Most of us live stressful lives and are forced to deal with hectic schedules almost every day. So, it's only natural to start looking into activities that can give you the peace of mind you need so much. And attending a yoga retreat is the perfect opportunity to rest and unwind, away from your work or family problems that bother you constantly.
But how can you be sure that you’re choosing the right place? Don’t worry – we’re here to tell you all the things you need to consider when choosing your peaceful retreat. But before we get into that, let’s first briefly scrape the surface of what exactly is the meaning of this notion and which benefits it can offer.
Yoga retreat: what it means and how it can help your practice
For those of you who are still unfamiliar with this term, this is a place where people gather to focus on their yoga practice. It means that they have to leave all their worries and responsibilities behind them to be able to enjoy the peace and serenity of the environment.
These types of retreats are also great for elevating your technique, helping you to bring it to the next level. No matter where you are on your yogi journey, here you’ll get to feel an enhanced experience on the mat. Retreats are meant to create a safe space for you to self-reflect, explore more in terms of your abilities, and meet new people who, more or less, share the same goal as you. While you’re here, you’re supposed to be completely detached from all your work obligations and household chores, simply focusing your time on improving yourself and your practice.
Now that you know more about how attending a yoga retreat will enrich your experience, it’s time that we share our tips on choosing the right place to attend.
Consider the location
One of the first, and probably the most important, things you need to consider is the location of the retreat. After all, this can have such a large influence that might even affect the overall quality of your experience. This can be a place near your hometown or perhaps an exotic destination that will give you the tropical vibes you've always desired to feel.
So, consider how far it is from the area you’re currently living in, as well as which transportation means you’ll have to use to get there. How far it’s located will also affect your overall budget, as the farther, you’ll need to drive, the more you’ll have to spend on travel expenses. Also, think about all the things that are included there so that you’ll have a clearer picture of how much you’ll end up spending.
Research the instructor
Apart from considering the location, you also need to do research on the instructor that’s going to lead you through the process. If that’s someone with whom you’ve practiced before, you probably already have an idea of what kind of an expert they are. Ultimately, you’ll want this to be someone with more experience in the field but also someone who you’ll feel comfortable with while expanding your views.
If this teacher is local, feel free to take a few classes with them. In the case we’re talking about a retreat that’s far away, try to search for some online video content (if they have some). Visit their website or other social media pages to discover what kind of classes they offer. Ultimately, this journey should be a type of vacation, so you better select someone who will make you feel at ease.
Number of classes and styles
Another important aspect when choosing your ideal yoga retreat is seeing how many classes they have in their schedule. Most of them provide opportunities to attend one to three classes each day, but this can vary greatly depending on which retreat you choose. So, it’s best to do your research and find out the number of lessons they give on a daily basis, as well as the type. Think about whether you prefer morning or afternoon classes, and which kind will benefit you more – a walking meditation, restorative yoga, or something else.
Your experience level
Before we talk about this, we need to reassure you that wherever you are now is exactly where you’re supposed to be. The yoga practice isn’t a straightforward path, and it definitely isn’t an easy one. Gradually updating and improving your technique is something completely normal.
However, signing up for an advanced class while you’re still a beginner won’t give you the benefits you’re looking for. You need to find a place that matches your experience level. This is the only way you’ll be challenged without feeling overwhelmed.
All the locations you’ll be reviewing should clarify the type of classes they offer, as well as which practitioner levels will benefit most from them. So don’t feel discouraged if you’re a beginner. Every master yogi has been in your position once. Choose your competitions wisely, as that's the only way you can achieve great success.
The cost-value relation
Finally, you’ll have to consider what each retreat offers for the price you’re supposed to pay. Not all of them will match your budget, and that’s okay. But make sure that you calculate all the costs beforehand, so you don’t end up paying more than you intended to. Almost none of them include travel expenses, so keep that in mind. In addition, some retreats include all meals while others don’t, and this is yet another point that needs your attention. Overall, ensure that you read the fine print and be completely informed before setting out on this amazing vacation.
We hope that this article was inspiring enough for you to become interested in researching and booking a yoga retreat on your own. Consider all of the tips we provided and immerse into an illuminating experience. We truly hope you’ll have a fantastic time and achieve a worthy upgrade of your spiritual journey.