5 great reasons to book a yoga retreat
“For five years now, as a birthday present every year, my husband gifts me with a yoga retreat. And not only that, he takes care of our two kids and a dog while I’m retreating somewhere beautiful. He does this for me of course, but for him and the kids too; he knows I will be back recharged, content and happy and will be a better wife and mother because of it.”
If these words don’t make you look at your calendar and figure out when and where you should go on a yoga retreat, we bring you 5 very good reasons on why you should book your first retreat very soon. After a week you'll come home with full batteries, healthier and happier, having discovered new lands and new friendships, with a deeper understanding of yoga and, perhaps, yourself. And this may just be the best reason of all.
1. Take your asana and meditation practice to a new level
Practising every day under a watchful eye of an experienced yoga teacher and getting into that daily routine of postural practice as well as meditation and pranayama, you will definitely take your Yoga to a new level - body, mind and soul. Every yoga practitioner comes to a point where just going to your favourite yoga class isn't enough; you would like to establish a daily practice, learn more, understand more, but you still may not be at that point where you're willing to invest your time and money in workshops or a yoga teacher training. Retreats are perfect for immersing yourself deeper into the ocean of yoga knowledge and inspiration with an added bonus of being on a holiday too.
2. Enjoy some well-deserved ME time
We all deserve some me time, and that includes taking some time off from our daily routine and even family and friends. Real me time is when you go somewhere or do something alone and you don't need to compromise but do what you want to do. Most people come to retreats alone, without family and friends so they can be alone when they need to and socialise when they want to. Retreats are a perfect place to check in, rediscover oneself and get a new perspective.
3. Nurture yourself with delicious, healthy meals
And the best thing is, you don't have to prepare them! Yoga retreats usually include healthy, wholesome, well-balanced vegan or vegetarian meals so you don't need to worry about grocery shopping and cooking. If you don't tend to eat super healthy and often grab something as you go, you'll detox as well without much effort and your body will thank you with a feeling of more energy and lightness. You may also learn a thing or two about nutrition and decide to change your diet and make healthier choices when you return home.
4. Explore new lands, make new friends
Retreats are usually held at beautiful destinations and there is much time to explore natural and historical wonders and learn about a new culture. On some retreats, group trip or two might be organised for the group so you don't need to do much yourself. People going on a yoga retreat are usually interested in yoga, healthy food, mindfulness, relaxation etc., just like you! It is often that life-long friendships are formed at a retreat, with many like-minded people around, it is easy to find a soul sister or brother.
5. Relax and reset
Get a massage, read that book you have been wanting to read but couldn't find the time, or just relax and find the joy in being rather than doing. Sometimes sitting on a beach and watching the ocean is the best meditation and medicine. Italians call it 'dolce far niente' or the sweetness of not-doing. And in this busy life, we all lead we all need some of that kind of sweetness to reset.