The Value of a Yoga Retreat
Maybe your favorite yoga teacher mentioned she was hosting a retreat at the end of class. Or, over coffee, a friend remarks on the incredible time she had at her coastal yoga getaway. With a variety of global locations and practice styles to choose from, it's not hard to see how these retreats have increasingly gained traction and popularity. But how do they differ from what’s on offer at regular yoga studios? What makes these retreats special?
TIME FOR YOU
Perhaps the first (and more obvious) factor to consider when it comes to a yoga retreat is that it is just that: a retreat. You will have a chance to escape the usual routine of life. It’s not uncommon to hear that some yogis go on retreat when they are contemplating a big life decision. That’s because physical distance creates mental distance, meaning that you will be able to come back to whatever you left with fresh eyes. Even if you choose a retreat that isn’t very far, allowing yourself to unwind in a different environment can often bring newfound clarity, as well as more time to detach from habits and reflect more profoundly. In our day to day lives it’s easy to get caught up in our doings, rather than our beings, and a retreat is a great way to gain a different perspective.
RELAX + UNWIND
The vast majority of retreats also include spa treatments. Depending on where the retreat is located, be it a hotel, an eco-lodge, or a private center, there are always ways to relax. Some international retreats may offer typical spa rituals from the host country, such as Hammam, Temazcal, and Nordic Cycle. These are perfect opportunities to clear your head, de-stress, and treat yourself! Moreover, retreats offer a variety of yoga styles, some of which tend to be overshadowed by the more popular Vinyasa or Ashtanga classes. Yin yoga and Yoga Nidra are great examples of more therapeutic, restful practices that will leave you in a peaceful repose.
CONNECT
Like your weekly class, there will also be other students with you on retreat. Chances are, if they chose the same one you did, there’s more you have in common. Retreats unite diverse groups of yogis, from all over the world, who share values in their common love for yoga. These spaces are a great way to connect and bond with other like-minded people. You may even meet a new best friend. If you are interested in expanding your retreat experience beyond yoga + meditation, there are also opportunities that hone in on specific activities like running, chakra healing, and even cycling. Many international retreats also focus on connecting more deeply to the local culture and surroundings, such as learning to surf in Morocco, hiking in the pristine Swiss mountains, or participating in cacao ceremonies in Central America.
A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK
During your retreat, you will also have down time to rest and integrate your experiences. Of course, from massages, to beach yoga, to organic smoothies, the retreat can feel like one amazing, continuous reward. But setting aside some quiet time to know yourself more goes beyond the physical highs; it is truly one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Although it may take years, like yoga, to build a solid practice, journaling, meditation, reading, and cultivating gratitude are some of the best ways to develop this relationship. Connecting deeply with yourself is a never-ending resource; you can enjoy your solitude, free from any reliance on external attention, distraction, entertainment or validation. When you hold such respect for your being, you honor your highest self.
Retreats are for everyone– especially those who believe they don’t have the time. No matter if you have just started practicing yoga, or if you’ve been doing yoga for years, if you are a busy mom or working on your PhD, a retreat is an amazing opportunity to take time and space just for you, to travel, learn, connect, and deepen your ever-evolving practice.
