The island of St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean has the honour of being the only country in the world to have been named after a woman. The historical figure, Santa Lucia, was a 4th-century martyr from Syracuse, Italy. Her eyes were gouged out- there are varied legends around this, but it is clear that it happened in defense of her faith. She thus became the patron saint of the blind. Which is double irony because "Lucia" means "Light" (Latinate).
These bits of information jumped out at me, as they seem to have a certain resonance with the path of Kundalini Yoga. Many of our teachings address the empowerment of women, the deep connection of all humans (gender notwithstanding) to the Divine Feminine and how we may reach inward to discover the Light of our own Being. We often practice with our eyes closed (so it is a little easier for the Inner Eye to open) and our Aquarian Sadhana is done partly as the day is breaking.
Incidentally, "Lucia" is a name traditionally given in Italy, to baby girls born around dawn and this made yet another connection: this time with a celebration that begins the two festive days of Carnival in my home island of Trinidad. It is called "J'Ouvert" (Daybreak) and we Trinis traditionally dance in the streets covered in mud, from about 2am until the sun rises. And this, my loves, brings me to the theme for our 2020 Kundalini Yoga retreat: "Lila", which translates as "Divine Play".
When we can See all the ups and downs, ins and outs of this human existence simply as the Dance of Creation in Form, we begin to live with an incredible Lightness of Being. We no longer totally fall for the drama of our life 'story', hook, line and sinker. It is all Divine Play. When we can perceive this in the midst of our own human experiences, we will begin to live truly free lives, in the vibration of Satchitananda (Truth, Consciousness, Bliss). Our KY retreat practices will focus on how we may process the situations of our lives through our intuition and meditative mind. In so doing we will remember and embrace again, our inherent Innocence, Joy and Playfulness. Together we will drown the illusion of suffering in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea!
These bits of information jumped out at me, as they seem to have a certain resonance with the path of Kundalini Yoga. Many of our teachings address the empowerment of women, the deep connection of all humans (gender notwithstanding) to the Divine Feminine and how we may reach inward to discover the Light of our own Being. We often practice with our eyes closed (so it is a little easier for the Inner Eye to open) and our Aquarian Sadhana is done partly as the day is breaking.
Incidentally, "Lucia" is a name traditionally given in Italy, to baby girls born around dawn and this made yet another connection: this time with a celebration that begins the two festive days of Carnival in my home island of Trinidad. It is called "J'Ouvert" (Daybreak) and we Trinis traditionally dance in the streets covered in mud, from about 2am until the sun rises. And this, my loves, brings me to the theme for our 2020 Kundalini Yoga retreat: "Lila", which translates as "Divine Play".
When we can See all the ups and downs, ins and outs of this human existence simply as the Dance of Creation in Form, we begin to live with an incredible Lightness of Being. We no longer totally fall for the drama of our life 'story', hook, line and sinker. It is all Divine Play. When we can perceive this in the midst of our own human experiences, we will begin to live truly free lives, in the vibration of Satchitananda (Truth, Consciousness, Bliss). Our KY retreat practices will focus on how we may process the situations of our lives through our intuition and meditative mind. In so doing we will remember and embrace again, our inherent Innocence, Joy and Playfulness. Together we will drown the illusion of suffering in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea!
No previous knowledge of KY or other yogas is needed. Each year, we are joined by at least a few to whom all yoga is new! We also always have a wide range of physical abilities within our groups and modifications are encouraged and supported. Everyone manages to get just what they need from the practices. Please bear in mind that this journey has a spiritual base, though indeed it is also a safe, highly organized, travel adventure. It is for you if you wish to combine both practice and exploration in a loving group vibration. The quality of the group vibe is a significant part of the personal healing which is made possible for each of us. Folks who have joined us year after year will testify that we live together on these retreats as "one for all and all for one", deeply caring for, and looking after, each other...yet respecting each other's space. The experience of this has been nothing short of profound.
(Siri Amrita has been teaching KY in this lineage since 1993. See her Bio and an interview that was done by the yoga center in her current hometown of Harrisonburg, Virginia. Read testimonials from people who've been in her classes and retreats. This, by Grace, will be the fifth international gathering she will lead).
UPSCALE, EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATIONS
St. Lucia is nicknamed “Helen of the West Indies” largely because its strategic location (within easy reach of North America) meant it was frequently fought over by Britain and France. Also similarly to Helen of Troy, St Lucia is strikingly beautiful. Its golden sands and palm-fringed beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean.Our accommodations are top flight and located on an exclusive beach, with wonderful on-site snorkeling. The iconic Pitons which hallmark St. Lucia, will be a stunning part of our view. The Pitons are two volcanic spires rising side by side from the sea (770 m and 743 m high respectively), linked by the Piton Mitan ridge. The volcanic complex includes a geothermal field with sulphurous fumeroles and hot springs. Coral reefs cover almost 60% of the site’s marine area. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Double accommodations and a limited number of single accommodations (both with ensuite bathrooms) are available
*** A minimum number of 15 Seekers is needed to allow this journey. I will advise when this number is met and send information at that point about buying airline tickets.
MEALS
In order to lighten and cleanse our bodies, for the purpose of enhancing our receptivity and to allow us the possibility of deeper experiences, KY retreat participants will adhere to a vegetarian diet. We will also keep alcohol- and recreational drug-free, for the same reason- as well as to keep us energetically balanced as we harness and work with our own powerful and sacred internal energies.
Unique to this 2020 adventure, much of our food will be organic, farm to table, grown onsite. Group meals on our retreats are always fun, entertaining and part of our overall bonding as a group. To eat in community, sharing food and laughter, is an incredibly healing way to feed both body and soul.
In order to lighten and cleanse our bodies, for the purpose of enhancing our receptivity and to allow us the possibility of deeper experiences, KY retreat participants will adhere to a vegetarian diet. We will also keep alcohol- and recreational drug-free, for the same reason- as well as to keep us energetically balanced as we harness and work with our own powerful and sacred internal energies.
Unique to this 2020 adventure, much of our food will be organic, farm to table, grown onsite. Group meals on our retreats are always fun, entertaining and part of our overall bonding as a group. To eat in community, sharing food and laughter, is an incredibly healing way to feed both body and soul.
INCLUDED:
- 3 Daily gourmet vegetarian meals (water, coffee and tea complimentary)
- Afternoon tea daily
- Special diets (within reason) will be catered for
- Upscale accommodations on the sea
- Sadhana in the Amrit Vela (sometimes a full Aquarian Sadhana as Taught by Yogi Bhajan, sometimes a variation).
- Kundalini yoga sessions will be balanced 50:50 with our exploration of this beautiful island. Our practice will include a mix of kriya (physical KY), pranayama and meditations which support the theme of the retreat. ** A precise schedule will be laid out for you closer to the time. Our usual practice space will be a lovely beach gazebo, so that we can easily and deeply breathe in all those healing negative ions on the sea breezes. Prana, prana, prana!
- Engaging excursions. Concerted effort is always take to ensure these are fun and informative outings, as we immerse in the local culture and visit unique sites. There will be therapeutic playtime in the ocean and time to shop for island products.
- All local ground transport, including airport pick up and return
- All entrance fees and basic tips
- Yoga mats (some props will be available)
- Beach chairs and towels
- Snorkel gear
ALL-INCLUSIVE COST:
Single Occupancy: $4500
Double Occupancy: $3500 per person
HOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Via cheque for $2500 double occupancy; $3500 single occupancy (non-refundable deposit), due by January 31, 2020
Make payable to: "Dr. Purnima J. Shahani"
Mail to: Shenandoah Smiles, 243 Neff Avenue- Suite N, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(Please state what kind of room you'd like, first come first serve for this. If you won't be traveling with a roommate(s), I'll pair you up. The retreat is open to both men and ladies. It is possible to journey with your significant other- couples are likely to find this a beautiful thing to do together. *As we have done in the past, if a spouse or mature child wishes to join our gang but is not a Kundalini Yogi, a special arrangement can be made- contact me privately. For any 'supporting actors' of yogis not doing KY, there are opportunities for scuba diving and sport fishing, among other things that we will be doing together as included retreat activities.
The balance is due on March 11, 2020.
**Life happens....so be sure to buy travel insurance (see link below) and beyond that, you'd be responsible for finding someone to take over your financial commitment if you end up not being able to come on the retreat. (To be clear, the responsibility is yours. I am not part of a large company, so the finances of these journeys rests only with me. They are always an excellent value for the money you pay- an intimate group size, truly all-inclusive and high quality).
Single Occupancy: $4500
Double Occupancy: $3500 per person
HOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Via cheque for $2500 double occupancy; $3500 single occupancy (non-refundable deposit), due by January 31, 2020
Make payable to: "Dr. Purnima J. Shahani"
Mail to: Shenandoah Smiles, 243 Neff Avenue- Suite N, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
(Please state what kind of room you'd like, first come first serve for this. If you won't be traveling with a roommate(s), I'll pair you up. The retreat is open to both men and ladies. It is possible to journey with your significant other- couples are likely to find this a beautiful thing to do together. *As we have done in the past, if a spouse or mature child wishes to join our gang but is not a Kundalini Yogi, a special arrangement can be made- contact me privately. For any 'supporting actors' of yogis not doing KY, there are opportunities for scuba diving and sport fishing, among other things that we will be doing together as included retreat activities.
The balance is due on March 11, 2020.
**Life happens....so be sure to buy travel insurance (see link below) and beyond that, you'd be responsible for finding someone to take over your financial commitment if you end up not being able to come on the retreat. (To be clear, the responsibility is yours. I am not part of a large company, so the finances of these journeys rests only with me. They are always an excellent value for the money you pay- an intimate group size, truly all-inclusive and high quality).
NOT INCLUDED
TRAVEL FACTS AT A GLANCE:
758-452-4792 (Fax)
- Round trip airfare to St. Lucia. I will help you to find the best possible flight itinerary and airfare when we get to that point (~$700-800 max, maybe less!)
- Spending money for exotic purchases
- Travel insurance World Nomads
TRAVEL FACTS AT A GLANCE:
- PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid at time of entry (with at least six months to expiry)
- BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One blank page required for entry stamp
- TOURIST VISA : Not required
- VACCINATIONS: None required
- ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES Vigie, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies
758-452-4792 (Fax)
A NOTE ON HURRICANES
St Lucia sits southeast of the Caribbean basin. The super active core of the hurricane belt is far north of the island. Hurricanes usually gain strength as they move west toward the U.S. and islands in the north of the basin are therefore at higher risk. The odds of a hurricane hitting St. Lucia is the same as those for it hitting Boston or New York. So while no one can say it is impossible- it is highly unlikely. And your travel insurance will give you some additional peace of mind. The location for this retreat is really beautiful, exclusive and on a lovely beach. Were you to stay as an independent person or couple, with full board, it would be at least 2.5 times the cost. Many more times that in the winter season. Incidentally, Trinidad is in the hurricane belt and I lived 26 years there never having experienced one.
St Lucia sits southeast of the Caribbean basin. The super active core of the hurricane belt is far north of the island. Hurricanes usually gain strength as they move west toward the U.S. and islands in the north of the basin are therefore at higher risk. The odds of a hurricane hitting St. Lucia is the same as those for it hitting Boston or New York. So while no one can say it is impossible- it is highly unlikely. And your travel insurance will give you some additional peace of mind. The location for this retreat is really beautiful, exclusive and on a lovely beach. Were you to stay as an independent person or couple, with full board, it would be at least 2.5 times the cost. Many more times that in the winter season. Incidentally, Trinidad is in the hurricane belt and I lived 26 years there never having experienced one.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM SIRI AMRITA:
Each year, the retreat theme has been 'delivered' to me as a distillation of my life experiences. The 2019 theme "Peace Within Me" in particular, then proceeded to acutely 'test' itself on me prior to and during the retreat, and in many ways, it still is now. It is as if I am being deeply challenged to defend how important peace is to me. What will I sacrifice to retain it? What do I need to do to maintain it, despite having to navigate incredibly tumultuous waters? The sands are constantly shifting and I am having to learn to keep dancing in order to keep my balance. In the midst of one such situation in Greece, I suddenly realized that The Dance Itself was the purpose of the game and all of it was simply Divine Play. And so "Lila", the 2020 retreat theme, was born.
It is fall at last here in Harrisonburg and one evening last week, I looked out the window of my bedroom and was intensely struck by the play of light and colour dancing in the sky and on the earth. Nature is continually showing us how to cycle, how to release what must now go in order to make space for what wants to come, how to allow movement and change from a place of stillness and in utter Peace. This is the stage we try to set when we are on retreat because when we humans can do this, the most beautiful new creations (like weavings in golden thread in the masterpiece of our lives) can be birthed through us, in Divine Alignment. This poem came out of the vibration of that fall evening and I'd like to share it here with you.
It is fall at last here in Harrisonburg and one evening last week, I looked out the window of my bedroom and was intensely struck by the play of light and colour dancing in the sky and on the earth. Nature is continually showing us how to cycle, how to release what must now go in order to make space for what wants to come, how to allow movement and change from a place of stillness and in utter Peace. This is the stage we try to set when we are on retreat because when we humans can do this, the most beautiful new creations (like weavings in golden thread in the masterpiece of our lives) can be birthed through us, in Divine Alignment. This poem came out of the vibration of that fall evening and I'd like to share it here with you.
Mistypinkbluemauvewhite fall evening sky
The silence softly sings a lullaby
’Be at Peace, my darling’
I am Wrapped in Beauty
I am Drenched in Love.”
-Siri Amrita Kaur
Images from Peace Within Me- 2019 "Cretreat"
Photos from past international KY retreats (Amritsar, Varanasi, Kathmandu, Guatemala, Morocco) and various KY classes and workshops in Virginia
