Fire Element – Ignite the Power of Transformation
Creating internal heat and banishing fears to bring about transformation were subjects of exploration during this year’s Fall Retreat held at Swan Point Yacht & Country Club. We delved into rounds of postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to connect to our solar plexus, the home of the Fire Element and place of personal power. The day started with a Suka circle, a meet and greet exercise led by fellow teacher Linda, followed by a Fire Flow vinyasa sequence using fire breathing and twisting postures that connect to our internal heat. By afternoon, we enjoyed the outdoors for a flow sequence called Capture the Firefly. Amongst lit torches and a brisk breeze, we explored postures to open the hamstrings and hips in preparation for an arm balance posture called Tittibhasana or Firefly Pose. This arm balance requires courage and determination – all hallmarks of the Fire Element.
Transitioning us into a slower indoor practice was a segment called Firelight. This candle meditation built concentration and focus in a soothing way by staring into the depth of a candle’s flame. We finished with a slow flow practice called Building Inner Radiance. We built inner radiance and awareness with postures that created a slow burn in three areas of the body: the heart center, the solar plexus, and the pelvis. Once the heat was created, we cooled off with Yin yoga postures in these same areas. Coming out of the long hold of the Yin postures, we experienced a flood of sensations that can only be equated to the experience of “real time” transformation happening in the body.
Saving the best for last, the highlight of the Retreat was our special guest, the inspirational HawaH, with his “Fly” Yoga segment. This Acro-Yoga segment offered a spin on the traditional yoga poses requiring us to trust our partners as well as overcoming fear! We took turns testing our limits by practicing various yoga postures while being suspended in mid air balancing on our partners’ feet. This Acro-Yoga segment was a “first” for the participants and brought about a lot of laughter and playfulness.
Looking back on the day, I am amazed that the power of Yoga can create such inspiration and transformation. I was so grateful to be able to spend the day with old and new friends, with yoga being the force of having brought us all together!
This retreat was so amazing!!!