November 13

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Raw Transylvania Adventure – Impressions

Where do you start describing what seems to be existing in a different dimension? That’s how I feel about the first retreat we’ve ever done: a different time-space continuum, that still prevails and continues to exist parallel to our daily lives we’ve come back to since then. Here’s why.



If I were to summarise it in a paragraph these would be my favourite moments: we juiced, we blended, we laughed until we couldn’t breath anymore, we raved at 8 am, we made food and played with it, we learnt, we explored the surroundings and met the locals, we had documentary screenings, we debated them, we danced, we played games, we enjoyed massages, we sat by the fire, we meditated, we did yoga, we ate wild food on our walks, we’ve seen a bear, we lost weight( a collective of almost 25 pounds!), we went to Dracula’s castle with beetroot juice in jars (that was a great toast!), we’ve seen snow, we celebrated Diwali, we’ve connected, we got to know each others and have grown together. In a nutshell we had a blast! 

The next Raw Transylvanian Adventure will take place in spring time next year, so you’ve got plenty of time to decide if you want to join us. As soon as we open the application process you’ll be the first to find out. Until then keep an eye on us and our UK weekend retreats coming up early 2015. 
 

 

One of our main focuses at the retreat was being mindful in what we were doing, when we ate especially, but also during yoga practice, hikes and nature walks. Why am I stressing this so much? Because often we are so taken away from the present moment that we end up living either in the past or the future and always wondering where did time go by. How often do you find yourself eating a plate full of food and not knowing when you finished it? 

By focusing on your breath, on your food and the act of eating you are being present in the moment and allowing yourself to experience your food fully. In this way not only you will learn that you eat less, but also the food will be better digested and absorbed, leading to a healthier digestion and gut, as well added extra energy. Whenever you spend 25- 30 minutes chewing your food you end up having to spend less energy on digestion which will give you a lighter feeling after each meal. How would it be to have your meals and feel instantly energized rather than the so common afternoon crash? 
 

Aside eating mindfully we’ve practiced daily meditation which was amazing to experience every morning, and for me to lead. You’ll be surprised what a short 15 minutes meditation or a few yoga sequences can do in as little as 7 to 14 days of practice. 

This study shows for the first time that patients that were practicing mindfulness meditation have experienced positive physical results at cellular level. Finally! I have heard that before first hand and I read stories of people that have changed their health at both physical and psychical levels, but these are not recognised as treatment options by the general public. The good news is that we are getting there and we will have more of these studies to bring into mainstream, thus more available for everyone to use them, the old meditation practices. 
 

Nevertheless, you don’t have to be experiencing ill health to practice mindfulness. An ounce of prevention is a pound of cure and a practice like this can only enrich your life. That’s why I’d like to challenge you to meditate for the next 7 days. You may pick a guided meditation of your choice or simply practice in stillness, clearing your mind, accepting the thoughts that are coming through but not focusing on them.  If you don’t have a preferred one I suggest a guided meditation on mindfulness and joy that I use. You can listen to it in the mornings or evenings before sleep and even on the train or tube to work. It makes wonders at rush hour when you’re all calm and serene with your headphones plugged into this. I would love to know how you’re getting along with it and please let me know after 7 days how you feel and what is your take on this.

Until next time, lots of peace and love! 

To your thriving health,
Denisa xxo

 

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our video for a full peek into our adventure. 

 

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