YOGA RETREATS AND VACATIONS
BY Clay Larroy
BY Clay Larroy
Traveling can
be an important part of your life, whether for business or for pleasure. You
need to do all of your research so that you don't forget to pack something
important, see what the best methods of transportation are, etc. Avoid crowds
and save money by visiting in the off-season. If you want to be able to enjoy
your vacation without having to battle a crowd of people everywhere you go, learn
when the popular months are for the location and plan your vacation for the
less popular time. Be aware, while it can save you money, in some locations you
may have to contend with less-than-ideal weather. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
The
Experience
Although
your experience will vary from country to country and among the various styles
of yoga retreats, there are a number of common denominators to most yoga
retreat experiences. Expect simple and clean accommodation - nothing cluttered
or fancy, and little high tech - think Zen simplicity with no television, radio
or intrusive telephone - and no room service. Nevertheless, visiting retreats
and ashrams is typically a very comfortable, enriching experience and in
retreats in general have attempted in recent years to make themselves much more
accessible to travelers.
If
attending a more disciplined, intensive retreat, your room is likely to contain
a bed, a table, a chair - and perhaps a single picture or vase of flowers and
not much more, apart from a fan for summer and a heater and extra blankets for
winter. Some rooms might have a kettle and a facility to make tea or coffee.
You
are likely to be woken by an early morning gong around sun rise - although
whether you get up to participate in early morning mediations or exercises is
usually entirely of your own volition. In fact participation in all events is
quietly encouraged, but never monitored or enforced - it’s usually voluntary.
Most
meditation centers have a period or noble silence (sometimes referred to,
tongue in check, as "no bull" silence) generally from the last
teaching in the evening to after breakfast the following morning. It is often
challenging to maintain but provides a quiet time to observe both yourself and
others - and to learn to drop your inhibitions and communicate on a different
level. ("Pass the salt, please" takes on a whole new meaning and
teaches you to appreciate things you take for granted).
Three
full healthy meals are usually provided. They are generally simple vegetarian
meals and what one would consider quiet and calming foods, often homegrown and
homemade, and the quantities are plentiful.
You
are likely to find an area for meditation, benches out in the open to sit in
contemplation and one or several pieces of central focus like a stupa, or large
statue, as well as zen sand gardens and possibly even a labyrinth around which
you can stretch your legs and mind,
Most
centers will supply cushions or stools for seated mediation and mats or other
necessary items for yoga or the training you have chosen. There is usually a
shop selling incense, small statues, cards, CDs, memorabilia and accessories. They
often also have a range of natural soaps and oils and cotton clothing and
beautiful shawls as well.
If you’ve
not done this sort of thing before, do expect to be stretched - if not (ever so
gently) in a physical manner with controlled yoga or flowing taiji exercises,
then mentally as your perceptions of reality are questioned - often through
silence, sometimes through very simple, but revealing exercises.
On
one retreat attended by this author, we were told that the instructor was
delayed and that we would all be assigned tasks in the garden for a few hours.
Although nobody stood up and complained, we all went through an array of
emotions that started with outraged indignation, moved to annoyance and had us
muttering under our breath amongst ourselves, and finally to acceptance and the
realization that working in the garden (being in the now), was enjoyable... and
just as we were beginning to enjoy our work we were told to stop and discuss
our feelings. A valuable lesson all round.
What
to take
Pack
suitable clothing for the season within the country you are visiting. For this
type of retreat, with a concentration of healthy and natural living, try to
choose cotton clothing (it does crease, but It"s not synthetic and it is
more comfortable on the skin) that is loose and does not restrict your
movements (if doing yoga of taiji) or your circulation (if sitting still,
meditating). Bring an extra warm layer, just in case so that you will be at a
comfortable temperature during meditation.
Light
color clothing is recommended both because it is less attractive insects and
because it does not block the flow of energy and is said to make you more open
and receptive to new ideas.
Walking
shoes are a good idea. There are usually some beautiful walks through the center
grounds. Bring a note book to jot down thoughts, ideas and observations and
almost as equally indispensable is insect repellent - but try to find a natural
product rather than chemical one.
Depending
on the retreat center you will probably find a flashlight useful for walking
between buildings at night and a small daypack is useful for packing or storing
a jacket, bottle of water (and keeping your room keys safe), and will probably
save you several unnecessary trips back to your room to collect something.
Most
centers have a library with related books that is open to visitors to the center.
Try to leave work-related books at home, along with your normal reading
material, and open yourself up to a new experience through the available books.
Your
introductory materials to the retreat will most likely provide you with a list
of recommended clothing and gear. Other than that - all that is needed is a
mind open to new experiences.
Final
considerations
Budget
for making a donation (often called dhana) to the center and/or the teachers.
Most centers charge cost related rates and do not focus on profit - as such,
donations go a long way to maintaining and improving the center. Likewise many
of the teachers visiting teachers teach for the love it, without remuneration,
and most of the resident teachers received a small monthly stipend, so again
donations to teachers in appreciation of knowledge and understanding shared is
always appreciated. Dhana is not expected but affords you the opportunity to
return some loving kindness if it feels right to you.
If
you are contemplating some serious training - albeit in yoga, taiji or
mediation - do some practice to get into shape both mentally and physically.
Some basic stretching, conditioning and toning for yoga, leg strength and taiji
training for taiji and some sitting practice for meditation.
Now
pack your mat and hit the road. Namaste
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
Experience life bytraveling with friends and
family!
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