“Yoga and the Year 2012"

A Yogadventure in Guatemala

On Lake Atitlan, “the most beautiful lake in the world”

  -Aldous Huxley

April 6 - 13, 2008

This yogadventure is not just about yoga, but how the ancient teachings of the Maya can weave their way into the fabric of our spiritual practice. There are many connections between the Maya and the yogis of India. In this setting, the indigenous Maya maintain their traditional customs, rites and costumes. Here, we have a unique opportunity to learn about the relationship between the Maya and yoga and explore both traditions, spiritually, artistically and culturally.

Please take the time to read this is its entirety. It’s filled with everything you’ll need to make the most of this journey.

Our Accommodations

The first night in Guatemala City, Saturday, April 5, we will all be staying (double occupancy) at the Holiday Inn, Zona 10, a safe, touristy neighborhood.
The next day, Sunday, April 6, together we will take a three hour bus ride to Lake Atitlan. Then, a boat will take us to our home for the week, the exquisite Villa Sumaya. Located near Santa Cruz Laguna, directly on Lake Atitlan in the highlands of southwest Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is clearly one of the highlights of any trip to Guatemala.
Wendy, the proprietor of our retreat center, created this haven several years ago and has taken a perfectionist’s care to the details of this sacred space. The dramatic vista of three volcanoes on the opposite shore is seen from every room and gathering place. Villa Sumaya sits within an energetic vortex, gifted by the magic of the San Pedro, Atitlan and Toliman volcanoes. For a complete description please visit www.villasumaya.com

Food, Glorious Food

Fish or chicken entrees are available by special order and at additional cost. Please indicate your food preferences on the registration form so that we may accommodate them.  Alcohol is served but, as group leader, I prefer that those whose habit is to drink daily not join us on this journey. My experience shows that this habit creates a liability for the entire group.

Our Schedule

Our schedule for the week is geared to nourish mind, body and soul. It is my intension that our daily asana/pranayama and meditation, excursions to neighboring Katchiquel Maya villages, great food, comfortable accommodations, teachings, ceremonies, healings and sharing with like-minded souls will empower our steps in this life’s journey and make us more attentive as stewards of the earth.

The Yoga

My yoga teaching focuses on the subtler aspects of the practice, especially breath awareness. I teach all levels and offer individual attention to whoever needs or wants it. Our practices are geared to the energy of the day. The amount of energy we expend in practice will be balanced with our daily activities. If you have any question as to your suitability for these practices, please contact me directly. The registration form includes a waiver and a space for personal ailments/injuries, which is very important to me as a teacher.

BJ helping a student with heart opening

Daily Activities

BJ learning how to weave with the backstrap loom

The following group activities are included in your $1200 fee:

• Daily yoga and meditation with BJ
• One hot tub/sauna
• Unlimited swims in the lake and sunbathing on the dock
• Nearby hiking (no guide necessary)
• Guided tour of AMIGOS NGO project in nearby Santa Cruz
• Demonstration by Maya weavers
• Group circle gatherings facilitated by BJ
• Maya overview presentation and discussion offered by BJ
• DVD documentaries and discussion on the Mayan Calendar
• Protection ceremony with a Maya shaman (translated into English)
• Half day workshop on the Mayan Calendar offered by an indigenous expert

These activities are NOT included in the fee but available and recommended:

• Maya shamanic healings, body work, astrology and oracle readings ($45-55)
• Boat fares, excursions to neighboring villages such as Santiago, thermal hot springs at Santa Catarina, shopping trips to Pana or Chichicastenango, hiking volcanoes

Walking path from Santa Cruz to Villa Sumaya

In summary, if you wish to make this an introspective week and not participate in extra activity, this is also a welcome option. For those with a more active style, there is plenty to take in and much to do. Finding a balance between the two is your only job this week.

Optional 3 Day Extension Trip to Tikal April 14-16

Jaguar Temple, Tikal

            Many people may be able to take a full 10 days off and include a trip to the sacred site of Tikal, the “grand dame” of ancient Maya ceremonial centers. Tikal is arguably the most impressive of all the major Mayan sites.

          The travel will cost roughly at least an additional $350 as follows:

We can fly back to Guatemala City on Wednesday morning, April 16 and still catch a flight back home that day. Be sure not to book it before noon or 1:00 PM, as international flights require a 3 hour check-in window.
I can arrange for our hotels, but you are responsible for booking your round trip ticket from Guatemala City (GUA) to Flores (FRS) on Taca Airlines as follows:

Trip Registration

Registrations will be accepted FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Please complete this form as part of the process: 

Download word document

Sign and mail it with your check to:

Barbara Sadtler  P.O. Box 3351
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138-3351

Cost: $1200 per person 15 people maximum

Basis: Basis: Double occupancy for bungalow styled rooms. Roommates for solo travelers will be “intuited” by BJ but adjustments can easily be made.

If special needs require single occupancy, an additional $250 fee will be required.

Deposit:            50% required upon registration but no later than Friday, February 15, 2008

Balance Due:             50% required 2 weeks before departure, by Friday, March 21, 2008

REFUNDS WILL ONLY BE MADE IF YOUR SPACE IS FILLED BY ANOTHER TRAVELER

Please send a check drawn on a US Bank and mail to:
BJ Sadtler
Breathe, Inc.
PO Box 3351
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138

TRAVEL TIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

AIR TRAVEL

You are responsible for your airline reservations and ticketing. You will need a round trip ticket to Guatemala City (airport code: GUA). Since we are traveling a bit off season, advance ticket prices are ranging from $450-650. Of course, the earlier you book your seats, the better. Consider purchasing trip insurance rather than paying for a refundable ticket.
Your inbound flight should have you in Guatemala City no later than 4 or 5 PM on Saturday, April 5, so you have time to check into your hotel and meet us for dinner at 7:00 PM in the lobby of the Holiday Inn.

Your outbound flight should be no earlier than 3 or 4 pm if you are leaving on Sunday, April 13. We will not arrive at the airport until noon and 3 hours are required for international check-in.
Be advised that there may be an airport departure tax. Ask your ticket agent when you buy your ticket as sometimes they include it in the ticket price.
You will need a valid passport to enter the country. Keep it on your person at all times in a secure, not visible, money belt. Make two copies of your passport, giving one to me and stashing another in your belonging.

FIRST NIGHT IN GUATEMALA CITY

Hotel and Dinner

Also included in your fee is one night at the Holiday Inn in Guatemala City. This is in the Zona Viva (zona 10), a safe, touristy neighborhood. From the airport you can catch their free shuttle (shared with the Hilton and other hotels). We will meet in the lobby at 7:00 PM on Saturday evening, April 5. From there, we will have a group dinner and trip briefing.  Your dinner is on your tab.

MONEY and Additional Funds

Please bring $USD, cash. There is a hefty surcharge for credit card use, but plenty of ATM’s. You can exchange cash at a decent exchange rate at a bank. Traveler's and personal checks are obsolete.

We are arriving on days when banks are closed. Please obtain some Quetzals at the Guatemala City airport upon arrival. You may also get some from your US bank before departure.

Compared to Mexico or Costa Rica, Guatemala is relatively cheap. You can easily travel on about $65 day, including rooms, meals and travel expenses. The shopping, however, is very tempting. Gratuities for the Villa Sumaya staff should be about $35-60. I you need more guidance on this, please feel free to ask me. 

We will need your complete itinerary as soon as possible.

For details and assistance with your travel arrangements, call BJ Sadtler at 630.334.7826, email at bjsadtler@breatheinc.com  and visit www.breatheinc.com

WHAT TO PACK

Pack light. Become a minimalist. Shed your jewelry, resort wear and fancy shoes. Guatemala is a very poor country and we’ll feel more comfortable if we’re not sporting our riches. Plus, there is so much great shopping that in a matter of days you will be wearing what they do!
You can expect California type weather in Atitlan, cooler and breezy in the evening and early morning, hot in the day. In Tikal, it is hotter. This is the tropics, though, so you shouldn't need a wrap any heavier than what you take on the plane with you (shawl or fleece will do just fine).
If you need help laundering some items, charges are minimal. The voltage in Gautemala is the same as in the States, so no adapters are necessary.
Here is what to bring:

• Yoga mat and belt (10' preferred)
• Tops: 3 light weight, short and long sleeves
• Shawl and/or fleece for warmth
• Shorts/Pants: 2-3 light weight, NOT jeans (too heavy), zip pants are perfect
• Ceremonial skirt/sarongs
• Yoga clothes - 2 or 3 changes, long pants are ok
• Shoes 1 pair hiking boots or solid walking shoes, 1 pair backstrap (Keen sandals are the most versatile I’ve found)
• Underwear 4 changes
• 1-2 swim suits
• Poncho, light weight
• Hat, bandana
• Flashlight or head lamp ESSENTIAL!!
• Shampoo, conditioner, lip balm other toiletries/makeup seems ludicrous!
• Bug spray, with deet, or lavender oil (repels mosquitoes), small jar or can
• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or 50)
• Water bottle
• Daypack
• Money belt
• Camera, film, binoculars
• Plastic bags
• 1 good read (ask me for reading list, if interested)
• Journal

Is Guatemala Safe?

Guatemala is a developing country and, as such, has plenty of issues. I’ve found that a traveler’s common sense, human decency and conservative behavior fit the protocol optimally in this environment. Wearing a money belt, planning your walks, being with a buddy, flaunting nothing, getting off the streets at night and not acting like, well, an asshole, keeps you in the flow and makes for a trip of a lifetime. Please let me address any concerns you may have regarding this or any other issue.

GET STARTED

To reserve your spot, please complete the attached registration form and send it back to us with your deposit to my PO Box address. Please email us or call 630 334-7826 for any additional information.

Download word document

Print or email us the form
P.O. Box 3351
Glen Ellyn, IL 60138-3351

Vamonos, Guatemala!!!