2 | (re)connection

Relationships. The bonds we form with others and the connections we nurture within ourselves. They are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives, grounding us in our humanity.

For me, there is no better way to rekindle, reimagine, and reform a relationship with myself than through the practice of yoga. My week at Ebbio, led by my friends Erica Chen and Marisa Martin, was filled with daily practices of Vinyasa, Katonah, restorative yoga, inversions, pranayama, and meditation. While I practice yoga regularly, it’s been a while since I have experienced it as I did this past week. First and foremost, it’s been almost a year since I’ve been in a full room of other practitioners where I too am just a student, addressing my body present in that very moment. I’ve been diving deep into my Katonah Yoga training and it felt so good to reconnect with my body through more streamlined intermediate vinyasa classes.

And I found support from two incredible teachers and the community they’ve cultivated. And the adjustments…ugh, I realized how much I give others and it felt so good to be on the receiving side. I learned so much about my technique, my blind spots, my potential, and with repetition, what I can fine tune.

DAILY RITUAL

Each day began with a small breakfast, followed by a 90-120 minute practice of the teacher’s choice, and a delicious brunch. Afternoons were open for activities or chill time before we rotated through another 90-120 minute practice and then dinner. Most evenings were spent outside, drinking wine, and being in each other’s company. It was a daily routine that took no time to get used to. Below are a few photos of how meals were set up, where we ate outside and a little taste of what our brunch and dinners looked like. The food was all prepared with herbs and vegetables sourced from Ebbio property, made with so much love and just all around delicious.

Exploring Tuscany

What I wasn’t expecting was how much we would get to explore Tuscany. This retreat wasn't just about yoga — it was an immersion into the rich culture and beauty of this region.

Here are a few afternoon adventures I participated in:

An impromptu bike ride through the rain became a great icebreaker, a threshold crossed into refreshing adventure.

We family-styled through a five-course meal in Siena — and of course, WINE, WINE, WINE.

A guided tour of the Ebbio property revealed wildflowers, a luscious garden where our meal vegetables came from, rows of beautifully scented lavender, 200-year-old olive trees, and an Etruscan well dating back to the pre-Roman Empire.

An afternoon walk to Monteriggioni Castle rewarded us with a delicious and educational wine tour. Of course, I ordered a few bottles of wine and a bottle of their olive oil. I can’t wait to share them with friends and family back home.

A travel day to Siena turned into an incredible vintage clothing find, each piece a new story to be worn. We even had a little pizza moment :)

Back at Ebbio, we foraged fresh sage, rosemary, roses, thyme, oregano, and more to make smudge bundles wrapped with intentions.

One night, my friend Erica led us through an Ecstatic Dance, guiding us through each chakra as we lost ourselves in rhythm and joy.

Late-night conversations with my roommates felt like junior high summer camp, staying up all night sharing music, stories, and life experiences. We swam in a natural pool, sipping rosé from the bottle.

We watched a polo match at a local club while enjoying an apertivo, followed by a meal crafted with love and care.

We indulged in all the gelato we could find.

A fire ceremony capped off our week, allowing us to share the love and impact this trip had on each of us. We danced, cried, conversed, and drank wine, soaking in our amazing time together. I learned something about myself through every relationship I developed on this trip.

Trust and Surrender

My intentions for this trip were to trust and surrender. Over the past week, I have felt so many things: held, supported, inspired, curious, in awe.

And this experience would have never happened if it wasn’t for a conversation with my dear friend Erica Chen on a rooftop bar in NYC last August. She asked, "If you could visit any country, where would you want to go?" I instantly responded, "Italy."

Almost a year later, here I am, in a beautiful Tuscan farmhouse, surrounded by new relationships and enriched by experiences.

This retreat has transformed me, and each one of us, in wholehearted ways. It has redirected my desires and opened opportunities for growth in my practice, life, relationships, teaching, mindset, and overall approach to living.

The Power of Stepping Outside the Familiar

Beautiful things can grow anywhere, but stepping outside our "normal" environment I I believe, is pivotal. It allows us to see new perspectives and hear new narratives, which often resonate with our current life situations. This retreat has been about taking a step back, forging new relationships, and creating new lines of communication. It's like discovering a new path that is part of my larger journey. And articulating these experiences can be challenging, but a teacher once told me the best to learn how to articulate something is to write about it.

How often do we take the time to step outside our routine? How often do we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and open to new experiences? This retreat reminded me of the power of trust and surrender, the importance of connection, and the beauty of exploring both inner and outer worlds.

And this adventure doesn’t end here. What lies ahead is a continuation of how to explore what it means to trust and surrender what is presented to you. Friendships. A city to explore. Florence and more.