Goa - Reminiscing
Surely I am feeling the call to travel, but in these human-shifting moments, I am having to learn new ways of moving in and around the world that are less impactful on the planet instead. So Atma, Ganga and I will be organising a week-long Chakra Intensive in Europe in April 2021. All of you practicing yoga for at least one year are welcome -- so please let me know if this is something you'd like to learn more about.
In the meantime, it is lovely to reminisce on the lovely stay we had in Goa.
The entry into India through Mumbai is via their very modern and beautiful international airport:
The city flashes by in an overstimulating bombardment of lights at night. If you look closer you will see all sorts of things that astonish and often shock...
On your first visit, you may prefer to just let the beauty of the lights wash over you and keep your eyes on the surfaces, which are either shiny and bright, or challenging enough in and of themselves...
Or give Mumbai a miss altogether, and head directly on to Goa…
The Retreat Center we stayed at is a haven in Goa (which is usually very touristic and leans far more toward the 'Yoga Holiday' than toward the more 'authentic' ashram experience). Thank goodness for knowledgable friends and their good and wise guidance!
I chose the low budget, row houses -- which were perfectly fine.
Though I thought the more upscale cottages seemed pretty appealing with their pleasant front porches to relax on.
The loved the food! Indian vegetarian and primarily aryuvedic, though they made some wonderful noodles the night I thought of taking any photos. Clean, not too spicy but full of flavor, made with the best quality ingredients of the season.
If you want an ayurvedic massage, a consultation with their ayurvedic doctor, or a full week-long treatment, the facility is on the grounds and the doctor seemed very good to me.
In between classes, meditation sessions, lectures and Karma Yoga (service) (which I enjoyed doing in their lovely gardens), there is the 'Fake Beach' where you can chill, sun, read, snack and chat. Groups went down to the Night Market, the Flea Market and the beach during the week as well.
I preferred taking a stroll in the jungle nearby, where fresh cashews grow wild, and monkeys swing and swagger.
The center is entirely eco-friendly and is the dream child of its founder, Gyan. He has built it from scratch and brought in his colleagues from the Bihar School of Yoga to help him in running its year-round programs as the Center grows.
I look forward to sharing some of these experiences with you, and to introducing you to India, if you have an interest.
I particularly enjoyed and appreciated meeting Atma and Ganga. They are the lovely couple who taught the amazing Chakra Workshop there, and which we are planning to organise in Europe (either eastern France, or western Germany) in the Spring of 2021.
Ganga and Atma
--
Ann