Spirituality isn't always about rigorous discipline and training. Sometimes spirituality can simply mean allowing yourself time to relax and let the body and mind release themselves from stress. In yoga it is believed that it is next to impossible to increase spiritual awareness without a positive mind and healthy body. Before we can begin any spiritual practice, we need to learn how to cultivate a healthy lifestyle in a way which is permanent. Although we could decide to pack up our bags and take a trip to the Caribbean for a week of relaxation on the beach, we are not actually helping ourselves. This is because the relaxation is superficial, and the moment we return to work and start dealing with the daily strains of life the anxiety and stress return.

A retreat at an ashram is designed to teach individuals about wellness and living life in a more healthy way that can encourage longevity and vitality into the later years of life. Retreats are not just for the old as they can also be beneficial for those who are just entering adulthood or the prime years of their life and need to rethink their approach and perspective on living.

At present, all of the retreats we offer are conducted at the Ashram in Kodaikanal (photo above of Kodaikanal). If you would like to learn more about the ashram in Kodaikanal, please visit the following link: http://www.tureya.com/kodaikanal-ashram.html

There are several key characteristics that define a retreat at the ashram:

1. First of all, the ashram is situated in a very natural environment. This is beneficial considering there has been significant research that proves that human beings need nature for a healthy mind. It has been proven that people that live in large cities suffer from greater amounts of stress, anxiety, and depression than those who live in open mountain ranges, rolling farmlands, and secluded jungles. By returning to nature, we are allowing our senses to relax and our minds to open.

2. The ashram is also a spiritually vibrant environment, charged with the yoga sadhana of students and disciples who have studied at the ashram in the past. This energy helps to create a positive atmosphere for those who visit, and even people suffering from depression  can soon discover greater happiness.

3. A yoga retreat is different from any spa or getaway because individuals are offered relaxation techniques and practices that have been practiced for more than 7000 years. Aside from this, there is also the practice of sattvic diet which is a complementary dietary practice that helps to support rapid health transformation.

4. Finally, the ashram is surrounded with other individuals who have all come to find greater peace and better health. Humans are naturally social beings, and we tend to mimic, whether consciously or unconsciously, the actions of our peers. By living with others who share the same mindset, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to work together for greater and more sustainable lifestyle practices.

To learn more about our retreats available please visit one of the links provided in the retreats section.