Hatha Yoga Retreat in Nepal
Our visit to Nepal came soon after visiting Egypt; we had just completed a tour of the pyramids and felt that after such an intense trip, going to a yoga retreat could help us process the new knowledge we had gained and deepen our wellness practices. We found a retreat high up in the Himalayan mountains that offered a 200-hour course focused on Hatha Yoga, breathing, and meditation techniques. We were excited to commit to this program and immerse ourselves in a new experience that would not only enhance our wellness practices but also deepen our spiritual journey.
As an athlete and fitness trainer, I was already familiar with many principles explored throughout the course. I was particularly drawn to the emphasis on breath control, as I had already learned how to use breath for strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility in my athletic training. With this foundation, I could adopt yoga and meditation practices quickly, and over the 40 days of the program, I could evolve my wellness practices to fit my needs better.
One of the most significant benefits of the program was that I learned how better to manage my stress, anxiety, and anger. I also gained a deeper understanding of my overall health and how to care for my body. In addition to meditation, I now had mechanisms to prepare my body for food intake, oxygen flow, and increased blood circulation. By developing these practices, my body started developing a tolerance toward sickness and pain. I began recovering much faster from strenuous workouts, and in addition to developing my mental focus, I started learning to generate energy to aid in my healing and spiritual development.
Breathing has become an essential practice, and I incorporate it into my daily routine. Over time, I have increased my breathing capacity, and in doing so, I’ve observed my body’s rapid response. By practicing yoga and breathing together, I have opened up the power of my body through flexibility training, which has become a compelling process of self-healing.
One of the most significant takeaways from this experience was learning to prepare my body for silence and stillness. This was a new experience for me and gave me great insight into my own body’s needs. I learned that we have a very intuitive body that can tell us what we need to develop, but if not appropriately cared for, this intuition can be lessened and challenging to listen to. This experience taught me the value of self-care and wellness and how these tools help me manage to live in such a harsh world.
I was thrilled to complete the program and become officially certified as a Hatha Yoga instructor. My experience in Nepal inspired me to continue my journey of self-discovery and wellness. I plan to start my next training phase and begin my 300-hour course to finish my 500-hour certification. Yoga, breathing, and meditation are powerful tools that can help us face the darkness in this world. And if done appropriately, these tools can also help us develop our powerful practices and enrich our spiritual journey.
