Every day we observe silence for the first yoga class and continue to keep quiet as we dine.  At 9:30AM, you may use words.  Forming our own rituals of silence will be the key to this six day disruption of old patterns.  Your mind is filled with chatter.  Each morning we turn up the quiet.  After morning yoga we have free time to explore the grounds and feel at home. 

After dinner, we will reconvene for a deep dive into balance so your circadian cycle starts to adjust.  There are yoga mats at the villa.  If you know you like your own mat, please bring it.  I placed the manduka travel mat on top of mats provided by the last retreat center I visited.  This worked nicely because I got cushion and the grip I like from the Manduka.

I don't have a great travel belly.  Sometimes, my stomach feels left behind.  This series will wring out the back with strong twists and improve ablution through gentle twists and long holds.  One of my teachers used to call this a detox class.

How decadent to do a 35 minute savasana?  Yes, you heard me.  This slow sequence starts with long holds on pigeon, butterfly pose and splits...yipes.   We finish with a mellow visualization and hypnotherapy session.  You will be floating on the Tuscan Tree TOPS!

The travel journal will give you great memories after we get home.  The writing and yoga exercises make the richness of your observational skills flow.  Different poses will go with different journal prompts.  Write on!

When is the last time you stretched for 90 minutes.  I haven't taught that class in 5 years.  This a treat worth the whole trip...except of course for the yummy pasta.  We'll melt the barnacles of disappointment off you muscles.  You'll flow like silk in the wind.

We will move outside and find inspiration to sketch one another, the natural landscape or anything that soothes our inner artist.  You might find a tree that makes you think of tree pose or a flower that makes you want to do butterfly pose.  You are your own sculpture.  You know how I love to challenge you...can you draw with your toes?  Can you sketch with your non-dominant hand?

I have loved taking cooking classes at Sur La Table.  Now we get to eat fresh Italian food and learn how to make everything we love eating.  There is wine...if you enjoy cooking and eating, this will be your lovely night done right.