I had the privilege of teaching Nia at the Joy Tree Yoga retreat this weekend at the spectacular Inn at the Rustic Gate in Big Rapids, Michigan. It was a first for me, as I got to teach "al fresco" in the pavilion. We laid yoga mats down to cushion our feet and danced AO while gazing out at the sunset over Toogood lake and "the Great Green Meadow." The summer evening was cooling down, green herons glided over the lake, and the breeze danced with us. It was a magical experience.
Only three of the women in the group had ever done Nia and I got lots of expressions of gratitude and joy afterward. Many commented how fun and energizing it was. At breakfast the next morning, one of the participants told me, "I think that's the first time that I have ever really just let myself go. Just really let myself go. No judgements about myself or anything. It was very freeing."
Yes! Even better, the theme of the retreat was "Finding Freedom, Inside and Out."
The next morning I got to join the group for a fantastic yoga class taught by Kelly Garner. She is the owner of Joy Tree Yoga and organized the retreat. It was a fabulous couple of days. I got to catch up with my favorite aunts (who happen to be the owners of the Inn, Pat, Marcia and Sharon), I got to eat wonderful food (thank you chef Sharon for all the take home leftovers...I had three pieces of spinach pie today!) And I got to meet an amazing group of women. Truly cool ladies of every age and background. It was an honor to be able to be a part of their retreat, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have shared Nia with them. Lucky lucky me.
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