Buone Feste!

Especially as it gets colder, I invite you to consider making time to incorporate a gratitude practice into your days, if you do not already. I understand how easy it can be to dismiss this valuable practice, and how it may not feel applicable when aspects of life seem less than up to par. I appreciate how Sharon Salzberg helps us see that being grateful is always possible:

When things do not seem to be going as well for me as for others, I can question my worth and worthiness. I can easily feel stuck or forget that more is possible than the heaviness of current circumstances. Gratitude is a valuable practice that helps me to find acceptance with what is, and is a gateway to peace.

Some gratitude practices you may consider include reflecting on at least one thing you are grateful for at the end of the day, keeping a gratitude journal where you can write about what you are grateful for, and practicing metta or lovingkindness meditation incorporating a person or being you are grateful for.

I am thankful for your support, for the time we have spent together, and for the opportunity to continue connecting online, and in-person in Italy.

Yoga Retreats to Italy in 2022: Umbria + Sicily

I am most grateful for the opportunity to invite you join me on yoga and metta meditation retreats in Italy again. In addition to returning to the beautiful life-giving Umbrian hillside (Sept. 24-Oct 1), I am excited to lead International Yoga’s inaugural retreat to Sicily (Oct 8-15), which is very close to my Calabrian roots.

This retreat is an exciting opportunity to explore the southernmost part of Italy from the luxurious Country House Villadorata in the countryside of Noto. Here are some of the highlights I am especially looking forward to:

• The stunning property sits on a 22 hectare estate that includes an organic farm with olive groves, almond and citrus trees, and a small biodynamic vineyard.
• The restaurant on the property is the project of Viviana Varese, the Michelin-starred chef who was just named an LGBTQ+ and inclusivity Champion of Change by the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants.” (Video honoring Viviana Varese).
• The self-sufficient property uses sophisticated green technology to produce most of its own electricity and water supply.
• A zero entry freshwater swimming pool with a special healing mixture of mineral salts and nutrients.
• Excursions to Siracusa, Agrigento, and Modica and Ragusa.

The lux trip to Sicily just launched last week with an extra $500 off the regular price for the first 5 registrants through next Monday 12/20 using code SICILY500 at checkout.

The Umbria retreat from Sept 24-Oct 1, 2022 is now officially open to people that were not previously registered for 2020, and there are rooms available. I LOVED our retreat to Umbria this year, and feel blessed to be able to return with another group to recharge.

For all the details about either of these retreats, email International Yoga (info@internationalyoga.com) or visit the retreat pages for Umbria and Sicily.

New Website and Teaching Schedule (Times in ET)

Thanks for exploring the new website and class registration format. Class packs and on demand classes are available, and I am happy to offer classes and private sessions through the holidays. Recordings are available for a few days after each class so you can best fit it into your schedule. Please see https://www.vitoyoga.com/schedule for details.

Midweek Metta Meditation Wednesdays 7:30-8p ET

I am so grateful for this community that continues to gather weekly to practice together and help spread the seeds of metta/lovingkindness. The offering includes some time for check-in and questions before and after the meditation. To join, please message me for the link and I will send it before the session begins.

I wish you much peace, health, and joy through the holidays, and I hope to support you with some degree of stability, strength and openness.

Much love and appreciation,

Vito

• vitoyoga.com
• instagram: @vito_politano
• linkedin: vito-politano
• YouTube: vitoyoga

For more info on Offeringtree click here.