To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wild flower, hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour. – William Blake
CEBU, Philippines - To experience a relaxing morning yoga session at the Chi Spa at Shangri-La Mactan Resort & Spa, one of the finest spas in Cebu, was heavenly. Chi Spa’s calming ambience begins in the lobby, all cool polished wood, trickling fountain and subdued lighting – a good precursor of what’s to come.
After a chilled glass of water, and iced face towel, we were taken straight to the the Pavilion, it is a sanctuary of tranquility that indulges all the senses. It’s pristine, calm surroundings and polished wood floors offer serenity in both directions – the sea on the front side and the peaceful inner courtyard on the other.
The ambience already eased my stress away. I took a deep breath to savor the sea breeze as the yoga session took place. Yoga was a foreign concept to me just a minute before the session, but with the tranquil environment, the Pavilion’s platform soon felt like my own little island.
As my body started to relax, I succumbed to this instructive, warm voice, as the full realization finally hit me – I was having a yoga session with a view of the sea! Blankets of idyllic blue water in front of me and the only sounds were palm trees moving in the breeze, birds chirping, and the wind around me.
What makes the whole experience different was that I quickly felt at home with myself. It brought a sense of balance and well-being. Its relative isolation mentally whisked me away from the other holidaymakers, the pool and the bustle of the resort.
After reconnecting with my being and nature, came a brunch of healthy dishes of seafood and drinks made from fresh fruit. The guests seated at my table began to tell me why getting a membership was an easy decision to make, how they were so happy because of the professionalism of that Shangri-La brought them.
I realized how appropriate yoga was as soon as I stepped out of the resort. ‘Chi’ represents the universal life force that governs well-being and vitality. To maintain good health, it is believed that chi must flow freely within the body. It was in yoga, where I lost myself and found my chi.