Derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, Yoga means union of the individual consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit. Yoga is a 5000 year old Indian body of knowledge. Though many think of yoga only as a physical exercise where people twist, turn, stretch, and breathe in the most complex ways, these are actually only the most superficial aspect of this profound science of unfolding the infinite potentials of the human mind and soul.

(from http://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga)

 

Bocas is becoming one of the hottest international destinations for yoga retreats. In the next 2 months the Islands will host 2 retreats from International and local teachers.

The first of the two retreats will be held from September 19th to the 25th in Isla  Bastimento at the lovely resort Azul Paradise and will be hosted by Katherine Gardellin de Croston.

Katherine is a professional yoga Teacher and spends her time between California and Panama studying and teaching yoga, when she is not in India, also helping her partner in life, Neil Chritianson Founder of an NGO called Give and Surf in Bocas  that generously helps  local schools in the islands through surf experiences.

When I asked her to describe herself she replied with a definition of herself that I find beautiful and it combines perfectly with the magic of Bocas.

“My life… I am an adventurer looking for god every day in everything I do. I believe in the good and miracles, I try to not forget good in all I see, I speak, and do. Thats how yoga has changed me but mainly has reminded me of who I am. There is a lot of responsibility in life when you are aware but again there is lots of things that we can do or not, its up to us.

 

Katherine at the moment is still in California so we had a series of “questions and answers” by mail asking more about yoga and this new appointment with Bocas soon

For the second time in Bocas again for this double date (September 19-25 and October 3-9) most of your Retreat are in the Pacific side of Panama, why you’ve chosen a location like Azul Paradise  far away from the  main island and why Bocas and why did you chose to come, in these two   specific months September and October.

“Because during September there is this Indian summer that happens in Bocas which gives us mostly sunny days and also very clear & still waters ! Perfect for retreats. Azul people are friends and also they take care of the land and the nature as much as we would, that makes us choose them again.”

 

Yoga is an ancient philosophy and ancient discipline, and more and more is conquering its space in the world even if human nature goes toward an increasingly technological world how do you think Yoga in itself, is changing the way people think and why do you think people are  getting closer and more ‘to yogi world.”

“People are tired of their own ways, we are tired of the constant stimulous that we get outside but there is a constant seeking for happiness that happens only inside. Thats what yoga gives you. It is an awareness method that starts in your body but ends up in your soul.”

 

Azul Paradise is a  Resort that offers itself for its beauty to this type of retreats, what does yours offer and what does it includes?

The Retreat offers everything. From pickup at the airport to your stay at wonderful location, all delicious macro-biotic vegetarian meals prepared with love by amazing chef Erin Moens, daily yoga classes and meditations, drum circles, shamanic rituals, and all the amenities inside the hotel such kayaks, paddle boards and more. You can also participate as a daily visitor, arriving in the morning and leave in the evening from Azul Paradise  Island Bastimento

 

You were born in Panama but at the same time you have traveled a lot around the world, what is the thing you like most in Bocas del Toro?

“I love Panama and its nature, the Bocas traditions conquered my heart with its caribbean flavors, turquoise waters, the active scenario around surf, the  people and the simplicity of living around the islands keep me coming back for more.”

 

In this journey you are not alone, who accompanies you, tell them

“Erin Moens from San Francisco is a reknown chef, Carolina Lescure from Panama,  is a thai massage specialist, and me I am an international yoga teacher giving away dharma talks, yoga classes and native healings. There will be Special surprise guests who we bring to offer more on site too.”

 

If you would like to partecipate please contact them directly t  love@yorepa.com

Or check www.yorepa.com and don’t miss the occasion to partecipate to one of this retreat in Bocas del Toro!!