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This was an unprecedented pleasure of a week. Our hotel was located on a beach that stretched for miles of gorgeous soft white sand shared by very few other travelers. This relatively undeveloped part of the Mayan Riviera is perfectly located near the boundary of the Sian Ka'an Bioreserve on the Yucatan Coastline of the Caribbean Sea. Although the temperature was in the 90's, there was no humidity and we were kept comfortable by a cooling breeze off the lulling turquoise sea. We kicked off our shoes shortly after arriving and walked barefoot the whole week. Cheerfully painted circular cabanas with thatched roofs and ample windows surround the open air restaurant which lit up at night with enchanting tea light pathways and a twinkling wall that created a welcoming grove for all guests to enjoy. After sunrise each morning, down to the beach we'd strolled for our yoga session with hotel owner and healer extraordinaire, Elvira. We'd stretch and grunt and jump and stretch and hold and rest and stretch some more while the sun rose and the sea swirled and the birds sung above. Then a quick dip and a hearty breakfast that always began with a mountain of the juiciest papaya, watermelon, cantaloupe and pineapple. No better way to start the day. The days merged into a seamless, holistic balance of therapeutic creativity, discussion, beach walks, local excursions to Mayan ruins, snorkeling through underwater caves, journal writing, massage, Reiki, feasting, napping, cooking lesson, free time and making of new friends. Our group was made up of a harmonious mix of Canadians and Americans who fast became people comfortable sharing an exquisite journey of deeper self-understanding and leisurely respite from hectic working life. Evenings began with cocktails and candlelight, chatter about the day, personal stories, kidding with the staff, and stargazing. Then came dinner: fresh vegetable soup, mixed salad or guacamole with home made nachos, daily caught fish with mango sauce and herb roasted potatoes or assorted grilled vegetables with the best Molee sauce ever tasted followed by creme caramel with sugar glaze or banana flambe, just to name a few of the delights we inhaled along with the sea air. This retreat was the first of an annually offered event and can be enjoyed again Dec. 10-16, 2005. Please reserve your spot early. Photos on web page link end of newsletter. Here's what was said about this retreat: " This place was ideal for this retreat. It was magical and offered total serenity and peace and intimacy. The beach was magnificent and the people here were most endearing. It was a hard place to leave." "The accommodations were very clean, comfortable and quiet- a perfect setting. Loved the simplicity." "It was perfect. Just the right amount of working towards growth with the right amount of time to enjoy deep rest." "I would return to this retreat!" web page details below ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEANINGFUL Winter
VACATIONS
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REDISCOVER
YOUR SELF IN BALI
January 26- February 4, 2005
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This unforgettable Creative /Yoga/Wellness retreat offers diverse activities for a delicious taste of this paradise island. Imagine ten days in the healing embrace of Bali walking along rice paddies, through weaving villages, past Hindu temples and other sacred sites; Time to be creative, to reflect, meditate, feast on local culinary delights, unwind with massage, refresh with yoga, surrender to a labyrinth path and doze off on your own verandah. Time will also be designated to support Tsunami relief efforts being organized in Bali, which was not hit by the disaster. This retreat will not be offered again before the 2007-8 season, so if you are seriously wanting to experience this extraordinary personal journey, please contact Laila as soon as possible. There is still space available. Cost is now en par with the Canadian dollar for Canadians. |
For retreat details see links below
Women's Wellness Retreats
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A monthly offering of retreats geared to women and held at the tranquil Thirteen Moons Women's Retreat Centre, Norwood, near Peterborough, Ontario. |
Come As Your Are Authentic Living Body Image Flying Solo Your Relationship to Money
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for details please visit WEB PAGE LINK below
MEANINGFUL Summer VACATIONS
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Women's Sea Kayaking Getaways Wed. July 6 - Fri. July 8 ~ |
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Lake Superior Personal Growth Retreat For Men and Women, August 19-25 ~ |
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Nova Scotia Personal Growth Retreat For Men and Women, Sept. 25 - 30 Women's Retreat, Oct. 2 - 6 ~ |
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Rediscover Your Self in Mexico For Men and Women ~ |
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Release Your Passion in Greece
February 2006 |
for details click on web links at the end of this notice
WORKSHOPS
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Truly Madly Deeply Art & Therapy
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Express and discover yourself! Come to one of our Art & Therapy workshops and explore materials such as paint, clay, collage and found objects. Art-making projects are fun and also unveil new ways of looking at yourself and your way of being. Small group discussions, using Gestalt therapy principles, enhance the therapeutic aspect of each Expressive Art activity. |
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Saturdays at Sovereign House
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Saturdays at the East End Studio ~~~ |
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Exploring Relationship Behaviour and Patterns Weekend workshops in Toronto
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March 19-20 |
WEB PAGE LINKS
please click on these
links for more information
2005
Retreat Calendar
Women's Wellness Weekends
Rediscover Your Self in Bali
Rediscover Your Self in Mexico , Mexico
Photos
Women's Sea Kayaking Getaways
Lake Superior Personal Growth Retreat
Nova Scotia Women's Personal Growth Retreat
Nova Scotia Personal Growth Retreat
for Men and Women
Release Your Passion In Greece
Relationship Behaviour & Patterns
Truly Madly Deeply Art & Therapy Workshops
Have a corporate or
private group with a special focus?
Aziza Healing Adventures will design a retreat to meet your specific
needs and facilitate it at any international or local destination
your heart desires.
Please visit www.aziza.ca/group
Laila Ghattas, B.F.A.Visual Arts, B.Ed., Certificate in Gestalt Therapy, Certificate in Expressive Arts, Usui Reiki 1st & 2nd degree, is the founder of Aziza Healing Adventures and leader of the retreats and workshops. Laila is an artist, Gestalt therapist, group facilitator, Reiki practitioner, and has worldwide outdoor adventure experience.
For more information please email laila@aziza.ca or call 416-696-0086
If you have friends
who might be interested, please forward this newsletter,
with our thanks!
sincerely yours,
Laila Ghattas
Aziza Healing Adventures
www.aziza.ca
