There are a few things in life you should never say no to: extra guacamole, ocean views, and invitations from powerful women who use words like “manifest” and “alignment” without irony.
So, when the opportunity came to attend a yoga retreat in Sayulita, Mexico – a beautiful destination that my family frequented when I was a child - with one of my favorite yoga instructors (Laura of Pensacola Beach Yoga) and a group of deeply inspiring, high-frequency women including my twin sister, I said absolutely yes.
Loudly. And possibly before they finished asking.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, something inside me exhaled.
Not a cute, filtered Instagram exhale — I’m talking full-body, salt-air, “I didn’t know I was holding my breath for years” kind of exhale. The kind that tells you: yep, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
And so began a 5-day stretch of adventure, connection, introspection, and complete relaxation.
We practiced yoga morning and evening, with various activities throughout the day. We took surf lessons, ate delicious food, walked through the village square shopping along the way, journaled, read, and even attended a traditional cacao ceremony followed by a temazcal ceremony.
A temazcal is a traditional Mexican sweat lodge ceremony, a ritual that involves sitting in a heated, dark, and domed structure to cleanse the body and mind. Admittedly, I did not last the full 4 sessions but for those who did, it was a moving (and hot!) experience.
This wasn’t just your average yoga retreat. This was a masterclass in saying yes to the universe — with women who lead businesses, families, revolutions (and one very well-organized yoga retreat, of course).
We talked about how to show up for ourselves and trust our intuition. We talked about living authentically and trusting our instincts – saying “yes” to the next right thing. We talked about “doing it scared” and failing fast — and what it looks like to make mistakes, own them, to let our children see us fail, and then to move thoughtfully forward.
It was refreshing conversation in a room full of people who expect you to be powerful, not perfect.
Mid-retreat, we found ourselves discussing powers of attorney and healthcare directives… You know I can’t help myself.
It was surprisingly empowering.
Turns out, nothing says “I honor my life” quite like making sure you and your loved ones are protected, and your assets don’t end up in legal limbo.
When you thoughtfully plan your affairs, you are deciding in advance what the future looks like for you and your loved ones. You eliminate the uncertainties that they will otherwise undoubtedly face, and instead give them clear direction of your wishes for yourself and your assets.
An effective estate plan consists of documents that protect you while you’re here, and those that dispose of your assets when you’re gone. It was a great reminder that: “You don’t have to be rich to plan your legacy. You just have to be conscious.”
On the second to last night, we dined at an authentic, roadside restaurant. We were all slightly dazed from our earlier sweat lodge experience, and very hungry. We briefly chatted about ordering another guacamole but didn’t. Suddenly, another guacamole appeared - unrequested, unexpected, but absolutely essential.
We stared at it. We blinked. We laughed. And someone said, “We manifested guacamole!”
So here’s your gentle nudge from Sayulita: Create a thoughtful plan. Make it authentically yours. Because the only thing more grounding than mountain pose… is peace of mind.
With love and gratitude,
Amanda “More Guacamole Please” Lynch Elliott
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