#1 Yoga Retreat for Professional Women on the Planet
Kimberly Ann Johnson IS the Aretha Franklin of yoga…
What she brings to the table is nothing short of pure soul!
“Though it’s difficult to get your head around a sparkling, green-eyed, freckle-faced, young redhead with a bright smile the length of a transcontinental highway, and the words ‘Detroit Soulfulness’ used together in describing the same person, stop, breath, and push your envelope. Kimberly Ann Johnson IS the Aretha Franklin of yoga. What she brings to the table is nothing short of pure soul, born from a R-E-S-P-E-C-T for a higher power, a deep personal humility, a contagious dedication to the furthering of her own practice and personal growth, and a competent, caring and compassionate conveyance of her discoveries to others. Kimberly Johnson teaches by example. There is a freshness. She is one of those rare talents that you find yourself automatically doing that little bit extra for.”
I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Kimberly and being introduced to her style of yoga instruction during a visit to Ilha Grande in 2006. She was embracing a life adventure, having been invited to teach at a week-long yoga/health retreat and from the onset, she blew me away with her intelligence, warmth, knowledge and thoughtful manner of instruction. We spent hours each day moving through various asana and breathing techniques, and receiving the many benefits of having such a skilled instructor further introduce us to yoga through innovative sequencing as well as hands-on adjustments to assist and improve alignment. Kimberly brings a sense of fun and exploration to the practice, and in all my years of study and practice I always look back on the weeks I spent with her guidance as some of the absolute best! The combination of residing on a true island paradise among lush vegetation, with wonderful and warm hosts, amazing and healthy food … and fantastic yoga has made these retreats my favorite excuse for a holiday. Now, 5 years after my initial retreat with Kimberly the benefits and enjoyment have been long lasting throughout. The sense of peacefulness, quietude, curiosity and passion for yoga live with me each and every day. Even better, I can’t wait to return for another program later this year!!
What if there was a way to experience an irrepressible enthusiasm for all the possibilities in your life, a strong and supple body to support you; and a sensual samba sway to your walk?
- What if there were a way that peace of heart and clarity of mind could be your new guides, and the relentless thoughts in your head could take a backseat?
- What if there was a way to feel lighter, brighter and more alive, so that everyone you came across noticed your radiance? To healthily detox? To thrive and not just survive?
- What if there was a way to integrate your mind, body and spirit so that you are able to experience a sense of joy from knowing you are sharing your greatest gifts with the world?
- What if there was a way to feel strongly connected to a deeper sense of purpose and to exercise the courage to follow that call in just one week?
It might sound impossible, but I have seen it…
Kimberly is no ordinary yoga teacher – she is at once encouraging and patient, dynamic and calm, and in class she not only guides us through the asanas but teaches us about yoga and the body and philosophy. On this particular night when we relax in savasana she sings to us in Sanskrit, and it is as beautiful as anything I’ve seen. To read Kristina’s review of the trip in the Las Vegas Examiner , click here http://bit.ly/aML4SM
If you’re like most women, you’ve felt the effects of the new political and financial landscape in the last few years: fewer job opportunities, less money, and longer and more intense workdays as you struggle to maintain a competitive edge in a difficult economy.
Has this left less time for meeting the right man or spending time with the one you already have?
Less time for the family you have or building the family you want?
But if you’re like most women, you’ve also felt “the shift”. You know. The internal tugging at your soul that says, “There’s more to life than this…”
There is:
- The wondering whether it’s worth all the effort.
- The undeniable feeling that you are the proverbial hamster on a wheel; expending massive amounts of effort to get absolutely nowhere.
- The angst when thinking about the possibility of a life based on the pursuit of your passions rather than your passions existing as an accessory that gets fit in on weekends, vacations and the occasional day when you are not exhausted from work.
- The ineffable ache you feel for meaning and purpose.
- The continual questioning if what you are doing is what you are meant to be doing.
Week after week I have seen people- entrepreneurs, accountants , doctors, ski instructors, mothers, yoga teachers, lawyers (quite a few lawyers), writers, and high powered executives arrive feeling depleted, exhausted, in need of deep rest and some soul searching without all the demands of daily routines.
I have seen them leave 10 pounds lighter, rested, peaceful and refueled inside and out.
I have seen them leave with sparkling eyes and glowing skin as they accomplished more than they thought possible. Some survived two yoga classes a day with no experience at all. Others hiked 10 miles to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Lopes Mendes, and got up on a surfboard for the first time. Still others rappelled down a waterfall and saw monkeys up close.
Through our practices, she has helped me through major changes in my life as well as through some major career milestones.
“Kimberly’s style is empathetic and supportive, allowing me to experience the practice much more deeply, at the same time as accepting what comes up both on and off the mat. Through our practices, she has helped me through major changes in my life as well as through some major career milestones. Her teachings have given me the ability to stand back, breathe, and notice previously unconscious patterns, which allows me to approach challenges in a new and more constructive way. Working with Kimberly has totally enhanced my capacity for positive thinking which has made my life much fuller and happier. Kimberly is a talented gifted teacher with a passion for yoga on and off the mat.” How is this possible?
Sometimes the solutions to the problems you face are not as complicated as you might think.
It is a matter of tuning out so that you can tune in.
It is about tuning out the noise of the city, the noise of other people’s opinions, the noise of Blackberrys, iPhones, the internet, and the noise of all the “shoulds” in your head.
Then it is about tuning in to your breath, to the sounds of the morning birds, the cries of howler monkeys, and the voice of the coconut seller floating by on his canoe. Tuning in to the rhythms of nature. Tuning in to your body and listening.
It is a matter of rediscovering some habits of eating, exercising and enjoying that get lost in hectic city life filled with seemingly endless responsibilities and absolutely no down time. I know that life and I also know that it helps to get out of the redundant day-to-day routine and get perspective.
To facilitate this process of unplugging and maximizing your time, I have chosen the dreamlike paradise of Ilha Grande. There are no cars, no pollution, and no more excuses.
It is the perfect environment to step away from our usual routines and establish new ones that will make you feel healthier and happier in a deep, meaningful way (that lasts!).
The natural beauty of the island is surprising and breathtaking. The life force of the rainforest is palpably powerful and healing.
The vibrancy of the island assists in a natural letting go of what is not useful in our lives. Cradled by incredible support in a potent, lush and untouched environment, we will deepen our yoga, meditation, and renewed sense of connection to our hearts and our lives.
I would be honored to take this journey with you.
Sign me up now! I am ready for a life-changing adventure
I will be your yoga teacher, welcome committee, and Brazil cheerleader.
I have deeply explored Viniyoga, Iyengar yoga, and Ashtanga yoga, and find the heart of my practice to be a continual return to self-inquiry. My classes are informed by my background in dance, Structural Integration, the Feldenkrais method, Advaita Vedanta, and Sanskrit.
I myself experienced a huge awakening of the heart on Ilha Grande, which led to the birth of my daughter Cecilia, who is now 2 years old. I now live in Rio de Janeiro where I live with some of the warmest people on earth. And I am always just a day away from the island!
I have guided hundreds of students and adventurers through an intensive yoga experience on the Ilha Grande. It is because of the incredible results- the open faces, weight lifted and renewed commitment to health and a heart-filled path- that I continue to lead retreats on the island twice yearly.
I have been teaching yoga all over the world (in New York City, San Diego, Chicago, Boulder, Thailand, Malaysia and Brazil) for the past eleven years.
What Will the Yoga Be Like?
We will practice yoga twice each day near sunrise and sunset. Some practices will be active and challenging, others will be quiet and introspective. Each practice is customized to the needs of the particular group so that you leave understanding how YOUR body works. After this retreat I want you to be prepared to go into any yoga class with a good idea of what YOU personally need to do to take care of your body and get the most out of the practice.
What Style of Yoga is This?
I teach alignment-based vinyasa yoga with intelligent and creative sequencing. My classes are diverse and varied– each has a strong focus, requiring full attention. You will be challenged at your level.
The Food:
This exotic and delicious vegetarian-based diet combines the harmony and benefits of natural foods with the fantastic flavor of Brazilian cuisine.
Savor fresh tropical fruits (bananas, mangos, pineapple, açai, papaya), organic vegetables, regional grains, and locally-caught fish.
We will have a celebratory feast on the final night of the retreat.
**Specific dietary requests can be accommodated.
Getting There:
Flights to Rio de Janeiro International Airport (Airport Code: GIG) are available from major US, European and South American cities. Book your flights now because there are some very low fares and the sooner the better.
The intensive begins on Sunday. Plan to arrive to Rio International Airport Sunday morning before 11:30 at the latest. We will meet you at your arrival gate. The program ends Saturday, and we will transport you back to the airport by 5 PM Saturday evening.
Please e-mail your flight itinerary so that we can organize your transportation.
Accomodations:
Your stunning accommodations are in the Gota do Mar lodge which sits at the mouth of the Blue Lagoon. There are several options ranging from super deluxe to simple elegance, all with serene ocean views.
Your Brazilian Yoga Intensive includes:
- Two 2-hour yoga classes daily
- Six nights of accommodations with private bath and veranda overlooking the ocean!
- All meals, juices, fresh filtered water and snacks (natural spa cuisine, developed by on-site nutritionist)
- Two full body massages!
- Airport transfers
- Daily outdoor activities (trekking , kayaking, snorkeling) supervise by professional guides/trainers
- Brazilian cultural events
Say No More, I Am Packing my Bags and My Bikini
From a recent review
Some frequently asked questions:
How will I get to the island?
We will pick you up at your arrival gate in Rio. We will transport you by van down the beautiful Brazilian coast to a local port where we will transport you by boat to Ilha Grande.
What are the best times to arrive and depart?
We suggest that you land in Rio International Airport on Sunday morning between 10 AM and 11:30 AM and that you plan to depart the following Saturday anytime after 7 PM. We will pick you up from the airport Sunday morning and provide your transportation back to the airport Saturday afternoon. You should be back at the airport roughly around 5 PM.
Is Brazil a safe place to travel?
Statistically, Ilha Grande is one of the safest places on the planet.
What if I am new to yoga?
Immersing yourself in yoga is the perfect way to start.
If you are new to yoga, you will be guided through the right practices for you and then at times you will probably observe and rest while we continue into more difficult options for the experienced practitioners. Intensives are an awesome way to jumpstart your practice and it can be very inspiring to practice with all levels of practitioners.
How many people will be at this intensive?
The intensive will be limited to 15 students.
What if I want to come to Brazil a couple of days earlier, or spend more time in Brazil after the Island Experience?
Coming to Brazil a couple of days earlier is a great idea. Rio has a lot to offer. We will pick you up at your hotel on Sunday to transport you to the island. If you are staying in Rio after your Island Experience, we will provide transportation to your hotel on Saturday.
What is the weather like on Ilha Grande in October?
The tropical weather is hot and humid. The medium temperatures of the air are between 72F – 84F. The medium water temperatures are between 65F – 75F.
What kind of clothes do I need to bring?
Think tropical. You could probably get by at this event with a bikini! You will want yoga clothes, t-shirts, mostly short sleeved, but one or two long-sleeved, tank tops, shorts (for hiking and swimming), hiking socks, tennis shoes or hiking boots, bikinis, sunglasses, hat.
What do I need to bring besides clothes?
We recommend you bring a camera, a journal, toiletries, an extra pair of contacts if you wear them, insect repellent, and sunscreen. If you plan on hiking, we highly recommend you bring a 70 oz. Camelbak.
Do I need to bring my yoga mat?
You are welcome to bring your own mat. We will have yoga mats that you can use.
Can I bring my partner, who does not want to participate in the yoga?
Yes, we will provide you with a special rate for a guest who does not want to participate in the yoga.
If you have any other questions, please do not hesitant to contact me. You can reach me via Skype (kajyoga) or my phone at 858-481-7306. You can also shoot me an email at brazilyogaretreats@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!
Are You Ready to Take Step Away From:
- Nagging anxiety about your true purpose in life
- A relentless day-to-day grind that leaves you no time to hear yourself think
- The stress of city life
- Dull uninspired heaviness that is not helped by flourescent lights and computer screens
- A cycle of fatigue that you cannot seem to get out of?
Are You Ready to Step Towards:
- A renewed sense of purpose
- A Sense of inner peace that cannot be easily rattled by external circumstances
- A relaxed island vibe
- Deep rest, facilitated by extremely pure air, ocean breezes, yoga practice and healthy activity
- A healthy diet, filled with organic fruit and fresh vegetables, as well as locally caught fish, that will support you in your goals to be fit and light?
Yes, please. I Am Ready to Embark on this Journey!
Packages:
Take advantage of the early bird special – a 15 % discount if you register by July 15th!
“Kimberly is amazing at finding the perfect alignment for my body and partnering with me to break lifelong postural habits. She makes yoga practice a joy and I'm very grateful I could bask in her amazing light and energy. She also sings like a true goddess.” 
“Kimberly is a selfless and committed teacher, she has an incredible eye for detailed biomechanics and the ability to encourage an embodied, spiritual practice. Her classes are rich and rewarding, drawing you to a deeper understanding of the practice and ultimately of yourself. The icing on the cake is that she has a great sense of humour and a beautiful voice.”