In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023, Hayley is shining a light on the inspirational women whose work, heart and attitude for life have touched her on her personal level. Kicking off the series is the soul-raising Vidya Heisel, Director of Suryalila Retreat Centre – the holistic haven Hayley escapes to annually in search of sanctuary, peace and creativity.
“I met Vidya 12 years ago in Thailand where she led my yoga teacher training. It was an experience that changed my life. I didn’t become a yoga teacher, but I was in a transitional period in my life and open to new opportunities - not long afterwards, the Hayley Menzies brand was born.
I enormously respect Vidyas’ determination, strength and self belief. She is a force to be reckoned with - a similarity and bond we both share as women on a mission!
I visit Vidya every year at her beautiful Spanish yoga retreat, Suryalilya, in respect and homage to how my life unfolded after we met. Suryalilya was just a daydream but, in true Vidya style, her pin-sharp vision became a reality in less than 18 months. It is a place to heal, relax and learn in natural surroundings where peacocks, alpacas, horses, donkeys, cats, dogs and chickens roam the grounds blissfully content. It has qualities of what I imagine an ashram to be like (although way more comfortable…!)”
WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?
Pride is not really an emotion that I experience. Not to be self-deprecating in any way, but I really don't feel like I did anything. I have been fortunate to have been blessed with many wonderful unfoldings. Perhaps we could rephrase the question as the three things I am most grateful for?
Suryalila, my beautiful Yoga Retreat Centre, where I live, create and dream.
All of the wonderful friends and colleagues who have helped and supported me on this journey.
Advaita Vedanta. The philosophy of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita which have guided me on my inner quest for knowledge and freedom.
YOU'VE PRACTICED AND DEDICATED YOUR LIFE TO YOGA FOR OVER FOURTY YEARS - WHAT'S NEXT?
I have no idea if there is a next. There is a big current project I am working on, which is reforesting and regenerating the eco-system on our land. It's a big project and I will probably be engaged in it for the rest of my life.
HAS YOUR VISION FOR SURYALILYA REACHED ITS FULL GLORY, OR IS THERE MORE WORK TO DO?
I am always coming up with ideas for improving the quality of the retreat centre and have a few improvements up my sleeve. The main area where I am focusing my energy at the moment is on the grounds and that's a really big project.
WHO IS A WOMAN THAT INSPIRES YOU?
Vandana Shiva. She is an environmental activist and speaks out very courageously against industrial agriculture.
WHAT ARE THE THREE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ARE CURRENTLY FACING?
Lack of water in this part of Spain. We run out of water for about 4 months of the year, and have to truck it in.
The current world situation. That is always going to have a huge impact on tourism. The covid years almost killed my business. The current devastating war, the threat of economical collapse. This is a dark cloud, hovering over us.
A personal challenge is that after a lifetime of Yoga practice, I now need a hip replacement.
WHAT ARE YOUR THREE MOST IMPORTANT GOALS?
To restore the land.
To educate as many people as possible about the importance of land regeneration.
To stay healthy and vital for as long as possible!
WHAT IS A BOOK OR FILM THAT YOU WOULD RECOMMEND?
A film: Kiss the ground. This is an inspirational film about how land regeneration can stop global warming.
WHICH PART OF YOUR BUSINESS GIVES YOU THE MOST PLEASURE?
Seeing the happiness on the faces of our guests as they unwind. So many guests go out of the way to thank me for the amazing experience they have had at Suryalila and that is very fulfilling for me.
The dedication and care of our staff, who put their hearts into the business.
Watching trees grow.
IF OUR READERS COULD DO ONE THING FOR POSITIVE CHANGE, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
Plant trees! And if you don't have land, donate to plant trees. If you would like to donate to our project, Danyadara (blessed earth) you can do so
here.
