
Photos by @fotoz_croatia
Embracing Change: A Season of Healing and Balance
THE SHANTI MANTRA
OM Sarveshaam Swastir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Shantir Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Poornam Bhavatu
Sarveshaam Mangalam Bhavatu
OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Hi
As days grow shorter and nights lengthen, I find myself drawn inward—to pause, reflect, and heal. This season invites us to slow down, reflect, and renew. Recently, while picking olives—a ritual as old as the land itself—I was reminded of the importance of balance and resilience. A minor knee injury left me moving more slowly, which turned my yoga practice into a gentle, therapeutic journey.
At first, I felt frustrated by my limits. But I soon realized this was an invitation to slow down and listen to my body. This month, my routine centred on mindful breathing, soft movements, and intentional healing—my mat became a healing sanctuary, leading to a breakthrough—a release, an energy flow I hadn’t felt in ages. I practised gentle, slow movements and guided my breath into the sore spaces, letting it soften and soothe.

Each day, I dedicated time to my “mini-therapy”—warming my joints with turmeric, soft massages, and my acupressure mat (ask me for code) Some days were easier than others, but after weeks of this focused care, I felt something shift. That tightness on my left side released, leaving me lighter, freer, and more connected to my body than in the last months.
For anyone who dedicates themselves to bodywork—whether yoga, Pilates, weights, or anything that requires persistence—you’ll understand that “breakthrough” moment. When it happens, it’s not about how long the journey took but the realization that you’ve come through it, a moment when effort and patience come together. Yoga and movement teach us the patience to notice imbalances and work toward harmony. For me, daily work with intentional breath, gentle motion, and tools like the acupressure mat reminded me to trust gradual healing. It’s an incredible feeling to help yourself through discomfort; yoga has taught me that when you listen inward, answers appear.
Navigating Perimenopause with Gratitude
In my late 40s, as I entered perimeno, I felt a clear need to make adjustments to adapt with a gentler, deeper focus — especially around my habits and diet. But not just physically but also mentally. My main intention was to get rid of the ‘advanced worry’ of something that had not yet happened and the fear of being deprived of life commodities. The Pandemic, though difficult, gave me the time to explore my practice more deeply, reconnecting with the wisdom of yoga and myself. The Pandemic turned out to be a time of self-renewal, allowing me to deepen my practice. I took a transformative step during this period: enrolling in teacher training with Nina Vukas, a remarkable teacher and founder of the Spanda Institute in Portugal. At first, I felt out of place among the younger students, but their energy inspired me, and soon, I was embracing my age with pride and reconnecting with myself. I was the oldest student but found immense joy and a new sense of purpose among the younger souls. Being around their energy helped me embrace my age with pride. I’m truly thankful for Nina and continue to learn from her precious wisdom.

A Journey of Teachers, New and Old
I’ve been blessed to meet inspiring teachers through organising retreats in Croatia. Tim and Marieke, deeply knowledgeable in Ayurveda and Kundalini, have become cherished guides and friends. I met Sierra Hollister online during the Pandemic, and our connection blossomed into a beautiful partnership. Twice now, she has come to Croatia to share her wisdom with our community, and her retreats are filled with joy, healing, and self-discovery. Working with Sierra reminds me that true yoga lies in seva, service, and connection with others.



After Hurricane Helena, she brought the gift of yoga and seva to communities in need, showing how deeply she cares for healing beyond the mat. After practising with her, I’ve felt my pain melt away—releasing old discomfort in my hips and legs. Sierra’s guidance has been transformative for me, a “Vata” type with those infamous risky joints, teaching me to slow down and let movements happen with gentle intention. My first lesson in every practice is to release—to let the body’s wisdom flow freely.
Since then, I’ve connected with many wonderful teachers, both local and those whose visits to Croatia have enriched our yoga community. Yoga isn’t just about physical poses—it’s a path of giving and receiving, letting go and accepting, striving and stilling. To share love with others, you must first cultivate it within yourself. When you connect to your heart, you naturally feel loved and safe.

"Looking forward to next May, when I'll have the pleasure of welcoming Kerrie Scott and a wonderful group from the U.S. for a week of inner and outer exploration on Brač Island. They’ll be staying in beautiful villas across the bay, immersing themselves in a journey of discovery and connection."
Simple Pleasures, Clean Living, and New Perspectives
Travelling has shown me the value of a clean environment and living by the sea in Croatia; I’m surrounded by beauty and simplicity, and I am so lucky to call Croatia home. I crave clean air, sun, and the natural rhythms of Dalmatia. My best moments are often by the beach, breathing in the fresh sea air, or in the garden, tending to arugula and spinach, and occasionally sneaking into my dad’s vegetable garden for the best tomatoes and salads. I no longer feel much of the need to post every moment—sometimes, it’s about savouring these experiences offline, appreciating life as it unfolds.
I’ve also embraced my need for warmth and sun—my Vata constitution thrives here in the South, though it meant leaving behind beloved friends and rituals. Now, I visit friends when I can and treasure the off-season beauty of sunshine and the sea.
Finding Joy in the Rhythm of Aging
Now, as I approach my 50s, I see things differently. Social pressures can sometimes make us feel we must always strive, but I’m learning to let go of expectations based on age and productivity. I no longer feel pressure always to be “doing.” The constant bombardment of information can create a “fear of missing out” that feels almost universal. But with time, FOMO fades, and the beauty of balance becomes apparent. Instead, I value balance and self-acceptance, as true wellness comes from knowing when to pause, breathe, and find joy in simplicity.
Of course, I still enjoy a glass of wine with friends now and then, dancing and hanging around, but I also value moderation and kindness to myself. I’ve come to see that true freedom is choosing what serves me best—whether it’s a night out with friends or a peaceful evening at home.
Whether it’s the wisdom of age or shifting priorities, I’m beginning to see the power in slowing down, in finding joy in the small, authentic moments. I am rediscovering a life of purpose and meaning, where joy is found not in doing more, but in being truly present.
This is where my practice guides me—toward a life rich in meaning.

Thanks to days filled with all aspects of yoga, from asana to philosophy, the community thrives, and new bonds are created. You may meet someone only once, but feel an exceptional connection after an intensive week of various energy rituals.
Retreats are about making new connections. It’s all about connections, after all.
The sense of unity grows when we escape our habitual routines, surrounded by friends and having time just for being.
We are open to connecting to…
Ourselves
Nature
Breath
Body
People
Experiences
Emotions
Energy



Not enough words to describe how perfect, lovely, welcome, warm, gifted, talented, gentle souls these women are. Sonja and Tamara put together and coordinated the most thoughtful yoga experience. Pure magic and love.
– Stephane
Reflecting on the magic of “Water for the Journey” retreat in Croatia feeling deeply nourished by the yoga practices, fresh & exceptional vegan food; the beauty of Croatia & Adriatic Sea and tender loving care of all who travelled with me.
With heartfelt gratitude to Sierra, Tamara & Sonja for creating & cultivating such a loving, fun & authentic experience allowing us to safely dive deep & explore all kinds of terrain. Still receiving & integrating all of the wisdom.
– Trish
The Villa of the yoga retreat was on the Island of Brac with spectacular waterfront views with private beach. We also had an in house chef with home made cooking, not to mention world class level Yoga Teacher! You can do so many activities or just enjoy the nature or simple do some island hopping to visit the nearby islands.
Watch out for the next one!! – Sonyea




CONNECT TO YOUR HIGHER SELF
The practices of yoga and meditation can help us connect more deeply with our higher selves. Taking time to retreat allows us to profoundly understand ourselves, paving the way to the life we dream of.
Our dreams can manifest from imagination into reality. I invite you to bravely confront the parts of yourself that hold you back and join us at the retreat.
Your soul will thank you.

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