What Do You Do & What to Expect at Your First Yoga Retreat?
In this article, I share my experience attending the first yoga retreat of my life and dive deep into the things I’d like to have known before going…
When I first decided to go on a yoga retreat, I had little idea of what you do and what to expect.
In retrospect, had I been more aware of what I was signing up for, I would have saved myself some surprises as well as been better able to make the most from the retreat.
On a yoga retreat, you can expect to live the yoga lifestyle. Which means doing a lot of yoga, and experiencing it more holistically. It provides an opportunity for a reset, by creating a routine around sleep and food, while integrating aspects like silence, nature, and community.
As much as it is exciting to attend a yoga retreat for the first time; with all the expectations and intensity that surrounds going on one, the whole process can also feel overwhelming.
Getting some help on what you do, and what to expect at your first yoga retreat, can make the pre-trip anxiety fade away.
Here is everything I wish I knew about what happens at a yoga retreat and what you can expect – the food, the routine, the yoga, if it is only yoga, the company or lack of it, your relationship with your phone, and some other helpful advice.
What is yoga like at a yoga retreat?
Irrespective of the stage at which you are in your yoga journey, a yoga retreat will give you the time and space to either build, or work on your yoga practice.
The intensity and frequency of yoga, practiced on any given day at a yoga retreat, might vary from one retreat to another.
The more intense yoga retreats, can even have 3-4 yoga sessions in a day!
On the other end of the spectrum, there are other yoga retreats that have just one session of yoga per day.
Is yoga the same at all yoga retreats?
The style of yoga can vary from one yoga retreat to another…
Looking at the yoga retreat program, you will find details about the style of yoga they teach.
If you are an absolute beginner, you might feel that whether the yoga retreat is teaching hatha yoga or vinyasa, doesn’t make much of a difference to you.
However, it is always recommended to do a bit of research or, if possible, attend a couple classes of that style of yoga, before joining the retreat.
This will help you figure out if that particular style is something you will enjoy and align with, and also know what to expect from it.
How does a yoga retreat help in your yoga journey?
The fact that there is access to a teacher to speak with, helps iron out the creases in our postures and alignment.
Also, there is much more time in a day, or during the course of a few days, to focus and work on our yoga practice, and go deeper into areas we want to develop and improve upon.
Now that we have addressed the yoga, let us come to all the other things that happen at a yoga retreat…
What are the other activities that make up the routine at a yoga retreat?
Depending on the kind of yoga retreat you are attending, and this is a really good article on 👉 how to choose a yoga retreat, you could be in for: meditations, healings, adventure sports, nature walks, detox, and/or quality time with other participants.
Usually, there is also time that is built in for reflection, relaxation, and journaling.
Most yoga retreats factor in the need for participants to de-stress; hence, the activities, in a balanced retreat, are a good mix of movement, and rest.
This brings us to the next obvious question about how you spend your day at a yoga retreat.
What is the routine like at a yoga retreat?
The routine at a yoga retreat can either be, quite intense, or spaced out, depending upon the kind of retreat you choose.
There are yoga retreats that begin quite early and are packed with one yoga session one after another.
There are other types of retreats that are more relaxed and rejuvenative, with much more time to be and chillout.
Looking at the itinerary is a good way to get a sense on how your days will be planned out, and what to expect.
Early to bed, and early to rise, is something that most yoga retreats build into their routine.
Meditations, and other relaxation activities, make it easier for the mind to be at ease, and therefore, sleep better.
In a well structured retreat, you will find there’s a specific meal time, sleep time, yoga time, and the much needed me time.
What is the food like at a yoga retreat?
Food at a yoga retreat is often a highlight.
It is the kind of food featured in detox diets, and on every health fan’s wish lists.
Meals are light, fresh, healthy, and simple.
Most retreats serve vegetarian food.
Sugar, caffeine, and processed foods are usually not found.
If you have any special dietary needs, or have any food allergies, it is best to communicate with the retreat organizers, and explore with them the options available.
Does it get lonely at a yoga retreat?
If you are deciding to go solo, this article 👉 What to expect from attending a yoga retreat alone? covers everything about what to expect from attending a yoga retreat alone.
The community that a participant finds, is a big takeaway from a yoga retreat.
There are people who have gathered from different places, sometimes different countries, for a similar purpose, and there is much sharing that can happen in such an environment.
What is wonderful about being part of such a community, is that there are shared vulnerabilities, no fears of judgment, and an openness of the heart and mind to listen and express.
Some people come out of the yoga retreat with friends for life.
This brings us to the concern about our best friend in times of solitude, our phone…
Do I get to spend time on my phone?
This is a tricky one.
Technically, most yoga retreats would not ask you to surrender the devices you use to communicate with the world, though a very few might.
Whether you should continue to communicate, is another question…
A yoga retreat is sometimes the only way we find dedicated time for ourselves.
It is a good idea to use all of that time for what it’s meant for.
An auto reply that says you are on a yoga retreat and hence cannot be bothered also sounds cool.
Our two cents is to burn the bridges.
Let the world operate in your absentia.
What are the key takeaways from a yoga retreat?
For the most comprehensive list of benefits of a yoga retreat, you must read this article our team put together 👉 Benefits of yoga retreats.
In a sentence, few experiences are as healing as a yoga retreat.
Whether it is to help you form healthy habits, recover from chronic pain or stress, or to get recharged and rejuvenated, a yoga retreat is a great experience to have.
Yoga retreats are also wonderful for if you need a detox, physical, or emotional healing; or a break from the everyday madness of the world.
Conclusion
The experience of attending a yoga retreat is rewarding in many, many ways, and something that will continue to benefit you, till much after you walk out of the gates of your venue.
Another good tip for what to expect at your first yoga retreat, is not to expect…
Each experience is deeply personal, and depending on where you are in life, the healing you will experience, will manifest in different ways.
Go with your heart and mind open to absorb the experience, so you can live it fully.
Looking for a more intimate narration of a first hand yoga retreat experience? This article recounts the experience of two travelers at their first yoga retreat.
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