You might have heard about a Yoga retreat and wondered if it is for you.
Perhaps you are not sure whether it would be too spartan? You are thinking
‘Will I have to start the day at 5am?’
And
‘Will the place have decent amenities?’
And worse, you are wondering
‘Will I have access to a decent coffee?!’
Or maybe you think you are not experienced enough at Yoga and Meditation to attend such a retreat … something has sparked your interest, but you are not sure whether you are good enough or fit enough yet to commit to everything on offer.
And also importantly, you are wondering whether you will get any free time?
If you have any of these questions, you’ll have nothing to worry about with Danni’s and my upcoming retreat to Samahita on Koh Samui, Thailand.
Here are some of my observations on attending (as both a student and leader) many Yoga retreats over more than 20 years. This includes retreats to Mission Beach, Thailand, France, Byron Bay, India, Tasmania and other parts of Victoria:
1. More time to focus completely on yoga and meditation practice
Personally, I have had some of my most powerful meditation experiences.
Perhaps the discipline of daily yoga and meditation has enabled a mental slowing down and allowed this more fruitful inner exploration?
There is time to really tune in to that inner knowing.
Not to mention the opportunity to support physical wellbeing with daily asana – I usually learn something new about my self and my practice.
2. I love settling into the rhythm of nature
The discipline of group Meditation as the sun rises and sets, hearing the sounds, seeing the sights, smelling the smells. The daily rhythm has a discipline about it that is supportive and nurturing.
3. I love the relaxed pace
I love being away from the daily responsibilities, and how that leaves time to explore and focus. And not being attached to electronic devices. Not having to get back to the daily grind makes it a complete break.
While we have plenty on offer on our retreats, there is always plenty of unstructured time as well.
This of course is especially beneficial if you need to release stress and unwind.
4. Delicious and nutritious food
And I don’t have to prepare or cook any of it!
Retreats generally have fabulous food and Samahita takes it completely to another level with a focus on health and wellbeing. Food intolerances are of course taken into account too.
5. Other wellness activities
Retreats can also be a chance to pamper yourself with other nurturing treatments and activities to support wellbeing.
Our retreat centre in Koh Samui has a wellness centre with massage and other treatments available, and the beach and pool await too.
6. I emerge feeling strong, healthy and rested
I love the daily asana practice and walking – somehow I emerge from retreat feeling strong and yet also rested. Asana practice on retreat is usually a more dynamic practice in the morning and a restorative or meditative practice later in the afternoon. There are always enough options to suit beginners as well as more experienced practitioners.
7. Yogic/life wisdom
I love the access to Yoga wisdom from experienced teachers. If you want to ask questions and delve further whether it is about living a yogic life, a particular situation or how to develop your asana, you can. Or you can just let it all wash over you. It is your retreat to do what is right for you.
.
So there you have it, 7 great reasons to attend a yoga retreat!
.
Maybe you have thought ‘Wow that looks great, I must get around to that sometime.’
But the time has never been quite right. I have never met anyone who has regretted going on a yoga retreat!
And not only not regretted it, it is much more likely one of the best things you ever do for yourself.
>> Thinking about going on a Yoga retreat? Maybe now is the time to GO!!
For more information about our upcoming retreat to Thailand: https://classicalyoga.com.au/samahitaretreat/