This book completely revolutionised my take on the way I use my body and the things I think I can’t do. The second book was called “The Body Has Its Reasons” by French women Thérèse Bertherat and Carol Bernstein. To be sensitive is to be alive.” – Vanda Scaravelli Watch it, listen to it, observe its needs, its requests, and even have fun. “ Do not look at your body like a stranger, but adopt a friendly approach towards it. My biggest personal barrier to practicing yoga and meditation was always one big question “Am I doing this right?” Skaravelli addresses this head on by encouraging us to listen to our inner teacher, so while it is important to learn the poses from a teacher who understands them and can help you to work within your own limitations, once you have this knowledge you can tailor the practice to suit your own life incorporating the other disciplines as you feel you need them. Skaravelli talks about the importance of gravity, the spine and listening to the teacher within, she also talks about the danger of organisations as yoga must be looked at as a personal introduction between our mind and body and ultimately our soul. The 1st was called “Awakening the Spine” by a beautiful woman called Vanda Skaravelli, one of the few Europeans to be trained by BKS Iyengar back in the 1930s. Before the course began we spent a week working on the farm and Ana lent me 3 very interesting books to whet my appetite and start me on my journey. I was nervous and excited but really had no idea what was in store. Our lessons would begin at 7.30am with 3 hours of asana (practicing the poses) followed by an amazing hot brunch, 2 hours of work on the farm, lunch, siesta, theory, more asana, breathing and meditation… Monday to Thursday for 3 weeks. I had no solid knowledge about the ancient teachings of yoga or how they could possibly pertain to my life or my quest, but as it turns out I was ready to learn and Ana was the person to open the door. So when I met Ana Kathrine Martins while volunteering on her permaculture farm in Peruibe Brazil, up to her ankles in horse poo, I felt this woman had a wealth of knowledge to share. Teachers reveal themselves in the strangest places. Yoga is generally translated as “the union of mind, body and spirit” and through this ancient science and art form I am beginning the clichéd journey of self discovery to find my way home. Turning to drugs, alcohol, shopping, false gurus, or a constant stream of destructive relationships only to be left wondering… Why can’t I just be content? I’ve travelled the world looking for a feeling, a feeling that over the last 3 weeks I have finally found within. Finding escape in superficial things that make us feel happy temporarily then forming dependencies based on fleeting glimpses of ecstasy. Most of us spend our whole lives completely disconnected from our bodies, listening with great attention to our minds while our intuition slowly gets drowned out. Could it be that home is a place I hadn’t yet discovered? A longing that doesn’t actually disappear even when sitting with my family around the table at “home”. It comes up a couple of times a day and I can only describe it as a feeling of home sickness. To top it off the food was plentiful and delicious.Where do you begin looking for something you’re not even sure exists? For as long as I can remember I’ve felt a very sad feeling inside me. The ranch was rustic, charming, clean and beautiful. "I attended my first yoga retreat with Sally and it was fantastic! If new to yoga, very experienced or seeking motivation to enhance a practice, anyone would enjoy this retreat. Gorgeous grounds." - Kristin, October 2018 This place was magical! Food was exceptional. The pacing and movement of the yoga classes (one to the next) was perfect i appreciated how each class built upon the previous one and used our bodies (and minds) differently. "I loved the retreat! It was such a gift to take some time for self care, reflection, dedication to my practice, and friendship. Thanks so much for this incredible experience." - Anne N, November 2018 The location was beautifully picturesque and we engaged in a range of exciting sensory experiences, from flow yoga, yin yoga, and meditation to trail-running and chiliving and wine-tasting! The food was nourishing and the accommodations were very comfortable! Sally was an inspiration for mindful living and I loved her teaching style. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to attend the Body Flows Gratitude retreat in Sonoma County! After the weekend, I felt so much more grounded, grateful, rejuvenated, and ready to move forward into my life with a beginner's mind.
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