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Soulful Stillness: I went on a three-day yoga retreat, and this is what I discovered
After more than two years, I was able to practice an in-person yoga session just in time for International Yoga Day in June.
Since then, I've been eager to look for in-person classes around Metro Manila just because I miss sharing energy with my fellow yogis on the mat and getting a glimpse of how things used to be before the pandemic happened. My pursuit for this normalcy led me to one of the retreat offerings of Soul Speak, a mindfulness and yoga initiative led by Nella Lomotan and Moshe Rey.
It was like the stars aligned just for me to attend their Soulful Stillness retreat in August. Back then, I could only afford two days off work, so I was hesitant at first to join because it was a three-day retreat in Zambales. But when I checked the calendar, the retreat schedule landed on a long weekend commemorating Ninoy Aquino Day. So I guess it was the universe's way of telling me to get a break from the busy streets of Manila and delve deep into the serenity of the province of Zambales.
And so I went.
It took us almost five hours to arrive at Sambali Beach Farm in Botolan, Zambales. But the moment I stepped down from the van and saw the lush greens of the resort, I knew right then and there that I was in for a treat.
We started our first day with an intention-setting circle where we had to pick an oracle card that would guide us on the three-day retreat we were about to embark on. As for me, I picked the Frog Spirit card, which means to "clear out the clutter." After that, it was up to us how we would translate the card into our current life situation, and surprisingly, my card resonated with me. During that time, I translated the "clutter" as the people and things in my life that don't do me good but still keep around. For me, it was like a reminder to let go of the things and people that don't serve me well. From that moment on, I realized that, maybe, I needed this retreat more than I knew.
After that intense intention-setting with my fellow retreat joiners, I got to spend a little "me time" exploring the resort, which boasts expansive areas for you to walk on and bask in the wonders of nature.
We had our first yoga practice in front of the beach during sunset, which was the highlight of my first day in Sambali. I love doing yoga, and I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying and sharing it with the people close to me and through my writing. Since I started practicing it in 2018 until now, it has made me discover so much about myself and what my body is capable of. While it keeps me physically active, yoga has also played a huge role in my mental fitness.
The second day of the retreat involved going on a hidden river in Botolan for a bit of trekking, mindful walking, and river dipping. I couldn't remember the last time I bathed in a river and forgot how calming the streams were, but this trip reminded me of it. During our river visit, I spent most of my time lying down on the rocks while enjoying the running water flowing through me. It was so relaxing.
Later that day, teacher Moshe and Sarah guided us on group breathwork and an acupressure detox session. According to teacher Sarah, acupressure on the ears helps for a good night's rest and sleep. True enough, I slept like a baby that night.
The last day was the most liberating one for me. After our detoxifying yoga class at 7 a.m., we had all the free time to wander around the property and conclude whatever we gained from the three days we just spent together. I had one-on-one Reiki and Soul Coaching sessions with teacher Moshe and Teacher Sarah on our last day, but that's for another story because what I discovered about myself during those sessions made me tear up and solidified why I needed to embark on this retreat journey.
To say that I gained new insights about my life through this retreat is an understatement. Through Soulful Stillness, I met several incredible women from different walks of life who share the same passion for yoga and inspire me to live my life in the best way possible. We started as strangers sharing our deepest troubles on the first day, and we became supportive hands to hold on the third day as we held space for each other.
Earlier this year, I also joined Soul Speak's Masungi Soul retreat, where we trekked the beautiful mountains of Masungi Georeserve and breathed the fresh air of Baras, Rizal. It was a one-day retreat for those looking for a quick breather away from the city. But joining Soulful Stillness in Zambales made me realize how important it is to set time for you and yourself alone to reset and recalibrate because, oftentimes, one day is simply ain't enough.
Aside from Masungi Soul and Zambales Soulful Stillness, Soul Speak also offers other retreats in other Philippine destinations such as Mt. Purro Soul in Antipolo, an overnight stay in farm-style cottages, yoga and mindfulness sessions, a river trek, and occasionally, sound healing. Meanwhile, Palawan Soul is for those seeking a detox retreat to recenter, renew, and recharge the soul in a more pristine environment in El Nido, Palawan.
If you made it through the end of this article, then this is your reminder that self-care should also be your priority. So, whether or not it's through Yoga or other forms of activity that bring you rest and peace of mind, do it.
—MGP, GMA News
