What do a psychologist and a kundalini yoga teacher have in common? Aside from DNA, these two siblings share a desire to guide others on a path of self-discovery while exploring new cultures, great food and genuine laughter.
Winston Park’s Chrisna Ashforth and her sister Salomie Jordaan, have for the past 12 years helped people – who want to explore inner work and discover the truth about themselves – on some of the most intensive and life-changing personal development journeys of their lives.
They co-host holistic retreats and workshops for women and teenagers that are all about trauma release, yoga, meditation, massage, cooking and eating beautiful, healthy food, other creative activities and spending time in nature.
Like many sisters, Chrisna and Salomie share an incredibly special bond. Both have taken personal struggles and turned them into positive quests to lead more fulfilling lives. This has led them to not only explore deep territories within themselves and others, but also to teach and travel the world.
The local biannual retreats take place at Leopards Rock Bush Boutique, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo, owned by Salomie, a psychologist and internationally qualified yoga teacher and at Chrisna’s home studio, Eagles View in Gillitts.
“I concentrate on raw food awareness, Native American work and yoga, and Salomie focuses on the psychological work,” says Chrisna, a Body Spin Facilitator, Mind Coach, More to Life Facilitator, International Kundalini Yoga Instructor and a Kinesiology Practitioner who trains and teaches daily from her yoga space, founded almost three decades ago when she first started her spiritual journey.
After sharing many magical travel experiences (Chrisna alone has visited over 53 countries) at some of the most spiritual places, local to South Africa and around the world, the siblings added international tours to their portfolio … adventures that explore the mystical aspects of life and show you how to truly embrace mindfulness and navigate life through kundalini yoga, meditation and unforgettable experiences. And they’ve touched so many people’s lives along the way.
“If you’re craving adventure … if you need to do something that feeds your soul … do it! This is our dream made into reality, and every second dedicated to organizing and running these retreats is done with so much love, attention and gratitude for the opportunities we have to experience so many wonders of the world, and for the people who join us on these unforgettable adventures.”
From what we’ve seen and heard, everybody who’s been on one is raving about it. Chrisna and Salome’s international trips are about two weeks long. They’ve done 12 trips to India – the home of spirituality, seven to Egypt and have the Himalayas lined up again for next month (March 14 to 31) and a much-anticipated trip to Bali set for June 29 to July 11.
“We teach you, with excitement and adventure, to listen and observe in order to get to know your body better, to be more aware of your state of mind, to explore and understand conscious communication, to find calm in order to enjoy the moment, and most importantly to find peace and healing from whatever physical and mental struggles you may be overwhelmed by.”
When most of the hard work has been accomplished, out of which everybody seems to gain something special, the last two days of each tour are reserved for a little self-reflection and of course some much-needed retail therapy.
“While there’s a large part of the experience that involves people taking on something unexpected, stepping out of their comfort zones or learning new lessons in life – something I continue to do – there is also so much fun to be enjoyed.”
Take for example the rewards of a guided climb in the Himalaya mountains; exploring the impressive city of Cairo, being invited, by a yogi associated with the Dalai Lama, to join in the celebrations of a Tibetan New Year festival or an early morning visit to the Golden Temple (where they feed more than 100,000 people for free every day) surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar lake where pilgrims bathe, which is an absolute must-see, say the sisters.
“With serene and peaceful surroundings, one may get connected to the inner self while spinning prayer wheels around the temple or exploring the McLeod Ganj in the Shivalik Hills of India – a one of its kind destination known for its Ayurveda healing therapies and spa treatments that rejuvenate the body and mind.”
“Imagine leaving the spiritual city to experience the ‘real India’ in Delhi boasting delicious street food, markets, fascinating museums, beautiful historical sites and friendly locals, or quiet days spent at your leisure visiting vibrant monasteries, quaint cafes or enjoying thrilling adventures and admiring beautiful sunsets.”
If learning to go with the flow is a life lesson you’re seeking, then Chrisna says the streets, temples and bazaars alone will reward you with ample lessons served with a side serve of masala tea.
“There is no greater thrill in life than not just talking about or sharing with but actually experiencing the beauty and culture of magical places with other like-minded people. Done with sincerity and compassion, this can uplift and change someone else’s entire perspective on things and ultimately their journey in life. This is what we love to do. We live to serve and teach, and if you come with an open mind and an adventurous spirit, you will see and experience so much more than you ever bargained for!”
A 16-day retreat will cost around R45 000 depending on the destination and what’s included in the package.
Details: Contact Salomie on 082 443 5875 or [email protected] or Chrisna on 083 458 6968 or [email protected]
