Introduction

It’s becoming increasingly hard in these hectic, highly connected, tech-obsessed modern days to find the time to truly relax, disconnect, switch off our devices and ground ourselves in the present moment. Our smartphones, social media, work, and even our entertainment are constantly clamouring for our attention. Even when we take time off from all the urgent beeps and buzzes, our notifications remind us of our responsibilities and cause anxiety that prevents us from actually appreciating any silence and solitude. All these distractions the modern age has cooked up have been purposefully designed to stimulate our brains and get a reaction from us. The problem is, that level of stimulation isn’t natural,  our brains haven’t evolved as fast as our technology has which is why there has been such a massive increase in anxiety and stress in modern society- all that noise is bugging us to death!

So what can you do to get in control of your life and bring some peace back into it? You have to make time to remove yourself from your normal routines and enter a space where peace and reflection are the focus, where the devices are shut off so no constant and insistent demands for your attention can be made on you. This can be hard to do without a little help, which is why yoga and meditation retreats are the most highly recommended method of freeing yourself from the distractions and returning your mind and body to their natural equilibrium. They are a safe haven from society’s incessant demands, where your only responsibility is to calm down, look within, and find some peace!

Being able to step away from all of those annoying and time-consuming distractions will allow you to really unwind. Let’s take a look at the benefits these retreats can bring you!

Inspiration And Learning

The first thing people remark on during a retreat is the enormous feeling of inspiration that surges through them. When you let go of your usual routines and immerse yourself in learning new practices and forming new and better habits your eyes begin to open to alternative ways to lead your life that are more nourishing for your heart and mind. It could be learning to perform a new yoga pose, meditation, or breathing technique, or even just changing your diet that will invigorate and inspire you. Retreats can bring unique results to every person attending just as we are all unique individuals, but the one thing that everyone will share is a renewed feeling of hope and well being, and a hearty zest for life.

Personal Growth

Nearly everyone who attends a retreat reports that they underwent some kind of meaningful personal transformation or experienced an epiphany during the time spent away from all the hustle and bustle of the outside world. When you make the decision to step away from the everyday stresses and demands of your life and embark on an inner journey of contemplation and self-reflection, you will begin to become aware of the incredible potential you hold within yourself.

It may become obvious to you how you have been sabotaging your own happiness and peace of mind by functioning on autopilot as you mindlessly follow the daily distractions, intent on being up to date with the latest trends and fashions, hooked on those notifications that tell you where you need to be, what you need to do, and who you need to pay attention to- in other words, all of the exhausting and demanding aspects of modern life! A retreat will give you the chance to take a step back and reevaluate your priorities from a position of mindfulness and peace that will give you the power to grow into the person you truly wish to be, not what society prescribes for you!

If you really let go and follow your inner vision and bliss during the retreat you won’t be leaving as exactly the same person you were when you arrived. You will go through a process of renewal which will allow you to access greater energy, wisdom, and inspiration that will help you to live more freely and fully when you return home. Sure, the phone will still beep, those distractions will still be there, but you will be in a new state of mind where you can rise above them and feel whole and at peace no matter what chaos surrounds you, you will be free of it, it can’t harm you any more.

Physical Benefits

We have talked extensively about the emotional benefits that immersing yourself in a retreat can provide, but we are spirits living in a human body, and it desperately needs our attention, love and care- that’s where the practice of yoga really shines! There is a misconception that you need to be fit and flexible before you can even begin to practice yoga, which is absolute nonsense! No one expects you to do a complicated and physically demanding pose on day one, yoga is designed to slowly limber up the body while also building strength. Your yoga instructor will be able to asses your current physical state and start you on a course that is tailored to your body’s unique needs that will allow you to gently improve your flexibility and stamina, and gain greater health and mobility.

Attending a retreat with yoga as a core activity is a wonderful way to start your journey to greater physical fitness, you will be able to learn and grow proficient in a variety of yoga poses and movement practices that will help you improve your physical state as well as your mental state! Yoga is rightfully famed for its ability to calm and soothe frayed nerves and alleviate the ravages that stress and anxiety wreak on your mind and body. Yoga brings great benefits to any who practise it, young or old, physically fit or frail, it is truly a wonder cure for the things that ail us.

Of course there are even more benefits to attending a yoga and meditation retreat, but rather than just tell you it’s best that you learn for yourself by attending one, we hope we have inspired you to try!

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