We hosted a yoga retreat this past weekend at the coast.  It was a great experience. This was one of the warmest weekends in March I have ever experienced since living in the Pacific Northwest.  The walks on the beach felt dreamy.  My toes sank into the warm sand and I felt relaxed. We ate lunch in the garden (it was warm enough!).  Earlier this morning, we took a break from our morning yoga session in order to watch a small herd of deer grazing  just outside our window.

One of the retreat participants read the following quote about adventurous living for her shared reading.

Remember the high board at the swimming pool? After days of looking up at it you finally climbed the wet steps to the platform. From there, it was higher than ever. There were only two ways down: the steps to defeat, or the dive to victory. You stood on the edge, shivering in the hot sun, deathly afraid. At last you leaned too far forward, it was too late for retreat, and you dived. The high board was conquered, and you spent the rest of the day diving. Climbing a thousand high boards, we demolish fear, and turn into human beings.
Richard BachA Gift of Wings

The quote spoke directly to so many of us who hesitate to do that which frightens us the most!  For some, it spoke specifically to our work with headstands this past weekend.  I have a headstand bench.  So many people hesitate to use it at first, but once they do, they want to go out and purchase one because going upside down has so many benefits and inversions, when you can do them, create an incredible sense of euphoria!

I don’t have photos from the work with the headstand bench, but I have a few photos from our glorious walks on the beach.  Enjoy! With love from Fran

March 7th, Ocean Shores, Washington...I swear we have the most beautiful beaches here in Washington!

March 7th, Ocean Shores, Washington…we have the most beautiful beaches here in Washington! (photo taken by Tricia)

Perfect fishing day to catch sea perch

Perfect fishing day to catch sea perch

Group shot (photo taken by Rick)

Group shot (photo taken by Rick)

formation on beach (photo taken by Tricia)

beach walk