My most recent yoga surf retreat to Bali was a blissful blast of beauty. I love the resort Desa Seni.  It’s a special place that holds you in a sacred bond with your yoga journey. The organic gardens dance between the unique antique bungalows. Everywhere your eyes glance is a secret relaxing space calling you in. The combo of the natural lush surrounding and healthy food make for a healing, yoga experience for all the retreaters. 

Our schedule was full but gave each student plenty of time for themselves. We started each morning at 6 am with a silent meditation walk. Strolling down to the beach together in shared silence, brought us closer to our own inner peace.  We would spend a little time meditating on the waves rolling in and watching the sun rise. Then we would walk back to practice in the outside yoga sala, wrapped in lush tropical plants. A 2-hour fun filled vinyasa practice would prepare our appetites for a delicious breakfast. After breakfast it was time to surf, relax, spa or shop.

The unique combo of surfing and yoga can help get one out of there comfort zone and build trust in the unknown. Surfing, to me, is a way to connect to my spirit in a challenging environment.  Being in the ocean is like a baptism. Whatever problems I am facing in my life are washed clean by the waves. I was so excited to share this with my yoga students. Most of the students had never surfed, so a surf school was hired to do the teaching.

Later in the afternoon we would practice again, usually at a mellower pace and a very long Savasana.  Followed by another beautiful meal, we would end our evening with pranayama meditation practice sometimes gazing at the moon or a candle flame. Since we were not surrounded by the lights of the city, we had such beautiful starry nights. Our bodies' rhythms got back in synch with the earth's rhythms and we all went to bed shortly after the sun went down.

Every retreat is unique due to the group. I feel people are drawn together for reasons, sometime known and sometimes not. We all attach to us what we need in our lives. And on a retreat we all become each others mirrors, teachers, and friends. There is something so special about going away and practicing yoga together. It helps us to realize we are not alone in our desire to let go, and welcome a lighter more peaceful way of living.

I feel so blessed to have led this retreat. And to have shared with so many the beauty of the ocean and it’s truly inspiring healing power. Till the next one…

In light,
Wendy

Join Wendy On Her Next Retreat
April 2-9, 2010 at Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka

Journey into the Sacred. An adventure of healing and self-purification for a week of yoga with Wendy Wyvill and Ayurveda treatment in stunning Sri Lanka.