If you’ve never ventured into the serene world of a retreat, let alone a yoga retreat, you might be teeming with curiosity or perhaps a touch of caution, wondering what lies ahead. As someone who was once in the same boat, I found myself embarking on a delightful journey one Sunday, right after the equinox, orchestrated by the skilled hands of Laura Grabinski, the owner of Lo’s Yoga in the picturesque realm of Naples, Florida. This day promised a myriad of enriching experiences, from XiGong and Reiki to invigorating yoga flows, deep Yoga Nidra, enlightening nutrition talks, and a wholesome lunch to satiate our spirits. Our sanctuary for the day was none other than the idyllic Shangri-La nestled in the heart of Bonita Springs.
The morning of the event ushered in perfect weather, a rare gift in the Sunshine State, as a crisp hint of autumn kissed the air. The Octagon Room, where we were to spend our day, bathed in natural light that streamed in through expansive windows and doors, offering breathtaking views of swaying trees and a tranquil water fountain.
Preparations for the Day
Eager to embark on this transformative journey, I carefully chose my spot in front of one of the room’s inviting windows, casting a gaze toward Laura at the front. The room slowly filled, and you could tangibly feel the positive energy each participant brought to the retreat. It was a harmonious convergence of like-minded souls coming together in unity. We were instructed to select a botanical card from a nearby table, a journal, and a white card to start our journey. The botanical card I drew was the Nettle, a symbol of transformation, guiding me to shed the fog from my thoughts and to speak my truth without harboring resentment or attachments. It struck a resonant chord within me. My white card, The Ankh, symbolized the key to hidden knowledge and the eternal soul, beautifully aligning with the spiritual journey ahead.
Laura then encouraged us to create a fall altar at the end of our yoga mats, offering a selection of cloth, tea candles, and mangrove leaves to choose from, allowing us to create our own sacred space.
Tea Cup Ceremony
“I was once told that certain spiritual masters in Tibet used to set
their teacups upside down before they went to bed each night as a
reminder that all life was impermanent. And then, when they awoke each
morning, they turned their teacups right side up again with the happy
thought, ‘I’m still here!’ This simple gesture was a wonderful reminder to celebrate every moment of the day.“
–Susan Jeffers in Embracing Uncertainty
Our journey commenced with a profound tea cup ceremony, although it did not involve the consumption of tea. Rather, it was a symbolic act of turning our teacups upside down, echoing the practice of Tibetan spiritual masters who did the same each night to remind themselves of the impermanence of life. As they turned their cups right side up in the morning, they celebrated the gift of another day. This simple gesture served as a powerful reminder to cherish every moment.
With our cups turned, Laura delved into the significance of autumn and the equinox, prompting each of us to reflect on what this season meant to us personally. The diverse responses illuminated the unique stories and aspirations of each participant, uniting us as a close-knit community. Soon after, we flowed into a multi-level vinyasa session guided by Laura herself. It struck a harmonious balance between challenge and fluidity, with modifications catering to all levels. A brief intermission allowed us to explore the enchanting surroundings, and many of us seized this opportunity to journal and capture our thoughts.
Upon our return, we were treated to a collective Reiki healing session led by Kari Jo. She generously offered personal healing sessions throughout the day and scheduled appointments for those interested. Following this rejuvenating experience, we savored Buddha Bowls catered by Artichoke, and a nutritionist shared insights on cultivating healthy eating habits and achieving our personal body image goals.
A New Experience
After a satisfying lunch, we delved into the world of Qigong, a discipline I was not familiar with until that day. Qigong, pronounced “chi gong,” has its roots in ancient China and is a fundamental part of traditional Chinese medicine. It harnesses exercises to optimize energy in the body, mind, and spirit, ultimately promoting health and well-being. Qigong entails gentle, smooth movements aimed at relaxation, slow and deep breathing, and mental focus. I relished the opportunity to learn something new, particularly after practicing yoga for over two decades. The session was both challenging and rewarding, requiring unwavering focus to master the poses. Our instructor, with her delightful sense of humor, made the experience even more enjoyable.
Returning from another break, we transitioned into Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation often referred to as “yogic sleep” or “effortless relaxation.” Laura guided us through this session, and I quickly sank into a state of profound relaxation. For those new to Yoga Nidra, it may take a while to fully relax and disconnect from the outside world. Laura’s soothing voice and energy were perfect for leading this meditation. If you’re interested in trying it at home, she offers several videos on her website.
The End
As the Yoga Nidra session drew to a close, we reluctantly gathered our belongings and prepared to return to our everyday lives. The 6.5-hour day had effortlessly flown by, leaving me feeling as though I had enjoyed a blissful vacation. The sense of inner peace was so profound that I wished it wouldn’t end. For the next retreat, I’m contemplating booking a room at the Shangri-La and extending the experience into a weekend getaway. The Shangri-La offers spa services and an on-site restaurant, making it an ideal retreat destination. Laura’s inaugural retreat was a resounding success, and it’s clear that more are on the horizon. The next one is scheduled for February 2024. To stay informed about future events, consider visiting her website and joining her mailing list.
