Yoga Journey to North India

October 2007

"I really feel like I found myself in India. Phoenix is an excellent Yoga teacher, both challenging and balanced. Mataji is one of a kind, her teachings have changed my life. Being in her presence is truly a privelege. Phoenix and Mataji have taught me so much about myself and life and the world... My family says that I came home much calmer. I feel more secure in my own skin. It's actually pretty incredible. Thank you, once again."

-A.K., Nurse practitioner, Philadelphia, PA

"I felt very safe and comfortable because you [Phoenix] are so experienced traveling through India. I am glad I was able to experience this country with someone who has been there before.
I thought the [pre-retreat] communication was wonderful and I was totally prepared for the trip because of it. I very much enjoyed the Beatles Ashram and waterfall excursion because we were outside hiking and in nature. I too enjoyed the wildlife reserve. I would recommend this retreat because there are so many exciting places we visited."

-Dianthe M. Harris Avronidakis, Writer/ Director of Conferences and Events

"It was a wonderful retreat experience for me! The entire itinerary was very well planned and executed. Phoenix's Yoga classes are great! Mataji was an unexpected treat--I especially liked the chanting classes.The excursions all went very well. The transportation was always very easy for us because it was so expertly taken care of by Phoenix. Phoenix attracted the nicest group of travelling companions I would ever hope to meet. I enjoyed meeting every one of them and will never forget them."

--Michael DiLoreto, Software Engineer, San Jose, CA

"Amazing experience...all of the excursions were exciting for me. My favorite excursion was the Red Fort in Agra--I enjoyed listening to the guide and learned so much! I loved the Vinyasa-style morning asana class with Phoenix, the breathing and chanting was a great way to wake up. Mataji's presence was so warm and wonderful. I loved listening to her in the philosophy class. Chanting with her was so special."

--J.D., Graphic Artist, Santa Cruz, CA

"Totally recommended. The whole thing was well-planned and orchestrated. It was such a great and convenient way to tour some of the coolest sites in India. This retreat was a great way to do, learn about, and live Yoga.The pre-retreat communication was prompt and detailed, so I felt well-prepared for everything, from what clothes to bring to what documents and shots to have.

I felt like I got the very most out of every day I was there...the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in Yoga and India was impressive in just 2 weeks. Excursions were varied and interesting and touched on sights that were important historically, spiritually, culturally-and also appealed to my nature-loving Self. The Yoga classes went far above any expectations I could have had. I learned so much..also about the other parts of Yoga, which came alive to me through Phoenix and Mataji's lectures and meditations. Bravo!"

--R.W., Nurse, Soquel, CA

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"I stumbled into Phoenix' website on an internet lark. Moved by the reflections on her site, I had little hesitation that she would be just the right teacher for me, at this time. And I signed up for her Greece retreat with uncharacteristic commitment and lack-of-waffling. I was not disappointed. She subtly laid out her gifts on the table for the group, and we could each pick what suited us, without any pressure. I loved the Sanskrit chanting, the yoga, and the meditation. I have had many friends comment that I look "radiant" in my Greek pictures, and it is in part because these practices, under her excellent guidance as a teacher, so suited me. Her little lessons on Greek history were icing on the cake. Most people have had teachers in their lives who influenced them profoundly, and I would put Phoenix in my personal teacher hall of fame. She is a serious instructor, and an organized and welcoming guide. Her excitement about travel, and her love for what she is sharing, are palpable."

- Theresa Hursh, Attorney, Kansas City, KS

"Triopetra [Yoga Retreat] was like a home away from home- with an absolutely amazing location, view of the sea, and staff. I loved the spontaneous swimming excursions- jumping off of rocks into the water, and swimming into a sea cave. The Yoga classes and schedule were paced perfectly and I learned a lot..I would absolutely recommend this retreat to others. It is the chance of a lifetime."

-Emilie Walburn, Licensed Massage Therapist, Salem, WI

Beauty Way Yoga Journey
Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Navajo Nation

March 2008

"I loved the action-packed schedule. Yoga classes were energizing and all the scheduled activities deeply moving and educational. The daily Yoga classes gave the trip a focussed grounding from which to adventure out. Starting out with Phoenix's poetry reading and our opening ceremony at Montezuma's Well made me feel transported back in time as if I had lived there. The ruins are magical..

The sweatlodge was sweet and expanding, one of the best sweats I have been to. I really enjoyed being welcomed into people's homes, and our shared meals with Emerson and his friends were a special opportunity that nourished body and soul. Spending time with people from the reservation created an intimacy that made me feel I do have friends and family on the Navajo reservation."

- Kim Sammet, Yoga Teacher, herbalist and natural foods retailer, Ben Lomond, CA

"The schedule had a good rhythm...The yoga classes were excellent, and matched my level. I value the addition of the chanting to the asanas. The chanting provided a vibratory connection to land and people of the Reservation. Montezuma’s Well was a great place to have an opening ceremony for this trip. Phoenix’s reading of poetry touched me. I valued having time to sink into the landscape. Walking up the trail right into a cliff dwelling ruin was a delight. To be able to touch the stones and walk into rooms used a millennium ago was a marvelous experience. I swear I heard Kokopelli’s flute turning the heads of all the young women in the village.

On our Boynton Canyon hike it was a delight to walk through the different zones vegetation. Some of the yellowish cliffs seemed to glow with an inner light that illuminated the pine forest. And, it was amazing how the other visitors disappeared when it was time to do our ceremony at the Wupatki site. The vast expanse around the ruin was the perfect place to honor the directions.

Within Monument Valley, the hike through the spires touched a place inside me that is still unwinding. Recalling the towering rock against the sky still opens a vastness in me. The jeep tour with our guide Tom was excellent. The scale of the canyons with the ruins was a sharp contrast to the epic scale of the Monuments. Sitting in the spherical chambers with the small ruins provided a real connection to the people who lived there long ago and to the Navajo who live there today. Climbing up the ancient hand-holds and walking the ridge was a connecting experience. Listening to our guide, Tom, play the flute at the Honeymoon ruin was magical.
I also liked seeing all of the medicinal herbs at the Kayenta Market the next day.

At Canyon de Chelly, the hike down to White House ruins was beautiful. I had last been down the trail in 1995. Emerson’s presence and knowledge deeply enriched my return trip to the Canyon. Spider Rock was impressive. Taking time to just absorb the view was satisfying.

During the group dinner we had a rare chance to hear Emerson and Paige tell of their personal experiences in a relaxed environment. Their performance of songs with the water drum and rattle was a delight.

The sweatlodge ceremony was a highlight of the trip. I felt prepared for the ceremony because Phoenix had told us what we needed to wear and because we had light snack for lunch. The ceremony had a positive cleansing effect on me.

D.J., Environmental Engineer, Santa Cruz, CA
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"The retreat was wonderful, it was just what I needed to jump-start my health. Hopefully when you come back I will be able to attend more of your classes….I love the wealth of knowledge you bring to your practice."

--Monica Escudero, Personal Trainer, Santa Cruz CA

"I enjoyed the yoga weekend.The people were very welcoming and I was impressed with the knowledge of Phoenix on everything. I liked the entire experience--the music festival, the watsu and the water yoga and the night entertainment. Thanks."

-- Helaine, Reno NV

"Thanks again for putting together a lovely retreat at Sierraville hotsprings. Meditation and pranayama in the morning was great to start a day... two asana practices each day were perfect to heal mind and body, and a view of the surrounding valley was stunning. Yoga, hot tubs, healthy foods, beautiful friends.... I was definitely blissed out!!!"

--Manish Pyakurel, Ecotourism guide, Santa Cruz, CA

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