Beneath the layers of joy, adventure, and creativity lies a recognition that nurturing these facets in our lives not only contributes to healthy aging but also to vibrant, purposeful living.
In her book The Joy of Movement, Kelly McGonigal, PhD, elaborates on the myriad benefits of movement (which undoubtedly encompasses yoga), ranging from shifting one’s mood towards joy, reigniting hope, empowering us to recognize our own resilience, to granting us permission to unwind. According to the Harvard Health newsletter, joy can be cultivated through physical activity, meditation, exploration of novel experiences, focusing on the positive, and minimizing exposure to negativity, among other methods. Dr. McGonigal emphasizes that human happiness flourishes within community settings, as we are social beings.
When we converge at the Feathered Pipe Ranch, we set the stage for joy to blossom.
Adventure, whether it involves uncovering a new yoga pose, embarking on a mountain hike with newfound companions, or navigating a majestic river, serves as another embodied means of fostering joy, experiencing movement, and communing with others. The benefits of immersing oneself in nature, according to the US Forest Service, include increased motivation for physical activity, as well as “stress reduction, evidenced by decreased cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates – all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.” Furthermore, there are documented advantages for mental health, such as reduced depression levels, quicker mental recovery from stress, and enhanced mental focus and attentiveness. Adventures in nature can also evoke a sense of awe, a phenomenon linked to many of the previously mentioned positive health outcomes.
When we come together in nature in Montana, we have everything we need to savor adventure together.
And what about creativity? Alongside our roles as yoga instructors, each of us has our own unique approach to nurturing creativity in our daily lives. For Baxter, it entails dedicating daily time to play his violin, a cherished companion since the age of five. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that this practice truly became a daily ritual once again, with the added adventure of discovering and mastering a new piece of music almost weekly.
As a yoga instructor, Melina recognizes the profound connection between creativity and well-being and is passionate about sharing this insight with others. Just as yoga promotes presence and awareness, photography offers a parallel avenue to inner tranquility. Teaching yoga and engaging in photography seamlessly intertwine in Melina’s life, with each practice enriching the other. Whether through a contemplative yoga pose or capturing the perfect shot, the art of slowing down becomes a celebration of life’s moments, enhancing both her artistry and her overall quality of life. If you join us on retreat this summer, you’ll not only learn how to design better photographs and awaken your muse but also experience the physical and psychological benefits of being creative indoors and out.
When we find a gentler cadence together at the Ranch, we set the stage to unleash everyone’s innate creativity.
~~~~~~~~~
Join Baxter Bell and Melina Meza for a new experience at the Feathered Pipe Ranch, one of daily adventures, exploring creativity and sharing yoga practice for vibrant living. This week long retreat will invite you to rediscover what it takes to feel adventuresome, how to kindle your creative mind and spirit and how to fall in love with yoga for the first time or all over again, June 22 – 29, 2024, “Journey To Joy: Adventure, Creativity, And Yoga Retreat”
~~~~~~~~~
About Baxter Bell & Melina Meza:
About Baxter Bell & Melina Meza: With over 25 years of experience teaching yoga, both Baxter and Melina have come to recognize the benefits of a consistent yoga practice. Baxter’s journey led him to co-author a blog on Yoga for Healthy Aging for numerous years, culminating in a book of the same title in 2016, alongside facilitating a series of immersions on the subject over the past 8 years. Melina joined him in 2018, co-leading these explorations both in-person and online. Melina’s affection for yoga encompasses decades of immersion in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healthcare system, and specializes in seasonal health and wellness. Baxter and Melina eagerly anticipate welcoming many of you to the Ranch for your initial visit and reconnecting with those who have joined us in years past, as we explore the transformative power of cultivating joy, embracing creativity, and embarking on countless adventures.
Learn more about Melina: melinameza.com and melinamezaphotography.com
Learn more about Baxter: baxterbell.com