When Art and Yoga Meet
03/13/2006
Many people have taken up the graceful practice of yoga. Many others have a fond affection for the beauty of art. Now the best of both of these worlds are coming together and helping people to reach a whole new level of awareness for the world around them.
Masterfully-combined art and yoga retreats are becoming the new relaxing and eye-opening way to spend a vacation. People get the opportunity to truly gain a much deeper understanding and appreciate for both. These combined retreats are the new talk of the town.
“Art and yoga retreats are a very novel concept,” says Mary McGuire, yoga and pilates instructor and the founder of American Yogini, a women’s yoga retreat located in Remsenburg, NY. “The art retreats we offer use yoga integration as a means to deepen the experience of our unique relationship and our collective connection to the subject, the surroundings, the history and the present.”
Their spring 2006 retreat will take place in Giverny. Those attending will experience the French countryside of Normandy, which is located one hour outside of Paris. They will also get to experience French cuisine and tour Paris.
“This retreat is going to take place at the heart of where some of the greatest artists have painted,” explains McGuire. “It’s going to be a very eye-opening experience for all who attend.”
The location is well-known for many of the great artists that have passed through, including the likes of Monet, Cézanne, Seurat, and Cassatt. Giverny is especially appreciated for its connection with Monet. He lived there for many years and his land was the focus of his series
“Water Lilies.” After the town rose to fame, many artists and art lovers made the journey there to appreciate and gain inspiration from the site.
“This retreat is exceptional for art lovers. There is no better way to experience and connect with the magic of the impressionists than to immerse yourself directly in it in the very place where it was originally created,” says McGuire. “Integrating the experience with yoga is an incredible way to introduce people to yoga and intensifies ones connection to the art.”
This particular retreat offers a variety of activities, including access to Monet’s Gardens and the historic Baudy Hotel for painting and/or photography. Attendees will also get to take a self-guided tour of Paris museums, cafes and haunts of Monet and the great Impressionists.
“We are very excited that the art and yoga integration instruction is at all levels,” says McGuire. “This is a retreat that everyone can enjoy and gain a great deal from. It changes the way they will see art for the rest of their life.”
For more information on the Giverny art and yoga retreat: http://yoginiapproved.com
