Couples that travel together…5 Reasons to Travel with your Significant Other

1. Collect memories, not things. The longer you’re with your lady or gentleman friend, the more you’ll realize it’s the memories you make that are more important than the collection of possessions. Your first time feeling the ocean waves at your feet, finishing a long hike together, or sharing foods you’ve never tried are far more valuable than anything you can buy.

2. Learn together = Grow together. Experiencing new cultures always involves learning, and having your partner with you helps you both learn and evolve into citizens of the world.

3. Experience the wonders of the world and share new romantic moments. When you’re with someone you fully love and respect, it encourages you to expand your world view. You can both easefully rekindle youthful romance when you’re in a relaxed environment, free of the anxieties you may experience in daily life. Restful vacations can also train you both to handle your stress more gracefully when you get home.

4. Learn problem solving. There are always new challenges when traveling. From getting lost to deciphering foreign restaurant menu items, working as a team with your partner brings you closer. Supporting each other when you both may be of your comfort zone builds new trust and strengthens the bonds of your relationship.

5. Make new traditions. Making traditions has been a part human history in every culture since the beginning of time. Traveling and sharing new moments together breeds traditions unique to your relationship that can last a lifetime.

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Respectfully submitted by Christina R at www.littlewindmillyoga.com

 

 

Costa Rica RYT 200 hour Alchemy of Yoga Teacher Training Preview Trailer!

Costa Rica Alchemy of Yoga Teacher Training from christina russo on Vimeo!

Picking a teacher training is hard. We wanted to show you a slice of what our Costa Rica destination teacher training is about. Joy, education, self exploration, and the art of happiness! Enjoy ‘Part 1’ of our visual insight into Alchemy of Yoga teacher training!

Learn More:

Apply now at SilviaMordini.com

Read about Blue Spirit Retreat Center

Download a complete pack of information about the program, Silvia Mordini, and Blue Spirit here: Costa Rica Alchemy of Yoga Teacher Training 2014

Coffee of South East Asia & Kopi Luwak Coffee

 

Indonesia is the 3rd largest producer of coffee in the world. The three islands most involved in Southeast Asia’s coffee culture are Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra. Even if you’re only an occasional coffee drinker, you’ve probably heard the names of Indonesia’s islands thrown around at one time or another.

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 Java is a tropical, densely populated island where much of the Arabica coffee in the world is grown. Javinese coffee beans are stored for 2-3 years to increase the smokey, full bodied flavor of the final product. Coffee grown on the island of Sulawesi is grown in a humid, mountainous climate. The most famous coffee growing region is Teraja- where the beans are picked and processed by hand. Because of the hazardous terrain and meticulous care of the plants, this region has a very low yield and it’s product is sought after by coffee enthusiasts around the globe. The island of Sumatra produces some of the most famous coffee in the world. People love Sumatra because of it’s bold, almost syrupy taste and complexity. You can find Sumatran coffee at almost any grocery store and coffee shop in the united states.

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What stands out as the most fascinating feature of Indonesia’s coffee culture is the very memorable and to many unappetizing works at the Kopi Luwak roastery on the island of Bali. This process involves the participation of a third party, the Asian Palm Civet. This civet, nicknamed the ‘toddy cat,’ is a small mammal native to Bali that consumes the coffee cherries, thus beginning the process of creating this very special cup of coffee. Producers of these coffee beans argue that this may improve coffee through two mechanisms, selection and digestion.  The selection occurs when the picky civets choose only the best, most worthy  beans to eat. Once eaten, the beans absorb enzymes from the civets, where their digestive mechanisms may improve the flavor profile of the coffee beans. There is much controversy whether this makes the coffee worth the $40-50 per cup price tag, but the only true way to know is to try it for yourself!

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When ordering this in Bali, they often refer to it as ‘animal coffee,’ or ‘cat coffee.’ On our retreat to Bali we make a special trip to tour and taste Kopi Luwak coffee and experience cultural bliss! Join us October 3-10 2015!

All About Thai Massage

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Thai massage stimulates the acupressure points in relation to the concept of energy lines in the body.  This stretches and loosens tightened muscles, releases tension and relieves joint pain. Thai massage leaves you feeling both relaxed and energized. In addition, Thai massage uses the technique of blocking and releasing the blood flow by applying sustained pressure for around 30 seconds to the areas where legs and arms meet the torso. This is a real circulation booster and helps fresh, oxygenated blood flow to the muscles.

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Meridians and pressure points

The Thai masseuse uses full yoga poses as well as his or her thumbs, elbows, and palms to put pressure along the meridian lines. It is unique in its energetic and physical reputation based on Ayurveda and yoga. This ancient massage technique stimulates energy flow by increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and dispersing tension. It is ideal for muscle relaxation, increasing flexibility in your muscles and increasing mobility.

Thai massage is an intense, spiritual, and meditative process that is best enjoyed in the land of its origin. One of the reasons we chose Samahita Retreat for our Thailand trip this year is the skilled team of therapists and nurses.  Their programs combine the wisdom of ancient ayurvedic and yogic teachings along with a full modern understanding of nutrition and physiology.

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Check out Samahita’s Spa Therapies Menu and consider joining us in Thailand October 11-18 2015!
Respectfully submitted by Christina Russo
Read more from me at Littlewindmillyoga.com

Best Priced Yoga Teacher Training

There are a lot of Yoga Teacher Training programs to choose from these days. Alchemy of Yoga is offered as a destination program in Costa Rica at a reasonable price. The total investment is the total cost. The cost of lodging is NOT separate from the training cost which can double the overall investment. We pride ourselves over the last 9 years on offering the highest caliber training for the best price. It’s good karma.

YOUR INVESTMENT:

Nature Suite Double (with AC): $4950
Nature Suite Single (with AC): $5850

Hermitage Double: $4599
Hermitage Single: $4950

Eco Cottage Double (Natural Air): $4150
Eco Cottage Single (Natural Air): $4699

PAYMENT PLAN:

$500 Deposit paid to save your spot!

25% Paid  60 days before training by June 9th, 2014

50% Paid 30 days before training by July 9th, 2014

Final 15% Paid by day 1 of training by Aug 9th, 2014

 

2 OPTIONS FOR SELF-STUDY:

1. Immersion for serious students looking to deepen their practice and knowledge of yoga asana, meditation, philosophy and spirit but don’t want to teach yoga.
2. RYT 200 Yoga Alliance Certification program designed for those who are interested in teaching.

STEP 1 – APPLY NOW:

Complete application and e-mail it to silvia@alchemytours.com

STEP 2 – PHONE INTERVIEW:

Arrangements will be made to talk more by phone.

TO REGISTER:

Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space. 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 | 2227 11th Ave W | Seattle, WA 98119 .

CLICK FOR RESERVATIONS

To make payment please go to book now page to put down deposit. If you have questions please email silvia@alchemytours.com or call 872-228-9642 (2AT-YOGA)


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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR INVESTMENT?

  • RYT 200 Hour Alchemy of Yoga Training
  • 200 Page Training Manual
  • On-going mentoring & teacher tools
  • Vision Board
  • 21 nights accommodation
  • 3 healthful, delicious meals per day
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and other options available
  • Organic juices, Coffees, Herbal blends, Tea
  • Delicious, quadruple filtered drinking water
  • Beautiful accommodations
  • Daily meditation
  • Spanish language basics class
  • Excursions to Waterfalls and Pacific Ocean Sandy Beaches
  • Daily Time for Exploration and Relaxation
  • 2 social hours on select evenings
  • Yoga mats and all props
  • Free wi-fi
  • A special eco friendly goodie bag with loving gifts
  • Costa Rican Taxes (13%)

NOT INCLUDED?

Airfare to and from the training, lodging before and/or after the training if you are coming early or staying later, spa treatments, extra excursions.

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How are Chakras Aligned with Yoga Teacher Training?

OVERVIEW OF YOUR ALCHEMY OF YOGA TEACHER TRAINING ADVENTURE

1. 1st Chakra: Alchemy of Yoga: Tapping into Your Potential and living in Possibility
2. 2nd Chakra: Flow: Discovering Your Optimal Performance
3. 3rd Chakra: Unlearning the Obstacles to Your Happiness
4. 4th Chakra: Express yourself! Self-love, Tapas and Healthy Habits
5. 5th Chakra: Relationship Yoga: Communication
6. 6th Chakra: 5 Elements Alchemy of Yoga (Anatomy, Ayurveda, Chakras, Muscles & Bones)
7. 7th Chakra: Awareness of Awareness: Transformation into the infinite

The Chakras are energy centers within the body that provide the blueprint to our psychology. Yoga teaches us that our natural psychology is positive. We are born to live happy. Yoga works to help us remember to remember our natural state. This yoga teacher training program relies upon the Chakras as a guiding force, not just a 2 hour presentation because to us this is the Alchemy of Yoga.

YOUR INVESTMENT COSTA RICA AUGUST 9-30, 2014 AT BLUE SPIRIT:

Nature Suite Double (with AC): $4950
Nature Suite Single (with AC): $5850

Hermitage Double: $4599
Hermitage Single: $4950

Eco Cottage Double (Natural Air): $4150
Eco Cottage Single (Natural Air): $4699

2 OPTIONS FOR SELF-STUDY:

1. Immersion for serious students looking to deepen their practice and knowledge of yoga asana, meditation, philosophy and spirit but don’t want to teach yoga.
2. RYT 200 Yoga Alliance Certification program designed for those who are interested in teaching.

STEP 1 – APPLY NOW:

Complete application and e-mail it to silvia@alchemytours.com

STEP 2 – PHONE INTERVIEW:

Arrangements will be made to talk more by phone.

TO REGISTER:

Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space. 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 | 2227 11th Ave W | Seattle, WA 98119 .

CLICK FOR RESERVATIONS

To make payment please go to book now page to put down deposit. If you have questions please email silvia@alchemytours.com or call 872-228-9642 (2AT-YOGA)

Coastline from BSP copy

oceanview

 

El Temazcal at Haramara Retreat

Haramara is now hosting a Traditional Sweatlodge Ceremony every Thursday evening. “El Temazcal”

This ancient medicine involves deep purification, through the respectful use of the sacred elements Earth, Water, Air and Fire, in a journey where we travel into Mother Earth´s womb in a dark, wet and warm environment.  After crossing the stages of the ceremony, we are reborn, to continue our path on this Earth with renewed life.

Stones are heated in Fire, Water is poured on the stones to create steam that will penetrate us at all levels to help us cleanse what we no longer need and to remind us of who we are.  In the Sweatlodge we share prayers and songs to reconnect us to Great Spirit. We become a family in the sacred circle, where we are all equal.

All guests are welcome to participate after they have understood the protocol that this traditional medicine involves.

*Join us on retreat July 12-19, 2014 at Harmara and experience this healing for yourself!

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Testimonial about Haramara Retreat

“If you were to dream of a place you could go for one week and come back a completely healed, transformed and a changed person….the place you are imagining would be Haramara. It has become a place for me, and retreat participants to transform their health and reclaim their soul. When you come to Haramara Retreat your body receives what it needs – food, juice enzymes, warmth, stretching and exercise through yoga, hiking and swimming. Your emotions, hormones and nervous system are stabilized and addressed through nutrients and my daily interactive teachings. Your thoughts become more focused and positive, your memory becomes clearer, your spirit is revitalized and your purpose clarified.

cabanaviewofoceanHaramara contributes to this healing in so many ways. This property and Sajeela de la Borbolla, it’s owner and creator, and all the beautiful people who work at Haramara hold a very special place in my heart with their kindness and love of what they do and how they attend to every detail with love and a positive attitude. The land itself and everything that It’s owner has aspired to create is impeccable and beautiful. Every last cabana placed perfectly on the land is private yet has the most astonishing view of the surroundings.. nature, plants, the ocean, the jungle. You wake up and all your senses are stimulated with the sounds of the ocean and birds, the feel of the cool ocean breeze, the warmth of the sun on your face. Your first view is of lush dark green plants, orange, red, yellow and purple flowers or the dark blue ocean. Your palate is quenched with the taste of beautifully prepared and seasoned foods and juices of all different colors and nutrients. Imagine starting your day with yoga in an open-air palapa with a 360 view of the ocean and jungle in the distance.

Every time I step foot on the property, I am astonished at what new addition has seamlessly arisen as if overnight and is a perfect fit to the landscape…a gorgeous deck laid around a 300 year old papelillo tree so as not to disturb the tree… An infinity pool with subtle splashings of a waterfall feeding the foliage while inviting you to soak, float, breathe and take in the view of the land, jungle and sea with a temperature that could not be more perfect during the day or night. Never would I dream I could be so comfortable in an open-air cabana at night in a setting so in sync with nature and creatures in their natural habitat. Haramara is a place that teaches one the utmost importance of respecting this beautiful world which we have been fortunate to enjoy.” – Dr Lynn, Naturopathic Doctor, Seattle

Join us at Haramara July 12-19, 2014!

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Pecorino of Tuscany

Pecorino
Tuscany’s cheese of choice is pecorino, first made in central Italy more than 500 years ago by hillside shepherds. While flavors and styles vary, all pecorino is made with either sheep’s milk or a combination of cow and sheep’s milk. In springtime, pecorino fresco, soft and lightly flavored, is delicious with fresh fava beans; in fall, a slightly more stagianato, or aged variety is excellent served with sliced pears. Pecorino is especially tasty around Pienza, where different varieties are aged in ash, wrapped in grape leaves, rubbed with peppers or infused with truffles or arugula.

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