What sort of retreat experience do I want?
This is neatly tied to the previous question.
What you hope to gain will reflect what sort of choice in experience you make.
If you are wanting to go native, throw away all worldly goods and swap the urban jungle for the eco one then there are retreats for that.
Though it might be advisable to listen to the sage before embarking on that road. Drop by Siddhartha and glean what going for gold might entertain! A classic for all seekers on the journey.
If it involves more in the line of powerful yoga sessions with plenty of time to relax and soak up the local atmosphere then finding yoga retreats in somewhere like Goa, close to the jungle but not right in it sounds an easier solution.
Some might find that karma yoga would be the ideal way to spend that quality time and there is a growing trend for people to put much more back into life than constantly taking.
Seva is an acknowledged part of yoga life. It literally means selfless service. On the principle that by helping others we help ourselves, there becomes a very positive means of regeneration of one's being by helping others regenerate their life and conditions.
Have a look at some great yoga retreats and holidays .
Of course the mind body spirit trio loves nothing more than a pampered, nurtured time..OK, if the odd confrontation with an engrained habit or two pops up, there is always someone to help deal with it - but a bit of luxury never fails to impress.
Walking meditations, Yoga and a private pool add an easy flow for those not wanting to be too oriental. Spanish yoga retreats are an idylic closer to home alternative and there are great mix and match holiday/retreats with walking through beautiful landscape thrown in. Or an as long as you like version for great Iyengar Yoga.
Who do I want to be on yoga retreats with?
This is not always easy to determine unless you are either organising a group to take over the whole place or you go with a friend or lover to one of these yoga retreats.
But then sometimes not knowing who you are going to bump into is half the fun. You can at least be pretty certain that they will be like minded souls in search of something or other mind body spiritual.
Whether those are the sort of people you want to spend a week or two with - that definitely must be decided before the card or cash is dispensed.
Draw comfort from the great Oscar Wilde: "You may not be able to choose your relatives, but at least you can choose your friends!"
How much will it cost and can I afford it?
Well ...nothing! Yes really..nothing...except a tremendous commitment to yourself. Remember the two choices at the top of the article - have a look.
That is one end...the other end $2,000/$5,000 and counting. Let's not get carried away..because we are not in the 'out of your league' mentality of dangling forbidden fruits and then withdrawing them just as you might find it rather attractive.
(But we will from time to time feature some hum dingers to marvel at and review their pluses and minuses and we will use all our muscle in trying to persuade them get a lucky subscriber on a discounted retreat! - We have ways, you know, and especially as it is looking out for your best interests - so hurry and subscribe!)
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Seriously, it's worth remembering that quality time on yourself, healing and revitalising comes with a cost if it is not addressed and comes with a cost if it is. The one may burden you for life, the other maybe one of those yoga retreats that completely transform your life. So take your time, be discriminating and listen to where you feel it is just right!
Oh!..and I nearly forgot - if you do subscribe to the Yoga-ez Newsletter there are often to be found retreat offers you will find hard to refuse. Mind you it's only for you subscribers, like all the other goodies subscribers benefit from! Subscribe now....
Who do I want to be after the retreat?
Yoga retreats tend to have the effect of transforming one's life, attitude and approach so expect to be someone different.
But in reality don't get hung up on this..go one better ask yourself "Who am I ...Now?" and when you have asked once, ask again and keep asking yourself "WHO AM I?" till your last breath and after that you will most probably find yourself in the most heavenly yoga retreat of all!
Because when it comes down to it...that is the only real question in life!
Go live and live beautifully...Go love and love deeply...and just be.
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fringed beach, with a cool exotic drink beside you with, perhaps, the luxury of an ayurvedic massage to follow a deeply invigorating yoga class - would you be tempted?
...If you were invited to sit for 11 hours a day, 10 days in succession, without uttering a word, fed and watered with the prospect of barely 5/6 hours sleep at night in rudimentary conditions and all for free - would you leap at the chance?
