Kirtan

SWAHA (Marla Meenakshi Joy and Ron Reid) perform original compositions of sacred Sanskrit chants that are both inspired and uplifting. They love to blend ethereal heart-inspired vocals over rich earthy rhythms.
International yoga teacher trainers, Former co-owners of Downward Dog Yoga Centre in Toronto, Canada (EST 1997), Meenakshi and Ron are also kirtan wallahs, and recording artists with over 5 CD’s to date.
 Swaha offers their loving heart-beat to the sacred Bhakti path.
 

PRANAYAMA IN ACTION — BREATH THROUGH CHALLENGE

Contrast Therapy • Cross-Body Coordination • Breathwork • Cold Plunge • Jacuzzi

This experiential session invites students to explore what happens to the breath, nervous system, attention and awareness when the body encounters challenge.

We begin with cross-body movement and coordination exercises that challenge the brain and require concentration, followed by conscious breath practices that prepare students to observe their responses rather than simply react to them.

The experience then moves into contrast therapy with the cold plunge and jacuzzi, creating an opportunity to notice the relationship between breath, sensation, anticipation, stress and recovery.

The purpose is not endurance or proving how much discomfort we can tolerate. It is an exploration of how we meet challenge.

Students are encouraged to observe:

What happens to my breath when I anticipate discomfort?
What happens when the experience becomes intense?
Can I remain present rather than immediately react?
Can I use the breath to support regulation and recovery?
Can I recognize my limits and respond intelligently to them?

The experience concludes with recovery, rest and reflection, allowing students to notice how the nervous system transitions from activation toward regulation.

Costo $ 444

THE JOURNEY HOME

YOUR PRACTICE IS CALLING YOU DEEPER

An Intensive Yoga Immersion Retreat
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
October 1 – November 28, 2026
Yoga Alliance 200-Hour Certification

ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAIN

There are moments when we simply know it is time to go deeper.

Not because something is missing, but because something within us is calling to be explored.

This October, join us in beautiful San Miguel de Allende for an immersive journey into the many dimensions of yoga.

This is more than a Yoga Alliance certification.

It is an invitation to step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, biomechanics, philosophy and the lived experience of yoga.
 

TWO TEACHERS.

TWO LIFELONG PATHS.

ONE SHARED PASSION FOR YOGA.

MELINDA MARINO — E-RYT500


The Architect

With 35 years on the path of yoga, Melinda brings together her experience as a practitioner, teacher and architect.

Her journey through Aikido, injury and rehabilitation led her to discover yoga not only as a physical practice, but as a path of healing, awareness and self-realization.

She invites students to see the body as a living architecture—understanding not only how we move, but why.

 

BEa! RAYDO — E-RYT500
The Elixir

With 45 years immersed in yoga, philosophy, anatomy and physiology, BE brings a deep understanding of the connection between ancient wisdom and the human body.

Together, we explore where:

Philosophy becomes experience.
Anatomy becomes awareness.
Breath becomes a bridge.
Practice becomes a way of knowing ourselves.
 

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS IN SAN MIGUEL

Our immersion takes place during one of Mexico's most meaningful celebrations.

During Día de los Muertos, San Miguel fills with marigolds, candles, music, color, remembrance and celebration.

It is a beautiful time to reflect on impermanence, gratitude, love and transformation—and on one of yoga's deepest invitations:

How do we choose to live this life fully?
 

THIS JOURNEY IS FOR YOU IF YOU...

Feel called to deepen your practice.

Want to understand the body from the inside out.

Are curious about the deeper wisdom of yoga.

Want to explore meditation and pranayama.

Feel called to teach—or simply want to understand yoga more completely.

And most importantly,
are ready to become a student again.

DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE.

DISCOVER YOUR VOICE.

SHARE WHAT YOU DISCOVER.

ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAIN

October 1 – November 28, 2026
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

If something in you is responding as you read this, listen.

Perhaps this is the time.
Perhaps this is the place.
Perhaps this is the next chapter of your journey.

Begin with a conversation.

[REQUEST THE APPLICATION]

Melinda Marino, E-RYT500
BEa! Raydo, E-RYT500
Esencia Yoga Spa
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Melinda Marino GONGUERA

A Gift of Sound

For the past six months, I have been immersed in a beautiful journey of training as a Sound Therapist, specializing in Gong Sound Healing. I will graduate this September, and I am excited to share this new dimension of my practice with our Esencia community.

As a gift of gratitude, I will be offering a 1-hour Group Gong Sound Healing Session every Saturday in September.

Come, settle in, listen deeply, and allow the vibration of the gongs to wash over you. No experience is necessary—simply bring yourself and receive.

If you resonate with this gift, choose a Saturday and reserve your space through the Mindbody app.

Space is limited, so please sign up in advance.

I look forward to sharing this new dimension of raising the frequency of the world with you.

With love,
Melinda

PLEASE RESERVE ON THE MINDBODY APP