yoga-ashrams

Yoga ashrams

A yoga session is like a bubble of well-being. Between breathing, meditation, mindfulness or alignment, daily yoga practice has become a ritual for many French people, so much so that regions like India have become nerve centers for practicing yoga effectively.

This is the reason why many of them are turning to yoga retreats in India, the anchor point of a yogic culture. But precisely, India is a faraway country, which can be frightening at times, especially when it comes to organizing a yoga retreat.

Here is a brief overview of what you need to know and/or plan to do to go to an Indian ashram and enjoy a relaxing yoga session!

 

Yoga Retreat: What to Expect Before Going to an Ashram

Going to do yoga in an ashram in India is a beautiful project, but it can't be improvised like that. It is a real step, in a country that does not resemble the United States. Between tradition, local life and gastronomy, a whole part of the world is offered to us!

Customs, but also organization, the trip promises to require a few preparatory operations before embarking on the adventure. For example, don't forget to think about the visa, which should cost you a good hundred dollars.

On site, all ashrams are different, so it is essential to find out beforehand what you want to do there, in which region you want to do it, and if the ashrams of your selection offer it. It is important to know that an ashram is a place of peace and harmony, but also a place of accommodation, where there are dormitories.

Unlike "yoga centers", which do not have accommodation, ashrams are places in India where you can stay day and night. For a stay of a few days to several weeks (or even longer, if you wish to do a real complete yoga retreat), yogic practice will no longer hold any secrets for you!

In India, as everywhere else, there are seasons when the time is more propitious to go and learn iyengar yoga, letting go and breathing. The high season is January-February, while from May to September, the weather is a little less clement. But the rainy season is also the time to enjoy an ashram with fewer people!

It is often said that October is one of the best months to travel to India, especially for regular yoga practice. The contact with the teachers will be more intense, and the atmosphere more tranquil.

Finally, it goes without saying that the ashram often does not take into account the cost of the plane ticket, but the ashram regularly offers the trip to and from the airport.

 

yoga-ashram

 

Yoga: Life on the spot in an ashram in India

Many times one feels a bit helpless when one sets foot in an ashram for the first time. You wonder what the yoga mats will look like, you've learned breathing techniques so you don't look ridiculous, you've learned all about Ayurvedic diets, you're a little stressed.

We can also wonder how to behave towards other practitioners. In reality, don't worry, you are not obliged to do anything, absolutely nothing! That's the strength of ahrams and yoga practice on the spot: that's what we're here for!

And yes, first of all, you don't have to be passionate about the discipline to go to an Indian yoga center. The idea is really to take advantage of an environment conducive to practice, but under no circumstances is it necessary to be professional. The public is sometimes even very young and inexperienced!

In addition, some ashrams even offer tours of the region, or even volunteer work within the establishment itself. Different facets combine to desacralize this practice of yoga, which is not just a series of postures or a complete detox.

However, speaking of detox, let's talk about new technologies! In most Indian ashrams, it is possible to use one's cell phone, but in a discreet way, and often under conditions. And yes, yoga classes are a time to refocus, let's not forget that!

For the small historical point, ashrams have existed since several thousand years before our era, and are originally places of recollection isolated from any agitation. The wise men were then alone with themselves, without any means of external communication.

And this refocusing is an opportunity to link one's mind, one's spirit, one's mind and one's body. An interiority that does not force us to sympathize with other practitioners. On the spot, even if there are sometimes French people, people understand it, and know the reason why one is likely to come here: to recharge one's batteries, to enjoy the benefits of yoga on a personal basis.

Note that most ashrams practice silence during meals, a good way to find time for oneself, and to practice mindfulness.

As for the practical details, most ashrams generally speak English, since this is a meeting point for all yogis around the world. Universality through yoga practice, a certain idea of sharing!

The food is often ayurvedic, vegetarian, and energy-based. The water, as for it, is obviously filtered, since the public is mainly a western public. And what about the practice itself?

 

Yoga practice in an ashram in India

It is difficult to talk about the content of a yoga retreat in an ashram in India, as they are often quite different. However, there are two pillars to the teaching: yoga and meditation. Nothing could be simpler, and this is what you should expect before coming.

Meditation is the art of finding oneself, of enjoying silence and time for oneself to recharge one's batteries, to harmonize one's mind and body, and to regain a connection with oneself. The teachers are always there to help us do it in the best way, punctuated by yoga classes.

In an ashram, the yoga practiced can vary completely: hatha yoga, kundalini, vinyasa yoga, yoga nidra, in short, such a wide range will probably influence the choice of your ashram. Please inquire well before registering.

Nevertheless, the courses are accessible to all, whatever the general level, and the teaching is progressive. As a result, older people are welcome just as much as others, everyone follows his or her own rhythm!

Doing-Yoga-in-an-Ashram

 

From a practical point of view, clothes must obviously be as comfortable as possible, while adapting to the traditions and customs of India, and yes! For example, no nudity is tolerated, just like tight clothes (shorts, tank tops, etc.).

Did you plan to bring leggings and a bra? Don't panic, generally speaking, you can go "in town", where most stores offer sarouel and sandals. Some ashrams now even have their own stores.

Because nowadays, yoga retreats have also become a market, where everything must be planned for those who do not plan! It is also the other side of the coin, a practice as beautiful as it is profound, valued by everyone. But rest assured, in an ashram, the watchword remains the yogic tradition!

So, with all these elements, what kind of ashram will you choose? Ready to reconnect? One, two, three, meditate!

 

yoga-download