Yoga MAGIC

I have landed in paradise. I pinch myself because this trip continues to amaze me. Everyday unfolds seamlessly, perfect moment after perfect moment. We arrive in Goa, Indian’s smallest state on the western coast bordering the Arabian Sea. Only an hour from Bangalore and I feel as though I am in another world, from the fertile hills of the Ghats to the palm fringed tropical sands. The Portuguese colonized Goa for almost 500 years until it became a part of India in 1961. As we ride in the cab to our hotel, down a labyrinth of narrow curved roads, it is evident how the Mediterranean influence intertwines with a beach community of small huts, shops and barefoot locals. Everyone is relaxed and sun kissed. I immediately notice the large majority of Caucasian inhabitants, a result of hippies discovering Goa years ago. Many a person is dressed as if it is Woodstock, in loose flowing clothes with dreadlocks and tattoos. I am curious to explore this strangely interesting place….

After meandering through unnamed roads fringed with banana and coconut trees, we reach our hotel, Yoga Magic, an oasis of peace surrounded by a water creek and paddy fields of diverse birdlife. Walking up the cool stone steps, we enter into the small but charming lobby of dark carved wood and smelling of incense. Juliette, one of the owners, gives a tour of this majestic lodge. It is a tiny place, with several tents and a handful of shacks and teepees, spread out around flourishing grounds and meadows. There is a canopy of roses covering the pathways. A swirling-shaped pool of crystal blue is surrounded by floating gardens, rocks with gushing waterfalls and thatched roof huts to escape the sun’s heat. Several tables, floor cushions and a bar serve as the dining area where gourmet vegetarian Indian food is served, prepared using spices, herbs and vegetables from the organic garden. The energy here is alive, pure, pulsating of natural life.



The lodges are modeled after Rajasthani hunting tents, with two adjoining rooms built from mud, stone, bamboo and coconut wood, each specified by a particular color corresponding to one of the chakras of the human body. The furniture is simple, set against colorful saris and hand printed cotton draped from the elevated roof. The bed, large and comfortable with fluffy pillows and silk cushions, is crafted from locally made iron. There is a spacious dressing room of mud cobble walls, arched windows, and a sculpted sofa bed. It is open, airy and free, with a veranda molded from baked mud and cow dung. Two reclining chairs face a sweeping field to watch the sunset or gaze at the stars. There is no door or locks, fans or air-conditioning. The eco-chic tent features solar halogen lighting throughout, so there is no need for power outlets. The roofless bathroom consists of a natural composting toilet, which uses mango woodchips and effective micro-organisms to return everything back to nature. There are clay urns filled with well water for bathing and hot solar showers a short walk away from each tent. Everything is shaped from locally sustainable materials such as clay and palm leaves, including the yoga temple, where daily classes are held. Fresh flowers float in pots next to statues of Buddha, bells gently chime in the breeze while oil lamp aromas permeate the warm air.






Although the beauty and serenity of this place astounds me, I feel nervous and uncomfortable. I am in the middle of nowhere, an open field out in Goa, living in the simplest manner I have ever experienced. I am out of my comfort zones, questioning how I am going to survive without my safety nets. Until now, the transition has been smooth and to a degree, painless. But everything has changed; I am being forced to let go. For the next five days, I must surrender. I craved nature. I wanted the simple life. As usual, life responds to my desire and gives me exactly what I seek.