Recently, the Sol Yoga staff went on an overnight retreat at the Blue Mountain Retreat Center in Knoxville, MD. The idea was to give this beautiful, creative group of teachers & volunteers a chance to get away for a night and celebrate the Sol Yoga community by hiking, walking, breathing, cooking, meditating, sharing, laughing, resting, brainstorming, chanting and of course....practicing yoga:)Upon arrival, we built a fire, heated up some tea, snacked on pistachios and fought over who would get the top bunks. Once the details were sorted out we launched into a two-hour, candle lit group practice followed by a half hour of silence & meditation. From there the dinner preparations began and the whole team seamlessly prepared an fantastic meal under the expert oversight of head chef, Anthony & his right hand woman, Alice. Stuffed with veggies, beans & tortillas we closed the night with small group discussions about spirituality, life & dreams. The experience was refreshing and rejuvenating. One of the most powerful moments for me was when I noticed a quote hanging on the wall at the reatreat house. The quote read:
"Every moment of your life is infinitely beautiful and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request and everything your heart desires must come to you" - Mahatma Ghandi
It was a beautiful quote and a beautiful moment, as I realized that so much of what many of us ask the universe for - friendship, nourishment, laughter, connection, health, spirituality, mentors, creativity & peace - were all present on our Sol Yoga overnight adventure.
[Lane practicing for her upcoming role as the cutest French wife ever:)]
[Nitesh is laughing so hard he forgot he was also responsible for the broccoli] 
[Impressive Work!!!]
[Jan, Kandi, Julie, Sandy, Jennifer & Sue solve the problems of the world over chips & salsa]
[DQ giving a new meaning to core strength]
[The beauty and light of community]
We closed the retreat the following morning with fresh juice made by Nitesh, brainstorming for the future and the following words:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
- Nelson Mandela
:)
Namaste.
2 comments:
Erin you did a wonderful job! I love the words photos...what a great retreat we had. I cannot wait for your next post.
The truth is, i'm not suprised by this living, breathing, pulsing being that is Sol Yoga. Its only natural that a phenomonal group would rise out of a gathering of amazing individuals. But I do have to sit back in amazement every now and again, especially at events like our recent staff retreat. It makes me remember our humble beginnings. 2 teachers(Jan and I), a few dedicated volunteers (Alice & Kristina), a whole slew of supportive friends and family (that do yoga too) and 3 just yoga classes per week. Now, 3+ years in, a crew of over 25 people, 100+ classes per month and the opening of a second studio, and a yoga community of over 1000 students, we are thriving! BUT, the thing to remember is that it was NEVER just ONE person. It started with a group, a gathering, a shared effort, an inspired collective - but never just ONE. For me it simply reinforces that we are not meant to live this life alone and independent. There is safety in numbers, comfort and growth in relationships, power in groups, and inspiration in a movement. We must remember our place, maintain perspective and continue to be vulnerable, receptive and open to others if we aspire to live fully.
Infinate thanks for all those involved. For all those inspiring teachers, mentors and friends that have made a mark on the path of the studio's growth and the lives of all our crew and student body. For all those in the greater yoga community that gather just as we do in other regions to spread the goodness of yoga and keep the movement alive and growing. And to the greater inspiration of peace on earth and love in all hearts. You are all part of something so much greater than a yoga staff, a yoga studio and a yoga community. You are part of a movement and for that you should be proud. DQ
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