Choose Your Own Adventure In Western Ireland
Going on vacation is kind of a big deal. You work hard and you save time and money to indulge in an experience that is meant to help you reset and relax. Some people like to pack in multiple activities and others take a more laissez faire approach. Either way isn’t right or wrong, but it’s important to partake in an experience you can customize to suit your preferences.
If you need a solution, I have one for you. In comes Martin Scott from Union Yoga. I would like to start by saying that I have a yogi crush on Martin now (It’s kind of impossible not to). We connected last week so he could tell me more about a beyond yoga retreat through a partnership with Ananda Expeditions, which is a yoga and adventure retreat in Western Ireland. This is an exploration rich experience where you explore your practice with no expectations.
Contradictorily, the idea of a “yoga retreat” can cause anxiety. A lot of yogis think they need to be at a certain level to go on a yoga retreat. This isn’t true. There is no aptitude test and all yogis are invited to show up exactly as they are.
While talking with Martin, he shared a great story with me. One of his students felt embarrassed that she couldn’t do a specific peak pose. In response, Martin taught a class that day that zoomed in on all of the key movements and actions to help her soar into that pose. Sure enough, she was able to get into it with the right direction. Even if she couldn’t do the pose, she had a teacher who was willing to take the time to guide and encourage her.
The cliché is right; it’s called “practice” for a reason. Martin says that he meets students where they are and the practice meets them where they are. In this case, he is inviting you to meet him in Western Ireland.
Essentially the invitation for this retreat is to come exactly as you are and where you are in your own personal journey. You can explore going deeper or simply maintaining your practice while on vacation.
During the yoga retreat, morning practice will be offered and in the evenings there’s also opportunities to partake in meditations or yoga Nidra. Everything is optional. If you have one too many Guinnesses because you are on vacation and feel like it, no one is checking attendance in the morning.
The concept of exploration goes deeper with the partnership with Ananda Expeditions. After you explore your inner and physical self through yoga, you have the chance to explore Western Ireland. Michael Hoyer, who is the Founder of Ananda Expeditions, has curated some amazing adventures. You’ll get a chance to visit counties such as Kerry and Dingle with guided hikes, tours and sightseeing adventures. Live music and boat rides are only a few of the adventures you can choose to participate in.
Overall, this is a “choose your own adventure” kind of trip. You can show up to all, some, or none of it. The resources are there for you should you choose to leverage them. Whether you are looking to expand your yoga practice or expand your horizons, this retreat has it all.
**Martin Scott and Ananda Expeditions are offering SF Yoga magazine readers a special discount. To find out more, send an email to Michael Hoyer (mlh@anandaexpeditions.com) and mention that you read this article.**
Click here to lean more about the retreat or reserve your spot! And for information on the retreat center visit www.cliffsofmoherretreat.com.
You can also stay up to date on the retreat happenings by going to their Facebook event page.
