Suryalila Yoga Teacher Training in Andalucia Spain

Directly after our visit to Barcelona (previous blog), I took a short fight to Sevilla to attend a Yoga Teacher Training Retreat in Southern Spain.  When I decided to get certified to teach yoga, I did a lot of online research and the "Suryalila Intensive 21 day Teacher Training" had the most positive reviews (and fit perfectly into my work schedule since it was during summer break).

Suryalila was a sublime retreat location, nestled amongst beautiful sunflower fields.

View of huge lake in the distance from Suryalila Retreat Center

The retreat center, formerly an olive factory, had a farm with chickens, horses, peacocks, huge garden, and a pool.

Pool during sunset

 Spending 21 days with these people from all over the globe (Norway, Crete, London, San Francisco and New Zealand just to name a few) was positively life-changing.

Yoga teacher trainees and instructors  (Where's Waldo (Megano')?)

On day #1, I was befriended by Alex and Anna, loquacious young Americans, who invited me to join them on a hike to see ancient ruins (supposedly an easy short loop trail).

Alex, a dramatic gymnast and cheer leading coach from Chicago, quickly became my GBF

Me & Anna, hilarious energetic college co-ed from Univ of Southern California

The views from the trail were surreal (Anna kept saying "it feels like I am dreaming").

I love cactus (cactii?)

The casual hike became a bit frightening when we got lost after sunset but we eventually found our way back to the retreat around midnight (4 hours later).

Ancient ruins in the distance (pic taken before we got lost in quicksand and barbed-wire)

I woke up with less REM than usual but was super excited to start training.  The daily schedule was an enjoyable combination of meditation, yoga, vegetarian dining, lectures, and discussion.  

Everyday began with 30 minutes of meditation (kneeling position was optimal) at 6:30 am followed by 2.5-3 hours of yoga and then breakfast.    

Fruit platter- the fresh figs were my favorite

Breakfast was often a hearty mix of porridge, nuts, yogurts, fruit, eggs (from their chickens), and cheese (from local goat and sheep).

Happy Huevos

We were instructed to stay silent every morning until we met with our assigned "breakfast groups" after the first yoga session at 9:45 am (silence proved difficult for many of the trainees).  The "breakfast groups" were an opportunity for everyone to share thoughts and feelings in a more intimate setting (some groups were more emotional and open than others).

I had an easy-going breakfast group: Wayne (Austin TX), Anna, Kaylie (Mass), Laurie (Boulder), Me, Haya (United Arab Emirates)

Vidya, the founder of Suryalila and a devoted yogi, has been practicing yoga for 40 years and trained with Gurus in India.  She is a wealth of knowledge about yoga philosophy, tradition, and postures.  It was inspiring to watch this 60 year old woman demonstrate the most advanced poses and hold handstands without breaking a sweat.

Vidya in Astavakrasana (Eight-angle pose)

The other teachers were also talented and extremely kind.

Teaching staff: Gilda, Becky, Jenny-Lee

   Gilda, a vibrant yogini from Germany, taught us inversions, assists and adjustments for all student levels and Thai massage techniques for final relaxation.  Jenny Lee was an energetic anatomy teacher, covering everything from joints & ligaments to chakras & pranic energy.  Becky (who I hope moves to Charleston) gave thoughtful tips (i.e. hamstring stretching, class sequencing, overcoming headstand fears).

On Tuesday afternoons, we had a training break so one day we went to the town of Grazelema to hike in the mountains.

Emily (a Ballerina Brit who also teaches barre classes)., Zeynup (San Diego), Megano (guns blazing)

I was fortunate to be placed in the shared "dorm" room with wonderful roommates.  In fact, Sara (from Mississippi) used to live in Charleston in the same condos (Bay Club) where Scott and I "officially" met ... SMALL WORLD indeed!

Roommates: Sara (old neighbor who I never met in Bay Club) and Kay (from N.Wales)

We spent many evenings under the gazebo watching the sunset and studying ancient yoga texts.

Roommates: Kay, Maria (from Finland), Sara, and Me

On a few nights, some people got "wild" and sipped glasses of bio dynamic red wine and shared bars of organic dark chocolate. 

Maria, Me, Zeynup, Anna, Sara, and Kay

Vidya is in the process of raising money for her "OM DOM" which will be the largest "dome" yoga center in Europe.  In order to fund raise, we went to Sevilla and participated in a flash mob.

My first flash mob... the crowd was not as large as some had hoped for

After the flash mob, everyone was excited to be out in "civilization" and explore Sevilla.

Me, Alex, Kjersti (from Norway... I often butchered her name's pronunciation), Wendy, Zeynup

My pals Zeynup and Laurie (whose upcoming travels include Plum Village to meet Thich Nhat Hanh) with carriage driver

After I signed up for this training, Scott learned he had a work project in Moron, Spain so he flew in a few days early to kite surf in Tarifa and visit his frau.

Horseback riding and kite surfing are popular in Tarifa

I was excited to see Scott and then I awoke with massive swollen red welts covering my entire body, between my eyebrows and all over my gluteus (as we call it in anatomy class).  Were these hives a sign of nervous energy or...

SPIDERS.. I discovered this culprit in my bed and did not murder it (since yogis practice "ahimsa" aka non-harming)

The night before Scott started work, he picked me up and we went on a drive and discovred a peaceful lake.

Happy Scoots and my swollen forehead hidden by Ray Bans

Scoots on our private "beach" with horses grazing in the background

Dog pals on our beach

Back at Suryalila, the all vegetarian diet was surprisingly filling and delicious.  I did not crave anything while I was there because the food was tasty and fresh.

Humus, Pita, Raw seed crackers, Sesame tofu, Beet salad 

They always had vegan, gluten free, soy free, and dairy free options for a wide variety of allergy sufferers (except buckwheat).  

Variety of cheeses, avocado salad

I embraced the cheese and learned that I should beware of soy in mass quantities.

Enormous salads with roasted nuts, pita & baba ganoush, eggplant moussaka, Buddha in the distance

Avocados stuffed with pretty stuff (i forgot but they were yummy)

Roasted veggies in olive oil with goat cheese and fresh herbs

After dinner, there were random sing alongs (Christine from Sweden brought her guitar) and many long walks.

Me & Christine (she even played guitar during Shavasana) and Laurie (photo bomb)

I was delighted by the friendships created during such a brief time period but it seemed natural in such a contemplative and comfortable setting.

Helen (from Crete), Zeynup (Me & Zeynup (an IU grad - go Big Ten! now living in Amsterdam so we will obviously hang out soon) and I in Dancer's Pose

During one evening walk, we came across massive herds of goat and sheep. 

We learned that the mom goats each wear a bell with a unique sound so their babies can find them for milk

The goat herder scooped up a baby and dropped him in my hands.  It was invigorating!

Kindred spirits squealing with joy

There were always people exercising and practicing challenging poses in the evenings.

Anna  (on left) teaching a ab focused class

 Wayne & Ashley (world travellers who are in a poly amorous relationship and very skilled in "circus arts") taught us Acro yoga.

Wayne (kind web developer who lives a nomadic lifestyle) and I (Bow pose)

LOVE (spelled above)... Clearly I chose the most challenging position (far right- on grass)

Studying Sanskrit with Veronica (my Italian pal), Kay, Julie (with a lovely British accent), Zey, and Wendy

Ashley, Wayne, Anna, Megano, Veronica, Kaylie, Adrianna, Alex, Emily, Lori

Good times... cant wait to reunite one day in Chicago and/or Italy

I miss all these friends, deep conversations, vigorous yoga classes and last but not least, the delicious energy balls called "Healing Ferraro Roche."  

Javier, the talented Spanish chef, said they only had a few simple ingredients:  dates, raw cocoa, vanilla, and roasted hazelnuts and they tasted heavenly.

Javier (chef) and Sara mixing up some tasty balls 

 I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to spend 3 weeks totally immersed in yoga teacher training at Suryalila.  

On the last night, we received our certifications at a graduation ceremony.

Vidya & Megano with official teacher certificate!

NAMASTE

The End

For those interested in Yoga, here are random notes from Vidya's lectures (and additional thoughts):

According to the Yoga Sutras (2,000 year old text), yogis must practice 5 yamas (restraints):
Ahimsa (non-harming)- recycle, don't support meat-packing and commercial poultry farms...
Satya (thruthfulness) - no lies but "white"lies are ok ("yes, your speedo looks normal")
Asteya (non-stealing)- no "collecting" beer glasses from bars (without paying)
Brahmacharya (integrity in relationship to sexuality) - no flirting for free samples of gelato
Aparigrapha (freedom from desire and greed) - don't crave chocolate (seriously?)

Meditation- there is no end "goal", the purpose is just to be aware and experience the present moment, turn your attention inward, connect to breath, become aware of body & mind, let go of whatever thoughts arise, sense of stillness is very fulfilling, do it everyday and life becomes a meditation

Asana practice (yoga postures)- focusing on breath and movement to connect mind body and spirit
Benefits- internal organs, circulation, nervous system, digestion

Consistent daily practice builds spiritual and physical strength and flexibility

Inversions like handstands can shift your perspective both literally and figuratively

Our true nature is inner balance or equanimity

We are all one...feel connected

Surrender...follow your intuition

Trust that life is ultimately positive

Allow yourself to be deeply moved by the mystery of life

99% of life is how you respond and react to events

Beliefs (from conditioning) can be shifted by moving energy along the chakras and repeating mantras 

Samadhi (enlightenment)... ego falls away, sense of unity with everything

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu - May all beings everywhere be happy and free!

Exploring the Basque Region & Barcelona

In early June, Scott and I travelled around Northern Spain in a tiny Fiat Panda rental car.  We spent the first night in Zaragoza, the 5th biggest city in Spain.  Zaragoza is cute but land locked so our visit was brief.  

 Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar near the banks of the Ebro River in Zaragoza- famous baroque style architecture 

A huge market near our hotel was the perfect place to stock up on fresh fruit.

1.80 Euro per kilo equates to a massive bag for 2 bucks (I bet it would be 10$ in DC)

 During an early stroll/search for fresh churros, we came upon ruins of a Roman theater called Caesaraugusta which dates back to between 25 BC and 12 BC.

(must insert pic when I find it).

Blue eyed esposo with churro

Delicious coffee but average churro (In fact, Senorita Olchyck from 9th grade baked better churros)

Next, we drove north towards the town of San Sebastian.  After paying a toll, we got stopped by a bunch of POLIZIE (Spanish cops) at a check point.  It was around noon on a Tuesday and they were carrying large bags of plastic breathalyzers.  We were not concerned until the cerveza bellied Spaniard started aggressively asking Scott for an International Driver's License.  Scott replied in broken Spanish that we did not have them because our German and US licenses were sufficient.  The cop disagreed and claimed we owed 500 Euro.  Scott politely inquired about the laws and the polizie awkwardly mumbled responses and exclaimed "500 euro!"

Eventually, he walked away with Scott's liscence and whispered to his compadres.  When he returned, Scott smiled (dimples shining strong) and said "Esta bien?" but the gruff cop glared, shook his head, and retorted "No bien!"  I looked up to the heavens and proclaimed "Dios Mio! No tengo mucho dinero."  Eventually, the cop told us to basically get lost and we did not pay a cent. 

Thankfully, a few hours later, we arrived in San Sebastian and headed directly to the beach.

Playa de la Concha

I fell in love with San Sebastian years ago when I visited with L.A.Beverley.  Ever since, I have been eager to return and bring Scott.

Notice the talented artist to the right creating this masterpiece in the sand

San Sebastian is world renowned for gastronomy.  There are hundreds of bars serving pintxos (pronounced: pinchos) which are similar to tapas but often more elaborate and decadent.  

Self serve pintxos on bar: smoked Iberian ham, stuffed peppers, anchovies, crab cakes...

Each bar offered a variety and we decided the best pintxos bars served them fresh/made to order off a menu.

Txvleta had a diverse "carta" of fresh seafood and complimentary patatas bravas

Anchovies, Blue Cheese, Sardines, Caviar, Peppers, Bread... GOOD TIMES

Skewer of grilled pulpo (octopus) and shrimp

Like nerdy tourists (sans fanny pack), we wandered around Parte Vieja (Old Town) carrying a map and a list of the top pintxos bars (thanks to suggestions from friends and travel blogs).  

Enjoying Rioja (local wine) in a peaceful church square

Baguette, roasted peppers, zuchinni, endive, tapenade, and crispy onions

While sipping wine, we befriended some Irish gals at a nearby table.  Annmarie Brennan and Kelly Crowley, obviously from Dublin, were enjoying the warm sunshine.  They told us they had been "on the tear" the night before and got "bolloxed."  We invited them to join our food crawl around the Old Town.  

We quickly became best mates and stopped for a photo shoot along the coast

Kelly and Annmarie had the greatest accents of all time, making words like "shite" and "mancky" sound adorable as we discussed my Irish ancestors and the U.S. prison system.

AnnMarie is a huge fan of David Sedaris

Perhaps it was a wee bit foolish to go drink for drink with the Irish las but they seemed so innocent, generously handing us glasses of wine and sharing their pintxos.

Goat cheese toasts with edamame, smoked salmon, shrimp, and mussles in spicy tomato sauce

The night passed quickly as Kelly would "fancy" another drink and "crac on" to the next bar.

This picture taken a few minutes before my "Irish exit" 

The next morning reminded me of how I felt after my 21st birthday when my lovely college roomates took me to Connor O'Neill's Pub and bought me creamy green shots. Both memorable evenings with valuable lessons learned. 

 Scoots and I slowly hobbled back to the beach with lots of water for rehydration.

Scoots forced me to take this pic (I'm pathetically dressed like a chubby kid in a t-shirt in a swimming pool)

Playa de Gros is a fantastic surfer's paradise with massive waves where we took a glorious beach siesta (nap).  We decided San Sebastian would be a wonderful place to live or visit frequently.

View of San Sebastian from the highway

We drove about 4 hours to the town of Figueres to see the Salvador Dali-Theatre Museum, which is considerd the largest surrealist object on the world.

Scoots in front of Dali Museum (Yes, those are eggs on the roof)

The art work is extremely unusual with a variety of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, holograms, installations and jewels.

One of Scoot's many favorites

The roof of one of the museum rooms had a massive painting that reminded me of a trippy version of Michelangelo's Sisteen Chapel. 

Cieilng in on of the meusum rooms

Dali's painting of Cadaques (where we would go that night)

After hours admiring the unique artwork, we drove to our hotel in the nearby fishing village of Cadaques, where Dali used to live.

Gorgeous white walled buildings along the seashore

The sea and sky were beautiful as the sun began to set

As the sun went down, it became very chilly along the water.

Tripod shot

The next day, we drove to our last stop... BARCELONA!  No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing Antonio Gaudi's Sagrada Famiglia.

The famous cathedral has been under construction since 1882

According to Wikipedia, the interior is designed with "a three-dimensional intersection of helicoidal columns." 

Gaudi was a lover of nature and designed the ceiling to resemble trees with branches and limbs

The light illuminating the stained glass was truly magical (photos cannot truly capture the beauty)

Scoots enjoying Sagrada Familia

We rode the elevator to the top of the Passion Facade Tower for incredible views of the city.

windy

The next day, we rented a scooter from Vesping.com.

Stylish helmets

                         The Vesping owners (born and raised in Barcelona) gave us maps and local tips like where to get the "best" paella.

Seafood Paella at El Glop 

We followed the "super secret" route option on our Vespa's GPS which took us up a windy road high above the city center.

Sick view from a terrifying drive

We had no idea Barceona was so densely populated

Random Spaniards offered to take our picture and told us to "jump!"

Megano can only jump high in her Air Jordans

We truly enjoyed all the plazas, palm trees, and people in Barcelona.

The tasty grilled peppers, manchego cheese and olives were among our favorite Spanish snacks.

A bit greasy but soo tasty

Barcelona also has beautiful beaches and an atmosphere reminiscent of South Beach Miami (club music blaring, models strolling, cocktails flowing)

Happy lobster statue

Gross Ham flavored chips

Scott flew back to Stuttgart and Megano went to Southern Spain to become a certified yoga instructor.  Tales of serenity, soy-based food products, and shavasana...to be continued