Sun Salutations In Spanish Countryside

Tuesday 14 March 2017

I made it home from my Yoga Retreat.  Getting on my return flight was difficult and I’m not going to lie, I thought about contacting home to say I was delayed and treating myself to an extra night.  But I boarded and home I came. After all, it’s where the heart is, right?? It helped that I experienced one of Southern Spain’s approximately 40 days of rain on the last day of my trip and it was torrential, with waves in Estepona, to rival Lahinch on a winter’s day, so it made leaving a little bit easier. 

Taking time out for myself is one of the best things I’ve done in ages.  I know I’m no use to anyone if I’m running on empty but sometimes it’s simply not possible to completely unwind at home. So, booking an online budget trip and jumping on a plane to fill up my cup with some sunshine, restorative yoga, delicious vegan food, rock climbing and relaxing beach walks, seemed like a real no brainer.  And I really couldn’t have asked for more. 

I left my car at home and took a JJ Kavanagh’s bus at 2.30am on Friday morning.  My flight wasn’t until after 7am but I decided to make the trip as hassle free as possible and having someone else drive me to the airport added to my sense of freedom.  I flew into Malaga and spent the flight blissfully chatting to the couple next to me, reading my book, writing poetry and sleeping. I ate snacks that I didn’t have to share and I grinned like a Cheshire cat!  I took a bus from the airport to Marbella, where I was met by Adam, my host for the weekend.  He drove me the 20 minutes to his home in Estepona, where his lovely wife Sonia and her beautiful 8 month bump were waiting to greet me.  We talked birth and babies, two of my favourite things and then I headed straight to the beach to inhale some of that beautiful ocean deep into my soul. 

After I settled into my beautiful room, I joined a lovely English girl called Beth on the roof top terrace, for a gentle evening yoga session.  The views of the sea in front of us as we stretched, were matched by the mountains behind us, so no matter where your gaze landed, it was on a thing of beauty.  After a little rest, all four of us headed out for a very traditional tapas and a wander around Estepona.  I had visited years before when my Aunt lived there, so it was really interesting to see how things had developed over the years.  There are some stunning wall paintings and very few of the buildings don’t have a story to tell.  As I headed to bed on my first night away, I was really engulfed in a sense of peace and I slept better than I had in months, undisturbed by wayward children in a comfy big bed.

Saturday morning was a beautiful sunny day and we got off to a great start with an 8.30 Pranayama breathing session, again on the roof terrace.  Pranayama is the formal practice of controlling the breath, which in yoga terms, is the source of our prana, or vital life force.  From there we moved through a lovely Hatha Yoga flow, during which we got to concentrate on specific poses we hoped to strengthen.  For me it was my headstand, which despite practicing at home, I had yet to master.  With Adam’s guidance and the reassurance of having him close by, I managed to perfect my first one and the sense of pride I felt in my body was immense.  I’ve come such a long way on my strengthening journey, since those long, lonely days in bed, post back surgery, and being upside down in the Spanish sunshine, felt like a real achievement.  After yoga we had a delicious vegan breakfast of fresh fruit, chia pudding, muesli, homemade sourdough bread and sugar free jam.  Everything was absolutely delicious and exactly what we needed to prepare for our hike through El Canuto de Utrera, a spectacular limestone canyon in the mountains.  Picking my way over rocks as we made our way higher and higher, was a real exercise in mindfulness.  Concentrating only on where to place my hands and feet and how to pull myself up the next rock formation was meditative and exactly what I needed to truly switch off.  Our exertions were rewarded by a breath taking view at the top, where we sat eating fresh oranges, soaking up the sun and taking time to reflect on the beauty around us.  On the way back down we stopped at the Roman Sulphur Baths of Hedionda – a construct of the Roman’s over 2000 years ago.  It’s said that Cesar himself bathed there, so if it was good enough for an Emperor, it was certainly good enough for me.  It was so refreshing to jump in, and swim into the dark chambers and my skin felt rejuvenated afterwards.  It was really a perfect morning.

We returned to B&B Turnilla, starving, where Sonia had again prepared a beautiful feast and we sat in the sun chatting while we ate.  I took a siesta on the roof terrace and then it was time for a full body massage and when I say, full body, I mean full body! I finished off the evening drinking wine, over mussels in the port and it was truly one of life’s perfect days. 

Sunday was stormy and wet, which was a perfect excuse to do very little.  We started with another Prana session, followed by yoga and I again, managed to push myself a little further. More eating healthy, wholesome food, thanks to the amazingly talented Sonia and a really deep guided meditation by Adam followed and then I took a very stormy walk by the sea. 

Monday was home. And I made it. Even though I left a little piece of my heart in Spain. And after a week at home, it feels like I was never away so I have to try to keep bringing myself back to the tranquillity of sitting on top of a mountain looking out to sea, with the taste of fresh oranges in my mouth.  And start saving for my next trip!

To find out more about Adam & Sonia, and their little haven find them at www.turnillayoga.com