I just returned from a yoga retreat deep in the jungle of Costa Rica’s “Blue Zone.” It was an incredible experience that had all the best ingredients: a beautiful venue, excellent yoga instructors, interesting (and fun!) participants, and amazing vegetarian and vegan food. It was nourishing to my mind, body, and spirit. Here are some of the lessons that I took away from the jungle paradise.
Lesson #1: Time off the grid and in Nature is essential to clear away the noise and clutter in my head.
A week without any news from the outside world — no email, no social media, no television — gave my mind a chance to be still. I spent hours walking, hiking, lying in a hammock, watching the monkeys and birds, listening to the waterfall, and marveling at the sunrises. My intention is to dramatically cut back on social media, newspapers, radio, and television. I will get outside every day, no matter what the weather. I am amping up my daily meditation practice, which quiets my mind better than anything (except maybe golf on a gorgeous day…). My goal is to reduce anxiety and stress.
Lesson #2: Pay attention to what my body needs to be strong, healthy, and in tune.
In addition to the challenging twice-a-day yoga classes, we ate nutritious, delicious vegetarian meals. Even though I was consuming more food than I usually do, it was energizing and cleansing. My intention is to shift how I care for my body by eliminating red meat and eating mostly vegetarian meals (I’m still debating eliminating seafood from my diet…so for now, a pescatarian diet works best). I commit to a more vigorous yoga practice, working out at the gym three times a week, and daily walks to gain muscle strength. My goal is to be stronger and have less back pain and inflammation in my body.
Lesson #3: Engage and spend time with those who are willing to have deep conversations that feed my spirit, bring me wisdom, and offer new perspectives on life.
I’m blessed with wonderful friends, family, clients, and colleagues. My intention is to cultivate relationships with learners who are curious about exploring and embracing myriad life experiences. I want to bring more depth and wisdom to my coaching work. My goal is to discover and nurture my own and others’ gifts. Oh, and to laugh more each day.
If I can support you in moving from noticing the lessons life is teaching you, to putting that learning into action, please give me a call. It would be an honor to walk alongside you in that discovery.
Warm regards,
Sharon
Sharon Keys Seal