With a new year on the horizon, you might be thinking about things you’d like to change. Making a yoga retreat part of your 2018 is a great way to jump start excellent habits and improve your life. Whether your an instructor and would like to lead your own retreat or a student that would like to attend, we've got you covered!
If you want to do any of the following, you're ready for a retreat
Ojai Guest house
1. Hit the reset button
A retreat offers the perfect environment for resetting. Perhaps you’ve noticed that some unhealthy habits have wormed their way into your life. Maybe you've wanted to make changes, but it seems like you can never bring your vision to life.
Since the environment, your diet, and the itinerary are in the hands of trusted teachers and wellness specialists, you can devote your time to getting yourself on track. Healthy choices are often the easiest choices on retreats. After you spend some time enjoying how good food, consistent practice, and a peaceful environment feel, it'll be easier for you to implement changes at home.
2. Take the chance to unplug
Ojai outdoor dining
I’ve talked about the importance of unplugging before, but it never hurts to mention it again. Connection through technology is great, but it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. When we’re constantly on our phones or fending off a barrage of emails, it’s tough to find stillness.
Retreats are excellent environments for remembering what it feels like to set aside technology. Being present and connected to your practice, the environment, and others on your retreat take precedence over distractions from the internet.
Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa Costa Rica
3. Dive deeply into your practice
Have you ever wished you could devote your whole day to yoga? Most of us must fight to squeeze in a few minutes for practice, but during a retreat, your job is to live your practice.
We may have the opportunity to work on the physical practice or meditation throughout the average week, but the other limbs of the 8-Limbed Path don’t always fit within a standard 60 or 75-minute class.
Talk to retreat leaders to understand the focus of the retreat. Some experiences are geared toward specific limbs of the practice, while others allow time for working on all eight limbs.
Regardless of the teacher’s specific aims, your practice will benefit from time at a retreat. You might engage in svadhyaya (self-study) through journaling and reflection, or learn some pranayama (mindful breathing) techniques that you can incorporate into your work at home. You may even have the chance to workshop a few asanas that will push your work to the next level.
4. Try something new
Hanakapi'ai Falls Kauai
Planning a trip – especially one that involves traveling overseas – can seem like a daunting task. You have to consider travel, lodging, and dining while coordinating the logistics for your absence.
When you book a retreat, most of the footwork is done for you. You get the tickets, and we handle the rest. This frees you up to enjoy the beauty of the natural environment. You can satisfy your sense of adventure without getting in over your head.
5. Meet amazing people
Retreating gives you the chance to meet people from many walks of life who share common wellness goals with you. Practicing together, going on travel excursions in exotic locations, and enjoying the richness that this life can offer are excellent bonding experiences.
Your adventure starts now
Uluwatu Temple at sunset- Bali, Indonesia
Going on a retreat can help you lay the foundation for success. Whether you're striving for self-improvement, or you just want to step away from everything for a few days, a retreat gives you the chance to regroup. You can take what you learn on your retreat with you when you go home. Plus, you'll make memories that last a lifetime.
Is 2018 the year of the yoga retreat for you? Don't hesitate to reach out! Connect with us by clicking the button below.