I’m here at Manchebo Resort and Spa in beautiful Aruba.

It took me a while to get here. As a  mother, wife, yoga teacher, a studio owner, there’s never enough hours in the day. I’m stretched to the max, but I have to admit, I  love every minute of  it.

I thrive in chaos but am prone to burn out. I felt a great pressure, and had some butterflies, before this trip. Asking people to come around the world with you puts the pressure on to provide an unforgettable event.

Then came the yoga practice and everything else fell away. Friends connecting through yoga in a beautiful location—the pressure was off. From here, we are all on our own journey, and are ultimately responsible for our own experiences.

This is the fourth day of our Aruba retreat at Manchebo and I’m creating memories.

If I haven’t talked you into indulging in yourself yet, maybe the following will.

>> It ‘s time to stop feeling guilty and start living your life to the fullest whether you are five years old or 105 years old. A yoga retreat may seem indulgent. Let’s call it an ” investment in wellness.” Can you think of a better thing to indulge it? Taking good care of yourself is an investment in the world. When you feel rested, stretched, strengthened and focused you can help others feel the same. When people feel better they do great things. Just image what your full potental would be if you were to really invest in yourself. Stop making excuses and started living. Start with the simple pleasure of knowing yourself without distraction.

>> It’s nice to live your life without distraction even if it  just for one week. Live in the moment and enjoy each breath, smell, taste and experience.

>> Part of any yoga practice is  the concept of awareness and  the encouragement to be present. In doing so you receive more value from a retreat. It is great to take in local culture and see the world from a more conscious vantage point. You really get to appreciate the beauty of the people of Aruba when you are immersed in the culture.

>> Taking time to make global connections. Making great new friends with people who are sharing a similar experience. You get to practice with people from all over the world. Experience the full range of diversity and culture. Use all the crayons in the box.

>> Learn something new! A new pose, a new word, a new language a new way of looking at things.

>> Be open to having an extraordinary experience and create an extraordinary life.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or you are brand new to yoga; a yoga retreat will bring you deeper into your practice. Delve deeper into yourself and get a little sun and sand in your asana.

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Ed: Brianna Bemel