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About
It was as I sat here and was moved to tears. I felt so good why I wanted to organize the Magic Retreats here!
Mission
When you watch this video you might think...nice vacation photo...but for me this photo has a much deeper meaning.
It was taken last October in Tarifa-Costa da Luz. I go there every year for a few months in the fall. And I have been combining this with a Yoga Retreat since 2017. In June 2022 I already organized a very nice Yoga Retreat in wonderful Domburg. During the summer I also felt like my stretch was completely gone after two years of being in survival mode with my company SoulWare. Educational years indeed and a practical daily flexibility, so to speak. But I also noticed that I had not taken enough time to process the disappointments on a personal and business level because 'the show must go on'. From 2020 onwards I fell from one project to another, gained a lot of new learning experiences, worked with large groups and then again 1:1 and so it went on. Online teachings, setting everything up again, another lockdown, uncertainty in terms of income, etc. etc. and yet there were always those great opportunities. And it's all super fun and great, all those opportunities, but where was I going again for 2020?
I was tired and just wanted some rest so I canceled the planned retreat in Tarifa in October. A difficult decision because it also felt like a kind of loss. Giving up one. It turned out to be a great gift to myself. Just do absolutely nothing and refuel. And I noticed how, despite my yoga life, I was still fairly in On Mode.
Just going away for two months and arranging everything for this is also a job, but once that decision was made, everything went smoothly and that wonderful FLOW was back. In this photo I had tears in my eyes of happiness...I was where I needed to be and I felt like I was home again. I didn't quite squeeze my arm to check if it was true, but I do know that I thought: I'm glad that, despite the uncertain times, I followed my feelings again.
And my Mediterranean blood runs deep... ;) and the next day we visited the beautiful new location of the Yoga Retreat. We met the owner years ago and he is a real Self Made Man. he is building his own dream step by step and has made his special off-grid available to 'dreamers' like me. He doesn't work with everyone, he only wants people who are living their soul mission.
His estate is truly a 'pearl' in the region and completely secluded from civilization. Only nature and tranquility and 10 minutes away from the Costa da Luz.
In December I went 'very deep' again and asked myself what I really find important at this time. I personally believe that the answer to all the chaos in the world is NATURE
Being 'in our heads', the amount of information that comes our way, the hectic existence of many, etc. has become the new normal, it often seems.
If you really want to relax, half an hour of yoga or meditation a day is not enough. We are so cut off from our SOURCE and this is only getting worse it seems. I once became a Yoga Teacher because I want to help people experience that piece of 'home' within themselves. A call from my soul' that I follow without any doubt. In these times it is even more important that we continue to connect with our 'being human'. We are capable of so much and can create such beautiful things. We are not just our heads - we are also in our toes and your feet take you to new paths. We do not have to 'handle' our emotions and thoughts, but let us feel them. I create a Vision Board every year for the New Year 2023 and in the middle it said: Retreats - a place to come home'.
A dream come true to organize a Magic Retreat here in May. You sleep 'under the stars'. and the starry sky is so overwhelmingly beautiful there! In luxury safari tents. There is a large private estate available and of course a 'local food' meal is ready for you three times a day. Furthermore, a wonderful twice-daily yoga & meditation session, a few workshops, a WildLife Excursion and an Eco Whale Watch Tour. (if you experience that you really feel the magic of this region).
The Magic Retreats have always been small-scale and will remain so. Connecting you with nature, your essence is MY answer to the current time.
Namaste,
Aliye