I have loved travelling ever since I was a kid. I got my first paper route when I was 10 so that I could save up enough money to fly to Alberta to visit my aunt, uncle and cousin when I found out they were moving there. By the time I was 12 I had enough saved up (with the help of a couple of birthday presents), so I flew on my own from Toronto to Calgary for the visit. My parents had to write a letter committing me to the care of the airline, and outlining who would be allowed to pick me up once we landed. I still remember that trip like it was yesterday, and the feelings of nervousness and excitement I felt about travelling on my own, the pride I felt at having set and accomplished a goal, and the awe I felt when I finally saw the mountains.
Since then, I have continued to travel, as often as I can, and to as many new places as I am able to. I still experience those same feelings of excitement and awe when planning and embarking on a new trip each time. I love looking at photos of far away places, and dreaming about what it would be like to visit.
In recent years, it has become a dream of mine to host a yoga retreat in a beautiful, peaceful location. I have found that there is something about getting away from regular life that really allows you to tune in and focus on your practice. You can take time to practice asana, meditate, journal, and learn about another place to gain perspective. There are fewer interruptions in the form of phone calls, emails, social media, television and even traffic. I also always find that meeting people who have similar passions or goals inspires me in a way that is completely different than practicing on my own. I would love to share all of this so that you too can experience these benefits.
Beginning in the near future, I will be offering a local, Ontario-based weekend retreat. In addition, I hope to offer a week long retreat somewhere a bit further away early in 2020. If you feel like a retreat involving yoga, meditation, hiking and quiet time would refresh and restore you and you’d like to learn more when the information becomes available, please sign up for my newsletter and click the “Yoga Retreats” box. As well, if you have location suggestions or requests, I would love to hear from you! Email me at info@nicoleallison.ca.
Yoga With Nicole Allison 