“You’re invited…
Ciao and Sacred Sunday to you:
| Years ago, I participated in a yearlong study with Paul Muller-Ortega, Ph.D., “the founder of Blue Throat Yoga, an internationally recognized meditation teacher, and one of the world’s most highly respected academic scholars in the field of Indian Religion and Hindu Tantra”. It was at the completion of the program that I was initiated in Neelakantha Meditation. As part of the year program, participants attended two retreats with him. I remember during one of the retreats Paul discussing this idea of “retreat”. Now, Paul is a wordsmith. His love of language and his ability to speak with eloquence is like listening to a concerto. Paul was born in Spain, while he has no discernable accent there’s a lyrical quality to his voice and the way he speaks, and how he conveys the teachings, that is simultaneously soothing and expansive to the mind and heart. Forgive me as I don’t remember exactly how Paul described retreat, so these are words that my heart remembers; at times during retreat, we do withdraw (one definition of retreat) into the cave of our hearts. Especially when practicing meditation. However, we’re not here to retreat from life. We’re here to renew and restore to live our lives more fully, more engaged, and with more grace. And that’s why this week’s Sacred Sunday is an invitation for you to join me, and my dear friend Denise Hatch, as we return to Italy. Denise and I have set the intention, and will hold the container, for you to restore and renew your spirit. As I’ve written about many times, it’s been a tough few years and we may not be in the clear quite yet. Having said that we’ve been listening to you and hear that you are needing a reprieve from the stress and overwhelm, a time to rebuild your personal container in a safe and loving community. It’s been a long time since we’ve gathered, and we’re excited to share that while many things feel unknown, we are going to put our toe in the water and bring our community of the heart together again! Many of you have asked to return to Italy and our Italian friends are thrilled to have us. The Borgo della Marmotta, located in the Umbria region of Italy, is reserved November 2nd – 9th 2022 for any travelers interested in a captivating Italian retreat.  If you haven’t joined us on this retreat, it’s something to experience and if you’ve been with us before, Italy just gets better every time we go. It will look like this: The unique and charming Borgo della Marmotta Farm Resort, nestled in the heart of the Umbrian countryside is only a stone’s throw from Spoleto and Trevi. The origins of the village date back to the seventeenth century of the medieval period. The Marmotta sits amongst 12,000 olive trees, and at the base of the Apennine Mountains with a castle crowning the top of the hill where we love to hike each morning, followed by yoga and meditation and the most exquisite Italian breakfast where you are met with a Buongiorno, a cappuccino, and delicious spread of foods. 4 Excursions have been planned…  The first excursion will be to the sacred forest of Montelucco where you will be opened by the magic of the old growth forest and its mystical energy. Imagine standing amongst the ancient trees and feeling the resonance of years of meditations of St. Francis and the monks. 30The first time we visited the forest on retreat, our group stood still, in awe, for several minutes. As we gazed around Denise, and I looked at one another with tears pouring down our faces. The ancient power of the Montelucco forest is palpable.  The second excursion is to Antonelli Winery for a delectable wine tasting lunch, where they grow their own food and produce wines made from the Montefalco Sagratino grape brought to Umbria by Benedictine Monks. This is followed by shopping in Bevagna, where you will find the best cashmere in the world!30Of course, we can’t miss a walk through the historic town of Spoleto for sight-seeing and shopping. Then off to the olive mill for olive oil tasting at the mill that has been pressing oil for 600 years! It’s medicinal!!!  ️Finally, Assisi to tour the “Porziuncola” in Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Basilica of San Francesco, and lunch and shopping in Assisi. Our intention is for you to rest deeply, restore your spirit, practice yoga (all levels and beginners welcomed) and meditation, be in community, and open to the beauty of the sacred heart of Italy, her culture, and her people. The food and wine are delicious! The Italians are very serious about the purity of their foods, as you will hear about and enjoy. Italy is an immersive experience and has so much to offer those who are open and willing to be engaged. Giussepe is a healer, disguised as a masseuse, who offers massages that will leave you in another world. There have been some amazing experiences and stories of Guissepe’s massages. If want to join in on the retreat to these mystical lands, let me know by email, text, or DM me and we can set up a call to get your questions answered.  It’s near time to purchase plane tickets and confirm numbers with the Borgo della Marmotta Farm Resort, so don’t think too hard and long. The landscape of travel is different from pre-pandemic, so we suggest purchasing flight insurance.If this retreat is calling you, say yes! Date: November 2nd-9th 2022. Airport: Rome FCO – then a train to Spoleto (details will follow) Price: Double room: €2815 dollar exchange today is $2932 Single Room: €3200 dollar exchange today is $3332 While Italy is my ancestral home and in my blood, everyone who steps foot on her land becomes Italian. You won’t want to miss this. |
With love and appreciation, xoxo Paulette
| Paulette & Denise are not only exceptional yoga teachers; they are wise and insightful guides of the heart. Pack lightly (in every sense) and journey with them to this mystical and magical land! – D.P. |
