Seasons, Changes

A gorgeous spring is underway in the desert Southwest, though our minds are already into next winter... Yes, we are currently planning Yatra's second season of yoga journeys! Three new teachers are coming aboard for 2010 (from both coasts actually) and we look forward to welcoming new friends, and continuing to work with our growing base of clients seeking renewal, beauty and peace.

And - Phase I of Yatra's store is nearly ready to go! Look for great products from our friends at Doce Vida Fitness wear, Osea Skin Care, Nila Bindu Jewelry, and Beauty Scoop - plus the perfect eco-friendly yoga mats and carrying straps, coming soon...

Wishing you all a great summer.

Why We Love Taos

We've been on the road a lot lately to far-flung destinations, and while we truly love it, once springtime approaches we are happy to be close to home.  

Now that everyone is back in the U.S., Yatra's spring season begins in Taos, NM.  From April 17-19, Karuna DiLibero will teach four two-hour classes at a special weekend retreat at El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa, and you can read all the details here.  Karuna has just returned from winter in Scotland (where it rains a lot) and we welcome her back to New Mexico, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year, and you can see the whole sky, all the time.

We're pleased to be working with new friends at El Monte Sagrado, an award-winning destination that is easily one of the most eco-friendly luxury resorts in the world.  The site boasts a Biolarium and The Living Machine, a holistically-designed eco-structure that incorporates recycled water, plants, and rock formation in a self-sustaining ecosystem.  This ecosystem flows throughout the property and creates an enclosed sanctuary around the resort's pool.  By treating and recycling the water with natural filters and purifiers, El Monte Sagrado sustains a fertile year-round environment, even at 7,000 feet above sea level.

On top of all that, there's a top-notch spa, and restaurant, all in a picturesque mountain town where you can hike, bike and escape the clamor of everyday life.  We hope to see you there.

Inspirations

If we are lucky, many special people touch our lives and make it richer and stronger. This past weekend I had the privilege to attend an event in Santa Fe honoring Gloria Steinem, a longtime inspiration to me. There I was pleased to greet once again two more outstanding and inspiring women: Count Me In's Nell Merlino, and Diane Denish, the Lt. Governor of the state of NM.

Both women are outspoken supporters of women entrepreneurs, and everyone at Yatra sends an enormous thank you for their encouragement and example. Be sure to check out Nell's new book "Stepping Out of Line," and visit www.countmein.org to join the RACE for women's economic independence! (See additional post below.)

Blessings,
Jodi

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala March 2009

Colorful markets. Women and girls in traditional dress, washing clothes in outdoor lavanderias. A breathtaking room to practice yoga - up in the trees, over the water, across from the volcanoes: Air, water, earth, fire all at once!

We are practicing with a group of beautiful warriors, and will return to Villa Sumaya again and again. Blessings to our hosts! We have now experienced the power of Lake Atitlan, known to locals as the Center of the Universe. Now we know why.

Feeling the G-Forces

Yatra is growing rapidly and many changes are ahead in the coming spring. Watch for some hot domestic retreats, new partnerships - and an online store! Meanwhile, we are off to Guatemala with ten wonderful yogis and will have more stories to share shortly. Thanks as always for your interest and Namaste!

Sayulita, Mexico - February 2009

Lots of love to our wonderful Sayulita group, who enjoyed two yoga classes and one nia class every day for a full beachy week with Barbara Powell and Kelle Rae Oien. One guest wrote to us today: "The rooms, staff, classes, participants and thunder of the ocean were fantastic. Thanks for this amazing experience."

We thank You and look forward to many more wondrous weeks to come. Namaste chicas!

Maya Tulum, February 2009

Two groups return home from their Mexico retreats this weekend! Jodi was in Tulum for the first few days of the "Hatha-Raja-Vinyasa" trip with New York-based teacher Steven Cheng, who rocked us all with six hours of Dharma Mittra-inspired class each day. Monday night brought one of the most incredible shavasanas: A lovely beachside studio, just after sunset, filled with candles -- as soft thunder rolled in, followed by a sweet rain softly landing on the palm leaves above. A magical time, and a wonderful group of people to practice with.

Can't wait to hear from you all - especially the yoga-nia folks who spent the past week in Sayulita!