Spa & Wellness MexiCaribe 43 | Otoño 2021

Respira Tu Amor wellness retreats engage
ancient, powerful tools to connect spiritual
energy. This jungle-based weekend retreat
offers an introduction to the three modalities of
breathwork, tantra, and yoga.
After an initial introduction to Mariposa, our facilitator,
we commenced with a yoga practice to encourage
energy flow through the spine, balancing the chakras.
The participants then commenced with connection
exercises; eye-gazing, conscious alternated
breathing, and affirmation giving and receiving all
helped to break down barriers. A meditation guided us
through a ‘cord-cutting’ process to release childhood/
past trauma, previous relationships and to let go of
‘emotional baggage’, followed by a refreshing swim
in the freshwater cenote, a sacred opening to the
underground river system unique to this region of
Mexico.
Two highlights for me were an intense breathwork
session that guided the group through holotropic
breathing patterns based on the SOMA Breath
technique with the addition of spinal movements
to move energy through the chakras. Holotropic
breathing incorporates intense deep breathing and
breath-holds with and without air. Breath-holds
become longer, causing more intense effects of
tingling in the extremities, temperature changes, and
the elusive ‘astral-voyage’ meditative state indicative
of a DMT-release in the brain. The sunrise photoshoot
at the cenote gave way to the other uniquely
memorable experience, the Angel Walk. As retreat
participants formed two lines, each person took their
turn to walk through the center receiving affirmations
from the group - an intensely emotional and powerful
experience to leave you filled with love and gratitude!
www.respiratuamor.com
www.instagram.com/luismovellanphoto
By Sara Jones, Editor
a wellness retreat
Respira Tu Amor
Riviera Maya,
Mexico
ONE PARTICIPANT’S EXPERIENCE…
​I had an incredibly unhealthy relationship with
my sexual energy for years, it affected my
mental health and relationships. Breathwork
had helped me break out of depression and
anything involving inner-work, self-exploration
and reflection was on my radar. The group
had great energy, and many of the exercises,
including eye-gazing and energy circulation,
allowed me to look at others, and myself, very
differently. For the first time in years, I felt
connected to the innocence I once experienced
as a child.
The way Mariposa spoke about energy,
tenderness, and human nature created a space
where I finally felt comfortable with my body.
The retreat was amazing, but what happened
afterward was life-changing. My drive for sex
vanished; when I saw a beautiful woman with
her partner, I wasn’t thinking about her sexually.
Instead, I began to feel the happiness the
couple was experiencing. My drive did return,
but something was different. I was present. For
the first time in my life, I wasn’t thinking about
anything other than the beautiful person in
front of me, I could stare into her eyes and feel
nothing but happiness and love. My approach
to sexuality will never be the same; I can now
begin connecting with others in a healthy,
passionate, and powerful way.
By Kevin Connelley
www.spawellnessmexico.com