Author: sheshareslife07

Tulum, Mexico     January 13-18, 2020

Jump-start 2020 with an amazing tribe of Christian women!  Come and fan the flame of the gifts that are within you!  Five life-changing nights!

Do you need an adventure?  Do you feel stuck?  Do you need to recharge and reboot?

Join Lori and Whole-Hearted Yoga on the adventure of a lifetime! Deepen and refresh your connection with the Lord in lush, natural surroundings and reconnect with yourself as you nourish your heart, mind, body & soul!

The Tulum Vibe…

“Tulum has a reputation as the ultimate place for an unplugged vacation for a good reason. In contrast to the mega-resorts of neighboring Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the places to stay in Tulum are all eco-friendly and laid-back. You’ll spend your days here eating fresh fish tacos, doing yoga, and reading in a palapa.. The main draw is Tulum’s gorgeous beach, one of the best in Mexico, plus the casual vibe of downtown—these two distinct areas, about a 20-minute drive apart, are where you’ll spend all your time. And unlike other beach getaways in Mexico, Tulum has several things to see, from historic ruins and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to world-class shops and restaurants. ”  – Travel and Leisure Magazine

 

 

There are a total of five luxury lodges at Jungle Keva, which means our group will have the entire sanctuary to ourselves! Most of the lodges have an upper loft space that serves as an additional sleeping area, allowing three to four people to comfortably share one lodge.

Check out Jungle Keva reviews from Trip Advisor:  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150813-d15694518-Reviews-Jungle_Keva_Tulum-Tulum_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

Jungle Keva is amazing! I loved the food and the wonderful yoga classes. So peaceful and nourishing. I can’t wait to go back! – Mandy Galvin

Jungle Keva is a truly special place. I came in with zero expectations and I’m walking away with an incredible 5 day experience. I made a delicious ceviche and banana leaf wrapped fish in a cooking class, went snorkling at Cenote Xibalba (sinkhole/cave), zip lined, did yoga every morning, had an Ayurveda lesson/lunch, had a shaman healing (who knew I’m a hummingbird), climbed to the top of the temple in Coba and had the most amazing meals ever (GF and dairy free)!! And my favorite part, meeting and spending time with an incredible group of women I met on their yoga retreat. My heart is full. – Kimberly Spero

Imagine our group paddleboarding on a private, jade-colored lagoon with no one else in sight, then spending the day basking in the sun. Immerse yourself in the sacred Mayan waters of a limestone sinkhole fed by the world’s largest underground river system.

Learn to prepare nourishing and delicious dishes in a customized cooking class, which begins with a tour of a local market to select the fresh ingredients to be used in the cooking demonstration.

Later, perhaps you’ll choose to rent a bike and explore the town, hang at the resort by the infinity pool, or just rest in a hammock…what are you waiting for?”

Cost:  $2250 DBL Occupancy and $2050 Triple Occupancy

Save $150 When you pay in full by July 31

To register click here:

https://www.wetravel.com/trips/fan-the-flame-adventure-retreat-lori-washko-tulum-40755329

#adventure #courage #selfcare #refresh #restore #tulum #junglekeva #sunshine #travel #yogaforeveryone #supyoga #beach #healthyhabits #boundaries #movebeyondyourcomfortzone!

 Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.

A couple of weeks ago, I hosted a self-care event and fundraiser in my home; the proceeds benefitted Treasured Vessels Foundation.  Their current project is to build a secure facility to house, rehabilitate, and shape a successful future for females ages 9-18 who have been rescued from sex trafficking in the DFW area.  It was a great evening with a lot of very special women who have a heart for the Lord and the community…and they like to have a good time!

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Part of the emphasis on the evening was a yoga class incorporating Christian meditation.  Anyone that’s been to my class knows I typically play inspirational music and read a short devotional with scripture.  One thing I want participants to walk away with is feeling refreshed in God’s presence.  On this particular evening, we had an extended savasana, or final resting pose at the end.  My goal was to encourage each woman to make an effort every day to spend quiet time with God.  Christian meditation is just that – tuning out distractions, being quiet and listening for God’s voice.   Christian meditation is also focusing on scripture and devotionals.  In traditional yoga, meditation is more about emptying the mind.

We live in such a fast-paced world where busyness is the norm.  It is so important to slow down and refresh ourselves so that we can better serve those around us.  Self-care is not selfish; when we are filled and rested, we have the best version of ourselves to offer others.  Christian meditation not only refreshes us; it inspires us.  I find that I have my best and most creative inspiration during or immediately after my quiet time.  Doing it daily first thing in the morning sets your tone for the day; its something we have to be very intentional about.  Even Jesus, who was perfect, had quiet time with God very early in the morning.

Mark 1:35 “very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Psalm 77:12  “I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

Psalm 145:5 They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

#christianmeditation #CYA #christianyoga #selfcare #yogaforeveryone #savasana #quiettime #refresh #renew #fillmybucket #womenencouragingwomen #massage #nutrition #givingback #treasuredvesselsfoundation #scoutandcellar #hospitality #community

Last year I took an amazing trip to Tulum, Mexico.  The experience was so amazing that I am going to share it with you guys!  I have compiled a short survey to gather feedback to assist me in planning.

Please take a few minutes to answer just 10 short questions.  Your input is very valuable to me!  To complete the survey, go to Survey Monkey

If you would like to read about my adventure last year, click here:  She Shares Life: My Solo Adventure

#adventure #jungle #beach #yoga #SUP #cooking #healthyhabits #survey #retreatplanning #newfriends #lifeisshortgoonanadventure #selfcare #rechargeyourbatteries #tulum #mexico #wheredoyouwanttogo #christianyoga #sunshine #refresh #renew

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There are many misconceptions out there about Christian yoga and its benefits.  Educating yourself and finding the right class and teacher are key.  Private sessions are also an option if you are unsure where to start.

Common Misconceptions about Christian Yoga:

1. Yoga is a religion:  Yoga has been around for thousands of years, long before certain religions added it to their practice.  “The goal is wholeness: mind, body, spirit and soul.  You do not have to be Brazilian to do Zumba, you do not have to be Buddhist to practice martial arts and you do not have to be Hindu to practice yoga. ” – Yoga Faith Christian yoga teacher training.
2. Yoga has some weird components: Most general yoga classes in the US consist of –
   • Poses. Yoga poses, also called postures or asanas, are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility.  Poses range from lying on the floor while completely relaxed to difficult postures that may have you pushing your physical limits.  Every pose has a purpose and benefit.
   • Breathing.  Controlling your breath is an important part of yoga. It can help you quiet your mind, reduce stress and improve lung function.
   • Meditation or relaxation.   In Christian yoga, meditation is simply quieting your mind while you take time to be in God’s presence, being still and waiting to hear from him or meditating on scripture. (Whole-Hearted Yoga incorporates Christian and secular music, devotionals and scripture into practices.)
3. I’m not flexible enough to do yoga:  You have to start somewhere! Practicing yoga creates flexibility, strength, and balance.  You have to begin where you are and build from there.  Participating in a practice regularly will help you progress.  A beginner series is a great place to try it out.
4. I’m too old to do yoga:  Not true!  My 72-yr-old mother, who has lead a very sedentary life for the last few years, started chair yoga this year.  She practices twice a week and loves it.
5. I don’t have a yoga body; I’m too big and out of shape:  Yoga is for every body type.  The key is finding a teacher and class that meets you where you are right now in your life.  Yoga can also help you lose weight, accept and love your body.
6. I have chronic pain and injuries, so I can’t do yoga:  Yoga is actually perfect for you.  Talk to your teacher ahead of time so she can offer modifications.  Yoga can help heal you and assist you with pain relief.
7. Yoga is not a work out / all yoga is the same; its too slow:  There are many styles and types of yoga, from Vinyasa, which moves quickly and burns major calories, to a Slow Flow, which still burns calories, but moves at a much slower, controlled pace.  Restorative yoga is primarily for relaxation and requires very little movement.  There are many more.
8. Yoga is only for women:  Yoga was started by men!  In fact, at one time, women were not allowed to learn yoga.  As more people become educated about the benefits of yoga, it is becoming more practiced among men.  Yoga is a complement to any sports, and many professional athletes are now incorporating it into their regimen.

Yoga has numerous benefits, including…

1. Drawing closer to God through Christian meditation and centering
2. Increased balance and flexibility:  As we grow older, the first things we lose are balance and flexibility.  Yoga helps to maintain and improve these.
3. Healing from trauma:  Studies show that trauma and stress are held in the body and brain.  Many mental health practitioners are now incorporating yoga to help trauma victims reconnect with their bodies in a safe place.
4. Chronic stress relief and Depression reduction:  “…Researchers found that participants who had high scores on a depression scale prior to an 8-week yoga intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in depression scores after the 8 weeks.” – Medical News Today
5. Strength building and muscle toning:  A pose that is seemingly super simple can help increase strength and endurance.
6. Improved focus:  Learning to hold poses while ignoring distractions helps improve focus and concentration.
7. Improved breathing capacity and energy
8. Maintaining a balanced metabolism, reduction in weight and mindful eating
9. Cardio and circulatory health: “Several small studies have found yoga to have a positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors: It helped lower blood pressure in people who have hypertension. It’s likely that the yoga restores ‘baroreceptor sensitivity.’ This helps the body senses imbalances in blood pressure and maintain balance.” – Harvard.edu
10. Improved athletic performance / Protection from injury
11. Pain management
12. Detoxifying for the Body
13. Improved bone density
14. Better Body Image
15. Sense of Community…the list goes on!

There are many options available with various class types and teaching styles.  If you’re new to yoga, reach out to an instructor for guidance.  You’ll want to find the teacher that is right for you.  In my opinion, it is better to start with a beginner / slow flow class or private lesson with an instructor vs doing a video at home.  By working with an instructor, you can be sure your form is correct and help avoid any injuries.

For more information or to sign up for a class, contact Lori Washko

Beginner / Slow Flow class Tuesdays @ 9 am at Whole-Hearted Yoga

Cost is $10 per person.  Space is limited. Click the link above to sign up.

Want more information about Christian Yoga?  Check out these sites: ChristianYogaAssociation.org,  HolyYoga.net, and YogaFaith.org

#yogabenefits #yogaforeveryone #yogaanywhere #christianyoga #christianmeditation #holyyogatraumasensitiveclasses #christianyogaassociation

Psalm 139:14  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

“If you’re your authentic self, you have no competition.”  — author unknown

Last year I was in a particularly challenging yoga class after taking several months off from any physical activity.  I was especially happy that I completed the entire 75 minute class without croaking.  As I rolled up my mat, feeling very content, I heard the teacher and a student discussing what a “beautiful practice” a particular student had.  Enter my ego.  My satisfaction with my practice suddenly turned into competitiveness.  I thought to myself, “Ha! I used to have a beautiful practice, and I will again!”  Then literally the second I got in the car to leave and turned on the radio, a DJ read a quote about spiritual growth.  “When your ego goes away, that’s when growth happens.”  Ouch.  Okay.  I hear you God.

Continue reading “The Comparison Trap…A Distraction from Your Dharma” →