Yogataveller, Gozo, Malta - 23rd May 2009 - By: Aubrey Lampkin

With Michelle Hickey, Desney Erb, Gillian Murray and Mary McCabe.

 
Our theme of the week was, 'What does Yoga mean (to you)?' To me, 'Yoga' means the ability to be conscious enough to navigate fluently through life in a way that's most optimal, healthy and enjoyable for you and those around you. Everyone has their own definition... my students' beautiful definitions included: being present, mind/body/spirit alignment, physical and mental relief of everyday stress and the ability to 'see' with ones' eyes closed. Wow! If that's what yoga is, I'll take some.

 
Apart from daily doses of yoga and sun, our week was filled to the brim with activities including temple visits (Megalithic and Ta Pinu Shrine), hiking, day at Ramla Beach, wine vineyard tasting/tour, cinema, scuba-diving, spa treatments and, of course, lots of delicious dinners. Because, what is Yoga if it's not balanced with other pleasures?!

'Stations Of The Cross' hike in front of Ta Pinu Shrine.

 

Amphitheatre at the top of hill!

 

Why is our silly yoga teacher always downside-up?

 

Wine tour/tasting of Ta Mena vineyard with co-owner, Phil.

 

We almost lost our Gillian to crushing grapes.

 

Vin and Vinyasa!

 

Yoga and wine connoisseur - me.

 

Gillian practicing her scuba diving skills in Xlendi.

 

Yogis are naturals at diving, as Gillian proved.

 

Michelle's birthday dinner at Otter's.

 

The birthday posse.

 

Dinner at Jeffrey's.

 

Champagne time!

 

Sunset yoga at Azure's Window.

 

Desney, head-standing on rock.

 

Final savasana.

 
Thanks to another lovely group for helping me explore the treasures of Gozo and the different interpretations of yoga!