Yoga in Bali, Namaste

When I took a look at 'the lists'

…you know the things I want to do before, well you know, before I can't...

and the things I want to do to be better…healthier and happier...

going on a yoga retreat rose to the top, doing it in Asia (a continent I haven't been to) double-checked some boxes! I jumped on Google, did a quick search, and, taa daa, I ended up in Bali for a week-long retreat.

After a long and stressful trip that included an unexpected 15 hours in the air, a lost suitcase and a very late, rainy trip to the center I was a bit concerned I had made the right choice. It took just an hour the next morning for me to know I was wrong, it was the best choice. As I made it into my first downward dog of the week, I exhaled all the stress from travel and inhaled the lovely smells of the tropical oasis that would be home.

I found myself with six other women (most of us 50+) from all over the world. We immediately found connections over our love of travel and the peacefulness of the retreat.

The schedule was hard work - I can hear your eye rolls - and exactly what I was looking for.

7:30am     Juice and Tea

8:00am     Yoga

10:00am   Breakfast

1:00pm     Lunch

4:00pm     Yoga

5:30pm     Juice and Tea

7:00pm     Dinner

Plus, there were daily spa treatments, cultural activities, pool time, tours, extra classes and a lot of relaxing!

Yep, hard work! Ha, Ha! I had my first Balinese massage! There were walks through rice fields, cooking classes, dances, new yoga poses, facials, tours and more. My muscles were screaming from 90-minute yoga sessions but I was sold.

Speaking of sold, if you want to go on a yoga retreat, here is a website to peruse. https://www.bookyogaretreats.com You can search by location, style, experience, etc.

It was just what I needed. My spine is a bit straighter and it reminded me how much I love yoga for the mind and body. It is a start to a daily practice that can be done anywhere in the world, but, hopefully, in beautiful places.