Whether you are a yoga novice or a seasoned practitioner, you may or may not have explored the possibility of a yoga retreat. The concept is old but with the growing popularity of yoga itself and the modern conveniences available, yoga retreats are a new experience in and of themselves.
Unlike yoga classes which may be taken at regular intervals throughout the course of day to day life, a yoga retreat is an all-inclusive, total immersion in the mind-body experience of yoga. There are numerous reasons why people attend yoga retreats and no two people’s experiences are exactly the same. A yoga retreat can offer a chance to refocus on personal and spiritual health by providing a springboard for personal and spiritual growth; it can also provide unparalleled health benefits, stress relief, and even the opportunity to become a yoga instructor.
Though yoga has been practiced in various parts of the world for a very long time, it has become a growing health trend in North America only in recent years. Several studies have been conducted by NAMASTA (North American Studio Alliance), an independent organization for mind-body professionals, to compile statistics regarding yoga and its practitioners. Their statistics show that in 2005 approximately 30 million people in the United States alone reported practicing yoga. As a result, yoga instructors are part of a growing profession.
Yoga retreats exist to provide a place for yoga practitioners to completely immerse themselves in yoga, practice and perfect its methods, and to aid them in learning to fully embrace the yoga lifestyle. In addition, those practitioners with an interest in becoming fully certified yoga instructors may attend yoga retreats to receive their training.
Why Is Yoga Growing in Popularity?
Fortunately, the United States has started to embrace healthier lifestyles. Coupled with a raised awareness of the dangers of obesity, stress, and lack of exercise, recent studies bring evidence that yoga offers vast health benefits for all groups of people. In June 2010, the University of Rochester Medical Center presented research findings that show cancer survivors benefit from yoga by feeling less fatigued, sleeping better, and experiencing a better quality of life.
Yoga is prized as a low-impact form of exercise that any age group can participate in. NAMASTA reports that nearly 80 percent of yoga participants are women but the age groups vary from the young to the elderly. By delivering a method of relaxation combined with physical activity, primarily stretching, participants reap the rewards of less stress and better overall health. Yet is also the mind-body connection that brings an increase in personal awareness of one’s entire body, often resulting in healthier lifestyle choices.
Yoga retreats provide individuals with a better connection to and understanding of the yoga lifestyle. Though the focus of yoga retreats is on the practice of yoga, they also provide attendees with the opportunity to reexamine their lifestyle, spiritual well-being, and personal growth. As well as an opportunity for self reflection, a yoga retreat is also an excellent reward for achieving a monumental life goal – whether it be surviving cancer, a major life change, or simply personal gratification. Maybe you just need time to celebrate life with friends. Whatever the reason, a yoga retreat can provide the opportunity to experience growth.
Whether you have been considering a yoga retreat or the idea is new to you, it is something you can do for yourself. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to share a life experience with someone else, to improve your yoga methods, or to help others by becoming a yoga instructor, a retreat may be exactly what you need to achieve your goals.
As an added benefit, yoga retreats also provide the opportunity to combine self reflection with pampering. Many yoga retreats offer full spa treatment options as part of a package. Typically located in a resort-style setting, a yoga retreat offers a peaceful escape rather than the hustle and bustle of a typical vacation.
Yandara.com is a yoga school emphasizing in yoga practice, teaching skills, organizing a class, creating confidence and making postural corrections. Visit us online to learn Hatha Yoga with Iyengar-based precision alignment, emphasizing heart-felt energy.