Overcoming Fear
Overcoming Fear to Do Big Things by Jennifer Montoya
One of the biggest dreams for any yoga studio is to create a community that extends beyond four walls, a place where practice can travel anywhere in the world. This past week, that dream became a reality as Archetype Yoga set off for its first international retreat in Amorgos, Greece.
Traveling abroad is one thing. Planning an entire yoga retreat—putting down deposits, advertising for months, holding info sessions, organizing meals, curating cultural experiences, and designing memorable classes for each day—is another. As the countdown began, fear and stress crept in, especially for Sara.
At moments like that, the question becomes: Why am I afraid? And more importantly, what tools from my Katonah Yoga practice can help calm the nervous system long enough to move forward with intention?
That question guided lead teachers Sara and Mei-Ling throughout the process. Month after month, as they met to design each class and plan the retreat, they leaned on the principles of Katonah Yoga—structure, creativity, imagination, and measure—to transform fear into focus and uncertainty into expansion.
In preparation for the retreat, the two teachers deepened their connection and research by attending a yoga retreat in Italy, led by their beloved senior teacher, Dages Juvelier Keates. They spent two weeks bonding, learning, and growing inspired by the idea of bringing a similar transformative experience to their own community.
The Broader Climate
Let’s face it: the current climate in the United States is one of division and uncertainty. Planning an international retreat was challenging, as many people are hesitant to travel or spend money amid growing inflation. Yet sometimes, the best remedy for fear is to soothe the nervous system and expand perspective.
A yoga retreat helps us step outside our algorithms and routines. In Greece, we stood on the steps of the Parthenon, the cradle of democracy, and felt a profound sense of peace that transcended current events. The ancient world reminded us that there is always a broader view, a deeper wisdom, and a lasting beauty beyond what feels immediate or overwhelming at home.
This is the gift of retreat. Going into it, we weren’t sure we’d ever do it again. Leaving it, we were certain that wellness and travel together create an invaluable pathway toward inner peace.
Sometimes we need to step away from everything to remember our power. There are no two teachers better equipped to guide that journey than Sara and Mei-Ling. Traveling with them feels like moving with your own yin and yang—two forces of balance and brilliance. Mei-Ling is vivacious, the ultimate adventurer, full of kindness and generosity. Sara is the thoughtful Virgo of the duo, the planner who crafts unforgettable experiences.
Together, they create the perfect balance of grounded wisdom and fearless exploration, reminding all of us that showing up for ourselves, even when we’re afraid, is where real growth begins. By the end of the retreat, we were more certain than ever that we were going to do another one. If you would like to travel with two of the best yoga teachers and people to see new places, experience culture, and practice Katonah Yoga, then sign up for our next one…
We’re going to New Zealand! Let’s do BIG THINGS TOGETHER!
We looking forward to seeing you on the next one! Stay Tuned!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Montoya
Owner/Manager
Archetype Yoga
