5 more days to save on your Moab Adventure with Alchemy Tours!

JOIN OUR 4-DAY FULL MOON ADVENTURE RETREAT
• Integrate Spirit and Nature as you practice yoga, mountain bike, hike and meditate with a group dedicated to doing the same.
• Fully discover (or rediscover!) the Joy of Yoga.
• Experience some of the most beautiful and famous mountain biking trails in the world—canyons, long climbs, beautiful descents, rolling scenery with options to ride Klondike Bluffs, Slickrock, Gemini Bridges and Porcupine Rim.
• Enjoy exceptional yoga, hiking, mountain biking and camaraderie, all designed to help you spiritualize every aspect of your long weekend!
• Recharge, refresh and renew, leaving totally more inspired about your life!
We look forward to your registration! You are in excellent hands!

WHERE IS MOAB UTAH?
Moab Utah is in the southeastern section of Utah. It has an amazingly unique geography that harbors artifacts of ancient peoples, impressive geologic formations, and intricate sandstone layers. Surrounded by national parks such as Arches and Canyonlands, Moab is both a surreal and energetically amazing place. Whether you’re a dedicated yoga enthusiast, or a more casual Yoga practitioner--whether you’re an avid mountain biker looking to up your game or a cycling newbie who wants to get started right, this weekend is for you!

DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
While the mountain biking in Moab is known as some of the best in the world, it also carries with it some unique challenges: namely slickrock & sand. These take time to get to learn how to ride, and thus we will begin gently, with hands-on guidance and expertise. We will work up to bigger rides that can challenge even the most avid cyclist. You will have the option to choose from a plethora of options that will suit your unique needs, no matter what experience level you have.
Yoga classes are designed with YOU in mind. We will be sure to include poses that will help you on the bike and can be applied to hiking and running too!
Classes include Meditation. There will be plenty of time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area.

TRIP COST: $999 ($899 EARLY BIRD BY DECEMBER 21, 2010)

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE?
• 3 nights of accommodation
• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, two dinners and all snacks and drinks for each day’s activities
• A social hour on select evenings
• All transportation during the trip, including private coaches
• 7 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
• Private evening Dharma and wilderness talks facilitated by your Guides
• Entrance fees to all group events
• Informational cycling and safety clinic with Jacob Young
• All gratuities for special events, transfers, lodging and group meals.
• A special goodie bag with trip-specific comfort items and accessories

NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare and gratuities for your guides. And two meals are not included during this trip to allow you the opportunity to explore the southwest cuisine on your own.

TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your guides may be given at your discretion in response to their leadership and professionalism throughout the trip. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual to be divided between the guiding team as an industry standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, transportation and local events are paid for by the retreat organizers.

TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:
You can pay with check, direct bank deposit, or credit card or Paypal on line but we most prefer checks. Please send checks to Total Body Yoga Retreats, 210 Terrace Drive, Mundelein, IL 60061. Contact us at retreats@totalbodyyoga.com or call if we can answer any questions.

PAYMENT POLICIES
Early-bird discount: $100 discount to those who register before December 21st, 2010!
Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space. Balance must be received by February 15th, 2011, 60 days prior to retreat

ITINERARY
Day 1 – Saturday, April 16, 2011
Afternoon:
12:00 Meet in the lobby of the Grand Junction Airport for lunch & shuttle to Moab
2:00 Arrive at Moab Lodging for light snack and brief logistics talk
3:00 Deplane Yoga Practice Warm-up
4:00 Head to Arches National Park
4:30 Hike to Delicate Arch
6:00 Sunset Yoga practice under Moab's most famous Arch

Evening:
8:00 Social Hour and Dinner
9:00 Orientation, Dharma Talk
Day 2 – Sunday, April 17, 2011
Morning:
8:00 Breakfast
9:30 Yoga practice

Afternoon:
12:00 Lunch on your own, Shopping in Moab
1:00 Depart for Arches National Park
2:00 Park Ranger Guided Fiery Furnace Hike!

Evening:
6:00 Yoga practice
8:00 Dinner of your choosing
Day 3 – Monday, April 18, 2011 (FULL MOON!)
Morning:
7:30 Yoga practice at downtown Studio
8:30 Breakfast
10:00 Mountain Biking: Skills Clinic & Tutorial

Afternoon:
1:00 Packed Lunch
6:00 Parkside Yoga practice and Slack lining

Evening:
8:00 Social Hour and Closing Dinner at Desert Bistro
Day 4 – Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Morning
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Closing Yoga practice
11:00 Check out and depart for Grand Junction, Colorado
12:30 Lunch in scenic downtown Grand Junction
2:15pm Depart for Grand Junction Airport
**Please note that scheduled itinerary is subject to change due to the ebb and flow of life!

ABOUT YOUR GUIDES:
You will be guided by Jacob Young and Silvia Mordini.
Jacob is an avid cyclist, runner, and lover of all things outdoors, involving people. With over 10 years of guiding experience, beginning on Mt. Rainier, he has broadened his horizons by transitioning to guiding cycling trips around the world. He has been living in, and exploring the Olympic & Cascade mountain ranges of the Pacific Northwest for the past 11 years, and can often be found cycling, trail running, hiking and skiing in the greater Seattle area when not practicing yoga indoors. Jacob is a Certified Carmichael Training Systems coach and is CPR/First Aid certified, but his real experience comes from his passion for showing people new places and exploring along with them.

Your Yoga will be taught by Silvia Mordini whose loving Anusara-inspired Vinyasa Flow teaching style is influenced by more than 10 years of Hatha yoga study. She studies primarily under Shiva Rea. With over 7,500 hours of yoga teaching experience, as a nationally recognized Experienced Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT) she owns and teaches at Total Body Yoga, a 3,900 square foot Chicagoland yoga center with over 200 monthly classes and countless weekly workshops as well as for a fifth year teaching a Nationally accredited 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. Silvia also enjoys working privately with athletes of all ages applying her knowledge of therapeutic yoga to aid healing old injuries or preventing new ones. Silvia’s dedication to her students makes her classes upbeat and fun, serious and informative, supportive and authentic.. When her students leave class, they have been inspired to be good to themselves and thereby kinder to others. Silvia finds healing in the beauty and stillness of Moab and considers nature and the relationship of human spirit her greatest teachers!!

WHEN WILL I NEED TO ARRIVE AND WHEN DO I LEAVE?
Arrival Location:
You will need to arrive by noon in the lobby of the Grand Junction Airport in Colorado.

Departure Location:
At the end of your trip, you will be shuttled back to Grand Junction. The shuttle will depart Moab at 12:30pm and will arrive at the Grand Junction airport at 2:30pm. Please do not schedule a flight before 3:30pm. (There are 4pm, 5:15pm, and 7:10pm redeye Flight options from GJT to ORD - Chicago).

HOW DO I GET TO MOAB UTAH IF I FLY?
You can either fly directly into Moab, or rent a car at the Grand Junction Airport (a 2-hour drive from Moab). If you plan on doing some site seeing on your free time, or if you plan on staying a day or two before or after our trip, then we suggest renting a car either way.

HOW DO I GET TO MOAB IF I DRIVE?
Moab is located 100 miles (about 2 hours) west of Grand Junction. If you choose to drive to the trip start, we recommend taking the UT scenic byway 128, one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the States. To get there, take highway I-70 West from Grand Junction. After about 47 miles, take exit 212, turn left to go under the highway, and then turn right toward Cisco. After Cisco, about 8 miles down the road, turn left onto Hwy 128 west and enjoy the next 41 miles of scenery. The road ends at Hwy 191 where you turn left to drive the last 3 miles into the center of town.

GRAND JUNCTION & FRUITA
Those wanting to get quickly in & out of the area before and after your adventure will likely want to stay in Grand Junction. If you have a rental car & time to explore the area, Fruita (10 miles west of Grand Junction & ranked as one of the top 20 cities in the US for cycling) has more character and makes a good home base for exploration. Grand Junction gets its name because it’s near where the Colorado (once called the Grand) River joins the Gunnison River. The Colorado River is responsible for carving out most of the local geography, and giving the valley its rich fruit-growing heritage—thus “Fruita.” To the east of the valley, the grand mesa rises to an elevation of over 10,000 feet. To the west is the uplift that holds the Colorado National Monument and the Black Ridge Wilderness study area. The High Plateau to the southwest is the Uncompahgre Plateau, which stands at over 9,000 feet high. The north edge of the valley is bordered entirely by the Book Cliffs. If you like deserts and/or challenging singletrack, and epic hikes then you’ll love this area.

YOGA HELPS CYCLISTS

HOW YOGA HELPS CYCLISTS

Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to work with a lot of great real life athletes that use yoga as counter conditioning.  Many of my yoga students are cyclists who practice yoga to alleviate muscle tightness from logging long hours in the saddle. Every time I’m out on two wheels, whether in Moab Mountain Biking or in Tuscany cycling our yoga I am reminded of how well yoga works to develop flexibility, core strength and balance.

For my cyclist students the key areas that get overworked while riding are hamstrings, quadriceps, hips and constant forward flexion of the spine.  The muscle groups in these areas are being used in the same way for long periods and repeated thousands of times. That hurts!

So what happens is:

*quads get tighter as they get stronger

*hamstrings contract, tighten on back of legs

*shoulders get rounded over straining upper middle back thoracic spine

*low back (lumber area) gets pushed out if core strength is not maintained

How yoga helps:

Yoga poses help open what is contracted, it creates flexibility where there is only strength for more balanced action. And the practice of yoga helps relieve the muscle pain caused by tightness in lower and upper body. It brings our spine back into optimal alignment.

The other benefit my cyclist students are surprised to find from yoga is something beyond the physical.  Anyone on two wheels knows that cycling requires intense concentration and focus to succeed on the road. The work we do on the mat to bring attention to our breathing patterns and cultivate a mind body awareness is transportable and can be used with great success while riding to maintain a calm mind and laser like clarity.

Before you finish reading you are probably curious to know what yoga poses should you do before or after a ride. From my experience here are my top 3:

First lie on your back (supine Mountain pose) this tractions your spine naturally, then let’s put back in the two natural curves (in neck – cervical spine and low back – lumbar spine)

1. Bridge Pose (Sethu Bandha Sarvangasana)

Purpose: Stretches the quads, hips and opens the shoulders back. Energetically opens up the front of the body, improves posture alignment.

Why: It balances the time spent on the bike closing the chest and rounding forward.

How: Start on your back with your knees bent. Position your feet above your ankles in 90 degree angle. Make sure that your feet are pointing straight ahead all four corners anchored. Inhale and press your feet and shoulders back into the floor and lift your pelvis up as high as you can comfortably. Hug your shoulder blades underneath you. Breathe into front of body. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Slowly lower down. Repeat. For more restorative put block under sacrum and hold for longer.

2.  Pyramid (Parsvottanasana)

Purpose: Improves hamstring flexibility, great for SI joint, lengthens spine.

Why: The stretch is felt at the back of the legs most intensely but the hugging to the midline of the legs also gets to inner hamstring muscles. Counter balances the abduction of cycling with adduction.

How: Stand in Mountain pose with your feet hips distance apart. Find balanced weight in feet. Step your left foot back about three to four feet and angle the back foot out about 10’clock. Keep both hips facing front and square your hips. Inhale circle yours up, as they open to a “t” come half way down long spine, hold for a moment, lift the toes of your front foot to contract the quad and release the hamstring and then fold long over extended leg, touch the ground. Hold for 5 deep breaths and repeat on second side. (2nd time same thing add a twist, lift opposite arm up of front foot)

3.  Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakopotasana Prep)

Purpose: A great hip opener and stretch for the glutes. If you want more, then add variation with the back leg bent upwards for an additional quad stretch.

Why: The IT band is a group of muscles that runs along side the thigh starting from the pelvis and going over the hip and to the knee. In cycling, the hip flexors work very hard and this can result in strain of this area.  IT band issues injuries are not unusual for cyclists.  Do pigeon to prevent injury.

How: Start on your hands and knees with your hands directly below your shoulders and knees directly under your hips. Slide your right knee forward, placing it between your hands. Lengthen your left leg straight back, and lower your hips toward the floor, keeping both hips facing forward. Draw your inner thighs toward each other with slight scooping of the tail bone. Hold for 1 minute, switch sides and then try again on your back, ankle crossed above opposite knee drawing both knees to chest.

Yoga for Skiers and Snowboarders

I was just in Aspen, CO the beginning of November and the beautiful mountains are already snowcapped.    There is so much buzz and excitement as the ski season approaches with more fresh snow on its way out West, the chill in the air at home in Illinois and the latest ski and snowboard movies on tour to awe us and pump all of the skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts up for the season.  I’m so excited for it all!  But mostly for the Pagosa Springs, Colorado hot springs,  snowboarding/skiing and yoga retreat guided by Alchemy Tours, February 3 –6, 2011.  In the meantime I’ll continue to train.  Here are some of my favorite yoga asanas for snowboarding and skiing.

·      For shoulders and wrists Side Plank (Vasisthasana) stretches and strengthens the wrists and strengthens the arms, all which will help for falling out on the slopes and pushing yourself up.  And shoulders are super important for posture in skiing and snowboarding too.

·      For core and spine Boat (Navasana) engages and strengthens the core muscles.   Strong core muscles enhance good turns on the slopes and alleviates pressure from the knees, protecting the joint from injury.  Awareness of your center also helps to initiate movement and distribute weight more evenly making it less strenuous on the whole body.

·      For strengthening the legs, hips, knee joints and lower back Chair pose (Utkatasana) helps to prevent ACL injury by encouraging bending of the knees.  It also helps with absorbing impact especially if you fall, go off cliffs, jumps or like bumps.

·      For balance Eagle (Garudasana) improves your concentration and sense of balance.  It also strengthens the ankles and calves.  On the slopes this will be helpful for side balance progression, refined balance recovery skills and muscle memory.  It also helps with relaxing those feet in those stiff boots, sidestepping and traversing.

·      For flexible legs Down Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) energizes the body and stretches the hamstrings, calves and arches.  Because skiing and snowboarding require so much lower body strength its essential to keep the legs flexible.

·      For hips   Low lunge (Anjaneyasana) opens your hips.  Having powerful and flexible hips encourages balance and good turning habits and decompresses the lower back, which improves coordination and takes pressure off the knees.

Peace,

Kendra Charts

Go to www.alchemytours.com for more information about the Pagosa Springs, Colorado yoga adventure.

WAKE UP AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE STOP PROCRASTINATING YOUR HAPPINESS

WAKE UP AND TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE!
Join us for a rejuvenating retreat in paradise. The experience will be grounded, playful, and fortifying as we refine our intentions for the best year ever! Our journey will include two energizing yoga classes each day, as well as open air accommodations and vibrant local cuisine. There will be ample space for rest, reflection, adventure and community connection. Explore the land and culture through surfing, watersports, jungle hikes, horseback riding, bird/whale watching and much, much more. The name Xinalani comes from the Nahuatl Xinaloani that means seed. It is pronounced shee-nah-lah-nee. It embodies the vision of transformation from the experiences and teachings from our past into the great potential of our future.

Xinalani Retreat Center is an eco-chic spa hotel, hidden on a pristine beach surrounded by a luxuriant jungle on the south shore of Banderas Bay, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Conceived as a tropical haven to host group wellness retreats, Xinalani is a place filled with serenity that shelters individuals in their search for a more balanced life style. It is a small private all suites hotel where each guest can feel the intimate closeness to the natural elements, and receive a well-deserved personal attention.

Join us in paradise for experience of awakening a renewal of the body, mind and soul.

DURING THIS 6-DAY YOGA RETREAT YOU WILL:
• Integrate Spirit and Nature as you practice yoga, and experience truly stunning eco-discoveries, play and meditate with a group dedicated to doing the same.
• Fully discover (or rediscover!) the Joy of Yoga.
• Experience a place filled with serenity that shelters individuals looking to establish a more balanced lifestyle.
• Enjoy becoming an active conscious traveler.
• Enjoy exceptional yoga, hiking, eco-adventures and camaraderie, connecting with pristine beaches, organic food, relaxing jungle spa treatments, all designed to help you spiritualize every aspect of your life!
• Recharge, refresh and renew, leaving totally more inspired about your life!

INVESTMENT:
OCCUPANCY SINGLE DOUBLE
Eco-chic Suites $2500 $1,999.00
Eco-Premium Suites $2100 $1,699.00
Petite Suite $1800 $1,399.00
Big Palapa $1,100 NA

PAYMENT POLICIES: 
Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space.
egister by November 30, 2010 Get $400 OFF
Register by December 15, 2010 Get $350 OFF
Register by December 31, 2010 Get $250 OFF
Register by January 15, 2011 Get $150 OFF

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE?
• 6 nights of accommodation at Xinalani Retreat
• 3 complete gourmet vegetarian meals per day. Chef is expert in ayurveda cuisine and macrobiotics.
• A social hour on select evenings
• All transportation during the trip, including to and from the airport to Xinalani Retreat
• Full transportation by water taxi from Puerto Vallarta to our cliff-side beach paradise
• 9 Yoga classes with Silvia Mordini
• Yoga clinics and mini workshops with Silvia Mordini
• Sunset Yoga Ceremonies
• Guided Jungle Hiking
• Private Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides
• All gratuities for special events, transfers, lodging and group meals.
• A special goodie bag with loving gifts

NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to and from the trip, gratuities for your guides, spa services, other activities not listed such as whale watching, surfing, bird watching.

TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your guides may be given at your discretion in response to their leadership and professionalism throughout the trip. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual to be divided between the guiding team as an industry standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, transportation and local events are paid for by the retreat organizers.

TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:
You can pay with check, direct bank deposit, or credit card or Paypal on line but we most prefer checks. Please send checks to Alchemy Tours c/o Total Body Yoga, 210 Terrace Drive, Mundelein, IL 60061. Contact us at info@alchemytours.com or call if we can answer any questions.

YOGA POSES GREAT FOR CYCLING

I love being on two wheels and can't wait to spend even more time there. And one of the things I've learned are some key yoga poses that relieve the tenderness of back discomfort after cycling.  Here are some of my favorites.  And during our multisport trips know that all of the yoga we do supports the preparation of muscle groups used in Mountain Biking or Cycling or HIking or Kayaking.  Whatever we plan to do we align the yoga to make it easier.  Enjoy!  Peace in all ways, Silvia

The Benefits of Key Poses For Cyclists:

1.       Standing Hip Circles - Loosens low back and hips, Strengthens back

2.       Squatting – Opens the pelvis, Stretches hips and lower back, Tones abs, Stretches feet

3.       Kneeling Low Lunge –Stretches hip flexors, Relieves low back pain, Stretches thigh muscles

4.       Cat/Puppy – Increases suppleness of spine, Stretches muscles of the back & neck, Improves posture

5.       Child’s Pose - Relaxes the back & neck, Stretches the spine, Provides a gentle massage to abdominal organs

6.       Cobra – Strengthens the back, Tones the buttocks, Stretches the chest and abdomen, Increases circulation

7.       Knee to Chest – Stretches Lower Back

8.       Spinal Twist – Strengthens abdominal muscles, stretches hips

9.       Bridge (And Pelvic Tilts) - Looses muscles of the low back, Strengthens abs

ONLY $23.75-$48.75/DAY YOGA PRIVATE BEACH SUN COCKTAILS SURFING DEC 8-12, 2010

ONLY $23.75-$48.75/DAY!

Beach, Sun, Vinyasa Yoga, Surf

December 8-12, 2010 Haramara Mexico

****GREAT DEAL! Your Investment with $225 OFF FOR BEING A YOGA STUDENT is $475 for Dorm ($23.75/day); $625 double room ($31.25/day); $975 for a single room ($48.75/day)****

JOIN OUR 5-DAY YOGA RETREAT TO HELP YOU REDISCOVER YOUR BLISS
• Integrate Spirit and Nature as you practice yoga, hike, swim, lounge at Haramara private beach, enjoy meditation beach walks with a group dedicated to doing the same.
• Fully discover (or rediscover!) the Joy of Yoga.
• Experience a place filled with serenity for those looking to reestablish balance.
• Enjoy exceptional yoga, hiking, eco-adventures and camaraderie, connecting with pristine beaches, gourmet vegetarian meals, relaxing jungle spa treatments.
• Take advantage of opportunities to experience epic surfing, fun zip lining, horseback riding, whale watching, snorkeling and more!
• Recharge, refresh and renew, leaving totally more inspired about your life!

PAYMENT POLICIES:
Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space.

TO REGISTER AND SAVE YOUR SPOT:
You can pay with check, direct bank deposit, or credit card or Paypal on line but we most prefer checks. Please send checks to Alchemy Tours c/o Total Body Yoga, 210 Terrace Drive, Mundelein, IL 60061.

CONTACT US
For more information call (847) 772-964. And facebook us too!

WHERE IS HARAMARA?

IS located amid the mountains in teh most beautiful costal region of the state of Nayarit in Mexico, about 50 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Haramara is idyllic offering serenity, stunning beaches, and awe inspiring scenery.

YOGA IN NATURE BY GUEST BLOGGER LeANN KENNEDY LOCKHART

Hey this is Silvia, I received this beautiful bit of prose from my student, friend, teacher trainee LeAnn and wanted to share it with you.  It is really one of the most wonderful aspects of Alchemy Tours - we get to try our yoga off the mat too!  Here is her expression.  And don't forget join us anytime, anywhere in the world! Peace in all ways, Silvia


"Today I took My yoga practice outside. With my dog in hand ,both of us set out on an adventure. Luckily I live not to far from a beautifully wooded era,with a sweet Creek that runs through it. So that is were we found ourselves me and my dog Roxie. I decided to take my practice to the next level,NO MAT.So in my bare feet I found myself twisting and turning,flowing like a bird on an old tree that had fallen down. And as I stood in mountain pose I found a strength, an inner high as if my body had grown tall tree limbs,and as the wind kissed my skin,I felt as if I were that tree that had once stood tall The light inside me grew stronger .So now I was balancing on this old tree using its limbs as props . The clean fresh air filled up my soul. And so that 30 mins turned into a full on retreat an adventure. 


So I guess what I am trying to say is be adventurous . Take your practice to the next level of excitment. Stand on that tree laying down the hill, life doesn't have to be flat. Infact we all know life is full of ups down. Life is what you make of it . Let your feet get a little cold because you decided to you wanted feel the trees heart beat in your feet,grounding you,and let you also feel the adventure of gripping your feet on the edge. Taking that chance,taking that risk. So be grounded first so you are safe,and then you can spread your wings and fly in the cool breeze.

So if Mother Nature is calling you like she did me today,take that 15 to 30 mins and venture out . Let your fierce warrior heart be smothered by mother natures calling, Light and love LeAnn"

CLIENT SPEAKS OUT ON MOAB NOV 2010

At Alchemy Tours we love to invite our clients, friends to share their own thoughts on our trips.  Here is a neat 3 point summary from Michael Young about his experience November 4-7, 2010.  Enjoy!

Michael Young writes, "What can I say:

I'm not one to take on a trip like this...I thought I'd rather be on a desert island sipping pina coladas, enjoying the sun and water, then food sleep and whatever.

To my surprise and after many second thought excuses -I decided to head to Moab with family memebers Jake and Nathan.

My description is this:1st I was shocked at the high level of bonding I did with my sons,but more so with my fellow Moabiters whom I never knew. Experiencing close encounters with situations that you normally don't come across,beautiful scenery,and chill factors that can make you think twice before trying it out.

2nd this was a trip of first for me: going on a mountain bike up and down a rock slope,climbing cracks, crevices and ridges, hiking and enjoying wonderful preselected hot spots to visit.

3rdly the Yoga was awesome and secretly I had ideas that it was for wimps....ugghhhh was I wrong! It was the first time I had done Yoga with an instructor.

This is the greatest exercise that can be. Our instructor/teacher was incredible-I wanted to take her home for private instruction to my wife & I. I stretched,sweat, and was soothed from this ancient exercise. What a fantastic learning experience overall.

I would do this again in a heartbeat.

Thanks to Alchemy Tours and fellow Moabites! Love You!"

DISTRACTION MOAB MUSINGS FROM ALCHEMY TOURS

NOVEMBER 8, 2010.  As I returned from Moab Sunday evening with Carol and Rich we left behind the undistracted energy of the rocks and desert and mountains and as soon as we got off the plane in Denver were hit with the reality of distraction once again.  The lights! The noise! The volume of people! The buzz in the air!  It hit me with such force I felt a little sick to my stomach for a moment.  And a lot confused.  I thought hmmmm so that's what we live in day in and day out?

Sometimes we don't know what we don't know until we know something different.  To be in Moab on a Yoga retreat with Alchemy Tours (www.alchemytours.com) mountain biking, hiking, bouldering is to be in a new world devoid of all distractions apart from our little tribe.  The spiritual progress we make in this situation far surpasses what is allowable on most "normal" days when surrounded by noise, people, business, worry, speed, and anxiety.  There in Moab on the rocks, there is quiet and we can all finish the conversations we start with ourselves but never seem to finish while at home because something comes up and distracts us.

"I have wandered all my life, and I have also traveled; the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment." --Hilaire Belloc

Going on a yoga retreat is an experience of fulfillment.  It is done with purpose and the guidance we offer is focused whether on a mountain bike or hike or practicing yoga.  Whereas distraction is that feeling of being lost.  And we've all felt lost before.  Using this practice to help concentrate allows us to organize the energies around us, inside us and turn them into undistracted energy which is quite powerful.  We need that laser like focus to accomplish our intentions.  On the mat we take one part, one stage (krama) at a time to help achieve amazing experiences.  We place our hands, lay our foundation in a downward dog, direct our energy from the focal point of our hearts to our legs and arms, feet and hands.  It is bringing the macro of our life into the micro of full detailed attention.
While in Moab Geology Joel, our personal friend and ranger, guided us in Arches National Park Fiery Furnace.  He had us at the end stop and look at the vista of beauty before us and passionately implored us to not just see the bigness but to get down there and touch feel be part of the detail. And that in and of itself will help us be less distracted or overwhelmed.

Today, do something that draws your energy back to you. Take time to calm the chaos and move from distraction to center. And in that center is love.  So love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

FOR FUTURE TRIPS TO MOAB WITH ALCHEMY TOURS PLEASE VISIT www.alchemytours.com or www.silviamordini.com save the date of April 16-19 2011 Moab, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Yoga Adventure or Oct 27-30, 2011 Moab Mountain Biking, Hiking, Yoga Adventure

Losing the Past Opens the Future

Losing the Past Opens the Future.  It is such a simple statement and rolls up yogic philosophy so easily....and yet not always that easy to put into practice.  Our humanness boasts to us in little mental self talk that of course we can rewrite the past! Why wouldn't we be able to?  But we intellectually know we cannot.  And until we surrender to our own letting go known as vairagya we cannot fully welcome the best future of ourselves.

The past and the future energies cannot fully occupy the same exact space.  How or what happened yesterday is done.  All we have now is this moment and the intentions for the next moments.  Replaying things past only clutters our minds, leaks our energies and prevents us from engaging life right now.  Through physical practice we let go of the old stories stored in the tissues of hurts, frustrations, disappointments and clear the way for our best experiences.  And yoga works all day long mentally and emotionally to help remind us to lose the past, whether pleasant or unpleasant, so the world opens us up to the most magnificent future.

it is up to us not to hold ourselves back, to not remain stuck, but to create the space by letting go that opens the future.

I work on this everyday and I've experienced amazing results. it is still often very hard and sometimes easier but nevertheless always really powerful in letting grace and love flow towards my open heart.  I wish for all us to find the courage to lose the past, and open to your future.  Your best life.  Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

PS If you feel like you would benefit from more dedicated time to do the serious work of letting go then join me on an upcoming yoga retreat in Moab, Italy, Oregon, California, Colorado, and more!   

www.alchemytours.com or www.silviamordini.com or friend us on facebook Alchemy Tours, Alchemy of Yoga

Why do a Spiritual Adventure?

WHY DO A SPIRITUAL ADVENTURE:

What are you waiting for? In these chaotic times, it is imperative to slow down more than ever so that we can again find our center and realize what is most important to us. A spiritual adventure help you heal your soul and learn how to make healthy choices for your greater happiness. Each retreat provides loving accommodations, inspirational talks, expert instruction, and healthy, delicious meals.

Remember that you don’t need anyone else’s permission but your own to sign up. You will be part of an intimate group of people just like you who are looking for a “time out.” The prerequisites for attending have nothing to do with athletic ability or experience, and everything to do with an open heart, a playful curiosity, an inquisitive mind. And a desire to Design Your Best Life ever!  

When we think about why we want to take folks on retreat to various places in the world a great part of that reason is because we want to help people regain what we call “The Innocence of Hope”. Innocence, wonder, curiosity are such loving human characteristics that require an incredible amount of strength to maintain throughout our lives for its easy to get jaded, or scared or cynical. When we lose the innocence of hope we stop living our dreams whether it be about offering our hearts to another person or building a business or quitting a job we hate. We know that by achieving something physical this innocence and hope for the unknown are transportable and could change someone’s life.  Save these Early Bird dates below and save money too! 

Keep it real, stoke the fire, 

Love in all ways, Silvia

“The better you feel physically the easier it is to be happy.” –Martin Rush, Partner Yoga

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WHEREVER YOU GO THERE YOU ARE

"Whilst on a lonely beach in Tasmania, three days hike away from any form of civilization, alone,Brent Morton had an epiphany: “No matter where I travel, however far away I get from civilization, how high of mountains I climb, one thing always remains the same: Me.” This began a 180 degree shift from exploring the physical world to a deep systematic journey into the inner world, which has continued intensively to the present day." - Brent Morton

These are the words of a lovely teacher I have just met.  It speaks to so much of what I hope this practice brings to light for you sooner rather than later.  However, the difficult part of exploring the inner world and taking this inward journey of self-exploration is making time.  And when we are in our day to day world of grocery shopping, laundry, working, oil changes it's hard to make that time.  Yes, it is hard.  So for me the catalyst for inner change has often come as a result of traveling somewhere (maybe not as far as Tasmania!) but someplace where I could feel time as BIG.  And in that space, the changes in my outer world would almost force me, encourage me to go inside.  So here I am writing this from far away as each day I have my ecology of mind refreshed and look at ME.  No excuses, nothing more to do but see who I am and why I am.  

The longer my days, the more I find myself wanting to help others to do this too.  To facilitate inner healing and self knowledge by traveling away from the old paradigms even if for just 4 days or a week.  Join me in Tuscany or Moab or Pagosa Springs or Hawaii or Haramara Puerto Vallarta this December.  Love yourself, Know thyself.  

Peace out, Silvia  (Facebook Alchemy Tours or visit www.silviamordini.com)

Beach Yoga, Surfing, Hiking Your Way to Bliss Haramara, Mexico Yoga Retreat Dec 8-12, 2010

****$200 OFF NEXT 4 PEOPLE!!!****

REDISCOVER YOUR BLISS!
Alchemy of Yoga Vacation with Silvia Mordini

Sayulita, Mexico - Haramara Retreat Alchemy Tours
December 8^th – 12^th, 2010

By the time we get to December it feels like we’ve exhausted ourselves from the race to the finish line of the year.  Then we get too tired to devote ourselves to our 2011 Intentions.  I can’t think of anything I’d like to do more to keep back the Winter Blues and rediscover BLISS than going to a gorgeous, tropical place on the beach with beautiful accommodations, sunny days and yummy food.  If you are a regular yoga student who wants a vacation with lots of yoga, complete relaxation and transformation then keep reading… this is for you!

Escape with me to beachside Sayulita, Mexico, SUPER easy to get to through Puerto Vallarta. Then let’s wake up with an amazing ninety minute cheerful Vinyasa practice and close the day with slow flow Vinyasa, some restorative yoga, meditation and long savasana before dinner. After the morning session, your day is free for relaxing or exploring this sunny paradise. We will be staying at the world renowned Haramara retreat, just a 15 minute walk around the corner from the infamous Sayulita surfing.  You’ll love the food because all of the meals are organic gourmet with vegetarian and fish options available too!

This mini vacation is not only going to make your outer body more tone but it will help you reconnect to what you want in your life. “Follow Your Bliss” says Joseph Campbell. But what is it that is turning you on, firing you up and making you excited to love life?  Well, take this time and find out and set up your 2011 Intentions in the BEST way possible for the BEST life possible. 

Think of this as a deeply transformative retreat for those who love the beach or like to surf and also want lots of yoga to strengthen the body, tame the mind and open your heart!  And this whole experience can be fun and funny and joyful along the path to finding our bliss. 

Cost:
$700 for shared dorm

$850 for a double room or $1200 for a single room

Price includes: food, lodging and yoga.

Not included: airfare, transfers and gratuities.

Deposit: A $500 deposit will hold your spot, payment is due before travel.

For more information contact:  Facebook Alchemy Tours and Alchemy of Yoga

Call (530) 408-6877.

Pagosa Springs Colorado Yoga, Hot Springs, Skiing, Snow Boarding Vacation

DURING THIS 4-DAY YOGA SKI RETREAT YOU WILL:

• Integrate Spirit and Nature as you practice yoga, ride the mountains, heal in hotsprings, and meditate with a group dedicated to doing the same.
• Fully discover (or rediscover!) the Joy of Yoga.
• Experience the mom and pop Wolf Creek Ski Resort, known for its abundant and light, powder snow, surrounded by the gorgeous Southern San Juan Mountains. Experience small crowds and gentle terrain for the begineer to the steep and deep for the advanced.
• Enjoy exceptional yoga, riding/skiing and camaraderie, connecting with the mountains, all designed to help you spiritualize every aspect of your long weekend!
• Recharge, refresh and renew, leaving totally more inspired about your life!

 

WHERE IS PAGOSA SPRINGS/WOLF CREEK SKI AREA?

Pagosa Springs is located in the Four-Corners region of southwestern Colorado which offers an abundance of interesting activities and attractions. The region is known for its access to archeological sites, unmatched mountains, beautiful rivers, canyon lands and a wealth of cultural history. The town of Pagosa Springs is nestled in a beautiful valley on the banks of the San Juan River, surrounded by the 3 million acre San Juan Forest and adjacent to the largest contiguous wilderness area in the nation, the Weminuche Wilderness. "Pagosah" means healing waters in Ute and Pagosa Springs is home of the world's largest mineral hot springs. Wolf Creek, thirty minutes from Pagosa Springs, is a mom and pop ski resort in the Southern San Juan Mountains of Colorado, mountains where some serious soul is to be found. No frills here, just boarding and deep quality snow. Its mantra, The Most Snow in Colorado, averaging 465 inches of powder a year is dry and light. Expect sun as this area averages 300 days of sun a year.

Whether you’re a dedicated yoga enthusiast, or a more casual Yoga practicioner--whether you’re an expert on the slopes and looking to get ready for the season or a boarder/skier newbie who wants to get started right or you simply yearn for the peacefulness of the mountains and hot springs, this weekend is the perfect place to welcome the winter as you discover your own little piece of heaven!

DETAILS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Take it easy on your first day at higher elevations, especially if you come to the mountains from a low-lying area. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day each day as the air in the mountains is dry and cold. This is even more important if you will be snowboarding or skiing. Since you are at higher elevations wear a strong, protective sunscreen on exposed skin areas at all times.

The boarding at Wolf Creek is excellent; being in the mountains you should always be prepared for the changeable high-mountain environment. Recognize your own limitations. If you are tired or cold, stop for a while and drink plenty of liquids. Temperatures can suddenly change so be sure to bring plenty of layers. There is a variety of terrain (from mellow groomed runs to steep and deep powder) for all abilities and variable conditions are likely, though these conditions take time to learn how to ride, we will begin gently, with hands-on guidance and expertise. We will work up to more advanced slopes that can challenge even the most avid snowboarder or skier. You will have the option to choose from a plethora of options that will suit your unique needs, no matter what experience level you have.

Yoga classes are designed with YOU in mind. We will be sure to include poses that will help you on the slopes! Classes will include Meditation. There will be plenty of time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area.

INVESTMENT: 

$1300 with skiing/snowboarding included -OR- $999 without skiing/snowboarding

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR INVESTMENT?

• 3 nights of accommodation at The Springs Resort and Spa
• 24 hour unlimited hot springs soaking access
• Daily breakfast, three lunches, two dinners and all snacks and drinks for each day’s activities
• Apres ski on select evenings
• Transportation to and from the airport to Pagosa Springs, in private coach
• 6 Yoga classes
• Private Dharma talks facilitated by your Guides
• Two days of transportation, demo rental equipment and full day lift tickets to Wolf Creek Ski Area
• Informational snowboarding skills and safety clinic
• Private guided snowshoe tour with equipment
• All gratuities for special events, transfers, lodging and group meals.
• A special gift

NOT INCLUDED?
Airfare to and from the trip, lodging before and/or after the trip if you are coming early or staying later, gratuities for your guides, special services at the Resort such as a Spa andother activities not listed and personal items purchased during your trip. Some meals are not included during this trip to allow you the opportunity to explore the cuisine on your own.

TIPS AND GRATUITIES
Gratuities for your guides may be given at your discretion in response to their leadership and professionalism throughout the trip. We suggest 5-10% of the trip price per individual to be divided between the guiding team as an industry standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, transportation and local events are paid for by the retreat organizers.

WHAT WILL MY DAY LOOK LIKE?

Day 1 – Thursday, February 3, 2010

Afternoon: 1:00 Meet in the lobby of the Durango- La Plata County Airport in Durango, shuttle to Pagosa Springs
2:00 Arrive at Pagosa Springs, The Springs Resort and Spa, check in and brief logistics
3:00 Water yoga practice
4:00 Free time

Evening:
7:00 Microbrew tasting at Pagosa Brewery and dinner
9:00 Orientation, Dharma Talk 

Day 2 – Friday, February 4, 2010

Morning:
8:00 Morning yoga practice
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Depart for Wolf Creek Ski Area 

Afternoon:
10:30 Boarding/Skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area: Tutorial and skills clinic for boarding and free ski, boxed lunch and snacks provided

Evening: 
5:00 Restorative yoga practice
7:00 Après ski at Kip's Cantina followed by dinner at place of your choosing and free time

Day 3 – Saturday, February 5, 2010

Morning:
8:00 Yoga
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Depart for Wolf Creek Ski Area

Afternoon:
10:30 Boarding/Skiing at Wolf Creek Ski Area: Tutorial and skills clinic for boarding and free ski, boxed lunch and snacks provided Evening:
5:00 Special evening yoga restorative practice with live music by Native American Flute Player Charles Martinez
8:00 Après ski and dinner at Ole Miner’s Steakhouse

Day 4 – Sunday, February 6, 2010

Morning:
8:00 Closing yoga practice
9:00 Breakfast
10:30 Check out and local snowshoe tour provided by Pagosa Nordic

Afternoon:

1:00 Arrive in downtown Durango and lunch
2:30 Arrive at airport

**Please note that scheduled itinerary is subject to change due to the ebb and flow of life!

ABOUT YOUR GUIDE:

You will be guided by Kendra Charts

Kendra is a soul rider. She adores nature, yoga, snowboarding, rock climbing, surfing, people with adventurous spirits and playing in the mountains, desert and beautiful bodies of water. Kendra has studied yoga with Silvia Mordini in Anusara-inspired Vinyasa flow as part of the 200 hr Nationally accredited Yoga Teacher Training program and teaches at Total Body Yoga in Mundelein, IL. She has been snowboarding over 12 years with humble beginnings at Wilmot Mountain, WI to living the ski bum lifestyle in Aspen, CO. Kendra is Avalanche I certified, and has her CPR/First Aid and Outdoor Emergency Care certifications. Her love for snowboarding, powder and mountains has led her to the mountains of the West and South America. You’ll find her passion for the mountains and her wonder for nature contagious.

WHEN WILL I NEED TO ARRIVE AND WHEN DO I LEAVE?

Arrival Location: 
You will need to arrive by 1 p.m. in the lobby of the Durango- La Plata County Airport (DRO) in Durango,Colorado on Thursday, December 9.

Departure Location:
At the end of your trip, you will be shuttled back to Durango. The shuttle will arrive at the Durango-La Plata County airport by 2:30pm. Please do not schedule a flight before 3:30pm. (There are 3:43pm and 5:04pm redeye Flight options from DRO to CHI).

HOW DO I GET TO PAGOSA SPRINGS IF I FLY? 
You can fly into the Durango-La Plata County Airport in Durango and drive to Pagosa Springs (about 1.5 hours away). If you plan on doing some site seeing on your free time, or if you plan on staying a day or two before or after our trip, then we suggest renting a car either way. Due to winter conditions and mountain passes it is advised to rent a vehicle with four wheel drive.

HOW DO I GET TO PAGOSA SPRINGS IF I DRIVE? 
Pagosa Springs is located 61 miles (about 1.5 hours) east of Durango. If you choose to drive to the trip start, to get there, take CO 172 north from the Durango Airport to the intersection with Hwy 160. Turn right and follow Hwy 160 east to Pagosa Springs.The final directions to our location will be emailed to you before our trip start.

DURANGO AND SILVERTON Those wanting to get quickly in & out of the area before and after your adventure will likely want to stay in Durango. If you have a rental car & time to explore the area, Durango offers an endless variety of year round activities and world-class experiences. Retrace ancient footsteps of the Ancestral Pueblo people who once lived in cliff dwellings located in nearby Mesa Verde National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll find some of the best preserved archeological sites in the United States. Take a stroll back in time with a walking tour of downtown Durango, explore Durango’s eclectic shops and art galleries and get inspired by Durango’s vibrant art scene and uniquely Colorado events. Don’t miss Durango Mountain Resort, with its 300 days of sunshine a year. The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad also offers trips through spectacular canyons of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon throughout the winter. Or take the Million Dollar Highway to Silverton, CO (1 hour driving from Durango) an old mining town. With a population of just over 500, Silverton has its perks.The winter offers a more extreme insight into the beauty of the San Juan Mountains, and creates a sense of natural wonder at the Rockies true beauty. For the expert skier, they are many. Silverton Mountain, considered one of the top 100 adventures on the planet, offers guided ski trips down intense chutes and staggering faces. Though it is expert only, the views of snow covered peaks are unparalleled.