You might be asking…
What in the world is a yoga retreat? You might think the answer is pretty obvious, but after hosting a few retreats myself, and inviting lots (and I mean) of people, I can tell you that most have no idea what a yoga retreat actually entails.
Is it like camp? Is it just a vacation? Is it a hippy-dippy kind of thing? Will I be doing yoga all day long? And the list goes on.
I can tell you that is different, for sure.
And every yoga retreat is different.
It’s really important, however, that you choose your retreat carefully so you have the most amazing, unforgettable experience.
Yes, some are just “like a vacation” where there’s very little involvement from the teacher, you do one yoga class, and you’re on your own most of the time.
Some are education driven (i.e. yoga teacher trainings and immersions) where you’re doing yoga and attending lectures most of the time, but have little time to yourself.
Other retreats are a mix between the two, or themed around a particular topic or group (yoga for families, couples, yoga & surf, vegan retreats, meditation retreats, yoga for this, yoga for that…)
The Blissful Mind retreats, for instance, are designed to teach you powerful tools to balance anxiety and stress (meditation and breathing techniques, mindfulness, journaling, restorative, and yoga nidra). The locations are typically secluded and hand-picked to give you a close encounter with nature.
There are a few other things that contribute to the “yoga for anxiety and stress” theme.
A Blissful Mind retreat can help you reduce anxiety and stress because:
1. You connect with nature
Ever heard of forest bathing, nature therapy, or ecotherapy?
These science-backed, unbelievably powerful techniques promote physical, mental, and emotional balance by the simple act of getting outside and spending time in nature.
There’s lots of research to be done, but a recent study by Harvard University reported a strong connection between spending time in nature and reduced levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
In addition to that, spending time in nature promotes grounding, a powerful healing tool also known as “earthing.”
When we feel anxious, our energy tends to flow upwards more than downwards, meaning, more towards the chest, and crown of the head. You might have heard of these terms before: “feeling spacey” or “too much up in our heads,” yes?
Grounding is a powerful practice that involves drawing the energy downwards towards the legs and feet, and ultimately towards the earth. It promotes a deep connection to, not only our physical bodies, but the environment as well.
Now, unless the retreat is right in the middle of NYC or LA, then chances are that you’re going to be very close or right in the middle of nature.
Whether it’s close to the beach, the mountains, dogs and or cats, there’s no better place to be.
2. You connect with others
With so much social media and technology, human connection seems to be more of a luxury these days. I mean, even local yoga studios are closing down because students are taking their practices home, all on their own.
It seems that nowadays our only connection to people is through social media, email, or text, even with our own families.
But human connection is such a powerful healing tool that we often take for granted.
For example, one of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs is “Love and Belonging,” meaning, our ability to connect with others in a way that’s more intimate, human, and personal.
Most yoga retreat goers are “solo” travelers. They seek time alone to reflect and disconnect.
But check this out…
On the last night on retreat, we typically do a “closing” ceremony where we share our takeaways and learnings from the experience.
Here’s what people say the most:
Community, new friends, being alone yet “not” alone.
As a retreat host, this makes my heart smile. I see students become long-time friends after the retreat. We chat on Whatsapp, share wins, and struggles. It’s absolutely amazing!
3. You disconnect from the hustle and bustle of “life”
This is huge, because what’s the number one thing that causes anxiety and stress these days?
Yep, you guessed it. Life.
And by life, I mean work, school, social media, news, T.V., yes even family for some people.
Yoga retreats allow the opportunity to disconnect from these things altogether. Of course, every retreat is different. Some are more luxurious and modern where you’re still connected and engaged (i.e. when you stay at a large resort). Other retreats are more secluded with limited wifi, phone signal, and human civilization. Others are in between.
Regardless, each retreat offers an opportunity to disconnect. And that my friends, is a luxury.
4. You explore healthy habits
We’re always trying to make ourselves better, yet most of the time, we don’t know how. We’re constantly being presented with new diets, workouts, routines and such. Yet, we don’t know which ones to do, or where to begin.
Yoga retreats are a great place to dip your toes into different healthy and mindful habits, including but not limited to:
Waking up early (trust me, you’ll be waking up early even if you’re not a morning person) Why? I don’t know, but you do.
Practicing yoga and meditation in the morning
Meditating every day
Watching the sunset
Going for a nature walk
Healthy eating
Journaling
Communal meals (this is one of my favorite parts)
New habits in your personal yoga practice (intention setting, gratitude, self-inquiry)
5. You practice yoga & meditation at a much deeper (and personal) level.
When you practice at the local studio, you mostly likely do your practice, go home, and call it a day until next time.
When you’re at a yoga retreat, your practice is more personal and individualized. You get to talk to the teacher whenever you want because it’s like you’re both living in the same house.
There’s more attention to detail, alignment, and customization of the practice. Lastly, you learn different (more advanced) techniques that you can use in your practice when you go back home or the studio.
About Blissful Mind Retreats:
The Blissful Mind Yoga Retreat is an “on-site” immersion program where not only will you learn and practice powerful yogic tools to balance your anxiety and stress (through transformational daily practices and individualized attention)…
…but you’ll also get to build community, make awesome friends, and go deep into nature while creating mindful habits that you’ll keep with you forever and ever.
Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for us to work together on a more personal level.
The program is comprised of five core practices: Breath, Mind, Body, Heart, and Bliss.
Each day is themed around these core practices. You get 2 classes daily, one morning, one evening, and include:
Morning:
- Energizing (all-levels) Vinyasa Practice
- Guided breath-work & meditation
Evening:
- Mini lecture on the topic of the day
- Journaling practice
- Mindful movement
- Restorative & Yin
- Full Yoga Nidra
Want to know if Blissful Mind is a good fit for you?
Complete a short application to get started. I will then contact you to have a little chat and discuss the yoga retreat in more detail.
You will also be eligible for additional retreat bonuses which are only offered to email subscribers.
I look forward to chatting with you soon 🙂
