Myth, Multitudes, and Matter

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Yoga and Biodiversity Retreat with Whale and Sea Life Excursion

January 13-20, 2023

in Barra de Potosí, Mexico 

 

schedule details

payment information

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Vaccination for covid19 is required for this retreat

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Barra de Potosí is a traditional, simple fishing village nestled at the southern end of Playa Larga beach in Playa Blanca, the section of the Pacific coast is known as the Mexican Riviera for its beautiful beaches. Perched between the bay and the lagoon, this little hamlet boasts egrets and pelicans, tortoises and dolphins, mangroves, coconut palms, and papaya trees.

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Whale and Sea Life Excursion

 

And here's the best part:

In addition to the multiplicity onshore - there is the multiplicity teeming just beneath the surface of the sea, and we have been invited to interact with that world firsthand. In the community of Barra de Potosi Mexico, something very new is evolving in support of all that's ancient and enduring. Whale research and documentation projects are helping this community transition from a fishing economy to an ecotourism economy, one which will protect and preserve the local sea life, enrich and empower the local citizenry, and safeguard the cultural flavor of the region.

 

What an astonishing yoga this is. And we are very lucky to have the opportunity to learn about and experience this work from a front-row seat. An excursion on a  research vessel is built into our time together. On this unique oceanic biodiversity adventure, we'll accompany an international team of researchers and local fishermen-turned-boat pilots on a day in the life of saving their coastal home. We may see sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, or even the whales themselves! Participation, of course, is optional.

 

Learn about the Guererro Whale Research Project here

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We may also get the chance to release tortoise hatchlings, and protect them from predators as they make their way across the sand and into the sea. This depends entirely on the cooperation of the hatchlings, but so far we have been lucky enough to experience this every year.

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Learn about the Turtle Conservation efforts on Playa Blanca here

 

Retreat Details

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Fly in and out of Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo on the first and last days indicated by the retreat dates (December 10th & 17th or January 13th & 20th)

This retreat begins with dinner on the day you arrive and culminates with our beach bonfire the night before you leave, followed by a quiet breakfast and the morning to yourself  before you make your way to the airport that final afternoon.

There will be yoga classes and group meditation from days 2-7 with the exception of Whale Day which is reserved for the sea life excursion in the morning, and whatever else you can dream up in the afternoon.

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You'll have the opportunity to get to know the surrounding village and its people and perhaps travel to one of the larger towns nearby. Retreaters are encouraged to nestle into the warm embrace of beautiful Mexico as an extension of our practices of awareness and engagement.

 

Sample Schedule:

Day One

Welcome Dinner provided by Claudia and Toby

Days 2-4

Coffee and tea will be available upon waking
8:00 am - 10:00 am Asana Practice with Alison
10:30 am - Breakfast provided by Claudia and Toby
10:30 - 4:00 pm - free time
4:00 pm Meditation Instruction and Practice with Alison
4:30 to 6:00 pm Asana Practice with Alison
6:30 pm Dinner provided by Claudia and Toby

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Day 5

Excursion Day - coffee and tea service provided, plus sandwiches for the boat. Dinner as you like in the village or nearby Zihuatanejo

 

Day 6

Same as 2-4

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Day Seven

Coffee and tea will be available upon waking
8:00 am - 11:00 am Asana Practice with Alison
11:30 am - Breakfast provided by Claudia and Toby

Thursday Night - So-long fiesta and barbecue on the beach!

 

Fly out Day eight

Breakfast will be provided by Claudia and Toby

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Rooms are double occupancy*(see payment information). It's always fun to retreat with a friend—let me know if there's someone else signing up that you'd like to room with. If you are coming with a romantic partner, sign up soon and secure a king-size bed! 

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Re: Covid19 — Vaccination cards are required for this retreat. I don't believe there are any current masking protocols being observed in the village, but we will follow their lead in the event that should change. As we are practicing and dining outside, we will not require masks during those times. 

     

 

Payment Information

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The cost for lodging with daily brunch, four-course dinners, Yoga and meditation instruction and practice, Farewell Fiesta on the beach, monetary contributions to sea life conservation, possible turtle hatchling release, and your whale research excursion on the sea is $1145 ( PayPal price $1180)

*note—the sign up link will direct you to the paypal page where the price of $1180 is preset. You are welcome to skip that step and contact me instead for other payment arrangements

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Because I work directly with Mexican vendors, I am able to keep the price of the retreat very low, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the village economy directly. And, a portion of your retreat fees goes directly to Whale and Tortoise research and conservation efforts in the Playa Blanca region!

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You'd do well to add another $200-$300 or so for lunches at the palapas or in the village, taxis, gifts, and walking-around money.

Use the Zihuatanejo airport. The flights are a little high this year at a bit over $700 for December from PDX. Fortunately, the trip itself is a bargain! Try Alaska first—the make one trip daily with a stop in LA—and then American. For January, you should be able to get a flight for around $650. Flights from SF are direct on Alaska.

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Note that the retreat price is based on double occupancy. Unless I hear otherwise, I will pair you with another participant. *There is a possibility that we could arrange a private room for you—please be advised that this will significantly increase your overall retreat fees. Contact me for information.

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Make sure I have a valid email address, so that we may be in contact before we arrive in beautiful Mexico.

Easy peasy!

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Read more about the biodiversity of the Playa Blanca region here, and also here, and about the village of Barra de Potosi here, and here. And as always, feel free to contact me to make alternate payment arrangements, or with any questions, anytime