A couple of months ago, I headed from a hike in the Azores, directly to a yoga retreat in the mountains in Andalucia, a beautiful region of southern Spain. We drove past acres of olive groves and orchards of lemon and orange trees to arrive at a beautiful finca, which became an oasis of peace and calm whilst, together with a group of 12 other women, we practiced yoga and meditation.
As someone who spends hours every day at a drawing board, yoga provides me with the opportunity to stretch my body and empty my mind, without which I would no doubt struggle with back pain and more due to my slightly wonky hips. I love yoga in all its forms (well maybe not hot yoga, which as a post menopausal woman, is a challenge to far!), hatha, yin and sun salutation sequences are my favourite. I love hip openers such as the pigeon posture, am energised by a warrior sequence but struggle with half moon, due to my weak ankles and poor sense of balance! I embrace it all nevertheless. :-)
Our days began with an early morning yoga session and ended with a restorative practice and finally a yoga nidra. We also journaled every day and lots of spontaneous thoughts and feelings took shape on paper. Ashley, our lovely teacher from Lotus Lessons, guided us through a week of reconnection to ourselves.
We also got to hike in the nearby mountain range of Antequerra and saw right across the beautiful landscape to Malaga and the Mediterranean Sea glittering in the distance. Herbs grow wild amongst the limestone rocks upon which we saw ibex clambering and buzzards circling in the sky.
Andalucia is a place that is close to my heart and I return to periodically. I love the culture and landscape that shapes this most southern part of Europe and which, through its Moorish heritage, links to Africa. If you also love Andalucia, you can find an art print, selection of cards and tote bags available from my online shop! So Andalucia ... I will be back! Gracias Andalucia.
