March 17-25, I took 25 yogis to a Caribbean Paradise in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Our hotel, nestled by lush vegetation, was right on the beach and a short walk from the village center abundant with restaurants and crafts. Our yoga classes were in an all wood, open-air, thatch-roofed palapa. It was raised on stilts and enveloped by trees, of course we quickly named it the “tree house”. During class we where visited by lizards, serenaded by birds, and caressed by sweet ocean breezes. Our morning sessions were mainly vinyasa flow while each night practiced varied to include partner yoga, restorative yoga, inversions, walking meditation, and even sage brushing. We finished our week with a walking meditation to the beach where we laid down for an open-eye savasana, gazed into the starry night sky and listened to the waves. Between yoga sessions everyone did their own thing; some stayed cool and lazy in hammocks (getting up only for yoga and food), others sun bathed, scuba dived, biked, sailed, went to the Ruins, or just chilled with Margaritas. Our group was a mix of various ages, yoga levels, and intentions - yet everyone seamlessly flowed together with respect and playfulness. The most gratifying part for me was teaching the same people, twice a day for a week. To witness the changes in such a short time: in only a few days the busy city melted off to unmask relaxed bodies and minds. It was a wonderful challenge to craft this week-long adventure through the body, mind, and spirit, giving it structure yet keeping it loose enough so that each person could discovery what worked for them. A challenge I cannot wait to do again! There will be two sessions next year, March 16-23 and March 24-31. If you’d like to be on the waiting list for next year e-mail me your name, address and phone number. Deposits will be due October 2002, and you’ll have a spot pending your submitted deposit. Here are a few comments from yogis on the trip. For photos and more comments check out www.yogajillian.com (under the Photo gallery and Teachings/Schedule).

“Wow. I love to travel and have been to quite a few places. This trip was one of the best weeks of my life. The marriage of daily yoga practice under Jillian’s tutelage, awe inspiring surroundings and amazing people, made Isla Mujeres a place I will never forget. The walking meditation was a highlight for me. I was skeptical at first, but was amazed to realize that some of our most fundamental activities of daily living are indeed complex movements as difficult to command as the most challenging yoga poses! My wife and I loved the trip and will return annually. See you next year!” Scott B

“The yoga in paradise retreat was healing sun, white sand, gleaming stars, gentle breezes, swaying hammocks, no clocks and yoga yoga yoga. Two words for you, just go!” Renee C  back to top

Walking Meditation is a very effective way to meditate. For some, even more centering and satisfying than sitting. To do it, simply walk with slow, small, deliberate, balanced, graceful footsteps. Walk slowly enough so that you feel each foot land on the ground and take your weight. Notice as much information as possible about the sensation in each foot as it moves. Observe the various jerks of muscles involved in the foot’s seemingly smooth motion as you find your balance with each step. Go just slow enough that you feel comfortable. Be mindful of your breathing, without trying to control it, allowing it to be full and natural. You can let your arms hang comfortably. I like holding my hands, fingers intertwined, in front of my belly. Walk with a relaxed gaze. You don't need to focus on anything special. Simply be mindful of the beauty of your surroundings, both externally and internally. Thich Nhat Hanh often instructs to be aware of how you are “touching the ground” - offer the ground peace and love with your steps. I also like to be aware of how the ground supports me. Feeling the solid earth under each step, I can trust that it will hold me up. This help me let go more (especially of my shoulders). Try walking for 10 minutes perhaps build up to one hour. Walking meditation is a one greatest ways to enjoy the budding flowers of spring! However, while itÕs nice to practice outside, it can be equally satisfying inside. If you don't find time to set aside for practice, plan a few extra minutes in your commute and practice between meetings, on your way to the office, up and down stairs, or in between any destination. Don't worry, you donÕt have to walk so slow that people will wonder what you are doing.

For more information read “THE LONG ROAD TURNS TO JOY: A Guide to Walking Mediation” By Thich Nhat Hanh     back to top

MINI RETREAT: RELEASE, REJUVENATE, AND PURIFY
Saturday April 14, 1:00-3:30 - At Yoga Zone, 138 Fifth Ave. With Jillian. Come join me for a deep spring-cleaning and rejuvenation. We will flow through a healing series of gentle and restorative yoga, walking and sitting meditation, creative visualization, and deep relaxation. To make this extra yummy, massage therapist, Rita Comiskey, will work on your points in the restorative poses. Register: At Yoga Zone or call 212-647-9642. Cost: $40 pre-registration. $45 at the door. Space is limited.

CONSCIOUS BREATHING: IMPROVE YOUR VITALITY, BALANCE YOUR ENERGY
Saturday May 12th, 2001 12:30-2:30 - At Yoga Zone 138 Fifth Ave. With Carrier Parker. Discover how the conscious awareness of our breath can override the body's automatic response to stress and induce a state of relaxation. Cost: $40, $45 at the door. Register: At yoga zone or call 212 674 9642

DETOXIFICATION AND FASTING
Saturday May 13, 12:30-2:30 At Yoga Zone 138 Fifth Ave. With Manu Dawson. Come learn about fasting and detoxification methods, using water, juices and specific foods, nutrients and herbs to detoxify the system. Manu will address the physiological and psychological benefits of fasting and the best ways to begin, maintain and breathe the fast. Manu Dawson is a nutrition consultant and Manager of the Integral Yoga Vitamin Store, he had co-hosted the popular radio show “Integrative Healing” on WEVD with Dr. Scott Gerson and Dr. Howard Benedikt. Cost: $40, $45 at the door. Register: At yoga zone or call 212 674 9642

RAJA YOGA RETREAT
May 13 - 17, 2001 Yoga Journal and Kripalu Center are co-sponsoring this Retreat. It will be co-directed by Sonia Nelson and Steven Cope. Faculty includes Tim Miller, Shiva Rea and Phillip Moffitt. The retreat will be conducted in social silence, which will assist us in the cultivation of pratyahar. For more info visit http://www.kripalushop.org

“ZEN AND THE ART OF MAKING A LIVING”
Are you thinking about making a transition with your career or have a deep desire for more creative self-expression? Bob Schweitzer, A Hoboken Yogi, is gathering people with similar longings for a Life’s Work Support Group. The group will work through the above book together. For more information contact bob@roberthenry.ws

TEACHER TRAINING
Carrie Parker, Senior Yoga Zone teacher, is conducting a 200-hour teacher’s training beginning in May, which will meet the national Yoga Alliance standards for yoga teachers in the United States. The initial 200-hour training will take place over 18 months, approximately one weekend per month. The first weekend begins May 19th. Most of the training sessions will take place at The Yoga Studio in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The cost is $150 per weekend. E-mail Carrie for more details: Carriepark@aol.com   back to top