Gratitude and Growth Yoga Retreat at Xinalani Nov 26-Dec 1, 2011

Posted on September 21, 2011 by smordini

“CHANGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR YOURSELF: EXPECT THE BEST, EXPECT YOUR FORTUNES TO CHANGE, EXPECT A MIRACLE. REACQUAINT YOURSELF WITH THAT VISION.” Dr. Wayne Dyer

Intention is defined as setting an expectation for yourself, an expectation to your OWN GROWTH AND EVOLUTION.

Going away on this yoga retreat to beautiful Xinalani will help us reconnect to our commitment to grow by making time to focus on our Best Intentions. We will have space to breath our yoga twice daily and expand our connection to this promise we have made ourselves. Along with actively practicing guided Gratitude Meditations to recognize that we have all COME A LONG WAY ALREADY.

The power of our intention is that focus on one clear thing coming away from this retreat you will be more clear about the direction of your growth and evolution. Not 50 things at the same time. It is like the Buddhist parable of how to dig for water: instead of digging 100 holes focus your efforts and dig 100 times in the same place and then for sure we’ll strike water. Join us to refocus your promise to yourself and the kind of life you want for yourself. And with the New Year of 2012 approaching let’s really grow in our lives what is most important to us, to our health, to our hearts, to our peace of mind. Yours in gratitude, Silvia & Jacob, Alchemy Tours

QUICK SUMMARY ABOUT THE TRIP:

Rejuvenate with us in paradise, and leave the world behind you on our private, luxury, active beach retreat. Your journey will include 2 yoga classes each day (one hot yoga session, and one in the outdoor jungle studio). Vibrant, gourmet vegetarian cuisine will keep you fueled. 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 more.

Xinalani Retreat Center (www.xinalaniretreat.com) 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. It is a private, all suites hotel where each guest can feel the intimate closeness to the natural elements, and receive well-deserved personal attention. 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.

DURING THIS 5-NIGHT 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.
• Enjoy exceptional yoga, hiking, eco-adventures and camaraderie, connecting with pristine beaches, organic food, relaxing jungle spa treatments.
• Recharge, refresh and renew feeling more inspired about your life!

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE?

• 5 nights of accommodation at Xinalani Retreat
• 3 complete gourmet vegetarian meals per day. The chef, Shakti, is an expert in ayurveda cuisine and macrobiotics.
• A social hour on select evenings
• 9 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
• Two workshops with Silvia Mordini
• Sunset Yoga Ceremony
• Guided Jungle Hiking
• Private Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides
• A special gift

NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to and from the trip, transfer from and to the airport, daily excursions, gratuities for your guides, and hotel gratuities.

PRICES: SPECIAL ONLY $699!!!!

Big Palapa (880 square feet):
$699 (3 spots available)

Petite Suites (387 square feet):
Single: $1300
Double: $925

Eco-Chic Suites (550 square feet):
Single: $1675
Double: $1050

TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:

You can pay with check, direct bank deposit, credit card, or Paypal. Contact us at hello@alchemytours.com or call if we can answer any questions.

WHERE IS XINALANI, PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO?

Xinalani (www.xinalaniretreat.com) 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 one of 2 yoga studios! First experience 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. With a panoramic view to the jungle and ocean, ideal for group practices. And SECONDLY enjoy our hot yoga studio (enclosed and specially heated) with breath taking views of the ocean!

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:

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 housing. 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 with up to 4 single beds.

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

FAQ
When will I need to arrive and when do I leave?
Arrival Location:
You will need to arrive by 3pm on Nov 26 at Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) where we will meet you and bring you to the resort.

Departure Location:
At the end of your trip, you will be shuttled back to Puerto Vallarta International Airport. We will arrive at the airport between 1pm-2pm on Dec 1.

How do I get to Xinalani Retreat Center?
Upon arriving at Puerto Vallarta International airport, you have 2 options:

1st option: Take a taxi to Boca de Tomatlán and get the Xinalani boat
Xinalani arranges for pick up of guests in a small fishing village called Boca de Tomatlán, which is a 50 min taxi ride south of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, PVR.

Cost: $20 US per person for boat ride, plus taxi is separate

Guests choosing that option must reserve their seat on the boat sending an email to reservations@xinalaniretreat.com
No need to pay the boat driver, the amount will be charged to the guest’s room.

2nd option: VIP Transfer Service
For guests that prefer to be escorted, Xinalani can arrange a personalized transfer service from the
airport to the resort. The service includes:
– Transfer by taxi or van from the airport to the pier at Marina Vallarta or Boca de Tomatlán
– Transfer by boat from the pier to Xinalani
– Return to the airport at the end of the retreat.
Cost: $50 per person
Guests choosing that option must reserve this service by sending an email to reservations@xinalaniretreat.com

What Does Alchemy Mean?

Posted on September 20, 2011 by smordini

I along with my partner named our company Alchemy Tours because of the combined influence of the book The Alchemist and the practice of Yoga. Really Yoga is about taking the personal growth we experience on the mat as a result of this unique alchemy of yoga into making the changes we want in our lives, in our bodies, in our minds, in our hearts. Anytime you want to transform and move beyond your limitations to me this is the Alchemy of Yoga. Every day our chemistry can serve as an example or a warning to everyone else. Chapter 2 verse 1 of the Yoga Sutras sets forth how the Alchemy of Yoga actually works. “Tapas svadhyaya ishvara pranidhana kriya yoga.” Translated to mean that yoga helps us transforms ourselves on three levels:

1. Physical Alchemy – Tapas helps us ignite the changes we want to make in our lives. It is about the getting fired up and passionate. Literally it means heating the body through moving and breathing in the vinyasa

2. Mental Alchemy – Svadhaya. While we are following the discipline of tapas and engaging in physical practice to help move our stuck energy we are watching ourselves. In yoga we study the self to learn about the self. Here the mental alchemy is through self-observation. We witness what is going on in our thoughts, what are we thinking.

3. Spiritual Alchemy – ishvara pranidahana. As we are doing and watching we let go of the ego of judgment. We move beyond wanting life to be different and begin to feel the surrender that allows what is being offered to mix together. We practice ishvara pranidhana as we trust the universal intelligence that hugs us from all directions to know what it’s doing. And once we find this trust we begin to believe that beauty and goodness are within us flowing nonstop and there is no reason to stop this flow for its natural current is to align with the current of grace that is everywhere outisde us. Beauty becomes our way of life. Happiness becomes our natural alchemy.

You see when you get together on a Retreat we are all like the Alchemist in his/her laboratory mixing ingredients. For us as yogis our laboratory is our mat and the ingredients are our bodies, our poses, our breath, our thoughts and the mixing it all together creates a different result every time. A yoga retreat changes your life. You wake up to the power you have to go into the laboratory of your life experience and mix the potions you want to create your best life going forward! May you be the type of Alchemist who brings peace and love into the world. That my friends is the MOST powerful elixir of all! Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

3 Reasons Why Yoga Retreats Change Your Life

Posted on September 18, 2011 by smordini

Something magical and mystical happens when a group of high-intentioned individuals make the decision to gather together in a breathtaking natural environment for the purpose of uplifting their lives & expanding their consciousness. The result is something beyond words. It is, as best as I can explain it, the Alchemy of Yoga at its best.

In a nutshell here are 3 Reasons Why Yoga Retreats Change Your Life:

1. TRANSFORMATION HAPPENS FASTER…Something happens while on a yoga retreat that breaks the bonds of ordinary awareness and expands the consciousness of each individual to a level that would otherwise would have taken months or years of ordinary living to attain. This acceleration of evolution is mystical, meaning that the explanation of the change is beyond logic and reason. The term from quantum physics,“quantum leap”, comes to mind. A quantum leap means “a phenomena where an electron orbiting the nucleus of an atom changes its position without having traversed the space between its old and new orbit and without taking any time to do so. As scientifically verifiable as this phenomena is, it is also on the order of a miracle, for science has no explanation how this effect happens.” Yeah, that is exactly what happens on retreat.

2. DEEP RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION…This is the main reason people come to Yoga retreats. You have a complete break from your daily responsibilities and the impediments of a constantly fast paced lifestyle. You come into a situation where space is held for you to feel safe and nurtured. Your body, mind and spirit can really let go and soak up a beautiful relaxing environment, giving you the opportunity for the true you to come to the surface. The stressed out you is just covering up who you really are. As a result most participants experience a deeper level of contentment and harmony within themselves. Your spirit will feel rejuvenated! Taking the time to deeply relax and rejuvenate often has the longest term benefits even months later. Until we remember to remember what it is like to feel really relaxed it is difficult to know this is a destination we want to return to. But once we find it again our natural GPS will guide us back to this feeling as a form of celebration and rejuvenation even once you’re back in your regular routine.

3. BREAK OLD HABITS…By making a complete break from your daily life, unplugging from the pulls and pushes of technology and engaging in healthy activities you are in an excellent environment to release unwanted habits. Some of these habits include detoxing the physical body by lessening the amount of alcohol or coffee you drink or improving your diet with locally grown organic freshly prepared meals as well as increasing physical activity through twice daily yoga and hiking, cycling, surfing and more. The breaking of mental bonds and emotional detox is also a fundamental benefit of going on retreat. Healing can only take place once we are relaxed and in a new environment old emotional paradigms emerge so we can see our mental habits as the samskaras or unhealthy habits they have become. From there our ecology of mind evolves and while on retreat we reset the internal dialogue to one of positive intention with an eye to moving forward. Also it’s powerful to surround yourself with people who don’t know the encyclopedia of your past. They see you as you really are and intend to be going forward. This helps to reinforce your willingness to change for the better. Even upon departing the retreat new friendships, life long friendships are formed with like minded people who will support your growth and your new lifestyle choices.

ABOUT SILVIA MORDINI, E-RYT, lululemon Ambassador

My area of expertise is as a connector. I am an enthusiastic friend gatherer who loves to discuss breathing, yoga psychology, poetry, music, movement, books, travel and philosophy. And I am a long-time love anthropologist and student of life. I am open to all suggestions and enjoy meeting interesting people, spiritual seekers, soul surfers and most anyone who talks to me. I am especially interested in people who make me laugh and those who laugh at my silly sense of humor.

My parents, Mama and Papa, inspired my love of movement and travel, saying that I learned to ski before I learned to walk. I stayed active with tennis, swim team, cycling, hiking, running, pom poms, and dance squad. But even with all that activity, travel has been my greatest influence and my first love. My Father, Enrico, was a pure adventurer and my Mother’s parents were serious spiritual seekers and healers. I grew up traveling all over the world with my brother and parents. That I love to show others the beauty of the world through Yoga Workshops and Yoga Retreats shouldn’t be a surprise, since I was born in Ecuador and my Father is from Northern Italy, and English is my third language. So really my first yoga was travel. I learned how to connect to people and find the union between us. What we all have in common is the ability to laugh, to look for the good in any situation, and to choose love.

With over 8,800 hours of yoga teaching experience and a regular schedule of 12-18 classes per week, I make yoga approachable and inspiring for everyone. My focus is on bringing more fun to yoga with the hope that how we practice our yoga becomes how we live our life. As an Experienced Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and a lifelong athlete, singer, dancer, poet and adventurer, my style of yoga is Anusara inspired Vinyasa flow. I’ve been practicing yoga over the last 15 years after being run over by a car as a pedestrian and using it to recover physically and emotionally. I have owned a successful and well-loved yoga studio for 9 years and am currently teaching the 11th cycle of my nationally recognized RYT200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. I also offer popular workshops on Living Your Yoga, Chakra Vinyasa & Champagne, Hip-Hop Yoga, Yoga and Journaling, Yoga Psychology, The 3 Habits of Happiness, Restorative Yoga for Couples, Feel Good Look Good Intro to Ayurveda, Meditation and Manifestation. My partner and I lead Spiritual Adventure Yoga Retreats Nationally and Internationally through our company Alchemy Tours. And you can reach me at http://www.alchemytours.com or http://www.silviamordini.com by email at silvia@alchemytours.com

60 Best Yoga Books

Posted on September 17, 2011 by smordini

I get asked all the time what books I recommend reading. Well through the years there have been so many great ones that I have categorized them to make it easier for you dear friends. Enjoy and please take no offense if you see something missing. I will continue to grow the list as best I can. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

Meditation:
Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness by Sharon Salzberg
A Path With Heart: A Guide through the Perils and Promises of Spiritual Life by Jack Kornfield
Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditations from the Tantras by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
Faith by Sharon Salzberg

Hatha Yoga Practice:
Yoga The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness by Eric Schiffman
Jivamukti by Shannon Gannon and David Life
Yoga for Wellness by Gary Kraftsow
Living Your Yoga: Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Lasater
The Heart of Yoga: Developing A Personal Practice by Desikachar
The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman

Pranayama and Breath:
Light on Pranayama by B.K.S. Iyengar
Refining the Breath: Pranayama in the Anusara Style of Yoga, Doug Keller
The Yoga of Breath: A Step-by-Step Guide by Richard Rosen

Ayurveda:
Ayurveda Revolutionized: Integrating Ancient and Modern Ayurveda by Edward Tarabilda
Ayurveda: A Life of Balance by Maya Tiwari
What’s Your Dosha Baby? by Lisa Marie Coffey
Yoga and Ayurveda by Dr. David Frawley
Prakriti: Your Ayuredic Constitution (2nd Edition), by Dr. Robert Svoboda
Ayurveda Revolutionized: Integrating by Edward Tarabilda
Yoga & Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self-Realization by Dr. David Frawley
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad
Yoga for your Type: An Ayurvedic Approach by Dr. David Frawley
Ayurveda for Women by Maya Tiwari 

Teaching Skills:
Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship by Donna Farhi
Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual by John Friend

Yoga History:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchitananda
The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi
Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Swatmarama

Anatomy/Physiology:
Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain
The Anatomy Coloring Book by Kapit & Elson
Scientific Keys Volume I: The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga by Ray Long

Philosophy:
Bringing Yoga to Life by Donna Farhi
Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith

Testimonials:
Yogi Bare:Naked Truth by Philip Self
Yoga from the Inside Out by Christina Sell
Yogini: the Power of Women in Yoga by Janice Gates

Inspirational:
My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor
Go In and In: Poems From the Heart of Yoga by Danna Faulds
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment by Deepak Chopra
Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections by Rolf Gates
Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das
Shantaram: A Novel by Gregory David Roberts
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Poetry:
The Soul of Rumi by Coleman Barks
The Gift by Hafiz
Sweat Your Prayers by Gabrielle Roth
The Essential Rumi, New Expanded Edition by Jalal al-Din Rumi

Nutrition:
Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Polland, (Food history, politics, and local food movement)
Staying Healthy with Nutrition by Elson Haas (Major nutrition resource book)
Radical Healing by Rudolph Ballentine (Wide view of nutrition as a path for transformation)
Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford (Best blend of oriental traditions and modern nutrition)
Food and Healing by Annemarie Colbin (Great food and lifestyle book)
If the Buddha Came to Dinner by Sofia Hale Schatz (Nourish body and spirit)
Feeding the Body Nourishing the Soul by Deborah Kesten (Just as the title promises)
Creating Health by Deepak Chopra (Mind/body medicine)
Food & You by Sari Harrar and Barbara Loecher (Emotional eating related)

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ABOUT SILVIA MORDINI, E-RYT, lululemon Ambassador, Life Coach, Teacher Trainer, Manduka Ambassador, Ombassador for Yogitunes
Enthusiasm to love your life is contagious around Silvia. Her expert passion connects people to their own joyful potential. Silvia lives her happiness in such a big way that you can’t help but leave her classes, workshops, trainings and retreats spiritually uplifted!

Being a citizen of the world and spiritual adventurer is in her blood. Born in Ecuador, raised traveling around the world she is an enthusiastic friend gatherer who loves to discuss happiness psychology, poetry, music, books, travel and philosophy. She is a long-time love anthropologist and humble student of life who enjoys meeting interesting people, spiritual seekers, soul surfers and most anyone who makes her laugh.

Silvia currently resides in Seattle where she makes yoga approachable and inspiring for everyone. Her focus is on bringing more fun on the mat with the hope that how we practice our yoga becomes how we live our life. As an Experienced Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with over 9,000 hours of yoga teaching experience who has been practicing yoga over the last 15 years after being run over by a car and using it to recover physically and emotionally.

Silvia is the creator of Alchemy of Yoga, a nationally recognized RYT200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Self-Study) Program in its 12 cycle. She owned a successful, well-loved Chicagoland yoga studio for 9 years. Silvia writes regularly for mindbodygreen.com along with producing her “Loving Your Day” videos and Love Your Life yoga blog. She is a proud lululemon ambassador, life coach and Manduka ambassador, who offers popular workshops on Living Your Yoga, Chakra Vinyasa, Hip-Hop Yoga, Yoga and Journaling, Ayurveda, Meditation and Manifestation. Silvia and her partner also lead Spiritual Adventure Yoga Retreats Nationally and Internationally through Alchemy Tours.

Silvia can be reached:
Web: http://www.alchemytours.com or http://www.silviamordini.com
Email at silvia@alchemytours.com
Twitter @alchemytours
Facebook Silvia Mordini (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1164596386)

Jake and Silvia Tell All: What are Yoga Retreat Guides Like?

Posted on September 16, 2011 by smordini

We all love stories. Here’s a little bit more of our individual stories to share with you. We can’t wait to tell you more in person. Ask Jake how we met….now that’s an incredible love story.

SILVIA MORDINI, E-RYT, LULULEMON AMBASSADOR

http://www.silviamordini.com
http://www.alchemytours.com

Various things you likely don’t know about me:
*I’m a life long vegetarian, who doesn’t really like vegetables
*I’ve lived on 3 continents
*I don’t watch tv
*I was born in Ecuador, South America
*I crack myself up all the time
*I played piano 13 years and clarinet too
*I was in a band for the Young Republicans when I was 17 years old (it paid well)
*My Father is Italian and that’s why I’m olive
*I don’t need much sleep due to FOMS (Fear of Missing Something)
*I sing and dance in class

JACOB YOUNG

http://www.jacobmyoung.com
http://www.alchemytours.com

At some point everybody in their life thinks about moving somewhere new. I was born in California and by the age of two had already moved across the United States to New Hampshire. While living out East I was steeped in tradition much of which I appreciate to this day. Growing up in small-town New Hampshire was not confining to me, because it was all I knew. But from the moment I learned to ride on two wheels, I was gone. I stretched my boundaries constantly, and when I moved across the country my senior year of High School, I became aware of a bigger place around me which led to a full running scholarship at Northwest University. Living in Europe the past 9 years (Italy, France, the Netherlands, Spain) and guiding in those regions really expanded upon that.

For the last 10 years my desire to be active and live all over the world grew into guiding multi-sport vacations internationally. I am passionate about travel and introducing others to both the traditions and the new discoveries I’ve made in a region or place…I am blessed to do this regularly. Alchemy Tours branched from two things. 1) One of our favorite books is The Alchemist. With that as the somewhat obvious backdrop, it made sense that the alchemy of Silvia’s and my background would blend to create a sort of super trip for people unlike others out there. The yoga and active travel vacation being the alchemy that turns to gold. And without fail, people change after our retreats. Mark Twain sums it up when he says, “The enemy of prejudice is travel.” People learn more about themselves, and the yoga that Silvia teaches while on retreat is her to the max.

When not guiding you’ll find me back in Seattle enjoying a perfect day at home which includes waking up and enjoying a neighborhood run or a group ride. Coming home to relish in a relaxing brunch. Heading down to the farmer’s market to dream up an elaborate dinner, then going home to cook and enjoy quality time with those I love. And you can reach me at http://www.alchemytours.com or by email at jake@alchemytours.com

Various things you likely don’t know about me:
*I speak fluent Italian
*I’ve lived in Florence and Paris and a southern oregon town with population 499
*I don’t watch tv
*I’ve eaten marsupial and reptile
*I bleached my hair white blond once
*I don’t sing in the shower but do sing everywhere else
*I want everyone else to win. I’m not competitive.
*I am competitive in playing scrabble
*I’ve climbed Mount Rainier
*I had an iguana as a kid my siblings had newts, snails, cat, dog, hamster, and a rare mouse
*My dog was named daisy
*I’m third of four kids
*I can juggle
*I’ve jumped out of a plane

Story to be continued…

Freedom Of Purpose for a Life You Love!

Posted on September 16, 2011 by smordini

If you feel the need to refresh your spirit, reignite your passion for living, and rediscover balance in your life, then this yoga retreat is what you need. Furthermore, as your guides and life coaches with a combined twelve years experience organizing group travel adventures, we are 100% committed to helping you reach your full potential in a friendly, unpretentious, and supportive environment. We want to see you move beyond self-limiting beliefs into the empowerment of creating your freedom of purpose for a life you love!

Going away on this yoga retreat to beautiful Xinalani February 4-11, 2012 will help you learn better ways to take care of yourself while also enjoying a well deserved vacation. In many ways, attending a yoga retreat is always a type of overall learning experience. You have time and freedom to learn how to relax, set mindful goals, and rest and renew your entire sense of well-being. This retreat also provides you an opportunity to share, have fun and connect with other like-minded people. You can always choose quiet time for yourself or enjoy the interesting and fun conversations with the group.

More than anything you have the freedom to reconnect with the true joy of being alive! For some this is a profound experience with a powerful spiritual connection. For others it is a feeling of upliftment; others just ‘feel better’ and more positive about the future. For some it gives them the strength to face things they have been putting off for too long. You re-learn your power of choice. And the positive effects of taking a break of this nature usually last long after the retreat is over, often for months. Many guests make new and positive choices and life direction changes which have a profound influence on their lives. This is the one of the advantages of participating in this amazing retreat program.

So take to heart the words of John Wood from a favorite book “Leaving Microsoft to Change the World” who writes, “If you are thinking about making some adjustments in your life my heartfelt recommendation is not to spend too much time thinking about it. Just dive in.” FREEDOM MEANS YOU CAN DIVE IN TODAY! Wishing you courage to do so, Silvia and Jacob, Alchemy Tours

DURING THIS 7-NIGHT YOGA RETREAT YOU WILL:
• Integrate Spirit and Nature as you enjoy exceptional yoga, hiking, eco-adventures to a waterfall, horseback riding, connecting with pristine beaches, organic food, and relaxing jungle spa treatments.
• Enjoy camaraderie as you yoga, play and meditate with a group dedicated to doing the same.
• Recharge, refresh and renew, leaving totally more inspired about your life!

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE?
• 7 nights of luxury accommodation at Xinalani Retreat
• 3 complete gourmet vegetarian meals per day. The chef, Shakti, is an expert in ayurveda cuisine and macrobiotics.
• A social hour on select evenings
• 12 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
• Three workshops with Silvia Mordini & Jacob Young
• Sunset Yoga Ceremony
• Guided Jungle Hiking
• Private Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides
• A special gift

NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to and from the trip, transfer from and to the airport, daily excursions, gratuities for your guides, and hotel gratuities.

PRICES (GET EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $100 OFF BY OCTOBER 1, 2011!)

Petite Suites (387 Sq Feet, 2 Double Beds)

Single: $1975
Double: $1400

Eco-Chic Suites (650 Sq feet, either 1 King or 2 Double Beds)

Single: $2625
Double: $1700

Big Palapa (880 Sq feet, 7 single beds):

Single: $1050

TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:
You can pay with check or Paypal via our website http://www.alchemytours.com. Contact us at hello@alchemytours.com or call if we can answer any questions.

TRIP ITINERARY: XINALANI 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

ABOUT YOUR GUIDES:

SILVIA MORDINI, E-RYT, LULULEMON AMBASSADOR
http://www.silviamordini.com
http://www.alchemytours.com

With over 8,800 hours of yoga teaching experience and a regular schedule of 12-18 classes per week, I make yoga approachable and inspiring for everyone. My focus is on bringing more fun to yoga with the hope that how we practice our yoga becomes how we live our life. As an Experienced Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and a lifelong athlete, singer, dancer, poet and adventurer, my style of yoga is Anusara inspired Vinyasa flow. I’ve been practicing yoga over the last 15 years after being run over by a car as a pedestrian and using it to recover physically and emotionally. I have owned a successful and well-loved yoga studio for 9 years and am currently teaching the 11th cycle of my nationally recognized RYT200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. I also offer popular workshops on Living Your Yoga, Chakra Vinyasa Yoga, Hip-Hop Yoga, Yoga and Journaling. My partner and I lead Spiritual Adventure Yoga Retreats Nationally and Internationally through our company Alchemy Tours. And you can reach me at http://www.alchemytours.com or http://www.silviamordini.com by email at silvia@alchemytours.com

JACOB YOUNG
http://www.jacobmyoung.com
http://www.alchemytours.com

About Silvia Mordini, E-RYT, lululemon Ambassador

Posted on September 9, 2011 by smordini

http://www.silviamordini.com
http://www.alchemytours.com

I want to inspire in you what my family inspired in me: To see with the eyes of my heart by transforming the ecology of mind that happens naturally when you change the routine pattern of daily life. You see, I am not fearless, but I am willing to try anything.

My parents, Mama and Papa, inspired my love of movement and travel, saying that I learned to ski before I learned to walk. I stayed active with tennis, swim team, cycling, hiking, running, pom poms, and dance squad. But even with all that activity, travel has been my greatest influence and my first love. My Father, Enrico, was a pure adventurer and my Mother’s parents were serious spiritual seekers and healers. I grew up traveling all over the world. That I love to show others the beauty of the world through Yoga Retreats shouldn’t be a surprise, since I was born in Ecuador and my Father is from Northern Italy, and English is my third language. So really my first yoga was travel. I learned how to connect to people and find the union (yoga) between us. What we all have in common is the ability to laugh, to look for the good in any situation, and to choose love.

My area of expertise is as a connector. I am an enthusiastic friend gatherer who loves to discuss breathing, yoga psychology, poetry, music, movement, books, travel and philosophy. And as a long-time love anthropologist I am an enthusiastic student of life: open to all suggestions and enjoy meeting interesting people, spiritual seekers, soul surfers and most anyone who talks to me. I am especially curious about people who make me laugh and those who laugh at my silly sense of humor. I practice yoga every day to go on an internal adventure, to meet new people and push the boundaries of learning others ideas. Yoga stokes my Rebel Spirit!

With over 8,800 hours of yoga teaching experience and a regular schedule of 10-15 classes per week, I make yoga approachable and inspiring for everyone. My focus is on bringing more fun to yoga with the hope that how we practice our yoga becomes how we live our life. As an Experienced Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) and a lifelong athlete, singer, dancer, poet and adventurer, my style of yoga is Anusara inspired Vinyasa flow. I’ve been practicing yoga over the last 15 years after being run over by a car as a pedestrian and using it to recover physically and emotionally. I have owned a successful and well-loved yoga studio for 9 years and am currently teaching the 11th cycle of my nationally recognized RYT200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. I also offer popular workshops on Living Your Yoga, Chakra Vinyasa Yoga, Hip-Hop Yoga, Yoga and Journaling.

One things for sure, going on a trip together will stoke the fire of possibility inside you, create a clear declaration of what you want, and you’ll be ready to build a Life You Love! To send me a personal email, write silvia@alchemytours.com. I’d LOVE to hear from you.

5 Reasons To Go On A Yoga Retreat

Posted on September 7, 2011 by smordini

My first time feels like it was yesterday. And like they say, it’s true you never forget your first time. It changed my life. Now I wish I hadn’t waited so long before experiencing the pleasure, the freedom and the transformation going on a Yoga Retreat provided me. I strongly encourage you to consider these 5 reasons that you should go on retreat too.

1. YOU ARE LOST.
It’s hard to figure out where you want to go in your life if you stay on the merry-go-round just going through the motions. Dizziness sets in as anxiety and worry leading to overall mental confusion. We all need time to step back and ask ourselves “where am I going with my life” from time to time. Get the internal GPS system rebooted and you’re energy will return as will a peaceful inner focus. Otherwise, it’s hard to get where you’re going if you dont’ know where that is.

2. YOU ARE EXHAUSTED. (WIRED AND TIRED)
As Americans we spend a lot of time thinking about physical digestion (what we eat, when we eat, what we’re not going to eat, how many calories stuff has) but what about Mental Digestion. When we have poor mental digestion we experience stuff like poor sleep, obsessive worry, lethargy, impatience, fatigue, anger and an annoying degree of anxiety. How does this happen? Our mental digestion is relieved by using the breath led poses in vinyasa yoga to help us circulate our energies, both physically and mentally. Otherwise our minds feel both WIRED and TIRED. We have this need to burn off excess energy that’s pent up from sitting too much and we also need to breath and refresh our brains. Remember as John Doulillard, Director of LifeSpa School of Ayurveda in Boulder, Colorado says, “everyone thinkgs that when you can’t sleep, you have too much energy, but usually people have too little energy: they are TOO exhausted to get to sleep.” Going on retreat helps you renew your commitment to yoga to help you mentally digest your way towards optimal health whether you are wired or tired.

3. YOU ARE MAD OR SAD.
The practice of yoga poses and breath brings about an awareness of what we are feeling. We can get really good at avoiding what we are feeling. As a result, denial or argument with our feelings can become a way of life. But it is also a formula for suffering.

Tantric practice encourages us to embrace all of who we are. The sadness and the joy, the anger and the patience, the fear and the love. This is a nondualistic approach to see that there is not a winner/loser or bad/good that we don’t have to battle our emotions, thoughts or feelings any longer. Running away from what we feel will only prolong it. And all of our feelings can be put into 3 buckets: pleasant, unpleasant and neutral. So as hard as it might be to heal it is a far better alternative than staying in a state of suffering. Going on a retreat is where we can really be with what we feel and then leave the past the past and move forward. It is an opportunity for letting go.

4. YOU ARE BORED.
Are you doing things because you love to do them or because you feel like you have to do them. What percentage of the time would you say? Well if you are spending more of your time doing stuff because you feel like you have to instead of wanting to then this is a formula for misery. You will get bored. And worse yet, you will lose your PASSION for life! Passion is a powerful and necessary aspect of our lives. This is the ultimate definition of yoga: anything that wakes you up to who you really are, that makes you more aware of your life. Going on retreat and surrounding ourselves with like minded folks that are living the path only helps us grow our passion. Why? Because PASSION IS CONTAGIOUS! Or in the words of Philosopher Hebbel, “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”

5. YOU JUST WANT TO.
And one of the best reasons to go on a Yoga Retreat is no reason at all. So just do it! Heed the sage advice of Shel Silverstein:

“All the Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin’ in the sun,
Talkin’ ’bout the things
They woulda coulda shoulda done…
But those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All ran away and hid
From one little Did.”

ABOUT SILVIA MORDINI
My Father Enrico was an adventurer, my Mother’s parents were serious spiritual seekers. I grew up traveling all over the world with my brother and parents from the time I was an infant. I guess the fact that I love to show other people the beauty of the world shouldn’t surprise anyone since I was born in Ecuador, South America and my Father is from Northern Italy near Modena, English was my third language. One could say being a citizen of the world is in my blood.

And when not traveling I’m living in Seattle sharing my loving Anusara-inspired Vinyasa Flow teaching style influenced by more than 10 years of Hatha yoga study with my three primary teachers: Shiva Rea, John Friend, and my students. My teaching intention is that while connected to their breath, students might feel each pose with an open heart and a quiet mind. Yoga then becomes a means to explore oneself more deeply in order to better face life’s challenges and open to the endless possibilities that exist for all of us. You can reach me at http://www.alchemytours.com or http://www.silviamordini.com silvia@alchemytours.com

How To Prepare for a Yoga Vacation

Posted on September 2, 2011 by smordini

So you’ve made the decision to go on a Yoga Retreat. Good for you! I imagine it’s anywhere from 2 weeks away to 12 months away so what can you do to prepare? Should you prepare? Well, the easy answer is yes you should.

Here are my top 3 ways get ready for your Yoga Getaway:

1. Exercise: Practice Yoga

If you are newer to the practice make time to take even just a few classes. Don’t try to “learn” all of yoga. It’s over 5,000 years old and it’s nothing you can “master” so just get familiar with key poses without overdoing it. And know the format of a class which is generally something like this: Opening (a learning story from the teacher, maybe an OM, welcome); Wave’s of Movement (you’ll do some warm-ups, then there will be a stronger work-out phase following by the cool-down) and finally the Closing (you get to lie down and rest and absorb everything you did physically, this is called savasana, the the teacher will end class with Namaste which means thank you and you’re expected to say it back to them too). Some key terminology you should know includes:
–Sun Salutation (A series of poses linked by breath, performed in the same sequence of which there are many)
–Mountain (standing up)
–Child’s pose (sitting tush to heels and arms in front of you bowed into a little ball)
–Warrior (Standing basic poses front leg bent, back leg straight either facing forward or to the side)
–Asana (means pose)
–Pranayama (means managing our breath in an organized way)
–Modifications (do you have an injury the teacher should help you find another way to do a pose?)

2. Set your Vision and Goals for your trip:

Why are you going? Is it to relieve stress, take a time-out, try something new, lose 5 pounds, meet new friends, get clear on what you want from your life, set yourself free (let go of sadness, anger, worry). The more you are able to articulate this to your guides the more they can serve you and hold space to support you. The power of your intentions will be made more powerful if you know them yourself.

3. Learn about Where your Traveling to:

If you going to Tuscany then read about the wines of the region, the pecorino cheese, gelato, olive oil, local history and art so you know more about what you’ll be seeing. If you’re going to Mexico then learn a few phrases in Spanish. Wherever your trip is taking you stay inspired by looking at photos on-line, get a book, practice opening up at home before you expand the ecology of your mind.

And as part of your final preparations find a way that you can lessen your reliance on technology. You will not need your laptop, i-phone, blackberry, i-pad, i-pod and 5 cords, adapters and plug-ins for this trip. The more you can be present to the experience the more you’ll get out of it. Technology will disconnect you from the people you’re with, from the beauty that surrounds you and the internal processing that we all need time for. You deserve this time and going on retreat will change you. You will return more clear minded, open hearted and inspired by your life!

Love yourself, love your day, love your life, Silvia

Alchemy Tours

We are moment seekers

Monthly Archives: September 2011