Standing at the edge of the known world

I’ve recently returned from two short trips abroad. The first to England to visit my mother with two of my sons, and celebrate meeting up with a dear friend in London. The second was a 5-Day Intensive Training to close our Integral Facilitation Certificate Program* in southern Portugal.

It was strange to travel again, the first time I was double checking tickets, passport and money and overthinking what to pack. The second time felt much more familiar, I remembered how to do this!

IF Journey

We began our 6-month IF training in Budapest back in January 2020. Little did we know then that it would be another two and a half years before we could come together in person again. Led by Diane Musho Hamilton and her incredible IF Team, it was once again a remarkable experience – exciting, challenging, heart expanding, vulnerable, supportive, unpredictable and a deeply meaningful.

Integrating the natural environment

One of the aspects I appreciated most was how much we tapped into and connected to the natural environment around us for inspiration, grounding, intention setting, energy, relaxation and exploration. Constanca, a Portuguese member of our Cohort, travelled to Sagres in advance to help organise our visit.

She welcomed us to her homeland, she invited us to walk with her silently, to see and feel what this land had to offer, what message it may have for us.

It felt ancient. Europe’s southwestern most point, Sagres (meaning sacred) was at one time believed to be the end of the world, the last explored point.

What am I here to experience?

The expansive skies, limestone rock, steep cliffs, small bushes and flowers close to the ground in exquisite shapes and colours somehow protected from the wind. The vast wild and calm ocean, hidden sandy beaches and coves, stunning sunrises. There was simplicity in the landscape but care, a winding path would be flanked by large stones or boulders. The details were so discreet but begged you to slow down and notice.

I swam in the ocean, we took a trip out on two boats speeding over the turbulent waves, slowing down when we spotted a small dolphin and cruised towards caves.

All this was weaved between intense study, discussion and integral facilitation group practice in our seminar room at the hotel.

Every day, we found more clarity, courage, a deeper connection to ourselves, each other and a sense of purpose and responsibility to the world around us.

Intention

What I experienced with the group in Sagres, compliments so well my intention for the Replenish Retreat in Tuscany. As we thoughtfully consider a new way of stepping back into the world with all its complexity and challenges, while craving for connection, inspiration and release, I invite you to lean in – absorb the sights, sounds, flavours and textures of the landscape, Italian culture and warm hospitality. We’ll dive deep into energizing and restorative yoga practices to reawaken and connect to a healthier, nourished self.

Ebbio is a restored 13th century farm beautifully transformed in a tranquil spot, nestled inside an evergreen forest, it sits on an extinct volcano that was sacred to the Etruscans, and overlooks the medieval walled town of Monteriggioni.

The country ways of old Italy are preserved here, where Ebbio’s family dedicate themselves to the organic cultivation of their olive trees, vineyards, fruit, vegetables and herbs, which they then use in preparing our home-made vegetarian meals. The décor builds on this traditional heritage, with earthly colours and windows onto the rolling Tuscan hills. Tuscany is steeped in ancient wisdom, Ebbio calls us back to a simpler way of being.

I hope you’ll join me.

Replenish Yoga Retreat
Tuscany, Italy
24-29 July 2022

Please reach out if you have any queries, I’m happy to help.

Karen x

P.S. The retreat is ideal for solo, friends or couples travelling together.

*Integral Facilitation combines the principles of masterful facilitation with leading insights from the fields of developmental psychology and Zen awareness together in an Integral approach.