What is a Yoga Retreat?
If you have ever felt the need to unplug from the stresses of everyday life and spend a few days taking care of your body, mind, and spirit, a yoga retreat could be exactly what you need. But what is really a yoga retreat?
A yoga retreat is a withdrawal from your daily routine, to spend a weekend or a week at a place designed to build and develop your yoga practice. A typical yoga retreat, combines yoga asanas, breathing exercises, and meditation. Attending a yoga retreat, also provides the additional benefits of: healthy eating, being in nature, and finding a community of like-minded people.
Before taking the plunge and packing your bags, your mind may wonder with a lot of questions: what is a yoga retreat like? and, should you even go on one? what are the benefits of attending an organized retreat, and, is it even meant for you?
In this article, our team compiled a comprehensive list of answers to these, and other very common questions surrounding yoga retreats. Read on!
Why should you go on a yoga retreat?
You could be wondering why go on a yoga retreat when you can go to yoga class at your neighborhood yoga studio. Is it not all the same?
Well, it couldn’t be more different.
And since you are warming up to the idea of yoga retreats, it is imperative that you know what yoga retreats can do for you and why there is nothing else that matches up to them.
It allows you to have an immersive yoga experience
Yoga retreats, whether they are designed for a weekend or for a month, focus on a specific theme or area of practice.
While it is possible to break that theme into several different parts and cover them individually in yoga classes, that never gives the complete in-depth experience as a retreat would.
By combining yoga asana with other areas like yoga philosophy, breathing exercises, anatomy, and meditations, yoga retreats take you deeper into each topic and help you understand it from a holistic perspective.
Something else that only a retreat can provide is being away from distractions. Not having to fulfill the usual duties creates more mental space for what you learn to sink in.
A yoga retreat allows you to reset
As extreme as it sounds, there is probably no other way we would be as disciplined about our days as a yoga retreat can get us.
A yoga retreat creates a routine for us around everything – meal times, sleep, activity, meditation, rest, and recreation. The consistency helps in building new habits around how we spend our time.
If you are struggling to kick-start your yoga practice or build a routine around one, a retreat is a great way to get going.
It also gives an opportunity to assess where in your life you can create more space for self-care and self-love.
Attending a yoga retreat allows you to detox
Food choices are capable of creating a dependency. We can surprise ourselves by being able to stay away from food and beverages we think we ‘need’.
This also gives us a chance to detox without having to cook. It’s like you can have your couscous and eat it too.
And then there is the digital detox. If the place where you go for your yoga retreat is remote, chances are they might not have wifi.
But even if they do, the time you get to access your phone might not be much.
Besides, you might even decide to stay away from the noise from the outside and just be there, present with your complete being and attention. That does feel quite refreshing.
👉 Check out this article if you want to know: What is a digital detox?
A yoga retreat allows you time for self-reflection
We tend to store unprocessed and suppressed emotions in different parts of our body.
Being on a yoga retreat and engaging mindfully in the practice with our body, mind, and emotions helps those emotions come up so we can face them.
Being alone certainly helps in this process. It gives us the time and space to reflect on our decisions and actions. It also brings us more in touch with what we truly want and desire.
A yoga retreat also provides access to a community of like-minded people among whom we can feel safe and unafraid to express our vulnerabilities. This helps in expressing our deepest fears and hurts without the fear of being judged.
Journaling is another great tool for becoming more self-aware. Especially during a yoga retreat when we have time for ourselves, journaling whatever comes up can help greatly in understanding our inner selves.
What is a yoga retreat like?
Yoga is not the only thing that happens on a yoga retreat.
A typical day starts early and ends the same way. There would be two or three sessions of yoga asanas in a day.
Daytime sessions are usually more physically intense while evening asana practice is more relaxed and is meant to aid a good night’s sleep.
There are classes that focus on breathing exercises or pranayama. There could be meditations and group chanting. You could also experience karma yoga or the practice of selfless service in the form of assisting with the retreat’s activities.
Depending on the kind of yoga retreat you attend, there could be sessions focused on yoga philosophy and spirituality.
Some yoga retreats also organize group tours for local sightseeing or other group activities like cooking classes, nature walks, or games.
Almost all yoga retreats have food that is vegetarian, light, fresh, and healthy. Some retreats even grow their own fruits and vegetables. You will most likely not find any caffeinated tea or coffee.
I like to say that yoga retreats are like a vacation, except way more badass, way more transformative, and way more supportive of your evolution. – Allie, The Journey Junkie
Because we know it’s hard to grasp the power of what can happen on a yoga retreat, here a video that highlights a yoga retreat journey in Ubud, Bali.
What are the different kinds of yoga retreats?
Given the different styles of yoga and the different ways they can be integrated into a yoga retreat, no two retreats are ever the same.
Here are the ways in which yoga retreats can be broadly classified:
Adventure/vacation yoga retreat
A potent combination of yoga with an adventurous activity like surfing, running, cycling, hiking, or even flamenco dancing.
An adventure yoga retreat would usually include yoga practices once or twice daily and also engage participants in fun and exciting outdoor activities.
It also provides a chance to enjoy what the place where you go for your yoga retreat has to offer.
When should you go on an adventure yoga retreat?
If you are feeling particularly wanderlusty and seeking something more active and outdoor along with spending time deepening your yoga practice, an adventure yoga retreat is an ideal choice for you.
An adventure yoga retreat can be very refreshing. If you need time off to let your hair down while still staying grounded through your mat, this is your chance to get the best of both worlds.
Intensive yoga retreat
Primarily focused on the practice of yoga asanas, this yoga retreat is great for those who are looking for an immersive yoga experience. Yoga asana sessions are usually conducted at least a few times a day.
Depending upon the specifics of the particular yoga retreat, there could be focused work on alignment, anatomy, postures, or building sequences.
Besides, you could also dive deeper into the school of yoga the retreat is focused on, whether it is Ashtanga yoga, Vinyasa flow, Hatha yoga, or one of the others.
When should you go on an intensive yoga retreat?
When you want to spend dedicated time on your yoga practice.
It could be to spend more time with a teacher to get help with your postures or alignment, deepen your practice, intensify your time on the mat, or dive into a specific theme in your yoga practice.
Spiritual yoga retreat
A spiritual yoga retreat, along with the practice of yoga, also focuses on yoga philosophy and spiritual texts.
You could be studying the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and depending upon the lineage of the yoga retreat, even spiritual texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Samkhya philosophy.
The intent of a spiritual yoga retreat is to familiarise participants with a holistic approach to yoga, which is much more than yoga asanas.
You could be learning Sanskrit chants, the observances and disciplines in yoga, and lessons in non-attachment and loving-kindness.
When should you go on a spiritual yoga retreat?
If you are keen to explore the philosophical and spiritual dimensions of yoga, a spiritual yoga retreat is for you.
The ultimate purpose of yoga, as explained in the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga, is the union of individual consciousness with the supreme consciousness.
A spiritual yoga retreat helps initiate or proceed in that journey.
Ayurveda yoga retreat
Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences and come from the same Vedic roots.
While yoga approaches achieving harmony by working on the body, mind, and spirit, Ayurveda brings about the well-being of body, mind, and emotions through food and lifestyle.
An Ayurveda yoga retreat integrates yoga and Ayurveda and works on detoxing the body and mind through food, purification techniques, physical movement, breathing exercises, and meditation.
When should you go on an Ayurveda yoga retreat?
An Ayurveda yoga retreat is great if you are looking for ways to release toxins from your body and mind.
Highly recommended for times when you feel the need to reset your diet, get rid of poor eating habits, learn new ways of preparing meals, and build a healthy routine around food and your yoga practice.
Other ayurvedic rituals will also clean and purify your system from the inside out.
Wanna know more? 👉 Find out if ayurvedic medicine is effective for treating diabetes
RESTORATIVE YOGA RETREAT
Restorative yoga retreats are designed for rest and relaxation.
The yoga practice is more supported and you could be using a lot of props like blankets, cushions, and bolsters to ease you into surrendering both your body and mind.
This yoga retreat helps to release accumulated stress from areas of your body where it lies stored.
You could also benefit from sessions on chakra healing, sacred music, and visualizations, all meant to aid healing and bring rejuvenation.
When should you go on a restorative yoga retreat?
Ideal for times when stress has got the better of you.
A restorative yoga retreat is helpful if you have had an injury, there is some pain in the body, or you are going through times of tension and anxiety.
Also great if you are going through difficult emotions like anger or fear.
SILENT YOGA RETREAT
A yoga retreat that has all its different elements but no talking.
A silent yoga retreat is more meditative and is meant to cultivate introspection and quiet contemplation.
While some retreats do not allow for any verbal or non-verbal communication throughout the duration of the retreat, others could be more generous and allocate some time for interaction.
Use of technology is dissuaded so if you have been wanting time off from the world, this is your chance. Also, you might just end up making best friends with yourself.
When should you go on a silent yoga retreat?
When you could be feeling overwhelmed with the noise, whether it is on the outside or inside.
A silent yoga retreat is a great opportunity to align your body, mind, and spirit and get in touch with your inner voice.
This should be your pick if you are looking for a more meditative and quiet experience.
👉 Here’s a big guide that talks about: What is a silent yoga retreat? (click to learn more)
Some frequently asked questions anout yoga retreats
Here is everything anyone has ever wanted to know about yoga retreats.
Yes, unless of course the yoga retreat specifically mentions otherwise.
As a beginner, a yoga retreat is a great opportunity to build a strong foundation.
Being a beginner should not dissuade you. You will likely encounter students at all levels and there will be a lot for everyone to learn, irrespective of where they are in their yoga practice.
If you feel not being flexible enough is the reason why you should choose to stay home, it is actually the other way round. Yoga is supposed to build flexibility, which should make it more attractive for those of us who can’t touch our toes.
The duration of most yoga retreats is anywhere between two days and ten days.
The longer a yoga retreat, the more time there is that is available to a participant to consolidate their practice.
Typically, a shorter retreat is conducted by teachers for their local students and those living not too far away.
Retreats that are held in destinations that are more exotic and far away, for instance, Bali and India, are longer as participants travel long distances to get there and are happy with spending more time at the retreat.
Depends on how fancy you want to get.
Yoga retreats can be very basic; think ashrams in India. These are humble, simple, and modest. It could be close to an ascetic experience with the accommodation, activities, and food you would find.
Yoga retreats can be very luxurious; think five-star accommodations, spas, infinity pools, and high-end cuisine. Ideal if you are looking for a resort-like experience.
Or, they can be anything in between these two.
Check out this article if you want to know more about yoga retreats prices in 2021 and get a comprehensive price comparison table: how much does a yoga retreat cost in 2021?
Given the fact that yoga retreats help to pull one out from everyday life, they are mostly held in nature, away from the clutter of the city.
There are some permanent centers that only host yoga retreats.
These are mostly located in beautiful, serene areas that facilitate physical and emotional wellness.
Sometimes finding nature can also involve a bit of travel.
For those who do not have the luxury of living close to nature, yoga retreats could also be held at local resorts or centers, especially the shorter ones that run over the weekend.
Preferably, yes.
Though this is not a rule and you could always travel with a partner or a friend, being by oneself allows for more concentrated time, which is the whole purpose of going on a yoga retreat.
Going solo also helps to develop new connections.
It is a wonderful opportunity to meet strangers and open your heart to them. Engaging in group discussions and expressing emotions in a safe space is healing in its own right.
If you want to read more about this you should read about: What To Expect From Attending A Yoga Retreat Alone?
Concluding thoughts
A yoga retreat can be an incredible and unforgettable journey of transformation and rejuvenation.
A yoga practitioner benefits from the design, structure, and intent of a yoga retreat.
It helps you restore as much as it helps you release.
It teaches you to build, to sustain, and to let go.
If there are any nagging questions you have about yoga retreats, please put them in the comments below. We will be happy to answer your questions ッ
Read also:
Did you find this post useful? Save this pin below to your Pinterest Yoga Retreat board on Pinterest for later!
