Yogatraveller, La Source, Samoens, France - June 2nd, 2009

WoW! We have just come to the end of our first La Source, Alps - Yogatraveller week. Expectations were high! La Source is nothing like a hotel - more like a '21st Century Commune'! La Source and the mountains around us carries a magic energy that effects people deeply. Our guests often comment on it… ‘One of the most amazing experiences of my life so far…’ ‘..the amazing energy..’. This was our first ‘facilitated’ holiday and energy ran higher than ever. It was amazing!

The sun shined and the mountains gleamed. The spring flowers were sprouting colour before our eyes. We started off our yoga practice inside the beautiful dojo, but once we had established a rythmn and flow, we moved outside. We practiced under the Magnolia tree, in a field, by a lake and in the woods. We practiced asanas, pranayama, relaxation, meditation, laughter yoga, silent yoga….. The practice became more spontaneous and expansive as the week progressed. Not only were we becoming more flexible and strong in our bodies but in our mind – we shed layers and took steps towards greater potential.

Our wonderful guests came from all 4 corners of the earth – Dubai, Nimibia, Canada (via Indonesia), Italy, Russia and the UK (via Switzerland). ‘Bring on’ the solar plane!! We were an eclectic group but we laughed and learned a lot together.

Miriam was an Iyengar yogi, and there is no doubt that acclimatising to a much more fluid form of yoga can be a challenge - although I have just heard that she has been inspired to find a more energetic class back home. Simona had only ever practised in front her Nintendo DS, and was very happy to have a ‘real life’ teacher and has gone back to Milan to find one to perfect her headstand! Hanneke had to do the wheel barrow to realise her arms were strong enough to carry her body weight – and is now happy to see the world upside down. Marijke brought us lots of laughter and joy and had relentless energy. Natasha, aka, KGB, has gone back to Moscow with wings ready to quit her job and go travelling. Nicola brought us some mind-expanding ways of looking at life and ourselves…. Everyone contributed to the richness of the week!

During the day, there was a lot going on. Some hiked, rock climbed, visited the glaciers in Chamonix, went white water rafting, and shared mind expanding books.

We were all happy to meet back at La Source for a delicious wholesome meal and interesting conversation (Hannecke was most relieved that we were not austere purists running a regimented retreat.) On the chefs night off, our lovely Italian, Simona, offered to cook and has introduced coconut chocolate balls which we will become a highlight every holiday!

A few words from our guests:

'During this week you guys gave me so much, I can barely imagine how I will continue my life the way I have got used to living and working, etc.. Thank you so much for this experience.'

'This week at La Source was certainly one of the best experiences in my life'

There is nothing like a lot of laughing and the mountain air to get you in touch with your SOURCE!