“I truly believe it will be hard to find a retreat leader like you. You created a space that allowed the group to connect on such a deep and compassionate level. It was incredible how quickly we became such a cohesive and supportive community, and I’m so grateful to you for making that possible.”

“A specific moment I keep returning to was when we all put our receiving hands on our hearts, and our giving hands behind the hearts of the person to our right. I have never felt a more interconnected, loving energy that physically moved me. There was no resistance, no ego, just lovely beings truly expressing love for their fellow beings. It opened up my heart to feel what truly being loved is.”

“My body feels like it truly relaxed and let go. Early in the week, I could feel myself holding a lot of emotion in my shoulders. When I didn’t want to cry or be overwhelmed with the emotions of a given moment, I could feel my shoulders shrug towards my ears and tense up. By the end of the week I felt a literal softening of my shoulders. I could hold more space for emotion, let a smile or tears (or both) come through when I needed. Since returning home I can still sense a bit of a “loosening” in my body. I feel like my body moves just slightly differently, and feels both stronger and softer.”

“Ray, you are a ray of sunshine! I am obsessed with the power and light of the sun that you are so aptly named for. Your aura, your vibe, is so calm yet playful and fun. You show up with such a friendly, welcoming presence. You are flexible in mind and body! You make me feel good.”

“I had been on a retreat before, so I was hoping for a similar experience, one centered on relaxation, self-reflection, exploration, and connection. I received all of that and so much more. This trip far exceeded my expectations; it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget and will always hold in my heart.”

“I feel like this trip truly afforded me the space to reset and reflect. This being my first retreat experience, I wasn’t quite sure how everything would flow and work. I loved the balance of reflection, movement, connection and adventure and feel that it gave me an opportunity to really reflect on the last several years and realize just how far I have come. It also gave me an opportunity to realize how full and amazing my life really is, especially with the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful people.”

“You met us where we were, so it took a lot of pressure off of the expectations. You were brilliant at cultivating a space that was right for each one of us, and that it could and would be different, and that was great. You were playful, patient, grateful, and curious, which all set a tone for us to do the same.”

“One of the major things I will always take away from classes with you is to meet myself where I am that day (on and off the mat). It’s not always going to be the way I hope or want it to be, but that’s ok... it’s where my body is today. Through your teaching of yoga, I have come to understand there’s “no right way” to do something, but it’s the practice of making it work for myself.”

“The shift for me was that love can be unconditional. People embraced me and saw me in ways that I don’t often give myself permission to do. I felt loved, seen, and cared for. Now, after being home nearly three weeks, I find that I am far less judgmental of myself, I smile more and I don’t perseverate over things over which I have no control.”

“Ray, you are so incredible - your calming voice, your playful laugh, your knowledge and expertise on our bodies creates the most welcoming and safe environment to practice. I love that you are constantly learning new things and how excited you get when you share new practices with us. You also did such a great job checking in with each of us and finding ways to connect with everyone. It is really special to see you sharing your gifts with everyone. You have found your Ikigai (reason for being).”