I recently attended the "Wake up with Wellness" retreat that was held during the "Taste of the SYV" weekend. It was a crisp, cool, morning out Foxen Canyon Rd at Koehler Winery. There were Emu's wandering the property and our event was up on the Tree house Deck, right were the Emu's could wander around us. We participated in the Sound bath & Restorative Yoga portion of the retreat. There was also another mini retreat of 'Make your own' Essential Oils class going on simultaneously.
The restorative yoga was a new experience for my husband and I, and we both found it to be very relaxing and a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. After the yoga, they concluded with a sound bath healing with Lisa Jay, in which I had attended a sound bath healing with her before, and that is what drew me into attending this event. It was very healing, relaxing, and renewing to spend the morning with others, while Emu's made noises around us. There is nothing more grounding and uplifting than crystal bowls humming all around you, the sound reverberating throughout your whole being. I believe I drifted off at some point and didn't even realize I was outside in Los Olivos anymore, but transported to another world. If you haven't done a sound bath healing, I highly recommend it.
I also think Yoga with Emu's could catch on, much like 'Yoga with goats.'....
If you haven't been to the Santa Ynez Valley, I highly recommend coming up for a visit, there is a sacred space out here, and to be able to attend this event was so special. The views around us, were breathtaking.
VWC really thought of everything, after yoga and sound we were definitely thirsty and hungry. Kelly and her team even had a light fare that was provided afterward, there were snacks and Koehler offered a wine flight tasting afterwards, which was wonderful. VWC (Valley Wellness Collective) even included a small take home gift from the retreat. It was a beautiful way to celebrate taking care of ourselves, as self-care has been a new running theme for us.
I look forward to what else Kelly and her team of Wellness Providers dream up next, at their next retreat/event. I am even excited about VWC Holiday Market coming up on the 23rd of November back out at Koehler Winery, (1pm to 4pm) celebrating local artisans selling their custom made wares.
We really needed something like this in the Valley, and I'm grateful she (Kelly) has made it a reality here. It was well supported, and everything was well managed and effortless. read more