Our trail on Lopes Mendes

I was inspired to write this post by a conversation I had with Alex Benasuli, who is currently with us on the island teaching yoga, when he last visited The Island Experience. We were talking about what he discovered the first time he came to the program – the value of learning how to find your pace in everything you do.

Simple stuff, yet it’s at the heart of being yourself and enjoying your life.

From learning a new skill to exercising and eating. Often we are put off doing something because we get tied up in the thought that it might be too fast or too slow for us. It creates a nervous energy inside which can spoil the activity or mean that we don’t even try. So often when people enquire about our program they ask about the level of fitness required and I suspect it’s because somewhere inside they question either; “can I keep up?” or “can they keep up with me?”. Many of us have been there. Our philosophy is to support everyone to achieve their goals, whether they aspire to be the tortoise or the hare, and to enjoy every moment.

Relax and you will discover your natural rhythm.

Joining the team at TIEX I furthered my understanding of holistic health and began to enjoy long lasting results from gradual change and a balanced approach to diet and exercise. More importantly to accept myself as my environment or interests change, I grow older, etc. For me, finding my own rhythm and letting go of expectations takes away frustration and negative thinking.

Next time an opportunity or idea comes your way that could be rejected by that voice of doubt try to accept it in the knowledge that it has been presented to you for a reason. With an open mind you can relax in the knowledge that you will find your pace and feel all kinds of benefits from your participation.

This in turn can bring about a mental freedom that actually allows us to enjoy what we’re doing even more.

Words by Sarah

TIEX Sales and Trainer

Enjoying yourself is essential in life. Exercise shouldn’t feel like hard work, it should feel like fun. How much have you laughed today? Come and laugh with us!

At the top of the highest trail on the island with The Island Experience

An encouraging gesture from a family member or a friend is one thing.  In some ways, it can be limited. Don’t get me wrong; I thrive on my dad’s words of hopefulness and my best friend’s cheers of praise. I would not be the person I am today without my family and friends or their undying display of encouragement. But, isn’t it something else to receive encouragement from strangers? For me, encouragement from strangers is unexpectedly productive. Strangers do not often have the context of your entire life’s history, which can lead to biased opinions. Strangers often say things at face value (things you sometimes don’t want to hear!). However, most of the time, these are the exact things that you need in your life to move forward.

Fresh, vibrant, new...The Island Experience

There is no shortage of encouragement  on Ilha Grande at The Island Experience. You are encouraged to try new things. Encouraged to see, taste, smell, touch, listen and experience new things. As well, there is no shortage of wonderful strangers at The Island Experience. Strangers who call the island their ‘office’ (the amazingly dedicated management and staff). Strangers who come from around the world, crossing oceans and roads, to make the island their home – if only for a few days and / or weeks.

Fun and friendship at The Island Experience