In the interests of full disclosure, I run a business called Yoga Vacations. This post is meant to explain the differences between two valid kinds of yoga which incorporate travel.
The yoga retreat has been around for a long time. If you generalize to include spiritual expeditions like pilgrimages (“retreating” from society), then perhaps millennia. Today’s retreats are all based on the group experience. A teacher takes a small number of students, usually into the wilderness, with the intention of becoming more spiritual, cleansed, and connected. Activities are done communally, whether it’s the practice itself, meditation, diet, or daily rituals. Many have dorm-like housing. Everyone shares in the challenges. Except for a few breaks for rest and recovery, you’re with the same people all the time.
When yoga first got a foothold in the States, the retreat was a kind of fringe service for people who wanted to detoxify and have a spiritual experience. It was, and still is, a more demanding method and a little radical. As yoga became mainstream, the retreat didn’t change much except in variety. Nowadays, it covers a wider range of people, places, and practices.
Over the last 12 plus years that I’ve been teaching yoga, I’ve observed that vacationers would travel to wonderful locations but felt they lacked the accompaniment of a great yoga practice. At the same time, they didn’t want the rigor of a retreat. I sensed a need for something with fewer guidelines, and a service which allowed for ample personal time. I certainly wasn’t the only one to notice this. But out of this need, the yoga vacation arose.
A yoga vacation is an all-encompassing sensory experience. The student gets plenty of time on the yoga mat, but can also eat great food, explore the city, go hiking or do other outdoor activities. The daily yoga practice grounds the vacationer so they can be more open to the adventures and cultural experiences on their trip.
People on a yoga vacation use the practice to open up their senses and absorb everything around them. It’s not an excuse to pig out or go on a bender, but rather a way to be a more tranquil self and gain all you can minus the distractions of a job or kids. Ultimately, you’re still on vacation, and enjoyment is a definite priority.
I would like to relate a personal story that highlights what yoga does for me on a vacation.
I was recently in New York City. When I go there, I love to attend a morning class. While I do have a daily practice, I try to seek out a teacher or style that isn't accessible back home. Then I go to the museum followed by the theater. Yoga puts me in the right mindset for these expansive activities. I'm more present and can sit for a long time with an open mind. I better absorb the latent artistic and cultural waves around me.
Though I run a business that uses the yoga vacation model, I love going on retreats as well. It’s just a different experience. Students might choose one or the other depending on the time of year, who they want to travel with, what style of yoga they practice, what other cultural activities they want to participate in, just to name a few. While there’s nothing wrong with the more spartan retreat, there’s also a lot to be said for sleeping in a comfortable bed and eating fabulous cuisine.
(Warning: promotional material to follow)
Here’s an upcoming example of the vacation approach. Yoga Vacations has planned a wonderful trip in Telluride starting September 29th: Jivamukti Yoga with Dechen Thurman. We will do a vigorous Asana practice every day, then go hiking in the mountains or to the spa. In the evening we will come together for a more focused workshop. At that point in the season, the town will be serene and the fall colors should have arrived. The group harmony of a chant, in this stunning setting, is truly a work of art.
The student should be able to achieve great peace of mind in this setting. There will also be plenty of schedule flexibility, so the student can pursue their personal interests as well. It should be a lot of fun and maybe you’ll consider joining us.
Here's a welcoming invitation from Dechen himself:
Here's a welcoming invitation from Dechen himself:
