10 Benefits of an Immersive Yoga Retreat
Updated: Apr 10
I absolutely love teaching yoga classes, however retreats are where my passion lies. For me, they create the space for true transformation happen.
I attended my first yoga retreat back in 2017, naïve to how dramatically it would alter the trajectory of my life. That week opened me up on so many levels and started me out on a path to completely transform my life.
Of course, I benefitted from the physical asana (yoga postures) practice – I felt strong and supple from practicing yoga twice a day while nourishing myself with healthy food. And sending a week in nature is always a mood booster, yet the sum benefits of that week were so much more than I could have fathomed.
Some of this stuff I could have predicted. What was more of a surprise for me was how that week opened my eyes, stirred up my soul and cracked my heart wide open. I've narrowed down my 10 main benefits of attending an immersive yoga retreat below:
1. Time & space to truly switch-off
It’s hard these days to ever truly switch off and ground in the present moment. With smart phones and social media, even our days off can be filled with anxiety inducing beeps and notifications, often preventing us from appreciating the present moment. The trappings of this modern age are literally designed to excite and stimulate our brains… but that level of stimulation is unnatural for our brains which haven’t quite evolved at the same speed as our fast-evolving technology. This is one of the factors that has led to a huge increase in anxiety, burnout, and stress in our modern culture. So how do we switch off from all this?
Taking yourself out of your normal routines and into a container where reflection and peace are prioritised can be incredibly powerful.
Imagine a week of not having to respond to the needs of others, or those constants pings from your phone. A week where you don’t have to think about what you’ll make for dinner, or even worry about the washing up afterwards!
Taking a step away from these time-consuming distractions allows you the space to truly unwind. And once you’re there, the true transformations can begin…
Having worked in a busy retreat centre in Thailand for several years, I could always tell when someone had reached the 3-day mark on their retreat. This seems to be the magic point where the combined effects of the practices dissipate any underlying stress, and people being to visibly glow from the inside out.
2. Learning & Inspiration
You’re bound to leave any retreat feeling a surge of inspiration. Immersing yourself in new practices and habits is refreshing and opens your eyes to an alternative way to live your life. Every human is unique, as is each retreat, but the universe (and your retreat hosts) will be sure to impart some wisdom and spark creative inspiration exactly where it’s needed!
That could be learning something completely new; perhaps a new style of yoga or meditation, a new breathing technique, creative practice or trying a new type of food.
Or perhaps you remember the benefits of a practice you’ve neglected for a while, and realise where it could benefit you in your daily life.
It will be unique for everyone, but the one thing that is for sure is that you will leave a retreat with a spring in your step and a renewed zest for life which is infectious.
3. Personal growth
Having worked in the yoga retreat industry for 5 years now, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone attend a 3+ day retreat and not experience some kind of epiphany or personal transformation!
By stepping away from the daily stresses of life and being supported on a journey of self-reflection, your eyes will be opened up to the potential you hold within.
You’ll be able to see clearly where you’re getting in your own way and what you steps you could take to move though any barriers that may be in your way.
You won’t leave a retreat the same person as you were when you arrived. There is a renewal which inevitably happens – a renewal of energy, wisdom and inspiration which is priceless.
Once you’ve reached this state, you start to tap back into your true nature and get in to your ‘flow state. Ideas flow, solutions are found, and you are reminded that anything you desire is within your reach.
4. Mobility
It’s a myth that you have to be flexible or fit to practice yoga! But it is guaranteed that if you pick up a consistent practice which is tailored to your needs, you will notice distinct improvements in your mobility.
A retreat can be the perfect way to kick-start your mobility journey and help you tap into what movement practices work for your body. The benefit of an immersive retreat is that your teacher can really get to know your individual needs and support you to find your optimal practice.
You will find many retreats will cater to complete beginners, although you should always read the description of the classes carefully and contact the host if you are hesitant or have any injuries or concerns. Most teachers should feel comfortable teaching beginners and supporting any limitations you may have with mobility or injury.
It may sound like a cliché, but yoga really is for everybody. Although Instagram may have us believing otherwise, the goal of yoga is not actually to twist yourself into a pretzel. In basic terms, the reason we do the physical practice is simply to help release any tightness in the body, creating pathways for the breath, and energy, to flow freely through the body.
If we keep this aim in mind, it’s obvious that everyone can find a personal practice that benefits their mobility.
5. Nourishment
Most retreats will be fully catered, often with a lean towards healthy, plant-based and ethically sourced foods. This can be intimidating for some, I know many people fear being fed ‘rabbit -food’ and the feeling of being hungry.
While you may get ‘detox’ retreats advertised, these are not really my bag. In fact, the first retreat I ever went on, I chose specifically because the reviews on the food were outstanding! It is so important to me to eat not only nutritious, but also delicious and enjoyable food!
Having your meals catered is such a treat and usually you will eat healthier, nutritious meals than you would at home. Removing the mental task of decision making, planning and preparation, you’re left with more time to truly savour the experience.
Each retreat is different, of course, but the best tip I can give is to read the reviews of previous guests to get a true feel for the quality.
On an immersive retreat you will nourish not only your body, but mind & soul too.
6. Deep relaxation
The cumulative effects of mindfulness, yoga, meditation, digital detox and self-care are guaranteed to move you in to state of relaxation.
Many people come to a retreat as they are aware they need to slow down – perhaps due to personal stresses or burnout. Others are simply keen to enjoy a week of self-care and all the amazing benefits a retreat can offer. Either way you will notice a distinct shift in your energy as you become more and more deeply relaxed by the day.
In this modern world we prize people on how much they can produce. But the best prize is truly knowing when to slow down and receive.
7. Connection with like-minded souls
One of the most precious things you’ll leave a retreat with is the new connections you’ll make with the other guests.
You’ll be brought together with a group of people from all walks of life, but with similar goals and values. You may start the week as strangers, but by the end of a retreat you will always have made deep connections with the other guests who have come on the transformational journey with you.
Finding a supportive network of people who understand you, and have seen you in your vulnerability, can be life changing.
I’ve made some of my closest and quickest friendships with some of the wonderful humans I’ve met on retreat and cherish them to this day.
8. Connecting more deeply to your needs and desires
A good retreat leader will encourage you to tune in to your body, mind and soul and guide you back to your true nature.
In this modern world we are often conditioned to ignore our needs and desires to please others or maintain the status quo. Stepping out of that world for a while gives you the opportunity to disrupt those patterns and feel in to who you truly are.
Often at the end of a retreat people will exclaim they feel ‘more themselves than ever!’.
You’ll be truly grounded essence of who you are.
9. Gaining Perspective
Stepping away from the stresses of daily life can be a tonic. Often, we can be so wrapped up in all we ‘have to do’ that we lose sight of the bigger picture. We can spend countless hours ruminating, furiously trying to find solutions to issues in our lives to no avail.
Yet most often it’s in the moments of stillness, meditation or pure joy that the answers come to us, seemingly out of nowhere.
Retreats will also help you gain perspective on your part in this incredible universe we have the privilege to inhabit. To zoom out the focus from our own daily existence and reflect on how deeply connected it is to everything else you can fathom.
10. Connection with Nature
Grounding in nature is one of the most healing gifts we can give ourselves. Most of us live our lives in disconnect these days – driving cars from building to building, spending so much of our day looking at screens. This has become our ‘norm’ whilst being in nature is deemed ‘wild’.
Most retreats will be located in a natural habitat that pulls you in effortlessly with it’s beauty. Once you’re in such a location, you’ll instantly feel the calming effects of the earth around you.
You’ll be encouraged to take time just to listen to the breeze, get your feet on the ground and reconnect with this earth that gives us life. You’ll tune back in with the frequency of the universe and remember that we are all one, living, breathing organism.
You’ll rekindle your childlike awe for the world, finding wonder in the simplest things – tuning back into your natural rhythm.
Are you hearing the call to retreat?
If you're hearing the call to go on a retreat, there's still an opportunity to join our Immersive Island Retreat in the beautiful Outer Hebrides from 5-10 May 2024.
Shona and I have carefully curated this retreat to guide you on a journey of personal transformation.
It's a rare opportunity to reconnect with your authentic self and rediscover what truly matters in your life.
As you bid farewell to the retreat, you'll emerge as a revitalised version of yourself—filled with renewed energy, a fresh perspective, and the readiness to conquer the world. Whilst basking in the stunning surroundings of the Outer Hebrides, you'll create cherished memories and form meaningful connections with fellow retreat guests.
You can watch the short video below to get a feel for how magical this retreat will be!
For full retreat details, check out the web page using the button below, or reach out to me directly if you have any questions at all!