A Writer’s Namaste: Yoga at the Beach
Let’s say you have a writer in your life (ahem- maybe me?) and you want to splurge on a Christmas present for them. Or you just want to do something nice for yourself, or you have that book you’ve been trying to write and you just need the time to focus on it.
A friend of mine is hosting a really cool event where you can work on your yoga AND your writing all at once.
Frances Davis is a yoga instructor in Macon, Georgia who has organized the Spring Yoga & Writing Retreat: Journey to Renewal in St. Mary’s. This is an event where you get to stay at the Goodbread Inn, take yoga lessons, have the chance for massage and time to write in peace. (I say this as my kids are fighting in the background, stir crazy with the rain and impending Christmas and the Elf watching.) Writing in peace with yoga and massage sounds like a dream!!
So, I asked Frances why she was doing this? It seems like a large undertaking to organize all of this:
” Spring is my favorite season, because it brims with potential. By March, many New Year’s resolutions have gone by the wayside, so a retreat is a great opportunity to refocus on positive changes. For those in college or grad school–whether students, faculty, or staff–this is a perfect way to spend Spring Break.”
” I had practiced yoga on and off for years, and then really started practicing more consistently when going through a difficult transition a few years ago. A yoga retreat (to Belize) back in 2012 is actually what inspired me to become an instructor–finding quiet time for myself and taking good care of my body, mind, and spirit made such a difference in my life that I decided I wanted to share yoga with others.”
Frances goes on to explain the connection between having a yoga and writing retreat together:
” To me, pairing yoga and writing makes sense. Creativity requires space. Yoga creates space, in our bodies, minds and heart. This retreat is structured so that whether you’re an experienced yogi or brand new to the mat, a dedicated writer or just someone who wants to explore keeping a journal for the first time, you’ll have an opportunity to grow.”
So, why St.Mary’s for the location?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Marys,_Georgia
” I’ve been living in Georgia just under two years and I am continually amazed by its natural beauty. I love the ocean, so coastal Georgia seemed like the logical place to explore on this adventure.”
Ok cool! So, tell us more about the retreat itself?
” The intimacy of a small group–this retreat will be limited to 10 people–allows us to find time for ourselves and to connect with others in a meaningful way. I am still in touch with many of the friends I made on the week-long retreat I went on two years ago, even though they live in different states or even countries.”
So…. what if someone thinks it might be a little on the pricey side?
” When you consider what you would spend on a five-day beach getaway, the price here–which includes accommodations, all meals, excursions, a massage, photos, and even a few glasses of wine, in addition to yoga classes and a writing workshop–is quite reasonable. And, if you bring a friend to share accommodations, even more so!”
I hope y’all will check out her link here and learn a little more about this really cool opportunity!
Love to all y’all,
Molly
Frances Marine Davis began practicing yoga in 2003 in a successful effort to maintain more than 100 pounds of weight loss. Having lived in Florida, Virginia, DC, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia, she has been exposed to many different yoga styles and studios.
Frances completed her 200-RYT training at Red Hot Yoga in Atlanta in 2013 and is registered with the Yoga Alliance in Vinyasa, sometimes referred to as flow yoga. Since then, she has taught yoga in Atlanta, Jackson, Macon, Miami, and while on a study abroad program to the Dominican Republic.
Frances teaches Candlelight Flow on Fridays at Hometown Yoga and also teaches community classes for Macon Bibb Parks & Recreation. When not teaching, traveling, or working as Counsel to the President at Middle Georgia State College, you can find her on her mat on the shores of Lake Tobesofkee, where she lives with her husband. Follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/valoryoga) and Twitter (@ValorYoga) or visit www.valoryoga.com.
