Yoga is an alternative therapy that is gaining a huge fan following today. However, it was not looked up to in the same way, till a few years back. Yoga is a healing science, which suits everyone. You may be above 60 years of age and can be still doing yoga. In recent times, many yoga schools and retreat centers have come up across the globe.
Deadlines, work meetings, and low immunity are taking a toll on one’s health. So, a holistic way of living may be the only way out. You may have stumbled upon searches on the web, like ‘Yoga retreat near me’. It is quite common today. Let us find out how retreats can benefit everyone in today’s fast life. Moreover, India is among the top destinations for yoga today. It is the origin, hence, you will learn authentic yoga in India.
What Is A Retreat Program?
Physical fitness is an important lifestyle inclusion. Most people look towards yoga for the same. However, yoga offers a lot more than just physical fitness. You can expect to build strength, stability, flexibility, and immunity through yoga. Many people also treat yoga as a therapeutic discipline. And rightly so. There are various forms of yoga, which are therapeutic in nature. They are Therapeutic yoga and Yin yoga.
Now, many of you might get confused, about whether to join a yoga holiday or a yoga wellness retreat. Both are different. All those looking for ‘Yoga retreat near me,’ often get trapped in a Yoga holiday. A Yoga holiday has a fixed curriculum and itinerary. So, anyone and everyone who wants to enjoy a few days of yogic life enrol for such programs. The levels are also decided by the schools, conducting the programs.
On the other hand, a Yoga retreat is a program that is curated for the yoga enthusiasts of a certain level. Your interests will also be considered. So, you are more in sync with your yoga practice, rather than mundanely following a class, without direction. Yoga retreats are held close to natural surroundings, so that you can rejuvenate.
Benefits Of Yoga Retreats
There are umpteen ways, in which yoga retreats can help you.
- You will get a chance to develop a relationship or bond with nature. There will be various natural structures near most Yoga Retreats, like mountains, rice fields, streams, sea beaches, and monasteries. Students are required to practice yoga in natural spaces, like beaches and in the hills. The air is also quite pure, so you can breathe pure oxygen. Yoga Retreats ensure that the views that one gets from the accommodation are also beautiful and serene. You can forget all the stress of your life if you happen to go to such yoga destinations.
- You will get a digital detox, if you spend a week, or a few more days at the yoga retreat. It is like taking a break from technology. Many retreats do not allow laptops, pods, and mobile phones in the classrooms. So, that is a good practice. You will be far away from external distractions, while you spend your time at the schools. Most retreats are held in yoga schools. You get to enjoy ashram life, surrounded by farm animals and also get their fresh produce. There are agricultural fields attached to such ashrams. So, you get to engage in agricultural activities as a part of Karma Yoga.
- You will meet many people there, who are just like you. There will be people from other far-off countries, who will be out there seeking solitude and looking for answers. Introspect on your life, at these wonderful locations. You will feel as if you are in your second home. Think about the various possibilities, with a positive bent of mind. India is one of the top places for retreat courses, so you should ensure to head to this country. The retreat also acts as a demo course, which you can take to get first-hand knowledge of the full-time courses. In the future, such people can be a friend or give you opportunities in the field of yoga, in their countries.
- Additionally, you will be in close vicinity of some of the best yoga teachers, who can impart lessons in yoga and also provide you with the values of life. The time which you spend with such individuals can change you as a person. Apart from learning about the contents of the yoga retreat course, you can also learn a few life lessons. The teachers at the best schools have been practicing yoga for a long time. So, you get the right guidance.
- At the retreat, you will come face-to-face with the fact, that yoga is not just limited to asanas. There are other activities like breathing and meditation, which are as important. You will get the complete knowledge of mantra chanting and bandhas as well. The retreat helps you to develop a Sattvic lifestyle. You will eat right at the ashram. So, you get a thorough health detox as well. If you have been sick earlier, or have faced some accident recently, then this will be the right healing opportunity for you. Yoga is a healing modality, which can help you to feel good. The feel-good factor translates into a healthy and happy mind.
Final Words
A yoga retreat will be a good opportunity for you, if you are seeking all-around fitness. Yoga is a lot about the body and the mind. You cannot treat these two in isolation. Most well-known retreats will have different programs for different levels. Nurture your abilities and learn the ancient science from the masters. It will be an experience like no other.
When it is time for you to leave, you may just decide to stay back for a full-time course. Additionally, you can also opt for a teaching career. The Yoga Alliance certified schools offer a variety of courses for the young and the old. There are special courses for teachers as well.
