RETREAT REFLECTIONS & TESTIMONIALS
“I've been wishing that my vocabulary was broad enough to adequately express how I feel about our time together at Playa Viva. But I've come to understand that there are some experiences for which words will never suffice.
I am changed. I'm not entirely certain as to how but I feel it deeply in the center of myself that I am someone different than the person who arrived In Ixtapa.
You are a gifted teacher, a powerful leader, and an extraordinary woman. I am honored to have shared the week with you and am deeply grateful to have gotten to know you more.
I was not expecting to meet a new group of friends, I was not expecting to connect so profoundly with my roots or ancestors, I was not expecting to drop so deeply into meditation and contemplation, I was not expecting any of what actually transpired.
I feel lighter, I feel freer, I feel more myself. Thank you will never be enough, but alas, thank you. Until next time.”
— First time retreater, Playa Viva, Mexico (2023)
“One of my most favorite trips ever.“
“I'm so impressed by the retreat. It was the perfect mix of mindfulness, movement, culture, exploration and gratitude. Thank you for providing the perfectly curated experience that had a little bit of everything I needed.”
“My experience is that in most organized activities / events, the leader sets the tone. Jennifer was flawless and generous in sharing responsibilities based on her staff expertise. She created a culture of welcoming openness of expression, used great humor well and often, and helped all of us build relationships and go with the flow when needed! Jennifer’s ‘Mother Earth’ yogi energy paired with her strong ‘’bring on the adventure” style set the bar for me… leadership doesn’t get much better than that!
— Dordogne, France (May 2022)
What participants loved:
“The yoga practice - loved the incorporation of Qigong into the practice; Community of awesome women; Unique wine and tea tasting experiences; Delicious, healthy, and nourishing food; Beachfront house to enjoy the ocean, sunrises & sunsets”
“So many things….the immediate sense of belonging, intuitive awareness of boundaries, delicious meals and snacks, the pace of the weekend was perfect.”
— Oceanside (August 2021)
“I probably wrote 45 journal pages on this retreat! I shed a lot of private tears. Taking a walk in the snowy desert was great.
I felt completely dialed into my higher power, with my feet firmly on the ground. Nourished by exquisite food and laughter with exceptional, diverse women whom I had never before met.
I woke up early to watch the sunrise and saw the sky bright pink with purple clouds and the snowy mountains all around me. I slid open my sliding glass door and said “Why hello 2020!”
— Joslyn / Joshua Tree (New Year’s 2019)
“From the moment I heard about Jennifer’s Russian River retreat, I knew it was calling to me. Among the redwoods, hiking and doing daily yoga... in wine country? This retreat was, quite literally, calling my name.
What I came to realize, however, was how much I needed this experience to crack open my heart.
The fresh air and beautiful northern Sonoma backdrop was just what the doctor ordered. I left the retreat feeling grounded, refreshed, rejuvenated and focused.”
— Lindsay / Russian River Valley (Mother’s Day Weekend 2019)
