{"id":16956,"date":"2018-10-09T17:04:07","date_gmt":"2018-10-09T16:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/?p=16956"},"modified":"2019-04-11T13:02:58","modified_gmt":"2019-04-11T12:02:58","slug":"what-to-expect-first-yoga-retreat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourradar.com\/days-to-come\/what-to-expect-first-yoga-retreat\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect on Your First Yoga Retreat: Our Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not sure exactly what to expect or how to plan for your first yoga retreat?<\/a> Traveling to a new place to spend time with strangers can undoubtedly cause some degree of unease, but don\u2019t let the unknown of your first retreat intimidate you in the slightest. <\/span><\/p>\n

Instead use it as an opportunity for self-exploration, and an epic excuse to get away and grow your yoga practice in the ultimate supportive environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Remember that the purpose of a yoga retreat is for you to relax and reconnect with yourself | \u24d2 Stephanie Moors\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What <\/b>can <\/i><\/b>you expect on your first yoga retreat?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Are you put-off thinking that yoga retreats are only geared toward experts who effortlessly kick up into a handstand? Think again. Similar to the myriad forms of yoga, you\u2019ll find yoga retreats that span the entire spectrum, from beginner-friendly to advanced with various options in between.<\/span><\/p>\n

Worried you don\u2019t have it in you to practice yoga all day, every day? In reality, you\u2019ll probably only be attending a couple classes a day with lots of yummy breaks scheduled in. Retreats offer a lot more than just yoga. You\u2019ll have downtime to soak in your learnings and socialize with your fellow participants, and you\u2019ll be relishing in some super-healthy delectable eats to invigorate your body and soul.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond the obvious of doing a lot of yoga and deepening your practice, expect a lot of connecting, sharing, mindfulness, laughter, discovery, and opening your mind to new experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n

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See Also: <\/em>Are Yoga Retreats Really a Life-Changing Experience?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n

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Tips for your first yoga retreat<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Doing your research pays off<\/b><\/h3>\n

There are a few key questions to ask yourself when booking your first yoga retreat: <\/span><\/p>\n

What type of yoga style do you want to practice? What level of yoga suits you best? What teaching personality resonates with you?<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing a yoga retreat<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Yoga is such a personal journey, it\u2019s important to figure out what <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> like and find a retreat that matches your style. If you\u2019re not sure what style you want to focus on, pick a retreat that offers a variety. If you\u2019re looking to truly unwind, consider finding a retreat that offers some form of yin or restorative yoga. If you’re also looking to explore a new country and really get out of your routine, the most popular retreats are often located in places such as Bali<\/a> and India.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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You’ll be able to connect with like-minded people on a yoga retreat | \u24d2 Daku Resort Fiji\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Choosing a yoga teacher<\/strong><\/h4>\n

When you find a retreat that piques your interest, read up on the teacher and watch a few of their videos. What you definitely don\u2019t want to do is end up on a retreat with a teacher you don\u2019t connect with. This will not get you into the right mindset. On the contrary, when you find a teacher that you work well with, you\u2019ll have an incredible experience and be surrounded with other like-minded people who are drawn to that teacher\u2019s style for similar reasons to yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

Get your stretch on (ahead of departure)<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you don\u2019t practice yoga regularly, that\u2019s perfectly fine, but consider adding it to your weekly routine so your body is ready for a daily practice. This doesn\u2019t mean you should push your body to the max – just a few mindful postures here and there make all the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Practice at home before setting off | \u24d2 The Creative Exchange\/Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Set an intention and be mindful<\/b><\/h4>\n

Take some time before your voyage to think about what you\u2019d like to accomplish during your getaway. Perhaps you have a specific goal of working on a position you find challenging. Or maybe, on a more holistic level, you\u2019re looking to be more present, de-stress, or focus on healthy eating. Be mindful of your intention throughout the course of your stay and observe how things may shift. The power of mindful intention is capable of accomplishing the seemingly-impossible. <\/span><\/p>\n

(If you don\u2019t accomplish an intention during your short getaway, do not stress. Yoga is a lifelong journey – there\u2019s no deadline or rush!)<\/span><\/p>\n

Consider going solo for the optimal experience<\/b><\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re looking to join a retreat with all your best pals, you\u2019re sure to have an amazing time. However, you may not reach your fullest potential that could be achieved if you take a leap and go at it solo. You\u2019ll have more time to take in the full experience, focus on yourself and unwind, and be more inclined to meeting fellow participants. As Rumi so eloquently stated: \u201cYoga is the journey through yourself to yourself.\u201d Are you up for the challenge?<\/span><\/p>\n

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Attending a yoga retreat solo can allow you to focus on your own growth | \u24d2 WeTravel\/Flickr<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pack lightly<\/b><\/h4>\n

Get into the yoga spirit while you pack and practice Patanjali\u2019s fifth yama \u201caparigraha,\u201d meaning \u201cnon-attachment.\u201d Less is more. You don\u2019t need 10 pairs of yoga leggings, five colors of eyeshadow, your blow dryer, and curling iron. Here\u2019s a simple packing list:<\/span><\/p>\n