Xhale Yoga Retreat- Pai, Thailand

The ideal setting for a yoga retreat

                                       Daily Schedule

                                            Break time

Made so many wonderful friends from all over the world

Since my yoga retreat, I can't stop raving to my family, friends, and even strangers just how amazing the retreat was. This was my very first yoga retreat and I didn't know what to expect. All I knew was that I was going to spend six days doing yoga and eating vegetarian food. The only hope I probably had was to lose weight! 

I've being practicing yoga on and off for about seven years now and I'm always looking for another reason to fully dedicate myself to the practice, I think I finally found it. The retreat focuses on a deeper understanding of the yoga practice and encompasses a range of yoga styles so you're never bored with the routine. One of the most important lessons of any retreat is learning to incorporate the techniques and training into daily life. I'll be the first to admit that it's difficult as hell especially with the crazy lifestyle we all have these days.

 So here are a few tips:

-Change it up: I've been looking for new and innovative yoga studios in NYC. It's easy to get into a routine rut, even if you are a true blown yogi, it's always nice to explore other styles. I found an aerial yoga class at OM Factory and yin yoga classes at Yoga Agora. Can't wait to try these :)

-Take a moment to breathe: We often forget that the easiest way out of any tense situation is to breathe. It's a full proof way to release any stress or tension.

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Warming Chai Tea

Star Anise, Dried Orange Peels, Cloves, Black Peppercorns, and Cardamom Pods

               Extra large cinnamon stick can be used as a stirrer. Double duty!

                   Frigid temperatures in NYC. Nothing like a hot cup of chai :)

I'm not adjusting well to this wintry mess in NYC; negative temperatures, a foot of snow, and high winds. :( I miss basking in the glorious sun and the warm temperatures of South East Asia. So to make the best of my day all couped up in my apartment, I decided to make some homemade chai tea to warm myself up. I remember during my yoga retreat, our wonderful chef de cuisine, Muk, would make us the most amazing homemade chai right before our morning practice. Unfortunately, I never got Muk's chai recipe and have been thinking about recreating it ever since. This is what my rendition of Muk's chai looks like:

Homemade Chai

2-3 star anise pods
3-4 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
2-3 small pieces of ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
2 pieces of dried orange peel
1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
1 teaspoon of cloves
1 black teabag (masala or english breakfast will do)
Agave nectar or honey for sweetness
*Almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk you like.

Makes 1 16-20oz cup

Bring water to a boil. Add ginger, star anise, cardamom, cinnamon, orange peel, peppercorns, and cloves and lower heat to a simmer. Let the spices steep for 5-10 minutes. Turn off the heat completely and add the tea bag. Let the mixture steep for another 5 minutes. Serve hot with any milk you like.

*Note: you can also steep all the spices in your milk of choice. This will produce a more flavorful and robust cup of chai. 

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