The real ME emerged during Lyn Thomas' fabulous annual yoga holiday on Lord Howe Island. I left the Australian mainland behind, including the tensions, worries and stresses of my daily life and headed to a wonderful place where I learned to be true to myself. In so doing, I felt an amazing one-ness and whole-ness with the Island itself, very much enhanced by the yoga and energisation sessions which we had daily.

LHI is a magic place and despite the comfort of my apartment, it is the outdoors that was so enticing and reviving. Energisation sessions incorporating breathing techniques and tai chi movements on the cliff top at sunrise set me up for the day ahead. After breakfast there were many varied activities in which to involve ourselves. 

These included, walks in the beautiful forests, mountains or along the beach, bicycling anywhere that wasn't too hilly, snorkeling amongst the tropical fish and coral, observing the flora and fauna - many species being endemic to LHI, attending talks by local historians or naturalists, checking out the museum, taking a ramble with a local nature-lover who was a real character, an orientation tour, an island cruise and then later having a yoga session ending with a superb relaxation.

These were only some of the activities which Lyn arranged for us.  There was also time to read, relax, swim or snooze. It was our week with Lyn - a very experienced and caring yoga teacher from Brisbane – who catered to our personal needs and interests.

The morning energisation sessions were invigorating but gentle; exercising and breathing deeply the super fresh air is most revitalising after the ten-minute walk to the cliff top.  Meditation in these surroundings was a delight and it was so easy to clear my mind and gather together energy for the rest of the day. I have never felt so much a part of the environment as I did there. It was an immersion that enabled me to enjoy the various aspects of Lord Howe at my own pace. 

I have been twice with Sunshine Yoga, each time was of enormous benefit to my wellbeing.   Dinner was mostly at superb restaurants.  We barbequed some local fish one night and had a special ‘Lyn’s Dinner’ one evening. As LHI is part of NSW we were able to take our preferred muesli or herbal teas to the island.

We lunched at some of the LHI cafes and restaurants, or dropped in for coffee and cake. They serve the best salad sandwiches and fresh Lord Howe Island fish and chips. The lumberjack cake at the museum's café is out of this world!  I even got a personal delivery of a piece of newly baked cake to my unit by the café owner because he didn’t happen to have it ready when I called in!  Yes, that’s Lord Howe Island. We were given fresh fish by generous local fishermen who knew we wanted fish for our special ‘Lyn’s Dinner’ night.

Although I have attended classes for 30 years I alw Lyn's yoga sessions were mostly indoors so we were not so distracted by the beauty of the landscape.  Sunshine Yoga is gentle and balanced using the breath to ease into postures. Relaxation sessions at the end were always so beneficial.  I enjoyed being able to extend myself differently with Sunshine Yoga as Lyn's approach is so caring and perceptive.

ays find new techniques and can improve on others.  Lyn provided us with a handbook she had compiled with notes and descriptions of the practices so that we could further extend our knowledge.

It was extremely easy to forget about the rest of the world as the island has everything you need - except a dentist who only visits quarterly! There is no mobile phone coverage but Telstra’s public phones ensure you can call home, when you remember to!  Bicycles are more common than cars and the 25kph speed limit ensures that a slower pace prevails.

The benefits of the week long yoga holiday on LHI are enormous.  I felt recharged and re-energised. My skin had a healthy glow; I slept well, ate well and loved all the activities.  The beauty and seclusion of this place helped me face some long-term fears.  I have had a fear of putting my head under water but was able to conquer this with the help of Lyn’s encouragement and support and a very patient tour guide, Peter. I snorkeled for the first time and so enjoyed viewing the gorgeous fish. I was able to ride a pushbike again despite an accident which had shaken my confidence some years earlier. 

The island was so lush and green, contrasting greatly to the mainland. The scenery is so stunning that for the two years between my yoga retreats with Lyn, I used visualisation whenever I chose to reclaim this paradise on earth with its beauty and peace.  I returned home with a feeling of integration with this land and its entire almost untouched environment. My meditation went to a deeper level and I was incredibly more relaxed after sharing this serene and beautiful place.

Having participated in a yoga holiday with Sunshine Yoga two years before and having had superb experiences, returning was inevitable.  Lyn is an excellent teacher and manager, her sound planning, care, enthusiasm and style enhanced the experience.  Her experience, skills and obvious love of yoga make these holidays so much more than a holiday. She offers a true “package deal” that I will continue to experience.

I will be attending another retreat one of these days – maybe at Lake Wanaka or Lake Taupo NZ or her weekend retreats near Brisbane.  I may still have a long way to go to achieve the lotus position but I feel I can face the world with equanimity and calmness after a week of looking for and finding the real ME.

Evelyne Perks
Doncaster, Victoria 2007

Your Next Sunshine Yoga Holiday : 30 Nov to 7 Dec 2008