Teaching with my teacher: co-leading my first Jivamukti Retreat

When Jules called me up one day and asked, "Would you like to lead a retreat with me?" I was flooded with emotions. My initial reaction was disbelief—then came a wave of honour, gratitude, excitement, and deep appreciation. As it sank in, those feelings evolved into nervousness, anxiety, worry, and a healthy dose of stress. What an incredible opportunity to teach alongside a teacher I deeply respect and who inspires me so much. I wanted so much to do a good job!

After months of researching, planning, promoting, and preparing, the retreat finally came to life this July—and it turned out to be a truly wonderful experience.

Centre Tara was the perfect setting: warm and welcoming, cozy yet spacious enough for people to get some alone time if they needed. The practice space was open and bright with beautiful, panoramic views of the surrounding nature. The dining hall and communal areas felt so inviting and homey, making gathering together in these spaces easy and natural. The group came together seamlessly, as if reconnecting with old friends.

We offered a variety of classes—from energizing flows to slow, gentle practices, and a restorative, meditative session infused with breath work. We also offered two workshops that allowed participants to dive deeper into specific aspects of the yoga practice: alignment, assists, and Sanskrit. Each full day ended with an evening of chanting, mantra, and music, made all the more magical thanks to the musical talents of two retreaters: Simon on the violin and Clara on the cajón. (Many shared afterward that this was a major highlight of the weekend!)

On our final evening, we gathered around a fire, roasted marshmallows and made vegan s’mores—an activity that brought about sweet, childlike memories, like being at summer camp. At one point Jules asked me, “Do you feel as old as you are?” (My birthday had been the day before the retreat began.) “When you think of your age as a number and how you see yourself, do those two align? Here we are, grown-ups, doing kid-like things.”

“No,” I answered. “I don’t feel my age. And how lucky are we to be able to still live like kids?"

The last day, after our final morning practice, we sat in a circle and shared what we were taking home with us from the weekend—what had marked us, what might have shifted, and how the experience helped us realign with ourselves and our paths. The shares were emotional, honest, and deeply heartfelt. It was in that moment that I truly felt the impact the weekend had on us all.

I’m so grateful for how it all came together so beautifully. These four magical days of community, connection, and reflection, and teaching alongside Jules, are an experience I’ll carry with me always and one that I look forward to recreating again soon.

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"I came to the retreat with an open mind and without knowing what it would be, and I was surprised and amazed with the weekend! Can't wait for the next one."

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"Cette fin de semaine m’a rappelé à quel point le yoga Jivamukti me nourrit et va chercher plusieurs aspects équilibrants et indispensables dans ma pratique et mon quotidien! Je suis très reconnaissante d’avoir pu recevoir l’enseignement de ces 2 professeurs si humbles et généreux à partager leur grande expérience et compétences ainsi que la fluidité de leur enseignement complice!"

video: Alekson Fortes