Labyrinths have been a part of human culture since ancient times. Though their individual designs may vary, the basic premise seems to be rooted in a fundamental archetype of human consciousness that recurs throughout recorded history.

An Introduction to Labyrinths

Though there are labyrinths with multiples paths, the most common ones are unicursal – meaning they consist of only a single path. That path is a complex and circuitous journey that leads from the outside through various twists and turns to the center and then back again. With the destination never in doubt and with no place to get lost along the way, walking the labyrinth becomes a meditative journey rather than a puzzle to master. In this way, the path of the labyrinth offers an internal exploration rather than an external one.

Ancient labyrinths have been found in multiple cultures dating back at least as far as the Bronze Age – from India to the Mediterranean to southern Africa to the Americas. Various designs are carved in petroglyphs or etched on pottery or stamped on early coins. Perhaps the most famous historical example is the labyrinth at Knossos which, in mythological lore, was designed by Daedalus and imprisoned the Minotaur.

Labyrinths continued to flourish during the medieval period when the Chartres Labyrinth was inlayed in the floor of the nave of Chartres Cathedral in France. It still exists to this day and has become a site of pilgrimage over the centuries for those coming to commune with the divine.

That tradition of seeking out greater understanding and deeper wisdom continues today and may be part of the reason why labyrinths are more popular than ever. With greater awareness of the value of meditation and the positive impact that mindfulness can have, many people are realizing that the relaxation and clarity that comes from walking a labyrinth can positively impact their lives.

Yoga Retreats & Labyrinths: Inner Journeys

Since the act of embarking on a yoga retreat is a journey of self-exploration, it seemed only natural that we should add a labyrinth to our property to complement the experience. On an open section of land near our beach, we’ve built a simple, stone labyrinth that offers the perfect location for walking meditation and quiet contemplation.

Whether you are looking to clear your mind entirely or, perhaps, place focus and intention on one particular aspect of your life or question that you may have, a labyrinth can serve as a tool to assist you. Integrating mindful movement, focused concentration, and an openness to insight can set the stage for greater clarity and understanding to arise spontaneously.

Oftentimes, guests will head out to the labyrinth solo, following its winding pathway to the center, rest there for a time, and then retrace their steps back out. There is something soothing and rhythmic about following the circuit of a labyrinth. It allows the analytic mind the chance to take a break from navigation, opening you to an intuitive viewpoint that might resonate more deeply. Though you inevitably arrive at the same place you started, rarely is your perspective the same upon exiting.

It’s also powerful to witness a group walking the labyrinth together, each at their own pace. Though everyone treads the same path, all particpants their own individual journey. Guests pass one another in silence or with a discreet nod or acknowledgement, understanding that – while sharing a similar trajectory – they also experience unique sensations and insights along the way. Spending time together, simultaneously in motion and in silence, can be very powerful.

Metaphorically, your path to the center of a labyrinth can be seen as a journey to the deepest part of yourself. And the path outward can be your return back into the world – hopefully, with a greater sense of clarity and renewed energy.

Being on retreat allows you to step away from everyday life for a time to gain perspective and to reassess your priorities. Within the context of a yoga retreat, walking a labyrinth can distill that experience even further. It creates an opportunity for mindfulness and self-discovery – and prepares you to take what you learn during your time away and apply it upon your return.

So when you come to visit us, pause on your walk back from the beach sometime. Take a moment to set an intention or ask yourself a question – and then embark on a little journey within our labyrinth. You may be surprised what you discover.

Yoga’s popularity has exploded in recent years. No longer the domain of just the New Age crowd or inconceivably flexible folk, yoga has gone mainstream as recent studies extol its benefits – from improving strength and balance to reducing stress to helping heal chronic injuries and pain.

Increasingly, people from diverse backgrounds are recognizing the positive effects that this ancient tradition can have on life in our modern world. Many of them have become curious about yoga retreats as a way to explore yoga in greater depth.

Whether you already practice yoga, or are just wondering what all the buzz is about, here are 7 fantastic reasons why a yoga retreat could be your perfect vacation: 

1. Deepen your practice with expert guidance

Even if you’re new to yoga, there’s no reason to be intimidated by the thought of a yoga retreat. Experienced teachers cater to all abilities and will modify poses for multiple skill levels. Beginners will learn foundational skills that will build a solid base of understanding, and seasoned practitioners will get to explore the more challenging and profound aspects of yoga. Some people are drawn to yoga for the physical benefits while others are more focused on the spiritual aspects of the practice. Whichever appeals to you, you’ll learn new techniques and deepen your understanding of yoga and all it can offer. You’ll explore aspects of the practice beyond just the poses, enriching your appreciation for this ancient tradition and the practical ways that it can help you make positive changes in your life.

2. Gain clarity by focusing on yourself

Life at home can be hectic; many of us wake up each day to a tight schedule filled with obligations, responsibilities, and commitments. A yoga retreat gives you the opportunity to step away from the outside world and concentrate your attention on what is most important to you – what you’re passionate about and what feels most meaningful. If you’re wrestling with personal or professional issues, a retreat can provide the perfect setting to bring those concerns into sharper focus and to help you recognize what steps you need to take to get back on the right track.

3. Relax, renew, and revitalize

Most retreats are set in remote locales, close to nature and far from the pressing concerns of the outside world. In this safe space, you get a unique chance to slow down, unwind, and sink into a more relaxing rhythm. Spend time walking the beach or hiking in the mountains, swimming in the pool or soaking in the hot tub, curled up on the couch with a good book or napping in a hammock. Pamper yourself with a massage or another spa treatment and let your daily worries melt away. We get so used to carrying tension with us everyday that we almost forget how freeing it can be to let all of it go and enjoy that sense of relaxation that we both need and deserve.

4. Get healthy from the inside out

In addition to daily yoga and meditation practices, you’ll also be treated to delicious, healthful cuisine while on retreat. Fresh, nutritious meals – lovingly prepared with intention by the retreat chefs – will nourish your body, mind, and spirit. If you’re traveling far from home, you’ll likely get to sample foods you’ve never tried before, so be open to new flavors and local delicacies. You will doubtless learn new recipes and raise your awareness of how much impact the food you consume can affect your sense of well-being. When you recognize how good you feel, you’ll realize that you want to feel this way all the time.

5. Establish healthier habits

An important lesson that you’ll learn while on retreat is how to integrate all of this newfound awareness into your everyday life back at home. Your time away is only the beginning, and the real rewards will come as you make healthier choices on a daily basis. You’ll find yourself choosing fresher, healthier, whole foods rather than processed or packaged options because you’ll notice the difference in how they make you feel. Though you might not be able to make it a local studio for class every day, you can probably find 10-20 minutes where you can take time for a few postures and a couple of breathing exercises. Who knows, you may even find yourself getting up a bit earlier each day to sneak in some morning meditation. Though these may seem like small adjustments, you’ll be surprised by how powerful the ripple effect can be as these changes shift your perspective and transform the way you feel.

6. Meet like-minded people

On a yoga retreat, you’re likely to encounter a wide range of folks converging from many different places – all of whom share a common interest in health, well-being, and travel. You’re bound to meet lots of interesting people with fascinating stories to tell. You may be surprised at how easily and naturally you connect with others, as superficial barriers quickly dissolve and you relate with other participants in a more authentic way. Oftentimes, lifelong friendships will blossom that long outlast the retreat itself. Shared experiences help to forge deep bonds that can create profound and lasting connections.

7. Have fun!

While the primary emphasis of such a retreat is naturally yoga, you’ll also find that there are often many additional adventurous, inspiring, and exciting activities for you to take part in. For instance, many retreats offer surf lessons, horseback rides, hiking excursions, sea kayaking trips, and cooking classes. Perhaps you can go out whale watching or participate in a baby sea turtle release. There may be local towns to explore for shopping or cultural experiences. And, of course, yoga itself doesn’t have to be serious all of the time. One of the primary purposes of yoga is to help you find what brings you joy so that you, in turn, can share that joy with the rest of the world.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re just looking to relax and recharge on a yoga vacation or to dive deep into the ancient wisdom of yoga and truly transform, a yoga retreat is an experience that will make a lasting, positive impact on your life in so many ways. Jump in – and enjoy!

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words.
          – Robert Frost

We’re so touched by a poem shared with us by a returning guest, Jane White, who expressed in beautiful verse how she felt during her recent retreat with us. We hope that you’ll enjoy it as much as we have. Thank you, Jane!

There is an impossible place
where the ocean and the desert meet;
souls are called here
by deep rolling waves
whispering wisdom
to the twitching ears of jack rabbits
jumping quick to catch every word.

They come to shift through the sands of time stored here,
where each grain holds infinite knowledge
guarded by ancient Saguaro
always at attention.

They come searching for themselves
in the fresh eyes of friends not yet met
and in the smiles of old friends not forgotten.

Together the souls dwell here for a while,
communing with wise jack rabbits
questioning cacti
contemplating grains of sand
to the distant sound of cow bells
and learning how sea spray
is turned into stars
by the dusky twilight.

But they must leave this place,
this impossible place;
for its magic contains a mission
for those who find it
and are open to all it has to offer.

When it is time
and they have been kissed by the sun
and blue sky threaded with white hope
settles on their shoulders,
the souls leave
carrying in their hearts
the possibilities of the impossible
to share with the rest of the world.

          – Jane White, 2015

We are so thrilled to introduce the newest member of the Prana del Mar family. Baby
Ema was born on Saturday, September 20th at 2:26pm in La Paz – just six days after Hurricane Odile swept through Los Cabos and the Baja peninsula.

She weighed in at a very healthy 3.5 kilos (7 lbs 11 ounces) and measured 52cm (20.5 inches). Both baby and mother are doing well.

We apologize for the delay in getting you all the news, but life has been a bit turbulent these last couple of weeks with preparations for the coming season. Fortunately, Ema patiently weathered Odile in utero, where it was nice and warm and safe.

We are very excited for that she has arrived and is getting acquainted with her new surroundings. We can’t wait for you to meet her. Please come down soon and bring plenty of hugs and kisses!

Sometimes it’s hard to believe how much cuteness can fit in the palm of your hand. Or how much fun you can have digging in the sand – especially when you’re helping to rescue and release baby sea turtles. This season, we’ve been organizing regular excursions for guests to get elbow deep in the sand, helping local researchers and preservationists to clean sea turtle nests – and giving the baby turtles a helping hand on their journey to their new home in the ocean. It’s an inspiring way to see the natural cycle up close, to learn about the turtles and their habitat, and to assist those who are making a real difference in sea turtle survival rates.

Local non-profit preservation group Asupmatoma works tirelessly to patrol Pacific beaches, relocate sea turtle nests to safe areas to ensure the highest yield among the eggs, assist the baby turtles as they hatch, and educate the public about these special creatures and the threats to their habitat. There are three primary turtle species that nest on the beaches near Prana del Mar – Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Green turtles – with the Olive Ridleys (know as golfinas in Spanish) being the vast majority. All of these varieties are currently endangered, though conservation efforts have been fruitful in helping the populations to recuperate. By involving locals and visitors of all ages, Asupmatoma is raising awareness both in the local Los Cabos area and abroad – and creating special memories for people that will last a lifetime.

Each evening during nesting season, the biologists and volunteers from Asupmatoma scour the beach for the telltale signs of new turtle nests. They then carefully extract the eggs from their original locations and move them to a protected corral on the beach where they rebury them in the sand – taking care to create optimal conditions for maximum yield – to ensure their safety during the 45-day incubation period. It’s important to accurately replicate the conditions of a natural nest and to place them at a spot on the beach where the ambient temperature under the sand is in the low-80s (about 27° C). If the temperature is too high, then the majority of the hatchlings will be female; if the temp is too low, then the majority will be male. In the wild, anywhere from 10% to 50% of the eggs will hatch, depending upon conditions. At our local hatchery, over 80% of the eggs hatch with viable baby sea turtles.

As volunteers, we are lucky enough to assist the biologists in cleaning the nests to make sure none of the young turtles is left behind, digging down deep in the sand until we have removed all of the hatchlings, the remnants of their eggshells, and any infertile eggs. In nature, some of the last turtles to hatch often get buried under the weight of the sand as it compacts around them after their siblings have dug themselves out of the nest. So visitors are doing real rescue work as they clean the nest to make sure all survivors get the chance to make it to the ocean. The baby turtles often emerge from the nest a little groggy at first, but once they feel the sun on their shells and hear the ocean, they get pretty animated and their little flippers start propelling them around the small holding pen. An accurate count is made for the scientific records, and then we’re off to the shoreline to let them scamper free toward the next phase of their journey.

As the sun sinks low on the horizon, dipping into the Pacific, we spread the newly-hatched turtles along the sand about 30 feet from the water’s edge. Their instincts are strong and they immediately begin to scamper toward the water – several eager ones make a beeline directly for the surf and others who are still getting used to life outside the nest amble at a more moderate pace. It’s exciting to watch them paddle their flippers over the sand and inch their way towards the water, with the foam of each successive wave getting closer and closer to carrying them off into the Pacific. Though short, this journey across the beach is important. The turtles have subtle sensors on the undersides of their shells that imprints upon the texture of the beach. When the females become adults and are ready to create nests of their own, they will return to the same beach upon which they hatched some 15-20 years earlier – and will continued to come back each year to nest. Those 10 minutes of scuttling across the beach of their birth will stay with them for a lifetime – potentially 100 years or more – just as it has for the generations that preceded them.

It feels satisfying and humbling to witness such an important part of this cycle of regeneration and to realize that the same turtles released here throughout this season will continue to return for decades. One day, in fact, our great-grandchildren could visit this same coastline and witness the hatching of one of their future nests. With any luck – combined with the hard work and dedication of the biologists and volunteers of organizations like Asupmatoma – perhaps by then, they will no longer need a helping hand from us.

Yoga teacher Renee Gauthier is returning to visit us this December to host her second yoga retreat at Prana del Mar. She recently wrote an article on why she chose to schedule a retreat the week prior to Christmas and why she thinks it is so important to take a step back during that time of year – to reflect on the past, to embrace the present, and to set intention for the future.

 
December and I have a complicated relationship. Being raised with both Christmas and Hanukkah traditions, having my birthday right before Christmas, attending multiple holiday parties and New Year’s Eve, means that life in December teds to be extremely busy. It can be tiring just thinking about it!

It’s also an exciting time of the year and, mostly, I do love this season for the opportunities to see friends and family, indulge in yummy foods, and focus on my sense of gratitude for all the blessings in my life. The trick is how to enjoy the holidays fully without ending up exhausted. Therefore, I decided to organize a yoga retreat during the holidays as an alternative to all the busy energy of the season. To some, this seems like not-the-best time of year to retreat: too much going on, too much to prepare for, not enough money after buying all the presents. However, I figured there must be folks out there looking for a way to escape, relax, and recharge. Also, I led a yoga retreat at Prana del Mar this May and couldn’t wait to make another trip back! So here are 10 reasons to consider retreating this holiday season:

1. Invest in your well being.
   De-stress and recharge from daily life. When we take time to nurture ourselves, we are more productive, less likely to get sick, more relaxed, and happier. This energy has an impact on our work, our relationships, and our overall well-being.
2. Prepare for the new year with a renewed you.
   Take time to reflect on the past year. With time and space away from our everyday routines, we can focus on clarifying our visions and intentions for the coming year. This can be a time to jumpstart New Year’s resolutions that seem so hard to maintain. Our New Year’s resolutions then change from starting something new, to remembering and honoring the positive things we are already doing.
3. Avoid too many holiday parties.
   Don’t get me wrong. I love parties. And often I have a party in December. But with the numerous holiday parties out there, we can all get a little partied out. Having a special trip planned is a great reason not to feel obligated to say yes to all the holiday invitations.
4. Avoid the mall.
   Need I say more?
5. Treat your body to healthy, delicious meals while skipping the surplus of holiday treats.
   It’s difficult to say no to the abundance of treats around the holidays, as temptation abounds. When we surround ourselves with healthy, delicious, and beautiful meals, we are less inclined to crave unhealthy foods. And by retreating into a slower, more relaxed pace, we are more likely to be in tune with our body’s needs. The chefs at Prana del Mar are amazing! Each meal is an absolute treat to the senses. The colorful and beautiful presentations are exciting to see. And then sitting down to enjoy the array of healthy, clean, and creative delights is truly an inspiration to continue this way of eating after the retreat.
6. Be active in a beautiful place.
   For those of us who tend to slow down and feel less motivated in the colder winter weather, being in a warm, beautiful place can inspire us to be more active. Prana del Mar is an ideal place to enjoy the healing energy of being immersed in nature. The expansive beach, the deep blue ocean, the rugged desert landscape, and the fantastic mountain views all nourish the soul and invite us to be outside in nature.
7. Spare the environment from unwanted gifts and too much wrapping paper.
   Let’s face it. Re-gifting is kind of rude. But what do you do with those gifts that you really don’t need or want? And wrapping paper? Hopefully, it goes into the recycling, but not always, and even then it was created by cutting down a tree. Meaningful gifts are wonderful – especially those that you put particular thought into or even made yourself for someone special. Set an example of living simply and participating less in the consumer culture of holiday overspending on material items.
8. Come home feeling refreshed and re-energized and with more love and energy to give to your family and friends.
   I come from a large family and community of friends, so I understand the desire to be close to loved ones during the holidays. But so often many of us lose connection to our own rhythm while trying to keep up with so many social obligations. By taking a few days of tranquility for yourself, this not only benefits you, but also sets an example that it’s OK to take time and space to focus on your well-being. And when you return, refreshed and renewed, you will have more energy to share with your loved ones.
9. Reconnect with this part of yourself.
   Being on a retreat can help us to remember parts of ourselves that sometimes get lost in the shuffle of life. Slowing down, going inward and reconnecting with ourselves on a deep level can help us to remember the balance, inner calm, and harmony that’s already inside. We retreat to remember, and to carry that energy back with us into daily life.
10. Why not?

This retreat has already passed, but if you’d like to see other retreat that we offer, please visit our Calendar of upcoming retreats. Treat yourself to an amazing, uplifting and rejuvenating experience. We look forward to welcoming you!

The Dog Prana (Prana Perruno in Spanish) project was established 3 months ago with the idea of assisting a local dog shelter by training a couple of dogs at a time to make them more adoptable. Mariana, one of our managers, rented a small parcel very close by and – with the help of some volunteers made it “dog-safe” and named it Prana Perruno.

After first setting it up, Mariana quickly realized that there was much more that could be done, so Dog Prana started collaborating with all the dog shelters in the Los Cabos area. She currently takes in up to 5 dogs at a time from the Humane Society that have already been adopted by people in Canada or the U.S. and that are just waiting for a ride to their new homes abroad. This enables the Humane Society to shelter other dogs that have not yet found someone to adopt them and are still seeking a permanent home.

While they are here, the dogs receive basic training: learning to walk with a leash, sit, come, and other basic commands. Mariana assists in their continued rehabilitation as well. Dogs in shelters or that have lived in the streets for some time, tend to compete for everything and can become somewhat aggressive towards other dogs (or people) for food, toys, a place to rest, and even for love and attention. Often, they don’t know how to play with each other or with humans; they don’t know how to behave as a loved pet usually would. So Dog Prana provides a transitional space where they can begin the adjustment process, learn new behavior, and move more freely than they could within the confines of a kennel.

Mariana and Benjamin also organize a weekly event at Prana del Mar to raise funds for the project. They offer a raffle and sometimes bring live music to enliven those evenings. With the money raised, they pay rent on the land and buy food for the dogs at Dog Prana as well as for those at the Humane Society of Los Cabos and El Ranchito Dog Shelter. Additional donations in cash are also made in special cases for dogs that are in particularly bad condition and need medicine or physical rehabilitation.

Dog Prana helps to promote adoptions of the dogs and cats found in shelters, raise awareness regarding free sterilizations, and even tries to find escorts among our guests who are willing allow an adopted dog to hitch a ride with them back to the U.S. or Canada after their retreat with us. If you are planning to come to Prana del Mar or the Los Cabos area and you would like to visit Dog Prana or get more info on how you can help, please contact Mariana via email. You can also “like” the Facebook page.

Mariana also would like to express her personal gratitude for the circumstances in her life that have made it possible for her to help these dogs and do what she truly loves. It has led her to a deeper bond with our guests here at Prana del Mar as well as to many other people who also love animals and wish to protect them. She is very thankful for the help and support of all those who have taken an interest in Dog Prana, especially her husband Benjamin who has contributed his energy and assistance throughout the development of the project.

We’re very proud of Mariana’s efforts, her dedicated service, and all that she has already accomplished. If you’re interested in the welfare of animals, we hope that you’ll ask her about Prana Perruno the next time you come to visit. If you’d like, she’d be happy to introduce you to some new friends!