Reflexology and Yoga
6-13 April 2002

What an amazing week we had, a real adventure just as Benita had promised. The group were incredible, they gelled so well, it was an honor to witness. When thinking about what I wanted to achieve from the week, I wanted to introduce people to the beauty of this part of Spain and expose them to learning about themselves through learning about reflexology. Both of these were were fulfilled and the week for me was a great success.
The weather as always plays an important factor, the unexpected rain, wind and cold was a bit of a shock but with two beautiful days of sunshine we had a bit of everything. Malcolm and Shelly had created a beautiful setting at Cortijo de Santa Cruz and many thanks for their help throughout the week.

On the Sunday we recovered from our flights with yoga and started our reflexology sessions. Everyone was fascinated with the power of this technique and it was wonderful to give and receive within the group. We started with learning to stimulate the spine which complimented the work of the yoga. Benita is an inspiring teacher, her passion, experience and love of this healing art gave us real insight into its power.

Benita

On Monday a full day of yoga and reflexology and beautiful sunshine. In the reflexology sessions the atmosphere in the room was so healing with everyone enjoying the exchange. Everyone had their own way of dealing with this new challenge of learning something new, often this response is just a habit rather than a reasoned reaction to what is actually happening.

That afternoon we had a good session of dance with Rebecca which inspired everyone to move freely in their body. To the left is one of our sculptures. The process of freeing our body in movement throws much light on the process of freeing our minds-yoga

On Tuesday after lunch we set off in the rain to visit Granada, during our visit the sun began to shine. Here are some images...

The cool tranquil gardens of the Moorish rulers of Granada.

The intricate plaster cast patterns are staggering. Walls, ceilings and floors are covered with geometric designs and flowing phrases from the Koran.

On Wed we worked the digestive system using the reflexes and everyone felt the effects in some way or another!!
In the evening after dinner there was a poetry session led by Benita where we shared some pieces of writings close to our hearts, it was moving to read and hear these favorites. There certainly was some inspiration flying round, here are some poems composed during or about the week.

An inspiration by Asha

Thankyou for inviting me in
Thankyou for letting me go
Thankyou for giving me space
Thankyou for being so

Thankyou for opening your hearts
Thankyou for love and grace
Thankyou for being my friend
Thankyou for the peace

Thankyou for joy and laughter
Thankyou for sun and rain
Thankyou for sharing
we will all meet again

My Poem for the Day
By Vicky Monk

One day I'll return to the valley where
the orange trees grow, there perfume is
like a breath of spring drifting on the breeze.

We all feel the touch of the hills on our souls,
and the strength it has given us all, to regain
what's been lost, but has now been returned,
for us all to take back to our lives.

We will share what we've found, and will give
it for free, to inspire all not with us today.

My friends lets rejoice to the mountains and sky
to the wind that is tanning our skin, to the sun
and the rain and the night and the day, till the
time we will all meet again.

Here is another by Benita

The Course April 2002

The course was an adventure
right from the very start
arriving in the pouring rain
Don't worry - do take heart

The week was full of challenges
Of every kind we know
The weather, diet, heating
were there so we could grow

This group comprised bright spirits
Who were there to shine their light
We all learned from each other
As we talked into the night

One evening there was poetry
New poets they came through
Birth of creativity
So rich and such a flow

They went to the Alhambra
God took it in his hands
To let the sun come out and shine
As they gazed on Moorish lands

The trip to Pampaneira
Was such a lot of fun
A bit of retail therapy
Did fine instead of sun

And when we went to O Sel Ling
There we saw in the snow
A bed of yellow tulips
The llama in a glow

We all got fond of Carlos
His cooking a delight
His patience with our timing
Deserves to be a knight

Some ladies set off home
A mission they had in mind
To unblock their husband's sinuses
Leaving snoring behind

And so to the conclusion
A week we will not forget
Remembering our oneness
Our spirits did connect

On Thursday we had intended to walk in the mountains, this had to be postponed due to the heavy rain. A shame but we consoled ourselves with some retail therapy up in the mountain villages.
In the afternoon back at Cortijo de Santa Cruz there as a discussion of nutrition led by Benita which everyone found interesting as we all had something to share and learn.

On the way down one car had a puncture and despite the cold and a lack of experience, the ladies did a grand job of changing the wheel.

Carlos creating

So a big thank you to Carlos for feeding us so well and to Malcolm and Shelley for being such friendly hosts.

And finally, a big thanks to all those who came along to share and learn.