Do you feel like you’re pushing through life?

by Melissa Luyben

Do you feel like you’re pushing through life?As we cross into this new decade I want to share a story with you about an experience I had at an Eckart Tolle retreat. Back when I signed up for the retreat my life was busy (just like everyone else), but deep down I knew that I needed a few days for myself to do some self-reflection, enjoy the beach and spend time with like-minded people. I bought the ticket with high hopes and set off on an adventure. 

During one of Eckart’s talks he said, “There’s one thing we do know: Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness.” This statement was very powerful for me and changed my perspective on how I view the challenges and blessings in my life. For the next few days I spent my breaks down at the beach contemplating new insights, got dinner and drinks with the friends I’d made and snuck in a few yoga classes. It was really a gift to look out at the ocean, feel the warm breeze and connect with nature. During the retreat I felt nurtured and rejuvenated, this allowed for peace of mind to set in. The week away impacted me and I knew I wanted to keep this feeling going well into the future. 

So what was stopping me from experiencing joy and enthusiasm in everyday life?

What I realized during the retreat is that sometimes I tend to “push” through things and disconnect with the present moment. Whether I’m doing the laundry, taking the dog for a walk or helping my son with his homework, I’ll focus most of my attention on the outcome. I become a “human doing” instead of a “human being.” One way to cultivate more being and joy in life is to slow down and intentionally plan a supportive experience. Practicing presence is a choice and it allows you to jump out of the craziness of life and connect with yourself and your purpose. Once you carve out that time for yourself you’ve taken another step closer to embodying your true self and interconnectedness. This could look like just a few minutes a day of self-care or maybe even a week-long retreat. 

 In just a little over a month West Coast Sweat is headed to Costa Rica for 7 perfect days. The retreat includes yoga, pilates, self-empowerment workshops, swim, food, sleep, massage, adventure, monkeys and magical camaraderie. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and give yourself permission for insight and inspiration to occur. This is your opportunity to set aside time for personal inquiry and transformation. Come feed your soul and start off 2020 experiencing more joy and presence!

Daphne Samaniego, a student at West Coast Sweat, joined us on the last two retreats. She’s a RN, has a fun-loving personality and a killer practice. You may have met Daphne at the studio or seen her taking a double (yoga + pilates)! Here’s Daphne’s thoughts from her experience at our retreats:

“I loved the retreats and was amazed at how relaxed I became getting away from my every-day life. You learn so much about yourself and from being with other like-minded people. I became more patient with myself and learned to trust myself. I gained so much from moments together with friends. The owner of the retreat was very knowledgeable and taught us a lot about nutrition. The toucans outside my window were great! It seemed like they were there just to greet me in the morning and became my alarm clock. I loved the ambience.” 

We’d love for you to join us this February in Costa Rica. 

Book your spot here:

https://tri.ps/d8iH1

Give yourself permission and come experience what “Pura Vida” really means!

See you in paradise!

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Living with Chronic Illnesses and Having a Tortured Relationship with my body: The Path to Healing and Self-Love with Bikram Yoga