A few months ago, a very dear friend of mine asked if I would join her on a Transformational Breathing retreat in Spain. Sure, I said, why not.
Didn’t think much further about that,as it was months away. But as you all know, time flies when you are having fun and last week, we were off on said retreat.
Luckily she asked me when she did and we had everything booked because, had she asked me last week, I’d probably said no because there was so many things that “had” to be done.
We spent a day in Malaga, where we met up with some other friends and headed up to Casa De Laila up in the mountains.
Not knowing exactly what to expect, only knowing that we would be sleeping in large bell tents, we were more than pleasantly surprised.
The setting of the Casa was beautiful and serene, with a small but very inviting pool in the middle of its lush grounds surrounded by an array of fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
Being used to only camping (or shall i say Glamping ? ) in the UK, camping in Spain was a real pleasure. It was nice, warm and very cosy.
So, what is Transformational breathing ?
Transformational Breath® is a gentle, simple technique that helps people to open up the full potential of their breathing system for better physical and emotional well-being. It teaches a pattern of conscious breathing that is natural, safe and healthy which can have many benefits, including increased energy, better immune response and increased ability to deal with stress in a healthy way.
I first came across transformational breathing at a retreat in LA about 15 years ago, so when my friend asked me if i wanted to do this retreat with her, my immediate response was YES ! It was such an incredible experience that I had all those years ago and I would love to explore it a bit more.
The days consisted of yoga and breathing in the morning. Lunch. Meditation and another breathing session in the afternoon, before dinner.
During the day, we were free to relax by the pool, have massages and/or walk around the village.
OK, so lunch and dinner. The food at Casa De Laila was incredible. I have NEVER tasted vegetarian/vegan food as good as that EVER in my life.
The owner, Ann-Marie cooks everything from scratch, using mainly the produce from their gardens. The love and dedication that she puts into her cooking is amazing. Ann-Marie is thinking of creating cook-book,as well as running cookery retreats at Casa De Laila. Fingers crossed.
In the meanwhile, I have just bought Sarah Britton’s ( Britton is Ann-Marie’s main inspiration ) book, so I can get some new healthy recipe ideas. So, watch this space !
After a week away with my lovely girlfriends ( for the first time since I became a mom almost 9 years ago !!!), I am feeling fully rejuvenated and feeling ready for the next 3 weeks of intense work, before my lovely little time-stealers will need my un-divided attention.
Summer holidays are soon upon us ……. and I think that I may be booking a little trip back to Casa De Laila to recharge my batteries again soon but this time with my family. Can’t wait.
If you are interested in going to a Transformational breath retreat, check out The Big Breath Company for more dates. They also do regular workshops in London.
Jake + Maya [Kids] Journal 