Angeles, CA
