Tupelo Honey

There is a quiet ritual in setting the table that mirrors the intention behind a yoga practice. From the soft unfolding of a napkin to the careful placement of a dish, we create a space that says: You are welcome. You matter. Preparing and sharing a meal is one of our oldest ways of exchanging energy. You could view it as an offering, a gesture of care, and a moment of connection. Just as we nourish ourselves physically with food, we nourish our relationships through the time and presence we offer one another at the table.

In the same way, when we step onto our mats, we begin by pausing and turning in to how we feel, what we need, and what where we want to go. Although yoga is an individual practice, we move and breathe beside others, sharing a collective energy that holds and supports us. Like a meal shared among friends, our practice becomes more than just movement, it becomes communion. In both yoga and in gathering around a table, we remember that nourishment, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, grows more powerful when shared.

Next April I am offering a yoga retreat in Ireland and a theme that is emerging is food is energy. Our home for the week is the renowned Ballymaloe Hotel whose culinary school as trained numerous chefs and food enthusiasts. Spanning several acres, this property includes a mix of ornamental flower beds, heritage orchards, wild meadows, and organic vegetable plots that directly supply the kitchen.

And after leading several retreats where we rolled out mats in improvised places, Ireland offers a dedicated and beautifully appointed yoga studio. We can ground, grow, and explore our practice free from distraction and full of intention.

Whether through movement or mealtime, this retreat is a celebration of presence, community, and the powerful ways we sustain one another.

XO

JK