Retreat at Amansala in Tulum, Mexico - December 2005

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Amansala folks Cenotes cindy and dogs Cindy and Mom foot cleanse Gloria and Troy Group at ruins Jo and class Jo spot
Judy prep Judytree light2 Light3 Mayan Clay namaste namaste tulum peace2 peace3
Rich and Eileen Rick and Dena Setubandha Shari and Marianne sunrise truth Yogahut Steps


In early December 2005, we headed down to Tulum, Mexico with a band of intrepid, bright eyed yogis for what promised to be a week filled with something, we just weren't sure what. Hurricane Wilma had her way with the Tulum area in late October, leaving extensive damage in her wake. In addition to the actual damage to the area, there was a logistical mess to contend with. Since the roof had been blown off of the yoga studio and dining area of our original destination, we needed to switch to a new one - enter Amansala, an "eco-chic" resort along the coast. Additionally, as flight after flight was being canceled or rescheduled, we needed to make constant changes to arrival times and travel from Cancun to Tulum-- a huge thanks to Erica at Amansala for her unbounded patience through the whole process!

By the time we were heading down, we had done the most yogic thing we could do - let go of any expectations and stay open to whatever came our way. Between early morning and late afternoon yoga, awe-inspiring sunrises that we could watch from our palapas (huts) within a stones throw of the water, excursions to the Mayan ruins and cenotes - freshwater springs formed within caves, lounging away parts of each day, group meals, especially dinner where we would linger and bond long after the last helping of grilled apples or bananas or papaya had been served and just plain checking out from the real world (or was it actually checking into the real world), suffice it to say that the experience far exceeded any expectations we would have set!

As for Amansala itself, even more than the stunning views, sounds of the ocean and simplicity, the people there were absolutely the most accommodating, easy going and selfless group of hosts we could have hoped for. Thanks to Matt, Samantha, Cecilia, Steve, Daisy and the rest of the Amansala staff!

Many of us associate yoga strictly with asana and meditation, but if you strip it down to its core, yoga is union, non-separation, connecting with everyone and everything around us. And in that respect, there was even more yoga practiced off the mat than on it.

Namaste.