7 reasons it is time to finally say YES to you and to make a yoga or meditation retreat your priority!
Struggling to work out if a retreat is the right use of your time, energy and money?
As an Ashram, we specialise in sharing traditional meditation and yoga on our retreats. They are our bread and butter, and over the years we have shared retreat with hundreds of guests.
This puts us in a unique vantage point of understanding not only what makes a great, memorable and life changing retreat, but also why people seek out the experience in the first place.
We have shared with the full range of practitioners from beginners through to yoga teachers fresh off of their Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), seasoned meditation veterans and professional retreat hoppers alike.
After chatting to our guests for years, we have noticed that there are many reasons guests are drawn to a meditation and yoga retreat.
#1 – You want to deepen your practice
The immersive environment gives you time to focus and go deep with the practice you already have. Often we lack the time and discipline to show up every day and do what we know works, on retreat the collective encouragement can motivate you to dive back in.
#2 – The System Reset
Many guests are in need of unplugging from the city and home life. The old habits and temptations can be linked to place, so joining a retreat gives you the opportunity for a change of scenery.
This in and of itself can be a powerful experience; where just being away from the distractions of the normal routine can give space for insight, growth and healing.
#3 – Upskilling
Often the drawcard for a retreat is a particular practice that is being shared. It may be a ritual or empowerment or initiation into a particular practice, or there may be a theme or a topic that is the focal point that will bring a new perspective on your meditation and yoga practice
#4 – Community
Humans are social creatures and for many guests the opportunity to connect with kindred Souls in a beautiful, intentional setting, sharing practice and conversation is something that is hard to pass up.
We learn from not only teachers, guides and gurus, but those around us. We have witnessed beautiful sharing between guests where lifelong friendships have been made over joint passions.
#5 – A reminder of what is important
Life is busy, and it overwhelms us all at some stage. A retreat can be a reminder of what is important in life, that the journey of self unfoldment and growth is a powerful thing to have at the centre of your being.
In this instance, we see guests who know what is good for them seeking to be reminded of it (like watching a truly great movie or reading a classic novel, you learn so much more with each read.)
#6 – In times of change
Whether a twin flame has entered your life (and then departed,) a relationship has broken down or just started, or looking for a deeper purpose to help in deciding on one’s career trajectory, we have seen countless guests who find us on retreat when they are at the crossroads.
It is often in these moments that the deeper questions are asked, and the path of yoga (of which meditation is an limb) has been used for thousands of years to investigate one’s deeper motives in order to live in peace and harmony.
#7 – Simply, Because you want to!
Why does it need to be so hard?
Sometimes we can just do something for the pure enjoyment of wanting to participate in things you love! Hatha Yoga makes you feel good in body and mind, meditation reignites that connection to the Soul and something as sacred as our ancient Chitta Shuddhi Yagya is able to purify all dimensions of one’s being.
Does anyone need a reason to experience the beauty of spring (like our lizard friend above?)
For us, this is the most enjoyable way to experience a retreat, where we share what we love for the sake of sharing it, to souls who participate simply for the love of it.
How to tell if you need a meditation and yoga retreat?
At the end of the day, if you ask the question honestly, the inner guide (we call the Soul) will give you all of the guidance you need.
If you want to learn the 800 year old practice that we use every day to keep that inner connection alive, learn more about our upcoming Soul Retreat.
