Yoga Retreat in France, May 2012

My Grandmother used to tell me stories about her trips to France as a young girl. She suffered from respiratory problems, so her parents sent her to retreat centers where they would eat healthy food, breathe fresh mountain air, exercise and take sulfur baths. I always loved listening to these stories and imagined myself one day retracing her steps and taking the time to experience something similar. It's rare that we focus on our health and well-being, for some reason it often gets put on the back-burner. In May, 2012, I'll be heading to France with Frances to recreate my grandmothers experience. I invite you to join me on this journey of health and well-being.  

"Our appointment with life is in the present moment." 

Thich Nhat Hanh

Yoga Retreat in Aquitaine, France
with Jennifer Maagendans and Frances Vicente

Take a break from your daily routine and treat yourself to a special seven day Jivamukti retreat in Aquitaine, France. Be enchanted by the majestic beauty of the Chateau La Perroterie, a lovingly restored 14th century chateau situated atop a hill with 360 degree views of the most stunning countryside in the beautiful region of Lot & Garonne.

Each day will begin with an invigorating, inspiring and uplifting yoga practice with Jennifer, enjoy leisure time exploring the magnificent countryside or relaxing by the pool and end off with a softer, meditative and reflective practice with Frances.
Vegetarian breakfast and dinner are included, leaving you lunch to explore as you please. All meals are fresh, home cooked and produced with ingredients from the local markets.

The comfortable oak-beamed bedrooms are both rustic and modern. The guesthouse is superbly located for touring and exploring; only 2 kilometres outside the medieval town of Duras with its shops, weekly market, cafes, bars and restaurants.
We hope you’ll join us for a week of deepening your practice, your understanding of Jivamukti yoga and your connection with your Self.
Chateau Perroterie as featured in International Lifestyle Magazine
Chateau Perroterie Trip Advisor
 
Saturday, May 5 - Saturday May 12, 2012
Double Occupancy: 1250$ (1125$ before March 1st)
Single Occupancy: 1400$ (1250$ before March 1st)
Reserve your spot (20 people maximum) with a $500 nonrefundable deposit. The balance will be due April 1, 2012 (or March 1st to receive discounted price). Welcome sheet and Yoga Flo DVD gift pack will be sent shortly after receipt of your registration.
Register here!
*Includes 7 nights accommodation, breakfast and dinners, 2 yoga classes daily, access to pool and walking trails, visit to Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village.
*Flight not included. If you are all flying, Ryanair or Flybe to Bergerac Airport is best as it's only 35 mins from the Chateau. Bordeaux Airport (Easyjet, BMI, BA and any many other worldwide carriers including a direct flight from Montreal!) is about 80 mins. Libourne Railway Station for Eurostar and Paris connections is 40 mins.
For a list of activites and excursions, click here.
To register, or for more information, please contact us at jennifer@centrelunayoga.com or frances@centrelunayoga.com.

Get Vegucated

We recently showed the movie Earthlings in our teacher training. It's a heavy duty documentary about animal abuse (factory farming, scientific testing, etc). They showed it to us in the Jivamukti training, and it had such a huge impact I thought it was important to pass it on. Although it is a hard movie to watch, the trainees proudly made it through it. After the screening, most of the trainees felt sad, angry, and frustrated. They wanted to share the information with their family and friends, but weren't sure if everyone would be up to watching it... 

This week I downloaded (on iTunes) another documentary called Vegucated. It focuses on vegetarianism, with 3 meat-eaters taking a 6 week vegan challenge. I highly recommend it! It's less harsh than Earthlings, but still informative.

Rent or buy Vegucated on iTunes (super easy!)

Watch Earthlings free online

Grounding Yoga Flo Video Download

This yoga flow class was filmed live at Centre Luna Yoga Studio in Montreal. The union of movement and breath is emphasized in this dynamic Vinyasa (flow) class which incorporates strength, flexibility, and endurance. Focus on joyful and steady connection to the earth.

Grounding Yoga Flo Video Download

This is the fourth live class video of a series 

filmed for My Yoga Online.

Jivamukti Gathering in NYC!

With a last minute change of plans we went down to NYC for the Blueprint for Joy Jivamukti Gathering and Levi's first road trip. With a week of asana classes, meditation sessions and lectures on animal rights, peace and unity, the place was buzzing! Although I wasn't able to attend all the classes, I did get to take class with David Life and Sharon Gannon. It brought me back to teacher training with so many familiar faces and the amazing energy of so many people gathered together practicing yoga and focusing on the goal of peace.

Asana lab with David Life

with Luna teachers Frances & Dawn B in NYC

my boys

Frances, one of several hundred in headstand!

Shopping for Levi's with Levi

Tofu scramble at Kate's Joint

Tea with yogini Kimberly and beau Tim

Vegan treats at Babycakes