It’s been almost a week since my retreat in Sonoma and I am missing the sunshine and amazing souls I shared the experience with.
The retreat began with a restorative yoga practice to help the yogis unwind from their travels. They also received a welcome package of gifts, including a lavender scented eye pillow, yoga block, blanket, mala beads and more from my favorite wellness brand SheaMoisture.
Our morning practices were meditative and invigorating, featuring pranayama, japa mala, walking meditation in our rock labyrinth, and a strong vinyasa practice.
After our delicious meals and afternoons to relax and explore, we held more laid back classes, including a thai massage workshop and a yin yoga class. We also had great discussions on healing foods and chakra energy.
And let’s not forget the wine…
Each night I hosted a wine tasting to introduce the yogis to different wine varietals from neighboring Napa Valley. We discussed wine vocabulary and practiced our 4S’s (See, Smell, Sniff and Sip). Each night featured a different winery, including Peju Vineyards, Cliff Family and Orin Swift. On our last full day, I surprised the group with a wine tour via the Sonoma Wine Trolley, a super fun way to see and learn about Sonoma and its most famous wineries.
Each year, I am so happy to see how a group of students, some totally new to yoga, grow into a yoga family. This year was no different. The group was loving, open and supportive. This was especially important to me as it was the first year that my mom came along and she had a blast!
I feel so thankful for the experience and the new memories.
Excited for our next adventure!
Namaste,
Brenda
