Time-Out for the Soul

One of the greatest gifts of practising yoga is that you can do it anytime and anyplace. It doesn’t need to be time consuming either; even a five-minute stretch or meditation or breath practise can do wonders for your energy levels, balance and mood. That said, there is something luxurious and deeply healing about being able to fully immerse yourself in your yoga practise for a while. Just imagine…time to focus on yourself, refocus your energies and let yourself breathe…bliss. Considering the busy times we live in, this might sound unrealistic; but through the magic of the yoga retreat, it’s very much possible.

Yoga Retreats are a wonderful opportunity to relax, revive and reset yourself. It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a one-day mini retreat, a weekend in the secluded serenity of the rainforest or an entire week away from the daily grinds and stresses; what’s important is that you permit yourself to spend time with and on yourself.

Life can be hectic and most of us are stretched way to thinly, catering to the needs of partners, bosses, children…the list is endless; so taking time out for a yoga retreat might on the surface seem like an outrageously selfish thing to do. If you feel guilty just entertaining the possibility of attending a yoga retreat near you (or as far away as possible, if you prefer), let’s take a minute to silence your inner nay-sayers.

I can’t take time off for no good reason…
Firstly, yes you can and secondly, your emotional, physical and spiritual well-being is a formidable reason. And, again, yoga retreats don’t need to be a full week long in order to be effective. A weekend away or even a mini-retreat lasting a mere afternoon will have an impact on how you feel – and there is no way that your world will crumble if you focus on yourself for a few hours.

But I can just do some yoga at home…
It’s true, you can. That said, one of the best things about attending a yoga retreat is the removal of all distraction. There are no dishes to be done, no floors to be mopped, no phone’s ringing and no friends dropping in – it’s just you, engaging with your practise and your centre. The change of scenery in itself can be a therapeutic experience, even if it’s just an hour up or down the coast.

There’s just too much other stuff to take care of first…
Guess what?  The stuff will still be there when you get back from your yoga retreat; only now you will be able to work through it with a much clearer mind and higher energy levels. Business, family, stuff around the house – whatever your responsibilities are, the better you feel within yourself, the better you’ll be able to fulfil them. You won’t be of any use to anyone, least of all yourself, if you work yourself to the point of burning out.

There is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself; and you don’t need to be on the brink of absolute exhaustion to deserve a break. So, (re-)treat yourself little peace and quiet, a few deep breath and a little time just for you – you deserve it.

Join us on a BYS Retreat with our next one at the beautiful Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat in Northern NSW or in stunning Bali 2020.