The stars were bright and plentiful as the frogs sang their nightly tunes.

The Caribbean eco-yoga retreat had promised to be beautiful, with sun, sea and serenity. And it almost didn’t happen.

Just before we arrived, the island experienced a rare 24-hour blackout, which created more challenges. Later, island isolation caused a few more unexpected issues. Luckily our experienced guides solved each headache quickly. In the end, our trip was unforgettable in the best way.

Because, what’s so interesting when everything goes according to plan?

Nature surrounded us on all sides.

We were staying in little treehouses or villas overlooking the sea, with hermit crabs, frogs, deer and mongoose as furtive neighbors day or night. Not far from Florida, our familiar suburban surroundings seemed distant nonetheless. It was wild, untamed, messy. A place where the unexpected became welcome tests of our yogic peace. When the resort staff forgot they were supposed to serve us dinner, most of us shrugged and accepted the next solution. As inconveniences came and went, we expanded the feeling of Santosha, contentment, no matter what. In making do, we found connection and community.

Contentment was ripe for the picking.

Days went by in a slow and steady rhythm. Friendships were made and deepened through conversations and laughter, maybe some tears. Mornings started with a communal OM and two hours plus of blissful yet challenging yoga, breakfast and something like snorkeling, hiking, or boating followed by another hour of peaceful asana before dinner.
We were grateful that our teachers, and this special place, deepened our understanding of yoga and of ourselves.

Under the black moonless night, our hearts and the stars were pulsating with the same energy, harmonious, peaceful, synchronized.

Our minds rested.

We were content.

And we can always return in our minds’ eye.