...and the WINNER is...

A big THANKS to all those who participated in the

Tiny Devotions

mala giveaway last week! We had such a great response on the blog and on

Twitter

...plus many new friends on our

Facebook

page as well.

Well...the names were all put together and the random.org number generator chose...

GLAD DOGGETT

(don't you just love her name?!) :)

CONGRATS Glad! We know you'll love the beautiful mala from Tiny Devotions. Also a big thanks to Tiny Devotions for being a part of this and for the lovely light & love you give!

Glad is getting the beautiful Amazonite Mala which "promotes universal love and alleviates fear and anxiety".

Be sure to visit

Tiny Devotions

site for yourself to check out all the malas... And visit

EAT.PRAY.MOVE

to see the upcoming retreats (and perhaps sign up to join us in Marrakesh or Ischia SOON!)

Q&A with Tiny Devotions

Well, if you have been following EAT.PRAY.MOVE for the past week you'll know that we're really excited about the current mala bead giveaway with

Tiny Devotions

. If you haven't entered yet...

be sure to do it

before this coming Saturday when the contest closes.

Today I want to introduce you to the lovely founder of Canadian company Tiny Devotions, Diana Charabin. According to her bio,

"she is a yogi, a world traveller, an adventurer, a writer and creative soul that is dedicated in making the most beautiful mala beads in the world."

Her travels have taken her from the Gold Coast of Australia around the world and back - and to life-changing time in Bali. In Bali is where she began making these beautiful malas which are now exploding as the must-have mala beads in the worldwide yoga community.

We're thankful that she had a bit of time to answer a few questions that EAT.PRAY.MOVE threw her way. There's a lot more to know about her and the Tiny Devotion company - so feel free to check out their

site

and

videos

for a lot more information!

Q&A with Diana of Tiny Devotions

• On your site and videos you've shared several inspiring stories of intention with your mala beads. What story/experience, either personally or from a customer, stands out the most?

The story that most stands out is an amazing girl who received a rose quartz from her friend in Switzerland. She had been trying to get pregnant for some time with no success and a few weeks or months (not sure) of wearing the rose quartz mala with the intention of helping her get pregnant she became pregnant and called me with tears from Switzerland. Um…that was pretty cool!

I would not say that our mala beads magically got her pregnant but rather (and hopefully) shifted her intention and energy which made her more emotionally and energetically open to getting pregnant. Sometimes we have blockages and mantras and tactical objects with intention can help us overcome them!

• How do you decide which new stones to introduce to the collection and are there any exciting additions you have coming out?

Creating our mala beads is sort of like solving a jigsaw puzzle. There are some stones that I want to use that I can never find and other stones that I never thought of using that I find and get inspired by.

We're always creating new and evolving our mala beads - it is a balance of creating buddhaful mala beads that are still functional.

• What is the most influential teacher you've had in your journey through yoga/meditation?

Well two different teachers come to mind - for meditation Emil Wendel - he told me I could have coffee before I started meditation. That won me over.

For yoga it would have to be the Merrifield sisters. Michelle and Clare are phenomenal yogis and human beings! Complete opposite styles and energies and I just feel like whenever I am around them I learn so much and connect. Unfortunately they are in Australia so have not got to practice with them in a while but heading there in a few months so stoked!

I also feel as though I have a lot to learn from my lovely friend Katie Brauer who is a North County + international yoga teacher. You will hear a lot about her in the next few months/years. She is so in the flow!

• What is your favorite location to retreat to?

Well being a travel addict I obviously have a few. The 2 that stand out are: Southern California and Gold Coast, Australia.

The last two trips I have taken have been to San Diego and North County - I kind of feel like I live there. Ocean, Yoga, nature and great food. There is a natural pull there. Plan on spending more time there doing yoga with Katie Brauer and practicing at Bindu and Haute Yoga.

Gold Coast is where I lived for 3 years during law school and it is one of my most favourite places on earth. I would describe it as magical. Nobbys is such a cool area to go and chill - also my favourite yoga studio is there - Essence of Living. People are so effortlessly cool in Australia and I just feel a lot of goddess energy when I'm there. It is so easy to be in the flow and to manifest your dreams! Australia to me is like a parallel universe. It is bliss!

And obviously hope to go on one of your retreats someday soon ;)

A HUGE HUG and THANKS to Diana and Tiny Devotions for the Q&A and beautiful beads!

GIVEAWAY \ Tiny Devotion Mala

So the anticipated GIVEAWAY is here! (A week after the first announcement - sorry again for the delay those who saw the original post that we removed) We're SO happy to announce that we're working with the amazing team at

Tiny Devotions

to offer one of their lovely malas to one lucky EAT.PRAY.MOVE fan and to help promote our

upcoming yoga retreat

on the beautiful island of Ischia!

As the name EAT.PRAY.MOVE suggests, PRAYing and meditating is one of the fundamental 

aspects of the yogic experience we want to promote on our retreats, and throughout life 

in general. Mala beads are a great tool for helping one focus, meditate, be still, and stay present.

Here's a little snippet from the Tiny Devotions site:

"Our Tiny Devotions mala beads are perfect for beginnings and endings - goals, struggles, worries, dreams, intentions and prayers.

Mala beads transcend cultures and religions and can be found in some form in nearly every tradition around the world. The word bead, historically coming from the word "prayer" or "to pray".

These sacred and beautiful beads help us live in the moment - staying present to the beauty of life.

We combine rudraksha seeds with semi precious crystals and pearls to create beautiful designer malas that each have their own specific intention. Rudraksha seeds are known as the eyes or tears of Shiva - and are worn for their protective and sacred qualities."

So...are you ready to get a set of these designer Mala Beads for yourself?

Then enter our GIVEAWAY!

Here's what you have to do:

1. COMMENT on this post (include an email if it isn't included in your comment profile) and ANSWER the question: What Mediterranean location would you like to retreat to and use your mala?

2. EXTRA ENTRY: TWEET this exact phrase "win a @TinyDevotions mala from @eatpraymoveyoga http://bit.ly/npy9n3 (& join a #yoga retreat in Italy http://eatpraymove.com)"

3. That's all! One entry + one extra Twitter entry per person. US and Canada shipping addresses only allowed for winner. Contest ends SATURDAY, AUG 20th.

That's all! We would also 

♥

♥

♥ it if you would

join our Facebook page

- that way you can find out about new retreats, news, and fun other events from EAT.PRAY.MOVE.

...plus watch this lovely lifestyle video from TD, and STAY TUNED for more posts about Ischia, malas, and Diana, the beautiful founder of Tiny Devotions!

Ischia, oh Ischia!

I just got back to the States after an amazing month in Italy. Two Tuscany retreats and lots of research for the next EAT.PRAY.MOVE adventures.

 Not only did we have two amazing groups of guests at each retreat at the villa in Tuscany (which by the way, check out the

summary of week one

...week two coming soon!), but we also met the truly lovely people of the villa in Ischia where the October retreat will be held.

 That island never ceases to amaze me. It's a one-of-a-kind gem sitting in the Tyrrhenian Sea just off the shore of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

 We visited ancient castles in the sea... 

...lounged on the sandy beaches

...enjoyed magical views from our lunch table

...exploring new "rooms with a view" for retreat day trips

...swimming in the clear waters

And, we also had the opportunity to stay at the Ischia villa where the retreat will be held, which sits on the cliffs of a seaside mountain. Yes, it's quite a magical place itself...

Won't you join us in the bubbling thermal pools...

 ...relaxing on the deck at sunset

...practicing yoga

...and watching the sun disappear into the sea every night

Here's a video to tempt you...

We have a great group signed up so far, and there are still spaces available for YOU! Don't miss out.

http://www.eatpraymove.com/events/ischia-italy-2011-october

RETREAT RECAP \ June 2011 Tuscany

Wow! Just said 'arrivederci' yesterday to all the wonderful guests at the June retreat in Tuscany. It was an amazing time with a great group of people. However fabulous a place may be, the dynamic of a group is one of the most important pieces of a retreat - and we couldn't have asked for a better one! Friendships were made, plenty of laughs shared, growth made in the yoga studio, and lots of delicious food was enjoyed.

We started the week out with an amazing dinner on the terrace overlooking the picturesque hills. Most of us were commenting that everyone knows that stereotypical Tuscan landscape in your mind...but it's still a bit surprising to see that it is actually exactly like that.

We'd missed the fields of red poppies in bloom just by a couple weeks, but were greeted by plenty of lavender and the bursts of yellow sunflowers beginning to bloom. One field we found was so abundant that we decided to do some group shots in the flowers.

Amazing dish by amazing dish was provided throughout the week by Amanda (villa owner / interior decorator / Tuscan cook extraordinaire) and each meal was met by mmmmm's and ahhhhh's around the table. I think by the last day we were all glad to have practiced daily yoga as well as walked as much as we had in order to enjoy all the dishes provided.

Thanks to Julian, Amanda's husband and who usually runs the art retreats at this location, we were entertained with lots of interesting anecdotes about the region, sites, and chauffeured around for the day trips...including stops in Arezzo, Chiusi, Florence, and the beautiful tiny hilltop town of Panicale. I think one of the favorite times of relaxation came during a trip to a thermal spa where we all lounged by the thermal pools and took in some of the warm rays.

Here's a video from the experience:

Overall it was an amazing week, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. Today I'm writing from Florence and am heading tomorrow to Ischia to work out some details for the October retreat there...then it's back to the villa next week for the second Tuscan retreat this summer! Can't wait to meet the next group!

A Week in Florence

Well if you keep up with EAT.PRAY.MOVE you may have noticed a little bit of a drop in online chatter this week as my time on the computer (twitter, facebook, blogs) has been more sporatic... but only because I'm in ITALY preparing for the Tuscany retreat which starts this Sunday.

I took off last Friday and luckily got some sleep on the plane (as the seat next to me was empty!), and woke up just as we were flying over France and then into Italy over the Mediterranean coast.

It's been a lovely time in Florence this week - seeing friends, running errands, going to the yoga studio, and just being back on the old cobblestone streets that I consider a second home. It always takes me a few days to get over the jet-lag but the rich espresso here definitely helps me out!

Besides all the regular sites, there tends to be festivals and special events going on all the time here. This week happened to be fashion week, so the shop windows are in full regalia and the people watching is at its finest. 

All the plans are in place for the upcoming retreats, and being in Florence has made me even more excited for them as well as the day-trip during the week back to the city. It's such a lovely place close to my heart that I can't wait to share it with guests.

Besides getting ready with logistics, I've also been getting ready just to meet everyone. Plus we had 2 MORE LAST MINUTE SIGN-UPS! So now both Tuscany retreats are full, and the groups are going to be great!

If you've been thinking of joining us on a retreat - don't miss out. There's 1 more spot in Marrakesh in Septempber as well as spots in ISCHIA in October. Stay tuned on our

Facebook page

for pics-of-the-day during my month in Italy (including preparations in Ischia in two weeks)

Pose Series #10 \ Parivrtta Trikonasana

Parivrtta Trikonasana :: Revolved Triangle 

Feet grounding and spaced.

One foot forward, one foot back.

Heels pressing.

 Toes light.

 Legs fully engaged.

 Hips squared to front.

 Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).

 Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).

 Torso lengthened, strong, and twisting.

 Arms extended and reaching.

 Bottom hand pressing and grounding on outside of front foot.

 Top fingers reaching skyward.

 Top of head reaching out.

 Neck lengthening.

 Gaze (dristhi) upwards.

 B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).

 smile.

balancing act \ paddleboard yoga

instructor demoing

A couple days ago I had the opportunity to try my hand (and feet, and core, and entire body) at paddleboard yoga! This new craze is definitely catching fire in coastal towns (or any town for that matter with a bit of water). 

As stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has been steadily growing as a sport in the past few years, some yogis have been getting in on the action. A friend in town who owns the Bikram studio recently started taking groups out in an inlet area of the island and invited a group of us to try it out! 

I'd never been on a paddleboard, although I've surfed and felt that the balance issue was similar. So first things first, we headed out from Lighthouse Park to an area around the floating boats...

 ...tied our boards up to a line between some buoys so we wouldn't float away or bump into each other. Then took a deep breath and began... 

A few sun salutations started us off, and a lot of concentration and precise intention of movements was needed to maintain balance during the flow. It was really amazing being out in the quiet of the water, so close to this beautiful setting while doing the class. Yes, there was some splashing, some falling in, some laughing, but those times where we could be still, stay concentrated, reconnect with the breath, allowed for some pretty amazing moments.

friends trying headstands

 Then of course, there was some free-style time where we pushed the limits of balance and tried out some inversions and arm-balances.

attempting flying pigeon

I loved how being on a moving board allowed for a deeper awareness of every small part of your body. During a few arm balances, my fingers and breath were the main things keeping me upright. I actually made it through without falling in, but it took a lot of core work. The next morning I woke up with the sorest quads I can remember in a long time - plus a deep soreness in my midsection core. All those little muscles were working to keep me on the board and what work they did.

The class was amazingly fun and I can't wait to go again after I'm back in town from Italy next month. If you have an opportunity to go to a paddleboard yoga class, definitely try it out! (and bring a towel!)

Marrakesh Retreat - ENCORE!

We've had such a great response to the retreat in Marrakesh, Morocco that we've just listed more dates! This is the EAT.PRAY.MOVE kick-off announcement for 2012 retreats.

MARRAKESH YOGA RETREAT

MARCH 4-10, 2012

7-DAY INCLUSIVE

As I write this there is just one spot left for the Marrakesh retreat in September, and interest is still pouring in. It's not too early to mark your calendars.

Plus there's a $200 EARLY SIGN-UP DISCOUNT.

Still the same amazing location at Peacock Pavilions boutique hotel, tasty Moroccan cuisine, exotic day trips, camel rides, henna parties, daily yoga classes, and more!

So spice up your spring and

SIGN-UP TODAY

! 

Pose Series #9 \ Vasisthasana

Vasisthasana :: Side Plank

Bottom hand spread, fingers pressing. 

 Arm strong. 

 Wrist directly under shoulder. 

 Torso open to side. 

 Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha). 

 Hips lifting. 

 Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha). 

 Bottom leg strong. 

 Side/bottom of foot pressing into the mat. 

 Extension (optional): Top leg lifting. 

 Pressing away with heel. 

 Grabbing toe with fingers. 

 Gaze (dristhi) upwards. 

 B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath). 

 smile.

so where is Ischia anyway?

After announcing the upcoming yoga retreat in Ischia, Italy, I've already had a few people ask me, "So where exactly

is

this place?". I know it's not as well-known of a destination (at least not for American tourists) as some of its more famous neighbors, but that's one of the reasons it's so special. So for those of you wondering a bit more about this magical place called Ischia - keep reading!

Ischia is a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples on the mid-southeastern coast of Italy. Located 30km from Naples mainland, it measures just 34km in diameter and is profiled by Mount Epomeo peaking at 788 meters above the sea. Historically, the island has been inhabited by the Greeks, Syrausansa, Romans, Heruli, Ostrogoths, Byzantines, Normans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese, and plenty of ruins remain to suggest the lineages of these colonies. With its wonderful climate, nice location from the mainland, and richness of therapeutic hot-springs, it's not hard to see why it was a landscape worth fighting over!

Nicknamed the "Green Island", Ischia was one of the world's first health spa destinations. For centuries people have flocked to Ischia to indulge in its volcanic muds and waters rich with healthful minerals. Doctors even prescribe stays here to reap the benefits of bathing in the healing springs. I've had the opportunity to try out various types of springs on Ischia — from the famous "thermal parks" which are planned areas of various pools, gardens and baths — to the naturally-occurring, free and open spring mouths on the edge of a cliff by the sea.

Island Activities:

• Thermal Spas (parks, natural springs, mineral baths, health spas)

• Mountain hikes

• Artisanal shopping

• Beaches

• Gardens

Famous Neighbors:

• Isle of Capri

• Pompeii

• Amalfi Coast (Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, etc)

Besides all of the lovely things about Ischia and it's landscapes and beauty, one of the most appealing things to be about it is the hospitality of the people themselves. I've enjoyed interacting with almost everyone I met on the island, and it's something that draws me back...

As you can probably easily tell, Ischia is a place I really love and that's why I'm very much looking forward to sharing with with the guests who join us on the EAT.PRAY.MOVE retreat. Want to reserve a spot?

SIGN UP TODAY

(and take advantage of the $100 early sign-up discount for the first 4 guests).

EAT.PRAY.MOVE \ May Announcements

*These are some highlights from the May EAT.PRAY.MOVE newsletter, but I thought our blog readers may be interested in some of the announcements from this month. If you want to join the mailing list contact us from the website.

• NEW RETREAT ANNOUNCED: Ischia (Italy), Oct 2-8, 2011

"The beautiful island of Ischia awaits you with hikes to dormant volcanoes, thermal spas, vineyards, lush gardens, crystal clear beaches, and amazing Ischitani hospitality!"

Don't miss it...plus, we're offering an EARLY SIGN-UP DISCOUNT. $100 off for the first 4 sign-ups. Email erin@sojournista.com for discount.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

 • LAST MINUTE DEAL for June 19-25, 2011 TUSCANY Retreat

$200 off for those interested in a spot at the June retreat. This is only $1200 for 7-days inclusive! Email erin@sojournista.com for discount.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

• MARRAKESH Retreat Sept 11-17 almost sold out!

Only 3 spots left for this exotic retreat. It's going to be an amazing group and week! All the details are on the site.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

 • SPECIAL GROUP / PRIVATE WEEKS are always possible.

Whether you're interested in a private retreat, or just have a particular place + date in mind, with just a minimum of 4 people we can work on arranging a special EPM experience.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for their interest and support. We couldn't do it without you - You are what make EAT.PRAY.MOVE possible. We're so excited to bring you unforgettable experiences and hope you can join us. Currently, we're in the process of planning the 2012 calendar...and as always, any places/dates suggestions are always welcome!

 P.S. Don't forget to join us on

FACEBOOK

Namaste

New Retreat! Italian Island of Ischia

Castello Aragonese, Ischia Ponte

Well, I think I've narrowed down one of my most favorite places ever - to a small(ish) island in the Bay of Naples. Ischia

 had always enticed me, (yes yes, I will say that my obsession with the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley" initially had a little bit to do with that), but after getting to visit this amazing island I can say that it now entices me even more since experiencing it firsthand. One day when my husband and I were vacationing and exploring the various villages, I found a partially abandoned building overlooking the ocean and tucked it away in the "maybe-one-day-I-can-make-that-a-yoga-studio-and-live-here-part-time" file in my mind. Who knows....maybe, just maybe...

view back over island from the Castello

There's something magical about this place for me - not only for the pre-Roman history, lush landscapes, natural thermal spas, small castles in the sea, or the dormant volcano which the whole of Ischia rests - but it largely has to do with the pure kindness of so many people there with whom we've come in contact. Plus, since it's a bit more off the grid than at least the main stops like Rome, Florence, and Venice, it feels a bit more authentic Italian and less touristy. Patience towards visitors is something we observed as well. This combined with the amazing hospitality we encountered and the breath-taking beauty of the island, it's easy to see why it's a place I've wanted to return.

Between the two upcoming EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga retreats this summer in Tuscany, I had one week completely free to travel, so during that time I'm headed back to Ischia to explore even more of the island - plus scout out some locations and details for the retreat I just announced today, taking place in, none other than ISCHIA!

The retreat will be at Villa Lina which overlooks the Mediterranean from the western coast of the island, I'm so excited to share all the things I love about this place with the guests. We'll be taking day trips to thermal spas, hiking up to Mount Epomeo for views over the entire bay, visiting famous gardens, and lounging at the beach. Plus enjoying daily yoga classes at the yoga space overlooking the sea. I can't wait! 

CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS OF THE ISCHIA RETREAT HERE

SIGN UP TODAY.

P.S. have you joined us on Facebook yet?

Pose Series #8 :: Ustrasana

Ustrasana

:: Camel Pose

Knees hip width apart.

Shins parallel behind knees pressing into mat.

Tops of feet grounding.

Quads engaged.

Hips lifted and pressing forward.

Glutes soften.

Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).

Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).

Heart and chest reaching up.

Shoulders back.

Arms reaching back.

Hands reach toward heels.

Neck long and head looking back.

B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).

smile.

Travel Thursday \ Bella Italia

As you can guess, with the

summer yoga retreats

in Italy coming up soon, my mind is filled with images of "il bel paese". Tickets were booked this past week, and the details have been coming together.

I'll be in the boot for a month, and will be able to spend some time in the city I like to consider my second home, the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, Italy. I love the familiarity that immediately hits me when I set foot on the cobblestone streets. Then they'll be plenty of exploring in the countryside of Tuscany and Umbria. Hiking, admiring the fields of wildflowers, eating, drinking, enjoying.

Lately I've been watching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation episodes from Venice, Rome, and Tuscany, as well as rewatching some of my favorite films (The Talented Mr. Ripley, La Dolce Vita, 8 1/2). Last week I even checked out an older film which I'd never seen, Summertime, starring Katherine Hepburn in Venice!

Besides getting to experience all the places we'll take guests during the retreats, I'll also have a bit of time between the yoga weeks to scout out some new locations for future 

retreats! I have my eye on a few places...want to guess where they are?

Or better yet - let me know some of the places you'd love to visit for a week of yoga!

Celebrate Earth Day - Eco-Friendly Yoga Retreat

photos by

Peacock Pavilions

I know I've talked about the amazing place where the Moroccan

EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreat

will take place, but in celebration of Earth Day, I wanted to tell you about another part of Peacock Pavilions that is very relevant today especially - the "eco-friendly" part.

Peacock Pavilions

was designed with the earth in mind, and the owners take steps to make a healthy haven, and one that doesn't make a huge mark on the land. Located on a 8.5 acre piece of land just outside Marrakesh, 5 acres of which is olive grove, this boutique hotel was built taking certain things into consideration to make it more "green". With over 300 days of sun a year, creative pergolas and porches allow for the needed shade.

To reduce electric energy consumption and carbon output, here are a few things Peacock Pavilions lists on their website as eco-friendly elements:

• Insulation in the walls and on the roofs more vulnerable to heat gain or loss. This step is almost always skipped in Marrakech, because of the extra costs entailed.

• Aluminum windows with air tight seals.

• Rumsford fireplaces which radiate more heat into a room and less up the chimney.

• Radiant floor heating. Hot air passes through pipes buried in the concrete floor slabs. The heat is then radiated into the room over a period of hours. This is more efficient than heating air, and nicer for the feet, too.

• Air conditioning through evaporative cooling. This system draws 70% less energy than conventional air conditioners and is well adapted for arid climate. Used frequently in the southwest of the US, evaporative coolers blow a mist of water over a filter and then air is passed through the filter. Air temperature can be reduced as much as 30 degrees F.

• Solar water heater panels. Hot water for our own house and our 3 bedroom Pavilion is provided by the Moroccan sun, with back-up provide by instant gas heaters.

• Primarily fluorescent lights. Why use 75 watts when 20 watts will do the same job?

As for the lovely piece of land it sits on, Peacock Pavilions takes measures in the care of the land, gardens, and irrigation. Instead of using the common "flooding" irrigation system as in much of Morocco, Peacock Pavilions uses a drip system which 

only puts out about 1 gallon of water on the ground per hour. The water slowly seeps in the ground with almost no evaporation, thus saving a lot of precious water in this dry climate. Also grey water is used for irrigation.

No chemical pesticides are ever used on the property, and an organic garden with d

elicious tomatoes, lettuce picked fresh from the garden...pumpkin, corn, onions, and more are grown using only natural fertilizer. 

Besides enjoying the upcoming

yoga retreat

 at an eco-friendly location, also with the all-vegetarian menu being served, we're being even more gentle with the earth. This past

Earth Day article

lists some of the popular points citing vegetarianism as one of the best "green" practices around.

So now...why not celebrate Earth Day by joining us in September!

SIGN UP HERE

!

KARMA CONNECTION \ Africa Yoga Project

I'm really happy to talk about this Karma Connection today.

AFRICA YOGA PROJECT

is an amazing project that more yogis (and non-yogis) need to know about. Their slogan of "CULTIVATE UNITY * CREATE POSSIBILITY * FOSTER NON-VIOLENCE" is just the beginning of their mission. I was fortunate enough to meet Paige Elenson, founder of the project this past weekend at a workshop hosted by

M Body Yoga

in Neptune Beach, FL. She spoke to us about her yoga background and how she came to live in Kenya and share her heart to the communities there.

all photos via Africa Yoga Project

"The Africa Yoga Project uses the transformative power of yoga to empower communities and change lives. By inspiring the global yoga community into active service, AYP delivers effective and innovative programs that foster peace, improve physical, emotion and mental well-being, facilitate self-sufficiency and create opportunities to learn and contribute across the communities of East Africa."

AYP works under the parent organization of

Sarakasi Trust

, which is the East African leader in using the arts and culture to eradicate poverty. Through community yoga classes, and "yoga on the streets", the Africa Yoga Project has brought such a beautiful practice to the Kenyan communities which "provides a healthy, motivational venue for young adults to engage with their community, build support systems and change their lives." Not only are classes provided but also educational scholarships, job training, food stipends, temporary housing and health services. Plus, Baptiste Yoga teacher trainings have helped bring new Kenyan yoga teachers into their own communities to help spread the yoga-love! ♥

Here's a video which will give you a good idea of the work the AYP does in Kenya and the lives they are changing!

(email readers must click through online to view)

Learn more about the Africa Yoga Project:

WEBSITE

 & 

FACEBOOK

Italian day-trip \ market in Arezzo

Today I thought I'd take you on an Italian day-trip...won't you join me? One of the side trips we'll be taking on the

EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats

in June and July this year in Italy is to the lovely Tuscany town of Arezzo. This once Etruscan city is home to the famous 

Fiera Antiquaria

 (antique fair) which is spread up and down all the streets, alleys, and squares of the city center.

There are over 500 antique vendors with everything from jewelry, books, oil paintings, original edition comic books, tapestries, linens, furniture, frames, tin toys, carved wooden doors, stamps, postcards and almost anything you could think to collect.

A few years ago, while my husband and I were living in Florence, we visited Arezzo with the lovely Julian and Amanda (owners of the villa where the yoga retreat will take place). It was a beautiful spring Sunday, and such a great way to experience this Tuscan town.

We meandered up the street past many frames of silver, pine, and iron leaning against the stone walls and tables of bric-a-brac being picked through by tourists and Italians from all regions. As soon as we got to the first intersection, I looked to the right and left down the crossway and each 

strada

 (street) was just as full of antique vendors as was the current one on which we stood. 

We quickly came upon a small piazza with the 

Basilica di San Francesco

, which we were able to step in for a little bit to see the 

Legends of the True Cross

 by Piero della Francesca. Since it was Sunday mass, we had to view it from afar...luckily Julian (owner of the villa where the retreat will be held, and who will be also leading this day-trip) teaches art history and was able to explain much of this massive fresco to us from the prints in the back of the church. As soon as we exited the silent hall, the hum of shoppers filled the air once again and we continued the trek through town. 

Soon we were at the Vasari Loggia, a hall of old shops with a covered sidewalk and archways leading to Piazza Grande, the culmination of the fair. Here is where 

Frances Mayes

, author of 

Under the Tuscan Sun

 and 

Bella Tuscany

, writes about buying things for her villa in Cortona. I searched through some stalls of bed linens and found a couple white embroidered pillow cases. Notice, I didn't say a "pair" of cases, as the two I chose don't match...but it's nice to find mismatched linens with different stories behind them (not that I 

know

 the stories, but at least I can 

imagine

 two stories now instead of one).

After a small lunch at a cafe under the shade of the Loggia, we inspected several more streets and even found the cathedral, near where a scene of 

La Vita e' Bella

 (Life is Beautiful) was filmed. This town was the main backdrop of the first part of this internationally famous movie, and there are even plaques around the city at certain sites, marking scenes from the film. 

Arezzo is a beautiful town with or without happening upon it on the market day. If you're in Tuscany I highly recommend a visit...or you can always

join us in June

 ! 

Pose Series #7 \ Astavakrasana

Astavakrasana

 :: Eight Angle Pose

Moving into a bit more advanced poses now from the foundational basic poses I've posted previously in this pose series. Astavakrasana may be a pose to work up to, but there are many foundational asanas that you can practice that will lead you to the final expression of the "eight angle pose". Be sure to warm up with a few sun salutations and basic postures, staying strong with breath and bandhas before attempting. Note: there are many ways to get into this pose, and the following are just body-awareness cues once you're in it.

Fingers wide and fingertips pressing into the mat.

Hands shoulder-width apart, grounding and strong.

Elbows bent at 90º angle.

Shoulders firm to the back, and square to mat.

Chest lifted.

Neck long and gaze 

(drishti) 

looking forward.

Pelvis floor engaged (mula bandha).

Navel pulled in and up (uddiyana bandha).

Legs long and straight.

Quads engaged.

Knee caps lifted.

Feet flexed and strong, lifting away.

B R E A T H E (ujjayi breath).

smile.

good (for you) food \ quinoa+kale plate

This wellness Wednesday post is about a recipe I make about 5 times a week. It's an amazing veggie dish, full of healthy protein, iron, good-for-you fats, and LOADS of taste!

I was introduced to it by my friend Jenn, who lives in Vermont on a homestead farm working towards producing almost all their own food. She writes on the well-known foodie blog

Leftover Queen

. She originated this recipe and calls it the "

breakfast of champions

" (although I normally eat it for lunch). She even was featured in a cookbook and if you check out her post, she includes a video app to Master Chef, giving us a tour of her kitchen and a tutorial on this dish. 

I've modified it a little to our liking, and of course the greens change with season and what we can find at the farmer's market. Various forms of kale have been our favorite. So here is the recipe based on how I prepare it most days. Really, don't base it on the way it sounds or looks...I can't tell you how good it really is. EASY. HEALTHY. DELICIOUS.

"Quinoa & Kale Plate"

(based on 1 serving)

1 handful of kale cut/torn into larger bite-size pieces

1 scoop of quinoa (pre-soaked. I use mixure of original + red)

1 egg

goat cheese

sprinkle of pine nuts

generous sprinkling of garlic powder

pinch of course sea salt

olive oil

Heat olive oil in pan at med-high heat, add kale, garlic powder and salt and saute' until brighter green and partially wilted. Add quinoa and pine nuts, stir and briefly saute' enough to incorporate ingredients together. Make a "bed" of the mixture in the pan and crack open egg on top. Reduce heat to a little over medium, cover, and let sit for several minutes or until egg is poached and mixture is crispy on bottom.

Use spatula to remove entire bed out together onto plate. Sprinkle with cold goat cheese.

ENJOY!