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Ladies of Leisure and Laughter – Sri Lanka surf and yoga trip

Ladies of Leisure and Laughter – Sri Lanka surf and yoga trip

We can be connected and spiritual anywhere in the world, but it helps to create a space conducive to appreciation, connection and inspiration.  Palm trees, turqouise waters, Ayurvedic meals, an open aired yoga pavilion and fabulous company certainly help create this space.

If ever there was a week focused on rejuvenating the mind, nurturing the soul and fulfilling the heart, this was it.sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

This last surf and yoga escape in Sri Lanka was one for the books, or this blog at the least.  The weather was glorious.  The company welcoming.  Spirits were high.  Love plentiful.  Seriously, you would have thought this group of strangers were long lost friends.

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

I can barely come up with words to describe this week in paradise.  As the ladies arrived one by one to our sacred space on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka,  we all came looking for something a little different.  Some for waves, some to reconnect with friends and family, others to try yoga, to relax, and one particular mermaid came to gain her confidence surfing alone, without the help of a coach or a guide.  I can confidently say that we did it all, and more.

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

We woke up every morning to sit in silence, listening to the subtle sounds of the ocean and the leaves swaying far above us in the towering palm trees.  We meditated and explored a variety of yoga styles.  We surfed old spots and some new.  We snorkeled, walked through tea plantations and chatted with monks at local Buddhist temples. We read in hammocks and floated in the pool. There were moments of serenity and peace, and times of song and dance.

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha societyThe best part of the day for me was after our evening “relaxation-based” yoga class when we all would come together at the dinner table.  Belly laughs could be heard from miles away.  As girls do, we laughed at ourselves and the things we so often take seriously.  We talked about tricks to prevent aging, then we collectively agreed that the best thing we could do is free ourselves from all the creams and schemes and just enjoy life.  Make sure the wrinkles are worth it.  Live a life worth living.

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

The 12 ladies who joined us in Sri Lanka could not have been more different in so many ways.  Different ages, from different countries, different backgrounds and fueled by different passions in life.  Some surfed and others came to get over their fears of the ocean.  Some were experienced yoga teachers and others trying it for the first time.

Throughout the week, we learned so much about each other.  We talked about our passions and aspirations.  We found inspiration in the motivation and determination that each of us has for the things that set our souls on fire.  The stoke was contagious.

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

santosha society surf and yoga sri lankaThe thing about spending a week in paradise with an amazing group of women is that when there are 12 lights shining in the same space, the light is brighter, more intense.  With more light you can easily see the things you want to change about yourself, but more importantly you see the things that are actually quite beautiful in yourself, the things you should never change, the things that make you unique and special.

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

A flower can only grow to its fullest when bathed in light.  I can honestly say, I feel like a big part of me blossomed this week in Sri Lanka.  I grew to accept myself a little more, gained a lot of confidence and left energized for life’s adventures ahead of me.  I opened my heart to strangers and I fell madly in love.

Now back home, all of us scattered around the globe, I can still feel the warmth of these ladies’ light. Although I might have been the “yoga teacher” during this week, I feel that I learned so many lessons.   While some feel that you only learn lessons when times are dark and dreary,  it was through laughter and love that left me feeling stronger, more courageous and motivated to continue pursuing my dreams.   As Tracey and Mikaeli would say, “What a ridiculously amazing week!”sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

sri lanka surf and yoga santosha society

Thank you universe for bringing such amazingly strong and powerful women into my life.

Thank you ladies for all the love and laughter.

Thank you to those who supported us with thoughtful gifts such as Surf Yogis Sun protection and Surfistas Travelogue.

Thank you Philly Lewis and Stuart Smythe for the images you see on this page!

Endless gratitude.

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