May 18, 2012.  I am deeply grateful to mindbodygreen for posting my article "What is Advanced Yoga from a Recovering Pose Junkie." I hope you enjoy it and that it inspires you to think about your own "advanced" yoga. For the full article please go to this link below. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia  (this was posted to their site May 11th, 2012)

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4789/What-Is-Advanced-Yoga-From-a-Recovering-Pose-Junkie.html

May 17, 2012.  I am deeply grateful to mindbodygreen for posting my article "Live-Inspired 5 Tips To Create a Vision Board." I hope you enjoy it and that it inspires you to create your own vision board and get clear about the direction of your life. For the full article please go to this link below. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4857/Live-Inspired-5-Tips-to-Create-a-Vision-Board.html

May 15, 2012.  "Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations. Goals restricted to the average ambition level, are uninspiring and will only fuel you through the 1st or 2nd problem at which point you throw in the towel. If the potential payoff is mediocre or average, so is your effort."

I know this to be true in my life.  I lose energy, steam and the ability to stick with something if it is just average. When it is a goal worth my potential then all of a sudden I get charged up! As I like to say, if I'm not creating or helping someone create a new business a day I'm slacking.  

The same goes for aspirational poses we choose on the mat. If you set your sites on too low without even a soft edge then you likely won't stay with the practice. You'll get bored, which is the opposite of happiness.  

"I'll run through walls to get a catamaran trip through the Greek islands, but I might not change my brand of cereal for a weekend trip to Columbus, Ohio. If I choose the latter because it is realistic I won't have the enthusiasm to jump even the smallest hurdles. I'm prepared to do battle FOR A DREAM THAT IS WORTH DREAMING."

Today what are your biggest dreams? Is there something that you want to manifest but instead of choosing to focus your energy there you're instead doing the easy wins, living your life in self-delusional comfort? I did that for a long time. It doesn't make you get up in the morning full of enthusiasm, that's for sure.  

"The fishing is best where the fewest go, and the collective insecurities of the world makes it easy for people to hit home runs while everyone else is aiming for base hits." - Timothy Ferriss, The Four Hour Workweek

This week let's all focus on the homeruns. We only get this one chance since life is certainly not a rehearsal. This is it and let's go for it! Love yourself, love your day, love your life!  Silvia

Tuscany is a life-changing place for many and is the setting for this Yoga, Cycling and Cultural Adventure of a lifetime! Join Alchemy Tours to Tuscany Italy! Get inspired about your life while exploring the rich Italian culture by biking, hiking and walking tours supported by twice daily yoga. Jointly led by Vinyasa Flow Yoga teacher Silvia Mordini and International Travel Guide Jacob Young, this spiritual and cultural gem is found in the heart of the Tuscan food and wine country, traveling to many famous art cities from there. Stay at a 10th century restored stone home peacefully nestled into the hills and experience a retreat like no other!

SPECIAL TUSCAN CULTURAL PROGRAMS DURING OUR RETREAT:
Day 1: Arrivals Florence, Deplane Yoga, Afternoon Hike, Welcome dinner
Day 2: Monteriggioni, Siena afternoon 
Day 3: Radda in Chianti Wine Tasting and private walking tour, Rapolano Terme Hot Springs Spa afternoon
Day 4: Cycling to Casole d’Elsa morning, Volterra afternoon walking tour and wine tastings
Day 5: Cycling to San Gimignano and lunch, Loop Ride back to Tignano
Day 6: Morning drive to the Mediterranean relax on the beach, afternoon lunch and visit to Petriolo Natural Hot Springs, Tuscan Cooking Class evening dinner party 
Day 7: Final Yoga, Breakfast and Departures

RESERVATIONS:
$500 deposit to hold your spot. Book now at www.alchemytours.com Please email hello@alchemytours.com or call 872-228-9642 (2AT-YOGA)

INVESTMENT: REFER A FRIEND EARN $100 AND SAY YOU SAW THIS ON MY WEBSITE GET ANOTHER $75 OFF!
$2,300 regular
*Single supplement available.

INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE: 
-7 days and 6 nights accommodations 
-Breakfast, lunch and dinner
-Airport transfers
-All day trips and walking tours 
-Private wine tours and tastings 
-Traditional Tuscan cooking class 
-Soaking in the healing crystal waters of the Rapolano hot springs
-Visits to the art cities of Italy
-Two Daily Yoga Classes and Evening Group Activities
-Trip to the Mediterranean for an amazing beach day
-A quality bicycle and an experienced cycling guide with knowledge of the greatest rides in the region
-Entrance fees to all group events and activities
-All transportation during the trip 
-Comprehensive trip literature
-All gratuities for special events, lodging and restaurants

NOT INCLUDED IN TRIP PRICE: 
Airfare to and from the trip and gratuities for your guides.

WHERE WE WILL STAY
We will be guests at a classic Tuscan farmhouse converted into a stylish yoga retreat, Gabriella’s Borgo which is located in Tignano, a recently renovated medieval village, close to Casole d'Elsa and Volterra, in the Tuscan countryside. The wonderful host, Gabriella, will charm and welcome you at arrival as if seeing an old friend again. 

The actual Borgo used to be a rural residence dating back to the 16th century. Its original name, Borgo di Tignano, has Roman origins. It is the probable birth-place, in the 4th century, of Saint Attinia, a venerated saint from the Volterra area. Amongst its illustrious guests in the 1800’s, during the time the Borgo was a summer retreat from the ‘Scolopi‘ fathers, was Pope Pius the ninth. This Borgo is overall a place to enjoy with your heart, surrounded by a soft landscape and a peculiar light which brings back forgotten emotions of interior freedom. It's also a place, where one can experience a genuine Tuscany, with its tradition and land culture. 

In the local tradition, one says that the Berignone Forest, facing the Borgo, is the one that inspired Dante Alighieri to write about the "Selva Oscura" where his Divine Comedy story starts.
The gardens of the Borgo, with paths lined with aromatic herbs, juniper hedges, myrtle and evergreens, reproduce a Mediterranean environment. The characteristic ‘Osteria’, which used to be the old olive press, is the ideal place for a romantic candlelight dinner overlooking the amazing countryside, or a light lunch on the panoramic terrace. 

The swimming pool is available during the warm months (May through September) and it is 16 x 8 meters large. There is a reading room that also has a wireless internet point. There is a golf course within 30 minutes drive from the Borgo.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation is in apartments with one, two or three bedrooms; all bedrooms have private bath. 
All the apartments are independent, personalized and fully furnished, with ample garden and terrace areas for leisure. The perfume of flowers and plants surround the swimming pool, and a barbeque is at guests’ disposal.

May 12, 2012. The perfect day for heart opening practice!

Name Time Album Artist

Arms of Mary 3:10 Leo Kottke

There Is A Light 5:38 Let Your Heart Be Known Steve Gold

Our House 3:03 So Far Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Finally Moving 4:38 Taking Up Your Precious Time Pretty Lights

Sita Ram 4:27 Shiva Machine Girish

This Rhythm Is Not Mine (Instrumental) 6:47 This Rhythm Is Not Mine John De Kadt

Beauty in the World 3:52 Beauty in the World - Single Macy Gray

Good Times 3:37 Om Hip Hop, Vol. 1 Strange Fruit Project

Motion Movement 3:47 Blue Scholars Blue Scholars

Secret 4:55 Songs About Jane Maroon 5

Darbari NYC 6:58 Shiva Moon Prem Joshua

The Dub Sutras 6:38 DownTemple Dub: Roots Desert Dwellers

Consciousnesss Unfolding 4:47 The Thunder Of Silence Saggio

May 11, 2012. The quality our lives is influenced by the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. This is the work of the 5th chakra.

Take a moment and really tune in and listen: cover your ears breath in, shhhhh as you exhale, cover your heart breath in, shhhhh as you exhale, cover your navel center breath in, shhhh as you exhale.  Listen to what your mind, heart and body are trying to tell you? And if you can't hear anything than ask better questions of yourself and wait again.

From the question and answer that is the practice once you hear a truth, something relevant to living a more inspired life then find the courage to do something about it. To action it. As the Buddha says, "An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea." 

How often has it happened that you heard the answer from yourself, whether from mind, heart or body but then quickly forgot it as you ignored the message. This Spring Cleaning was designed to help remove the clutter, detox, tap into your compassionate creativity and now to do something about  the wisdom you have. 

The easiest thing to do is journal.  Keep one handy at all times in your car, bag, next to your bed. And as you put yourself in the creative space of possibility, think big. "Having an unusually large goal is an adrenaline infusion that provides the endurance to overcome the inevitable trials and tribulations. Goals restricted to the average ambition level, are uninspiring and will only fuel you through the 1st or 2nd problem at which point you throw in the towel. If the potential payoff is mediocre or average, so is your effort." - Timothy Ferriss, The Four Hour Workweek.

But as big as your intention is, keep it simple. Simple enough that you can actually start it and keep it going, step by step. Like yoga where we grow by millimeters that's the power of communication and the dialogue of heart, body, mind that occurs with our intentions. Spring cleaning has opened up the space that we can do this. Now allow the magic to happen and stay stoked. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

For Self-Work: Write out a YES List.  What things are the most important to you that keep you inspired and enthusiastic about waking up each day? 

May 10, 2012. When gardening recently I was struck by how much we have to be gentle and creative at the same time. One of my friends created a “compassion garden” on her back deck with her daughters.  They went to the nursery together, bought a big planter, and selected a palate of flowers.  The idea was that they would plant a new flower in the container every time someone did something kind for someone else in the family – it was a wonderful reminder for the whole family to allow compassion to grow.  

When cultivating the garden of our minds to creatively grow our best intentions we too must practice compassion.  We've all had that incredible idea that we started growing only to get hard on ourselves when it didn't prosper as quickly as we wanted. Or we've succumbed to the pull of procrastination and never got started. The power of intention is easier to manage if we do the following:

1. Make quiet time for yourself to really unplug from external distraction

2. Make self-care important whether its taking a yoga class, sitting reading a book or going for a walk

3. Check in with your heart, mind about the quality of your life and if your intentions are making you feel more or less in alignment.  "I joke that my goal in life is to upgrade my internal software as often as iTunes upgrades its software! I mean, think about it, how many times does iTunes upgrade it's software? It seems like almost daily! And why does Apple do this? Because they are constantly improving their product so that it's better for us to use." - The Daily Love

4.  Maintain a simplicity to your intentions. If you make them too hard you won't keep up. Instead show yourself compassion and set the steps towards meeting your intention that make it easier for you to achieve. An 80/20 rule is more than enough, learn to accept good enough instead of abusing yourself with perfectionism.  "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

5.  Allow your progress to continue even if you're making only millimeter progression. Creativity needs space and time but also continuous care and feeding.  

Compassion is the fertilizer for creativity and growth. It works in the garden and in the garden of our hearts. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

May 10, 2012. Air element, 4th chakra, Day 4 of Spring Cleaning.

Name Time Album Artist

Realms 4:07 The Dance Of The Soul Sigal Brier

Kothbiro 5:37 En Mana Kuoyo Ayub Ogada

Ganga River 5:53 Sargam Scales Of Music Wade Imre Morissette

Coercion Van (MK Larada Regrind) 5:57 AFFILIYATED GAYNGS

Om Namah Shivaya 6:30 Endless Surrender Kirtan Experience Govindas

(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay 2:39 The Dock of the Bay Otis Redding

Old Man 3:13 40 Days The Wailin' Jennys

Om Mata Kali 10:19 The Love Window - Sacred Chants of… Shantala

Ahimsa 5:14 The Eternal Embrace Baird Hersey & Prana

May 7 - May 11, 2012.  You could win a 3-Day Wellness, Wine, Yoga & Cycling Retreat in Sonoma with me! Head on over to my Sonoma Sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win!

LINK:  https://www.facebook.com/alchemytours/app_28134323652

Prize Details

May 9, 2012. In the sunshine the weeds and I have been going mano-a-mano. Then I read this from Winnie-the-Pooh: “Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” Difficult people in our lives may seem like weeds but once you get to know them they too are beautiful.

May 9, 2012.  Today on day 3 of our Spring Cleaning we focus on the Fire Element of the 3rd chakra.  Interestingly, what we know as Beltane on May 1st was originally a Celtic festival of fire.  Part of this detox involves facing our fears, burning them off so we can regain our energy and vitality. We want to move from dullness to clarity both physically and mentally.  We all carry with us some degree of stagnant thoughts, repetitive thought patterns, that hold us back from creating our best intentions. Detoxing the mind challenges us to dissolve away self-limiting beliefs so we can open up our minds and hearts to our best selves. 

For journaling self-work today please answer these questions:

*Do my intentions make me feel powerful and confident? 

*Write down a self-limiting belief that keeps you stuck or blocks your growth. (Definition: A belief is a perception of reality or a conclusion that you’ve come to, based on past conditioning. Some examples are “I’m not good enough,” or “I can’t do it.”) 

*Why do I believe that?

*Do I want more space for increased energy?

*Do I want to be more creative?

*What is the biggest step I'm going to take to detox my body? My mind?

When we think about detoxification I think for most of us physical detox comes to mind.  However, for me the even more impactful detox that yoga brings about is the MENTAL DETOX.  Just by asking yourself why you have a self-limiting belief allows you to face your fears and you take your power back.  This is why Yoga, as cognitive behavioural therapy, has been proven to help us overcome the blues, negativity, stress and even depression.  Patricia Moreno, founder of the intensati workout says, "When we're in a state of stress, fear or depression, that attitude creates a sensation in the body, Yoga helps purge toxic thoughts by teaching you to move your awareness away from the chaos of the mind and back to the present moment. That practice is not a basic component of other fitness pursuits.

So today practice Kapalbhati breathing which most literally translated means "sparkling clean". It makes the head clear out of negative emotions so it is devoid of toxins and becomes shiny and clean by very quickly eliminating Carbon dioxide and bringing in tons of oxygen.   

Also use physical asanas, especially those designed to work on the three main systems of the body, that play a crucial role in the elimination of wastes. These systems are: circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems.  Yoga impacts these three systems better than any other fitness because it focuses on stretching and compressing every part of the body.  Every part of the body is pushed, pulled, twisted, and turned my friends!  I hope that you will find today's detox practice as powerful as I have in bringing back the sparkle into your life. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

What to Eat? Ginger tea, bitter greens that promote internal cleansing, especially helpful to your liver and remove stagnation. Drink lots of water with lemon, fruits and vegetables.

What not to Eat? Alcohol, caffeine, white sugar, white rice, fried foods because they are hard on the liver for 7-21 days. 

What helps your liver detoxifier? Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, olives, dandelion root tea, wheatgrass

What to Do? Loofah in your morning shower to increase circulation and invigorate and in the evening take an Epson salt bath to relax

What poses to do? Focus on twists and core cultivation to stoke the fire. A great salutation to do is either the Fire Salutation, Agni Namaskar, or a super charged variation of Sun Salutation A.

Fire Salutation: See previous postings in my blog for detail

Super Sun Sal A:

Mountain (prepare)

Upward Salute inhale

Jump Chatarunga exhale

Updog inhale

Downdog jump forward exhale

Upward Salute inhale

Mountain

May 7 - May 11, 2012.  You could win a 3-Day Wellness, Wine, Yoga & Cycling Retreat in Sonoma with me! Head on over to my Sonoma Sweepstakes and enter for a chance to win!

LINK:  https://www.facebook.com/alchemytours/app_28134323652

Prize Details

We devote our day to de-cluttering. Clutter in the mind is stress. Clutter in our homes is the physical representation of stress. Shouldn't our aspiration be, "To have more quality time and less clutter." (The Four Hour Workweek) Today's focus of our Spring Cleaning is organized into: Physical Clutter and Mental Clutter.  The purpose of these questions is to help you scrub away at the surface to discern what is really causing you stress and do something about it. This is all about the water element of the second chakra.

PHYSICAL DECLUTTERING:

What physical space in your life needs the most decluttering (closet, garage, basement, kitchen, bedroom)?

What 3 things can you do to clean out this space within the next 24 hours?

How does clearing the physical clutter make you feel?

MENTAL/EMOTIONAL DECLUTTERING:

Set aside some time to be alone. Get your journal out. And breath deeply 10 times.

What are the three main toxic thoughts you have or stories you tell yourself?

What is the emotional space that needs the most decluttering?

What is the career space that needs the most decluttering?

What are the biggest sources of stress in your life right now?

How do they affect you?

What costs do you pay for keeping it like it is? 

Why are you allowing it to be like it is? 

What one change could you make in your daily life that would create less stress?

What actions could you take?

When will you do that? 

We can all keep pretending the clutter doesn't exist but eventually it will catch up with us. We can only step over the piles of stuff in our closet so many times before we trip and are forced to face the reality of our situation. Only then do we begin to remove the stress. Today honor your responsibility in creating your experience of life. Remember you are always asking the universe for what you want through your doing. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

May 7, 2012. "If you are suffering from time famine, creeping dread, or - worst case - a tolerable and comfortable existence doing something unfulfilling, the last being the most common and most insidious." - The Four Hour Workweek. I used to feel like this, then I made myself take a time-out to detox my mind, I went on a weekend retreat to Mammoth, California. Everything changed after that....join me on retreat find out for yourself.

2012-2013 UPCOMING ALCHEMY TOURS YOGA ADVENTURES AND RETREATS:

1. May 25-27, 2012 Sonoma, California Yoga, Wine and Cycling Retreat 

2. June 24-30, 2012 Tuscany, Italy YOGA & WINE, Culture, Cycling Retreat

3. August 1-18, 2012 Costa Rica Eco-Adventure Summer Yoga Retreat at The Sanctuary 

4. September 14-16, 2012 San Juan Islands Lakedale Lodge Yoga & Hiking Retreat

5. October 14 – October 20, 2012 Big Island Hawaii Adventure & Chakra Immersion

6. November 17 – November 20, 2012 Moab, Utah Yoga & Mountain Biking Adventure

7. December 8-15, 2012 Prana Del Mar Yoga, Eco-Chic Beach Retreat Cabo San Lucas

8. February 2013 Galapagos Ecuador Yoga and Volcano Trekking Adventure

9. March 23-30, 2013 Haramara Yoga and Surfing Retreat

10. March 31-April 6, 2013 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Xinalani Adv. Teacher Training Yoga Retreat with Casey Peterson

11. April 25–28, 2013 Moab, Zion Utah Mountain Biking Yoga Retreat

12. May 2013 Alderbrook Resort Washington Romantic Couples Retreat

13. June 2013 Tuscany, Italy Yoga & Wine, Cycling Retreat

14. June 2013 Amalfi Coast, Italy Yoga & Beach Holiday

15. September 22-29, 2013 Bali Soulshine “Art of Adventure” Retreat

**REFERRAL BONUS**Earn $75 in Alchemy Tours Gift Certificate if you refer a friend for a trip you attend.

May 7, 2012.  When everything is just right. A class like this takes place.

Name Time Album Artist

Land of Anaka - 1st chakra 5:24 Geoffrey Oryema

Land of Anaka - 1st chakra 5:24 Geoffrey Oryema

Korean Dogwood 4:04 Cripple Crow Devendra Banhart

Chunari Chunari 4:09 Monsoon Wedding Abhijeet & Anuradha Shriram

Everything (...Is Never Quite Enough) 4:33 The Thomas Crown Affair Wasis Diop

I Ka Barra (Your Work) 5:01 Muso Ko Habib Koite and Bamada

Chan Chan 4:18 Buena Vista Social Club Buena Vista Social Club

Ganesh Is Fresh (feat. Jai Uttal) 3:45 Elephant Power MC Yogi

Love is My Religion 4:01 Ziggy Marley

Amen Omen 5:50 Diamonds On The Inside Ben Harper

Shavasana/Deep Relaxation 4:28 Yoga Sol Shiva Rea

May 7, 2012. We are devoting 7 days to a Spring cleaning: physically, emotionally and mentally. I am doing this in my life and want to share my plan with you.  You may wonder why? The catalyst for this undertaking is to realign myself with my personal (friends, family), career, and vitality (health, travel, adventure) goals. I want to check in and be certain that I am truthful in what I'm feeling and where I'm going in my life.  I want that for you too.  Keeping close to my heart that no one else makes my life, I make it for me.  And holding as the foundation that the quality of our life is based in the quality of the questions we ask ourselves. So let's begin. And by the end of our 7 days I want you to be able to answer some key questions with your own authority:

1. The main change I want to make in my life is:

2. My biggest obstacles to making this change are:

3. The one experience I most want to have this year is: 

On Day 1, our focus is the Root Chakra. We need to make the container strong enough to hold the transformation and cleansing process inside. Key areas today are:

• Wood element
• Tree metaphor
• Trustful surrender
• Strength receiving
• What am I feeling
• Liver

The root chakra sets our foundation. We need to understand our starting point, what are we feeling right now. And in order to reveal our feelings we must feel safe.  When we are grounded our roots go deeper providing us more stability emotionally and physically. Like a tree, the deeper the root base the bigger the bloom above ground. It's like that with us too. The stronger we are in our foundation the more we feel confident in reaching for our greatest visions. The power of manifestation receive strength from the root chakra. 

The Liver is the biggest organ in the body and has over 500 functions including but not limited to the fact it helps break down fats; stores vitamins A, D, K, B12, converts food into energy, filters toxins in your blood and detoxifies.  It is in many people's minds the most important organ. Equally as important a healthy liver promotes emotional equalibrium. 

Key poses we practiced for the Liver include: Forward Fold, Ball pose, Cobra, Sphinx, Bow Pose, Twists, Supported Headstand, Downward Dog, Pigeon

What to Eat? Lemon juice in water, fruit, any green leafy vegies, seeds, grains like Amaranth, Flax, quinoa and lessen your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

Your at home practice suggestions include: 

1. Find a safe place - at home or somewhere in nature like under your favorite tree.

2. Close your eyes and notice what you're feeling

3. Practice breathing on purpose - long and deep, especially making your exhale a little bit longer

4. Talk to yourself saying internally that you are safe, you are supported, you are not alone.

5. Make a mental list of all the people who support you.

6. Practice the metta meditation: May I be safe, may I be healthy, may I be peaceful, may I be loved.

May 6, 2012. I have been a connector my whole life. I see the dots and all I want to do is connect them together. As a little girl I could take cars, dolls, utensils and create stories about them being in relationship to one another.  This feels natural to me.  

Therefore in designing a Spring Cleanse I thought of course, why not connect my goal setting wtih a healthy detox. The manifestation experience is supported and paired hand in hand with a healthy body. 

That's why we are on a 7 day Spring Cleaning mission. To create a connection between a healthy mind and healthy body for ultimate alignment! Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

May 6, 2012.  "How would your priorities and decisions change if you could never retire?" - from the book The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. 

I used to live my life WAITING....waiting to retire before I'd start traveling again. Then I realized what if I never retire then in that case I should start living more fully TODAY! That's when I went on my first Yoga Retreat and it changed my life. I came back more inspired to live my life ON PURPOSE. And what that means to me is to have freedom of purpose to design my lifestyle. This is why the "theme" of many of my retreats is called just that "Freedom of Purpose." I want to help you discover what I have already.

From me to you, don't postpone travel, adventure, a timeout, a wellness break, a mini sabatical just do it now. You deserve to live a life-inspired, without waiting.

Love your day, love yourself, love your life! Silvia

May 5, 2012. That perfect class, perfect playlist.

Name Time Album Artist

101 Delight-Hirtan Mix 8:14 Shakti Rhythms With Shiva Rea Rara Avis

You Are We Am I: Blue Mix 5:20 Shakti Rhythms With Shiva Rea TJ Rehmi

Zindagi 5:03 Shakti Rhythms With Shiva Rea The Spy From Cairo

Praan 4:29 Praan - Single Garry Schyman

Be the Change (Niraj Chag's Swaraj… 4:42 Elephant Power MC Yogi

Hanumana 5:08 Strong As Diamonds Wade Imre Morissette

Ganesha 4:31 Love Holding Love Wah!

Everything'll Be Alright (Willi's Lullaby) 2:42 Joshua Radin

Rero 3:11 The Best Of Ismael Lo Ismael Lo

Yellow 3:51 Proof LP Emily Asen

Hey World (Don't Give Up Version) 4:09 All Rebel Rockers (Bonus Track Versi… Michael Franti & Spearhead

Elusinian Blue 6:05 Luna Gabrielle Roth

May 5, 2012. The moon reminds us of the constant flow and evolution in our lives. Today is the anniversary of my Father's death. I know he is shining from above wishing for me a life of peace. And I send this intention out to all of you too. Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

The Way It Is

There’s a thread you follow. It goes among things that change. But it doesn’t change.

People wonder about what you are pursuing. You have to explain about the thread.

But it is hard for others to see. While you hold it you can’t get lost.

Tragedies happen; people get hurt or die; and you suffer and get old.

Nothing you do can stop time’s unfolding. You don’t ever let go of the thread.

~ William Stafford ~

"Set your goals high and don't stop until you get there."

~Bo Jackson, Bo Knows Bo

May 3, 2012.  Last week, I was honored to support sports icon Bo Jackson and an incredible team of people in Bo Bikes Bama, a 300 mile ride across Alabama to raise $1 million for the Governor's Relief Fund, with over $1 billion still needed. It was a real example of "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." - Goethe. Bo knows Commitment in the form of setting an intention and just doing it, as our Nike friends on the team say. Bo's faith in the power of manifestion is clear when you are around him.

He dreamed of a way to help his fellow Alabamians, recruited friends, and then boldly put it into action. He lives the words of the Buddha, "An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea."   For photos of the week please visit us on Facebook.  

Last month, in our list of "How we Choose to Be Happy in 2012," we suggested that you Make a Full Commitment: Set your intention/sankalpa and stay with it. With the SUPERMOON on May 5th approaching (and the moon being 16% brighter), what are you doing to commit to your best life ever? Can you dream bigger than ever before? Of course you can. Bo Knows and so can you. Take to heart the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."  

To make it easier to set aside time to set your intention while having fun on two wheels, hiking, tasting wine and doing some yoga, we are offering a very special deal.  To the first 4 people who contact us, we want to offer a whopping $316 OFF our upcoming Sonoma Wine & Wellness Weekend May 25, 26, 27!  Mention the SUPERMOON to claim this deal.  Check out details on our website and Facebook.  And please feel free to help us keep spreading the word and tell your friends to "Like Us" on Facebook. Join me and take that first step!

Grazie, Gracias, Mahalo in Peace,

Jake & Silvia

Founders & Guides, Alchemy Tours (www.alchemytours.com)

P.S. On Facebook, we will continue to offer free Alchemy Tours Gift Certificates for winners of trivia contests. Another great way to earn Alchemy $$ is by referring a friend. And feel free to FORWARD our newsletter to anyone who you think may be interested in Inspired Travel with Alchemy Tours.

"Set your goals high and don't stop until you get there."

~Bo Jackson, Bo Knows Bo

May 3, 2012.  Last week, I was honored to support sports icon Bo Jackson and an incredible team of people in Bo Bikes Bama, a 300 mile ride across Alabama to raise $1 million for the Governor's Relief Fund, with over $1 billion still needed. It was a real example of "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." - Goethe. Bo knows Commitment in the form of setting an intention and just doing it, as our Nike friends on the team say. Bo's faith in the power of manifestion is clear when you are around him.

He dreamed of a way to help his fellow Alabamians, recruited friends, and then boldly put it into action. He lives the words of the Buddha, "An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea."   For photos of the week please visit us on Facebook.  

Last month, in our list of "How we Choose to Be Happy in 2012," we suggested that you Make a Full Commitment: Set your intention/sankalpa and stay with it. With the SUPERMOON on May 5th approaching (and the moon being 16% brighter), what are you doing to commit to your best life ever? Can you dream bigger than ever before? Of course you can. Bo Knows and so can you. Take to heart the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."  

To make it easier to set aside time to set your intention while having fun on two wheels, hiking, tasting wine and doing some yoga, we are offering a very special deal.  To the first 4 people who contact us, we want to offer a whopping $316 OFF our upcoming Sonoma Wine & Wellness Weekend May 25, 26, 27!  Mention the SUPERMOON to claim this deal.  Check out details on our website and Facebook.  And please feel free to help us keep spreading the word and tell your friends to "Like Us" on Facebook. Join me and take that first step!

Grazie, Gracias, Mahalo in Peace,

Jake & Silvia

Founders & Guides, Alchemy Tours (www.alchemytours.com)

P.S. On Facebook, we will continue to offer free Alchemy Tours Gift Certificates for winners of trivia contests. Another great way to earn Alchemy $$ is by referring a friend. And feel free to FORWARD our newsletter to anyone who you think may be interested in Inspired Travel with Alchemy Tours.

May 2, 2012. I am counting down the days to our upcoming trip to Tuscany June 24-30, 2012! I couldn't be more excited. And I don't want you to take my word for how great it is, read about what some previous guests have to say. So come with me! It is an EPIC trip, the trip of a LIFETIME! Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

We asked our Tuscany guests three questions:

1. What aspect of your life transformed the most (physically, mentally, emotionally)?

2. Why do you think a yoga retreat can inspire you?

3. How did your Yoga Retreat help you make positive changes in your life?

We are really humbled by the overwhelming response some of which we are sharing here. If you are considering going on an Italy Yoga Retreat, read this first and think about whether any of this resonates with where you are at in your life right now? We are dedicated to helping serve your journey to make that quantum leap to a happier, more focused life…a life of purpose, a life INSPIRED. Join us in Tuscany June 23-30, 2012! Love yourself, love your day, love your life! Silvia

Yogi 1:
Going on retreat allows you to open your eyes to who you are other than what you do. Diving into the unknown, surrounded by and dependent on the kindness of strangers, means you have nothing to fall back on but who you are when you come to your mat. You can’t rest on your business card, your resume, your social circle, your partner, your history. And you aren’t framed by those facets either: meeting people and a place without the structure of pre-conceptions means that you come exactly as your own self. You may not know your own self particularly well; you may be unsure of who he or she is. But on retreat, that’s all you start with, what you build upon. Connections come from the space in between what we do and who we are on paper; retreat gives us time to explore and relish in those sometimes far too small spaces from where each breath arises.

Yogi 2:
I went on a yoga retreat with Alchemy Tours in October of 2011. I was in a place where I was feeling like I needed to do something for myself to reconnect and gain clarity on my life. Do all this while practicing yoga and cycling in the hills of Tuscany? Sign me up! I didn’t know quite what I was searching for, but called it my “Eat, Pray, Love” trip. On the retreat I found myself laughing and feeling happier than I had in months; while also gaining the confidence through self reflection that I truly am in charge of how I want my life to unfold. Since returning, I have been making small changes that are the building blocks to creating a more satisfying/fulfilling professional and personal life. And most of all, I can’t wait to go on another retreat.

Yogi 3:
How did your Yoga Retreat help you make positive changes in your life? I went to Tuscany by myself to explore everything that the Yoga Retreat through Alchemy Tours could and would offer. I discovered that I could travel alone, make great friends of all ages and backgrounds and could be my complete self. Silvia & Jake are more than friends, they are my inspirations to follow a life I love and make no excuses.

What aspect of your life transformed the most (physically, mentally, emotionally)? For me, the biggest changes were mentally. Waking up early to attend a morning yoga class, taking walks and choosing to participate in activities that were offered were all choices I made based on what I wanted to do. Doing yoga with Silvia is more like a life walk. She takes you through the beginning, building up your confidence, letting you shine in the peak poses and lets you feel okay with relaxing at the end.

Yogi 4:
How did your Yoga Retreat help you make positive changes in your life?
Before the yoga retreat, I was looking to reconnect with my wife and myself. The retreat helped in so many different ways with just those things, as well as opening up some amazing new friendships. I felt like a totally new person afterwards.

What aspect of your life transformed the most (physically, mentally, emotionally)?
Before the trip, I was a bit run down from work life. While attending the retreat and afterwards, I became so much more aware of what I needed in order to deal with the mental and emotional stresses of work and gained a new level of respect for what laughter can do to enlighten my life and the lives of others.

Why do you think a yoga retreat can inspire you?
If you are looking for a truly different type of vacation, a yoga retreat can open your eyes to not only the physical beauty surrounding you, but can fully awaken the soul within all of us through the love and laughter shared by the group. Put yourself out there and go!

Yogi 5:
One of the best choices I ever made was going to Tuscany with Silvia and Jake. Not only is this part of Italy gorgeous, I learned so much about myself… not to mention the amazing food and yoga everyday. I highly suggest you go. It will be a trip you never forget.

Yogi 6: 
Silvia has asked us to share our thoughts on the Tuscany retreat, and I am happy to share some of my experiences with you.

There are a few aspects that I would like to touch upon, first, the tour guides – Silvia and Jake are wonderful. I’m not sure if you are totally new to both of these people, but I believe you and your wife will really enjoy them. Silvia has been an inspiration in my life for about 6 years now and I consider myself very lucky to have stumbled upon her studio back then. She is an insightful and loving teacher who has lifted me up more times that I could ever keep track of. I met Jake on the retreat and found him to be a very fun and enjoyable person. He is really down to earth and kind as well.

The farm house – we stayed at Ebbio, was awesome. It was very charming and beautiful. The atmosphere is so relaxing and comfortable. Our host Franz was also very entertaining and charming.

Tuscany, Sienna and surrounding areas – all of the day trips that we did were wonderful. There are so many intersting and amazingly beautiful places. The culture is so enjoyable as well. In addition to the retreat trips, I was able to add a few days on both in front of the retreat and on the end of the retreat to enjoy even more of Italy. Everything was amazing, so depending upon your tastes and desires you may wish to add on a few days if possible and see more as well.

Lastly, but definitely not least, the yoga two times a day was a wonderful way to begin and end each day. If only I could manage to do that at home!  Someday…

Yogi 7:
I wanted to be sure to tell you I had an absolutely marvelous time. You and Jacob did an excellent job planning and executing a wonderful experience for us all. You are one of the best and most inspiring yoga teachers that I have met and practiced with, and I have done workshops and retreats with many very good ones, some quite ‘famous’! I regret that I can’t practice with you at your studio on a regular basis. You have such a gift for teaching and such of depth of knowledge and training, in both the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga. And you clearly embody all that you teach, I admire your sense of peace, calm, and thoughtfulness – you are beautiful inside and out – I want to bring more of these attributes into my life.

It was a wonderful group of people, and a big part of the fun. I just loved the country and the Italian people, Ebbio was such a magical place, right in the middle of a magical region. I love these types of vacations, it reinforced my preference to limit all the museums and cathedrals, etc. – they are good in small doses, but I would much rather explore the culture of an area by doing the types of things we did. I definitely want to go on another trip with you and Jacob. Thank you again for a wonderful experience and I look forward to future trips.

Yogi 8:
How did your Yoga Retreat help you make positive changes in your life?
I went into the retreat with intentions to re-connect with myself and my husband, which I definitely accomplished, and as a bonus I built many new connections and developed lasting friendships.

What aspect of your life transformed the most (physically, mentally, emotionally)?
Physically, mentally and emotionally I felt transformed. The physical components were great, as was the extremely healthy diet, and although I ate like I was on vacation, I came back feeling healthier and few pounds lighter from all of the yoga and cycling. Mentally, I was in a state of bliss from the amazing surroundings, stress free environment, and wonderful people I was able to share the experience with. Emotionally, I felt like I gained a greater understanding about what is really important and a greater sense of my life’s purpose.

Why do you think a yoga retreat can inspire you?
Exploring a new environment through yoga and seeing the “yoga” in everything was very inspiring, as was all the love, laughter, and living life!

Yogi 9:
I hope you are considering the Alchemy Tours trip to Tuscany! I went July 2010 and it was truly amazing. I travel quite a bit, so I tend to have high expectations. I can honestly say this trip was beyond my expectations! I’m not sure how anyone couldn’t enjoy staying on a Tuscan farm, touring Tuscan cities, village and vineyards, wine testing, eating amazing food, shopping, biking, yoga and swimming in the Mediterranean!

I’m not sure if you’ll be staying in the same place, but Ebbio was fantastic. If you’re looking for an authentic Tuscan experience, you really can’t beat staying at an organic family farm in the heart of Tuscany. The food was out of this world – fresh, delicious and abundant! I still have dreams about the gnocchi.

I had never been on a group tour before, so I was a little nervous going in. I only knew a couple people from yoga class, and I just recently met them, so it was a big decision for me to go basically on my own. Everyone on the tour was friendly, easy-going and interesting. I realized that you really can’t go wrong traveling with people who do yoga, even if you don’t know them going in. We had an absolute blast together! By the end of the trip, I considered everyone a good friend.

I also liked that I had the freedom to do (or not do) anything the group was doing. If you wanted to do yoga, great. If you wanted to sleep in or take a walk around the farm, no one made you feel bad about doing whatever you needed/wanted to do at the moment.

Jake and Silvia took care of everything too, so it was never stressful. They had everything meticulously planned, but they weren’t rigid about it. They were flexible, accommodating and made adjustments so everyone was able to get the most out of the trip. I felt that they truly cared about us, were tuned into what we needed and did everything they could to make it an experience of a lifetime for everyone.

How We Choose to Be Happy in 2012 at Alchemy Tours

Explore a New Place in the World
Expand beyond ordinariness into experiencing
someplace extraordinary and inspiring.

Make a Full Commitment
Set your intention/sankalpa and stay with it. Practice
Sun Salutes everyday or set the date for a retreat.

Do Something that Scares You
Push your limits and get out of your comfort zone.

Taste Something New
Savor new flavors in wine, beer, and food;
either locally or in new part of the world.

Practice Relaxation
Make time to meditate, spend time near the water,
watch more sunsets, unplug from technology.

Learn a New Language
Set your mind up to try speaking another language. If you're
going to Italy, then learn some Italian phrases, or try Spanish
if you're going to Mexico or South America.

JOIN ME ON RETREAT:

May 25-27, 2012 Sonoma, California - Yoga, Cycling, Wine and Wellness Retreat 

June 10-12, 2012 "Spring into Summer" Retreat for Yogis at University of Washington

June 23-30, 2012 Tuscany, Italy - Yoga & Wine, Cycling Cultural Retreat

August 11-18, 2012 Costa Rica Eco-Adventure Summer Detox Yoga Retreat at The Sanctuary at Two Rivers

September 21-23, 2012 San Juan Islands Yoga & Hiking Getaway at Lakedale Lodge 

October 14 – October 20, 2012 Big Island Hawaii Eco-Adventure Stress Relief Yoga Retreat

November 17 – November 20, 2012 Moab Utah Yoga & Mountain Biking Adventure

December 8-15, 2012 Prana Del Mar Yoga, Eco-Chic Beach & Mountains Rejuvenation Retreat

Jan 12-19, 2013 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Xinalani Eco-chic-spa Yoga Retreat

February 2013 Galapagos Ecuador Yoga and Volcano Trekking Adventure

May 1, 2012. One of my favorite things about traveling the world is making new friends. If you are looking to visit California Wine Country please reference this website.

Description: The Web’s best guide to the California wine country. Discover the best wineries to visit and the best places to stay, dine, and picnic in wine country.

URL: http://www.winecountrygetaways.com

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/WineCountryGetawayscom/113001313444