What a wonderful post, Ilona! A wonderful yogic way to start my day in the Pacific Northwest as a pure gold sunrise strikes the trees and brush and flowers with dimension, and eagles float past. Your post is so well-written, even with an "antagonist" who didn't want to do yoga or creative exercises, yet was so gracious about her own fall and then transformation. I hope you write more about the week. I love hearing about it. Gratitude indeed. Thanks.
Thanks, Kirie. As the trip drew nearer, she may have started panicking a bit realizing what she'd signed up for. The transformation part was totally unexpected. Yoga people understand what I'm talking about, so thank you for seeing it.
I absolutely love the spirit and phrasing of this paragraph: "From my experience, the third chapter can be outstanding if we are open to seeing this period of life as a time of renewal and change. But starting again necessitates being brave enough to embrace the discomfort of being a beginner and challenging the stories we’ve told ourselves for decades."
I love this, especially about your friend's surprising (to me!) and wonderful attitude after her fall and missing her trip. She had a trip of her own and so glad you were inspired to go for yours!
This sounds like a lovely trip! Greece is absolutely gorgeous. I hesitantly went last summer with my daughters for my oldest's 30th birthday. The boyfriend bailed, so it was just going to be my two daughters, and then I was talked into going. I am glad I went! The historical discoveries were endless, the salads divine, and the views breathtaking. Plus, time with my girls is priceless. (P.S. I am also in N.J.)
Phew, that was sure "initiation by fire." And so happy to hear that the retreat was successful and that your friend was so generous in giving everyone the grace to be present to their time.
Excellent post and great photos!
Thanks, pal.
What a wonderful post, Ilona! A wonderful yogic way to start my day in the Pacific Northwest as a pure gold sunrise strikes the trees and brush and flowers with dimension, and eagles float past. Your post is so well-written, even with an "antagonist" who didn't want to do yoga or creative exercises, yet was so gracious about her own fall and then transformation. I hope you write more about the week. I love hearing about it. Gratitude indeed. Thanks.
Thanks, Kirie. As the trip drew nearer, she may have started panicking a bit realizing what she'd signed up for. The transformation part was totally unexpected. Yoga people understand what I'm talking about, so thank you for seeing it.
She is a fantastic writer.... (and this is coming from someone who had her as a poetry student in my workshop last year)!
Aw shucks. Thank you 🤍
PS Did you get the postcard yet?
Looks like paradise! What an inspiration your friend is!
My friend has always been amazing, but this tragedy-turned-transformation is on another level altogether.
Wow...that's inspiring!
Did you get the postcard yet?
Not yet! But it had to come a long way! LOL
I absolutely love the spirit and phrasing of this paragraph: "From my experience, the third chapter can be outstanding if we are open to seeing this period of life as a time of renewal and change. But starting again necessitates being brave enough to embrace the discomfort of being a beginner and challenging the stories we’ve told ourselves for decades."
Thanks, Niki! I'm happy those lines resonated with you 🤍
This is amazing, Ilona! I love the story and I especially love this line:
"Yoga is this powerful. The poses prepare us for transformation, but they’re not necessary. Yoga doesn’t need our help to do its work." Thank you!!
Yes! You know it first-hand. Nice to hear from a friend and fellow yoga practitioner.
My favorite line also!!
I love this, especially about your friend's surprising (to me!) and wonderful attitude after her fall and missing her trip. She had a trip of her own and so glad you were inspired to go for yours!
Yes, she did have a trip of her own (love the play on words.) If it were me, I don't think I would have handled it as well as she did.
Wow! Seems like I missed out on all the fun.
It was an amazing time.
wonderful! sounds like it turned out well! I'd be in for the next one!
Ok great! It’s September 2025 at the same place. Happy to have you ❤️
Wow! Looks like it was a wonderful successful trip!
It was! I hope you'll come next time, Carol.
Me too!
This sounds like a lovely trip! Greece is absolutely gorgeous. I hesitantly went last summer with my daughters for my oldest's 30th birthday. The boyfriend bailed, so it was just going to be my two daughters, and then I was talked into going. I am glad I went! The historical discoveries were endless, the salads divine, and the views breathtaking. Plus, time with my girls is priceless. (P.S. I am also in N.J.)
Which island did you visit? My husband is half-Greek and can speak the language, so it's always an adventure each time we go. Where do you live in NJ?
We went to Mykonos (Ornos) - stayed at he Dorion, which I loved, Athens, Delphi and Olympia. In Point Pleasant.
I’m in Point Pleasant Beach. Let’s meet for coffee!
Oh wow - small world. Yes lets do that!
Looking forward to hearing more about this retreat. Isn’t it amazing how transformation takes so many different paths?
Yes, the universe never ceases to amaze. Will definitely write more about the trip. Thanks for reading, Michelle. Did you get the postcard yet?
Not yet.
The Greeks have their own time clock. You will get it...someday. 🤣
Yes, they do!
This looks amazing! And the food! Yum...
I am in my 2nd chapter, I think.... and I love the bravery and resilience you present to us!
Well, we did have one young lady with us - I don't think she hit 50 yet. We called her our baby. The food was OFF THE CHARTS! So delicious.
Phew, that was sure "initiation by fire." And so happy to hear that the retreat was successful and that your friend was so generous in giving everyone the grace to be present to their time.