Can a 3-day, 2-night Yoga retreat truly transform a person’s life? And if not, would it at least inspire them to embrace a Yogic routine? These were the questions that led me to host a retreat in Mudigere, Chikkamagalur.
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, where social media dominates our attention, people have mastered the art of making a living but have forgotten how to truly live. Taking a break is essential—not just to explore the world around us, but to turn inward. A retreat provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with oneself, cultivate inner balance, and navigate life’s highs and lows with greater clarity and resilience.
Surrounded by mountains and waking up to the soothing sounds of birds on misty mornings, Bowlines Nature Stay at Mudigere, Chikkamagalur was the perfect place for our Yoga retreat where my two friends and I created a refreshing and meaningful experience.
Bringing Yoga beyond the mat
Since our goal was to help participants embrace a Yogic routine, we wanted them to take home meaningful practices they could carry forward, whether as a lasting memory of our retreat or a habit they continue on their own.
What we practiced at the retreat:
We introduced our participants to the following Yogic practices:
Prana – The vital energy that keeps us moving – Prana- is influenced not only by our breath but also by our lifestyle, thoughts, and behaviour. To deepen this understanding, we explored the Panchakoshas, discussing both the gross and subtle bodies. A visit to a waterfall and an ancient temple became a living example of how Prana uplifts us, filling us with joy and energy.
Meditation: Rather than conducting a conventional meditation session, we opted for Trataka and dance meditation. Participants shared that these practices left their minds completely blank, fully present, and deeply immersed in the moment.
A Moment of Silent Bliss: We visited a serene river stream where the mesmerizing sound of the river captivated us so deeply that we chose to sit in peaceful silence, simply soaking in the moment.
By the end of the retreat the participants shared that they thoroughly enjoyed and cherished the experience.
Lessons from Hosting a Yoga Retreat
Hosting this retreat was a deeply enriching experience for me. Beyond teaching, it offered valuable lessons that I believe every Yoga retreat host should know:
1. The income from this retreat was not a concern for me because I believe I gained valuable insights on — how to conduct a retreat, understanding different participants, managing them, preparing a schedule on the basis of the age group and so on.
2. You need not know everything—there may be others with more knowledge, and that’s okay. As a teacher, it’s your role to share the knowledge that you have with confidence and authenticity.
3. It’s essential to balance participants’ preferences with their well-being, as they may not always be aware of potential risks. For example, during our retreat, participants wished to practice yoga asana outdoors, but the cold and foggy morning weather was risky for their health. Hence, we opted for an indoor session instead.
4. Be ready for the surprises throughout the retreat, things won’t always go as planned. Stay flexible and calm as not everything on your schedule may happen as intended.
5. Balance professionalism with warmth—be both a guide and a friend. Ensure that your participants feel comfortable reaching out to you whenever they need support.
A Retreat for the Host Too
At the end of the day, a retreat isn’t just for the participants—it’s for the host too. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, not just as a teacher but as a student of Yoga, learning and growing along the way.
This retreat reinforced that Yoga is not just ‘on the mat’ but ‘off the mat’ as well—a way of living with awareness, balance, and connection. I look forward to hosting more such retreats in the future, creating more spaces for transformation, and sharing the beauty of Yoga with the world.
The author Kavitha S Amin, is the founder of Kavi’s Yogadrishti. She is a highly experienced Hatha and Ashtanga Yoga practitioner. Her dedication to the transformative power of yoga extends beyond the physical postures, as she emphasizes the integration of yoga into daily life, both on and off the mat.
Instagram: @kavis_yogadrishti
