LETTING GO
April 10th, 2011. To all those friends, yogis that are struggling with life's challenges here is a special poem I meditate often on from Danna Faulds.
She writes, “Let go of the ways you though life would unfold; the holding of plans or dreams or expectations — Let it go.
Save your strength to swim with the tide. The choice to fight what is here before you now will only result in struggle, fear, and desperate attempts to flee from the very energy you long for.
Let it all go and flow with the grace that washes through your days whether you receive it gently or with all your quills raised to defend against invaders.
Take this on faith: the mind may never find the explanations that it seeks, but you will move forward nonetheless.
Let it all go and find the place of rest and peace, and certain transformation.”
PHILOSOPHY & CLASS THEMES WHILE ON RETREAT
February 26, 2011. I am so excited to lead another Yoga Retreat February 26 through March 5th at Xinalani in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. To be with a small group sharing and growing and relaxing together on our own private island is like a dream come true! Some of my teaching themes next week will include:
Themes for this upcoming week Feb 26 – March 5
M*Engagement, Observation, Participation: How to apply for the best life ever!
M*Staying Curious – Telling our story
T*The Art of Enjoying Life: Hanging out as an art form in Italy "il bel fai niente"
W*What does MATURITY mean?(Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual)
W*The Healing Cycle: How to get out of victim mode/hurt mode and move on
TH*Your true nature is happiness! How to elevate the grumbling mind Pratipaksha Bhavana
TH*The 4th Agreement: Do your Best to Enjoy life
F*Doing Our Best – Full responsibility in becoming our best selves: Shedding the old, becoming something new from the inside
F*Simple but Amazing: Using this as life philosophy
S*Sustaining a Life of Beauty
PS Join me on retreat in 2011 www.alchemytours.com
BEACH THERAPY PUERTO VALLARTA YOGA RETREAT WITH SILVIA MORDINI
JOIN ME IN PARADISE FEB 26-MAR 5, 2011: YOGA RETREAT IN MEXICO!
"When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused." - Rainer Maria Rilke
Xinalani is a brand new resort center accessed only by boat. It is in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on 10 acres of unspoiled jungle with a beautiful pristine beach, only 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Xinalani Retreat is about discovery, admiration, love for nature, magic, conscious travel, eco-adventure, wellness, serenity and mindful living. Come enjoy the 1,302 square foot yoga deck set uphill amidst the deep jungle vegetation that can comfortable fit 40 students. With a panoramic view to the jungle and ocean, group practices here are a fascinating experience. Accomodations are ALL beach front with a choices of various private suites and a shared house if you are looking to save money. Xinalani Retreat features its own beach club where you will enjoy a relaxing break between your classes. Where you want to go swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathe while sipping a natural fruit smoothie, this is the place to be. Take a walk in the soft sand, discover the hidden secrets of the naturally sculpted rocks scattered along the shore and explore the small private coves as you explore yourself.
DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
ABOUT XINALANI
We have chosen for this retreat to stay at a one of its kind eco-resort named Xinalani because we fully believe Xinalani supports our guests on their search for mind-body balance better allows us to facilitate the setting of intentions so each person leaves more focused and open hearted to realize their full human potential. The name Xinalani comes from the Nauatl Xinaloani that means «seed». It is pronounced shee-nah-lah-nee. It embodies the shared vision that this world could be better if everybody planted and grew a seed inside themselves and let love blossom around it. We look forward to your registration! You are in excellent hands!
INVESTMENT:
OCCUPANCY SINGLE DOUBLE
Eco-chic Suites $2500 $1,999.00
Eco-Premium Suites $2100 $1,699.00
Petite Suite $1800 $1,399.00
Big Palapa $1,100 NA
PAYMENT POLICIES:
Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space.
Register by December 31, 2010 Get $250 OFF
Register by January 15, 2011 Get $200 OFF
Register by January 31, 2011 Get $150 OFF
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE?
- 7 nights of accommodation at Xinalani Retreat
- 3 complete gourmet vegetarian meals per day. Chef is expert in ayurveda cuisine and macrobiotics.
- A social hour on select evenings
- All transportation during the trip, including to and from the airport to Xinalani Retreat
- 14 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
- Yoga clinics and mini workshops with Silvia Mordini
- Sunset Yoga Ceremonies
- Guided Jungle Hiking
- Private Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides
- All gratuities for special events, transfers, lodging and group meals.
- A special goodie bag with loving gifts
NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to and from the trip, gratuities for your guides
WWW.ALCHEMYTOURS.COM
WAKE UP TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
WAKE UP AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE!
Join us for a rejuvenating retreat in paradise. The experience will be grounded, playful, and fortifying as we refine our intentions for the best year ever! Our journey will include two energizing yoga classes each day, as well as open air accommodations and vibrant local cuisine. There will be ample space for rest, reflection, adventure and community connection. Explore the land and culture through surfing, watersports, jungle hikes, horseback riding, bird/whale watching and much, much more. The name Xinalani comes from the Nahuatl Xinaloani that means seed. It is pronounced shee-nah-lah-nee. It embodies the vision of transformation from the experiences and teachings from our past into the great potential of our future.
Xinalani Retreat Center is an eco-chic spa hotel, hidden on a pristine beach surrounded by a luxuriant jungle on the south shore of Banderas Bay, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Conceived as a tropical haven to host group wellness retreats, Xinalani is a place filled with serenity that shelters individuals in their search for a more balanced life style. It is a small private all suites hotel where each guest can feel the intimate closeness to the natural elements, and receive a well-deserved personal attention.
Join us in paradise for experience of awakening a renewal of the body, mind and soul.
DURING THIS 6-DAY YOGA RETREAT YOU WILL:
• Integrate Spirit and Nature as you practice yoga, and experience truly stunning eco-discoveries, play and meditate with a group dedicated to doing the same.
• Fully discover (or rediscover!) the Joy of Yoga.
• Experience a place filled with serenity that shelters individuals looking to establish a more balanced lifestyle.
• Enjoy becoming an active conscious traveler.
• Enjoy exceptional yoga, hiking, eco-adventures and camaraderie, connecting with pristine beaches, organic food, relaxing jungle spa treatments, all designed to help you spiritualize every aspect of your life!
• Recharge, refresh and renew, leaving totally more inspired about your life!
INVESTMENT:
OCCUPANCY SINGLE DOUBLE
Eco-chic Suites $2500 $1,999.00
Eco-Premium Suites $2100 $1,699.00
Petite Suite $1800 $1,399.00
Big Palapa $1,100 NA
PAYMENT POLICIES:
Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space.
egister by November 30, 2010 Get $400 OFF
Register by December 15, 2010 Get $350 OFF
Register by December 31, 2010 Get $250 OFF
Register by January 15, 2011 Get $150 OFF
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE?
• 6 nights of accommodation at Xinalani Retreat
• 3 complete gourmet vegetarian meals per day. Chef is expert in ayurveda cuisine and macrobiotics.
• A social hour on select evenings
• All transportation during the trip, including to and from the airport to Xinalani Retreat
• Full transportation by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta to our cliff-side beach paradise
• 9 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
• Yoga clinics and mini workshops with Silvia Mordini
• Sunset Yoga Ceremonies
• Guided Jungle Hiking
• Private Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides
• All gratuities for special events, transfers, lodging and group meals.
• A special goodie bag with loving gifts
NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to and from the trip, gratuities for your guides, spa services, other activities not listed such as whale watching, surfing, bird watching.
TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your guides may be given at your discretion in response to their leadership and professionalism throughout the trip. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual to be divided between the guiding team as an industry standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, transportation and local events are paid for by the retreat organizers.
TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:
You can pay with check, direct bank deposit, or credit card or Paypal on line but we most prefer checks. Please send checks to Alchemy Tours c/o Total Body Yoga, 210 Terrace Drive, Mundelein, IL 60061. Contact us at info@alchemytours.com or call if we can answer any questions.
WHERE IS XINALANI, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO?
Xinalani is a brand new resort center accessed only by boat. It is in Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on 10 acres of unspoiled jungle with a beautiful pristine beach, only 12 miles south of Puerto Vallarta International Airport. Xinalani Retreat is about discovery, admiration, love for nature, magic, conscious travel, eco-adventure, wellness, serenity and mindful living. Come enjoy the 1,302 square foot yoga deck set uphill amidst the deep jungle vegetation that can comfortable fit 40 students. With a panoramic view to the jungle and ocean, group practices here are a fascinating experience. Accomodations are ALL beach front with a choices of various private suites and a shared house if you are looking to save money. Xinalani Retreat features its own beach club where you will enjoy a relaxing break between your classes. Where you want to go swimming, snorkeling, or just sunbathe while sipping a natural fruit smoothie, this is the place to be. Take a walk in the soft sand, discover the hidden secrets of the naturally sculpted rocks scattered along the shore and explore the small private coves as you explore yourself. Visit http://www.xinalaniretreat.com/ and fall in love!
DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
LIVING XINALANI
We have chosen for this retreat to stay at a one of its kind eco-resort named Xinalani because we fully believe Xinalani supports our guests on their search for mind-body balance better allows us to facilitate the setting of intentions so each person leaves more focused and open hearted to realize their full human potential. The name Xinalani comes from the Nauatl Xinaloani that means «seed». It is pronounced shee-nah-lah-nee. It embodies the shared vision that this world could be better if everybody planted and grew a seed inside themselves and let love blossom around it. We look forward to your registration! You are in excellent hands!
LOW IMPACT LIVING
All guests accomodations have low consumption lights (LEDS) and are equipped with two outlets to reload cell phones and camera batteries. Our construction method was extremely organic. No concrete, no land modification. We never cut a single tree and hardly pruned any branches. We promote an intelligent use of resources. All guests are provided with high-end eco-friendly soaps and shampoo. Toilets are low-flow, and all water is recycled and used to irrigate our gardens. We use natural and biodegradable cleaning products, we recycle and compost wherever possible in an attempt to minimize our environmental impact.
YOGA STUDIO
Come and enjoy our unique 1,302 sq ft (121 m2) yoga deck set uphill amidst the deep jungle vegetation. It can comfortably hold up to 40 students. Practicing and learning in Xinalani Retreat is a truly enriching experience, the awe-inspiring Yoga Center was tastefully designed to infuse peace and serenity. With a panoramic view to the jungle and ocean, ideal for group practices.
HEALTHY NATURAL CUISINE
Xinalani cuisine is gourmet vegetarian and may or may not include fresh fish and seafood. The chef is well versed into principles of raw food, ayurveda cuisine and macrobiotics if you need special adaptations. You will be served 3 complete meals per day in the dining room following this schedule:
Breakfast: 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Buffet Style
Lunch: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM - Buffet Style
Dinner: 7:00PM - 9:30 PM – Chic
SPA
An array of treatments, massages and facials will help you relax, detox, heal, and reach a greater sense of mind- body balance through your stay.
TYPES OF ACCOMODATION
All the accommodations are beachfront, spacious, palm-thatched cabins floating on stilts. They were designed with refined elegance and built and furnished by local artisans. Their cozy interiors inspire feelings of calm and serenity. You will enjoy the closeness of the natural elements, the stimulation of the open-air private showers and the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from your terrace.
Xinalani offers 2 different types of accommodation: private suites or a shared house. All suites have private bathrooms. The suites are classified into 3 categories depending on their size, location and view. Also offered is a collective accommodation in a big palapa with up to 8 single beds and 2 complete bathrooms.
TRIP ITINERARY:
XINALANI PUERTO VALLARTA DAILY AGENDA
8:00am - 9:00am Breakfast
9:30am - 11am Vinyasa flow yoga
11am – 12pm Yoga clinics, mini workshops
12:00pm - 1:00pm Lunch
1:30pm - 5:30pm Daytime Fun (Beach, Spa, Hiking, & More)
6:00pm - 7:00pm Vinyasa flow yoga and meditation
8:00pm Dinner
9:00pm Dharma talks
GRATITUDE FOR TEACHER TRAINEES
OCTOBER 13, 2010. So today I begin my last Teacher Training at TBY. What an amazing 9 groups of trainees I've had the pleasure of teaching all these years! I've learned more from them than they could possibly have learned from me.
And I have slowly turned over the program little by little to other great local teachers to carry on this legacy. Rachel Dewan is co teaching this Fall program with me and Mary Scudella and Mara Campbell are taking over the Winter program that starts in January runs until July.
In the words of the Grateful Dead, "What a long strange trip its been."
And me? Well I will still be teaching teachers. It is my passion, my life's mission and I will do so remotely, virtually and in person in various locations that open their hearts up to me. I trust my voice will still be heard in helping nurture other teachers to find their own voices. It was never about fitting a teacher trainee into a set mold, it was always about the organic nature of evolution and individual transformation. And it still is.
So stay tuned, if you live local sign up for Mary and Mara or Rachel next Fall. And if you want to enjoy a destination Teacher Training then join me in 2011 for some fantastic spiritual adventuring! Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia
PS What have I learned in 9 teacher trainings? Be Yourself. The best teachers remain students. God made you funky. (obviously the 200 hours together went into more detail....)
INTENTION WITH FULL AWARENESS PRESENCE RESPONSIBILITY
"Prayer is a relationship; half the job is mine. If I want transformation, but can't even be bothered to articulate what, exactly, I'm aiming for, how will it ever occur? Half the benefit of prayer is in the asking itself, in the offering of a clearly posed and well-considered intention. If you don't have this, all your pleas and desires are boneless, floppy, inert; they swirl at your feet in a cold fog and never lift." — Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)
AUGUST 11TH, 2010. In a phone interview a couple days ago I was explaining to a TV producer the purpose of yoga in 100 words or less. And what I shared with him is that yoga practice makes us stand up with FULL awareness to be FULLY present to our lives and take FULL responsibility for the quality of our existence right now.
It is all about the FULL spectrum of who we really are. Not who we were yesterday or who others want us to be but harnessing the power of our minds to focus on being in charge of our own lives. This means we stop blaming others for what our lives were or are like and stop making excuses for delaying the next steps of our lives. We accept that the job of being ourselves is ours alone. And Elizabeth Gilbert speaks to this in this quote. Hey if you can't bother to show up and speak your truth about what you want for your life then how will you ever achieve it? The thing is you won't. So yoga is a way of praying with our bodies, meditation in motion so to speak. And grace shows up to be co-caption but at the very least the universe is expecting you accept the other half of the job.
Today get clear on what your intention is for your life. Let go of the kinda, sort of statements even remove the I will statements and just make it more direct. I AM CONFIDENT, I AM ACCEPTING OF MYSELF, I AM BEAUTIFUL, I AM COURAGEOUS.
And yes from there the inertia that comes from not taking responsibility for your intentions will disappear. TAPAS, the engagement of discipline and effort in yoga will burn off the self-doubt, worry, apathy forever. Start now....and repeat throughout the day your intentions. I AM AMAZING! Love your day, love your life, love yourself! Silvia
FACING OUR FEARS WITH SELF-DETERMINATION
The most difficult thing about change is that we meet our fear. So we fire up the third chakra to promote feelings of courage and self-determination that help us be with the dynamic dance of change in our lives. Now we could just avoid it all. There is that. But as Jon Kabat Zinn says about life, it’s like the lottery, you got play to have a chance at winning. Each day we have a choice to show up or not. We have a constant opportunity to make decisions that guide our lives. When we avoid what scares us then we turn over all our power to someone else. They control our lives. And it’s hard to be enthusiastic about life when you’re avoiding making decisions or lack the fire in your belly to run your own race.
I know this is not easy. There is friction in making our own choices since we might make mistakes or fall down. But at least we know we had the courage or Tapas to try. This is no different than rubbing two sticks together to great friction, heat, or fire. To bring this home we hatched a dream we’ve had for ourselves and took time to really give it life. Then was talked about sharing that dream out loud with another person. That by talking to someone about an intention we have for ourselves that’s like the two firesticks rubbing together to create fire.
“Fire is not seen until one firestick rubs against another, though the fire remains hidden in the firestick.
Let your body be the lower firestick; Let the heart be the upper.
Rub them against each other in yoga and meditation.” (ancient writing)
Fire is often symbolic of rebirth. Fire cleanses, burns off the negative and energizes one to light the path forward. This is the time to empower yourself towards transforming your life! I wish you the courage of your heart, Silvia
POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS YIELDS POSITIVE OUTCOME
May 31, 2009:
The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.”
It is a Fundamental spiritual belief yogic or otherwise that we are meant to enjoy ourselves in this lifetime, right now. Our natural state is to love and be loved.
So ask yourself what attitude do you have about your life? What does this attitude say about you? I think we all understand that without stop we have a running commentary in our head. This mindstuff reveals what beliefs we have about who we are, our attitudes about life. My friend Sadie Nardinin says “The biggest mistake we make as humans is to look at our destructive thought patterns and think we cannot choose again.” I’ve known that feeling of being stuck. The thing is you guys YOU are not stuck. Choose again. Take back your attitude. Give yourself permission to get back to your natural state.
We do this by having POSITIVE EXPECTATIONS for a POSITIVE OUTCOME.
Winners make a habit of manufacturing their own positive expectations in advance of the event.” Brian Tracy
We can check in with our attitude all day long: Are you focused on your limitations right now or on your dreams? Are you expecting the worst of best from life? Simply put, are your expectations positive or negative?
Through yoga learn how to live like life is not being done to you but for you. This is a gift with a limited shelf life so enjoy it! Transform your life by expecting the best. If you are in a downward spiral or just feeling “ok” there is no need for you accept a flat lined life. Your attitude is your POWER TO HEAL yourself. Our best feature as human beings is our super hero power of positive expectation: determination, living with integrity, strength of character, compassion in the face of suffering, creativity, growth, renewal. You create your life and no one else does it for you. Start today, start now. Life is fleeting don’t miss the pretty colors. Love your day, Silvia
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
NOVEMBER 1st, 2008: There was a new moon this week. This new moon in Scorpio calls us to step into the new and let go of the old. As a result we devoted our practice to jettison those patterns of holding tension in our bodies that have been stifling our growth and potential. We learned how to let go of self-limiting thoughts that we have clearly outgrown. This is no different than why we clean out a closet of the summer stuff…so we can make room for the Fall clothing and shoes, right?
So really take 5 minutes to ask yourself what is it that needs to be released from my life? What is ready to be born in my life?
Yup I know we’ve all been hearing a lot of messages about CHANGE lately. There must be a higher reason for that. Let’s take that as a sign and apply it directly to the democracy of ourselves first and foremost. What can I do to transform my life to welcome positive changes without fear of the unknown ripples those changes might bring? Remember as Sharon Salzberg writes in Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience, “The next step is not the last step.”