TantriCabo**

A Glimpse At Life on A Yoga Retreat

by Monica Stevens

There are different reasons people choose to go on a yoga retreat: to deepen their practice, to find clarity from the craziness of everyday life, to find solace or healing from an injury, personal or physical, or just to have fun. The reason does not matter in the end. So let's start from the beginning.

After patiently waiting what seemed an eternity (5 years), the stars aligned perfectly for me to reserve a spot in Jim Bennitt's tantric vinyasa yoga trip to Prana Del Mar located 15 miles north of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on a remote stretch of beach in the shadow of nearby mountains.

Whether you are a newbie who has never been on a yoga retreat, or an experienced retreater who has been on many, I would bet there are expectations about the place one is traveling to and whether spending a week with fellow practitioners will be a good fit -- from the accommodations, food provided, or making and keeping connections with new and old friends.

This first yoga retreat exceeded any expectation I had conjured in my mind, although I attempted to have none. Prana Del Mar, a self-sustaining center powered only by solar panels, ranks as high as a luxury hotel but without the snobbery, from the impeccable service to the gourmet pescatarian and vegetarian dishes. The staff accommodated every dietary need: gluten and dairy free, paleo, and even those of us who lack the cilantro gene. Muy Bueno! The grounds were meticulously maintained with manicured gardens of flowering cacti and indigenous plantings interspersed between zen-like rock formations and sand mandalas. Beautiful.

Erik, the owner of this magical place, put his heart and soul in creating an environment like none I had ever experienced. The trickle down effect of Erik's caring hospitality was felt with every staff member encountered.

As a yoga teacher and perennial student of yoga and life, I came on the retreat with a beginner's mind, taking in all the sights and sounds with the innocence of a newborn. My intention prior to arriving was to be off the grid: no emails, phone calls, Facebook, Instagram, television, etc. I thought it was so simple to just unplug, going cold turkey, as when I quit smoking cigarettes over three decades ago. It was difficult at first, like breaking any habitual pattern. But, it was easier knowing I was away from the stresses of daily life and not having activities scheduled, other than two yoga classes each day. How serendipitous that Erik said to us the first night there that one of the visions he has for Prana Del Mar is for it to be a place for those who would like to disconnect; that being off grid and offline can be challenging but presents an opportunity to connect on a more personal level.

Yoga twice a day allowed me to go deeper into some of the postures, which coalesced into my mind becoming clearer and body stronger. Jim's succinct teaching and clear instructions along with his dry wit gave us the confidence to move into each posture safely, whether a newer or advanced student.

Various excursions were offered throughout the week, including horseback riding, cliff hiking, and whale watching from a boat. Since deciding to go completely off the grid and focusing on stillness, there were no excursions in my plan. However, the moment I was hoping for had come true when, from my room, I spotted whales spouting whisks of ocean water from their blow holes and seeing fins and flukes appearing as a sign of "hola." Additionally, walking along the beach and listening to the crashing waves aided in deep sleep at night.

Meeting and getting to know all the people on this retreat helped me to learn more about myself. I have made new friends and have become closer to old friends. Best of all, going off the grid allowed me to realize that disconnecting is indeed a sure way to connect.

Birds fly in flocks

Whales swim in pods

Humans connect in communities

A yoga retreat can be a reflection of life. In the midst of all the beauty that surrounded us, a sudden illness befell one in our group, while the death of a loved one back home shortened another one's time with the group. The support of each person in their own way was priceless for those who needed it and those who offered it. What a community. I am honored to have crossed paths with each one of you and call you my friend.

Life is precious, appreciate the moment.

Confession time: Jim is one of my main teachers. He along with James Tennant have helped mold me and my alter ego "Yogi Chic" into the person I am today. Never intending to teach yoga when signing up for Tejas' teacher training/mentorship program, wanting only to "deepen my practice," I currently teach at Tejas. Never say never. I adore these two guys, from their heartfelt wisdom to their impeccable integrity.

**TantriCabo is an homage to Tantricago, an early morning self-practice at Tejas Yoga that has since evolved into the Guided Self-Practice Program.