Global Soul Adventures
bali birdbath flowers
Issue: #3   February 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
Upcoming Trips
Yoga - True Flexibility
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2009 kicks off with lots of LIGHT!
 
copacabana new years Dear Soul Adventurers,

With fireworks 10-fold, live music blaring a non-stop rhythm, rain drops falling, sand beneath our toes and the summer heat building, the New Year began (for a group of us) on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with quite an entry!  Lots of LIGHT (from the simultaneous fireworks shows that covered the expanse of the beach) was present.... and I believe this held far more representation than the spectacle before our eyes.  This may be the year that we are spending honoring that light inside of us that flares up when we think of somewhere we would like to go or something we would like to experience.... so, what is IT that lights you up?

For some of you, it may be one of our upcoming journeys to Bali, Indonesia, Copan Ruínas & Roatan, Honduras, or Queensland, Australia (see below for more details!)

As 2009 settled in, I began to think that the GSA Circular needs to incorporate two major changes:

1.  It should be sent monthly, so you are kept apprised of travel news, upcoming trips, and other goodness with more frequency.

2.  It should no longer be a newsletter based on the seasons... because only 1/2 of the world is experiencing whichever season is selected.  Therefore, to be all-inclusive of our global community, GSA Circulars will now be named by the month.

And there's more.... there will be at least one "Something to play with" idea for living your yoga, and another "Did you know?" section specifically for a bit of travel advice.

May this year offer all of the travel dreams you wish... and it is my dream to help you create and embark on these journeys if you don't see them offered. 

LIGHT it up!

volcano sunrise - bali
Our Soul Adventures.... oh my!  Honduras, Bali & Australia await you!
Whether you are feeling called to the Mayan Ruins, Caribbean beaches and world's 2nd largest barrier reef (HONDURAS;) the rice terraces, volcanoes, monkey forest, and island surf breaks of Nusa Lembongan (BALI;) or the mountain spa retreat in Queensland (AUSTRALIA,) we seek to facilitate an exploration of joy, relaxation, introspection, adventure, culture, community and beyond!  Each of these Yoga & Eco-Adventure journeys, will offer at least two yoga practices each day and the opportunity to select your eco-adventures.

Copan Ruínas & Roatan Island, HONDURAS
with Yoga Instructor Laura Downing, of San Diego, CA
Spend your first 4 nights in an exceptionally beautiful, eco-friendly restored, family Hacienda, with yoga practices overlooking the Mayan Ruins across the river valley, time with a local Shaman, and exquisitely delicious 4-course cuisine... followed by your next 4 nights beach side, in a lovely resort home tucked in the trees at shore's edge - we will practice yoga overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  Side adventures will include natural hot springs, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and more.

Ubud & Nusa Lembongan, BALI  - Indonesia
with Yoga Instructor Jo Tastula, of Venice Beach, CA / Freemantle, W.A.
There is a very good reason why everyone always raves about Bali...  with its artistic heart residing in the village of Ubud... hand-made offerings line the streets, monkeys fill the forest, and rice terraces highlight just about every part of the local landscape... we will spend our first 4 nights here, followed by 3 more nights on the island of Nusa Lembongan, overlooking turquoise blue paradise... with opportunities to explore an off-shore surf break, snorkeling, or simply sunbathe at your leisure.

Mountains of Queensland, AUSTRALIA
with Yoga Instructor Jo Tastula, of Venice Beach, CA / Freemantle, W.A.
Tucked high up in the mountains, where the Atherton Tablelands meet the Daintree; where you can retreat into eco-friendly timber cabins; where you are only a 25 minute drive from Port Douglas, and access to the Great Barrier Reef, awaits the ultimate 4-day, 3-night mountain spa retreat getaway.  Indulge on scrumptious foods made by our retreat chef and pamper yourself with massages and other spa sessions!

On each of the above mentioned journeys, you will have the opportunity to relax, sleep and unwind, or take to daily adventures - your choice!  The bios for each of our fantastic yoga instructors can be found on the respective itineraries, and Kate (Global Soul Adventure's founder) will be with us to facilitate all of the trip logistics, general guiding and coordination with local guides for anything else you may seek to do during your retreat.  The yoga style is Vinyasa Flow, and is open to all levels.

yoga - adks
Something to play with... Yoga & True Flexibility
There is often a misconception when one (who most likely does not practice yoga) hears the word "yoga" and immediately believes that you have to be able to tuck your foot behind your head to participate.  YOGA - true, real, everyday yoga - is so much more than your physical flexibility.  It is the practice of living with an open mind, being present, exploring your world both inside and out, and the asanas (poses) are simply a vehicle to guide you deeper into this exploration... to challenge you with your acceptance and awareness, to confront you with an edge you may not have once known,  to bring you a greater sense of peace with the beauty of the given moment, and exponentially more.  This life-practice extends far off the mats you see people carrying over the shoulder on a daily basis.... it extends into the way in which one interacts with their local community, relationships (business and personal) and most importantly oneself.  It may even extend into a playfulness yet to be rediscovered. Hmmm... so where's the true flexibility after all?

A practice idea for today...
Lie on your back on the floor, the grass, wherever you may like, that has a bit of extra space, and place your arms and feet out at 45 degree angles from the center of your body like a starfish (Pentacle, as called by some texts.)  Allow your palms to face up, and your entire body to relax... melting into the ground.  As you breathe, try to lengthen your inhale and exhale, so it is slower and longer with each breath... you may count if you like (for example, 4 counts with the inhale, 4 counts with the exhale)... and as you relax into this position, what do you feel? 

(I personally feel that I fill up with energy from the sun or other environmental surroundings when I connect my entire backside to the earth and allow my body to receive from the open space above.)
sunset Fraser Island
Did you know?... GSA Monthly Travel Tip
Have you ever been stuck with a last-minute travel opportunity to a place that requires an entry visa... and barely enough time to get it?  When this happens you usually have a few options:

1.  Go to the local, respective Consulate in person, if at all possible (pre-reading their hours, rules, etc... online before your visit will be of additional help!)

2. Use a 3rd-party visa service (I have personally always had the best luck, and service, from VisaExpress.net)... read through their timetable on the turn-around, as well as costs of rushing your order.... you can FedEx the headache right out of your hands into theirs!

3.  If available, and possible in your case, consider a business visa v. a tourist visa - they can usually expedite things for business purposes.

4.  If you are unable to get the visa turn-around date to line up with your ideal travel date, see if you can possibly delay your travel to the country and arrange to meet your friends a few days later. 
fitz roy
Create your own trip.... with YOUR SOUL ADVENTURES
Did you know that Global Soul Adventures (GSA) will help you to create any trip you'd like?  We will work with you one-on-one to turn your travel dream into a reality.  We work with both individuals and groups.... as simply as speaking via phone and e-mail over an established course of time, to consult with you as to all that you would like to experience during your journey, where you would like to go, the types of accommodations, and so on.  In addition, we are willing to travel with you as your general guide, and if you prefer to travel solo, then we will fully prepare you for your trip.  You are welcome to inquire anytime in regards to trips you are considering!
info@globalsouladventures.com
May you follow your travel dreams in 2009....
 
Happy travels,
 

Kate LaCroix
Global Soul Adventures
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By registering early for any of our upcoming Our Soul Adventure trips, you can save money off of your trip cost.  Please look at the specific itinerary you are interested in and it will have the reduced price (for each style of accommodation) and the dates of the offer near the registration information at the bottom.

We thank you for your early registration and look forward to having you travel with us!
Offers this good are available now!