Mindful Living Retreat In India

5.30 am: Wake as the sun starts to rise over the Himalayan panorama. Prepare yourself for the day with the alluring sound of temple bells, traditional conch horns and melodious mantra chanting in the backdrop, followed by a purification ritual (kriya) using Jala Netti. Jala Netti is one of the six shat kriyas or deep yogic cleansing practices conducted in order to purify the body and mind and prepare it for asana and meditation.

06.00 am: Start the metabolic flow of your body with an herbal tea and set for morning meditation practice and mantra chanting. This is done in order to assimilate the core of your mind for the upcoming yoga practice. Summon the strength of nature to balance your chakras with soulful mantra chanting. Let your inner pathways open with the balanced chakras so it can allow smooth flow of prana (breath and energy).

7:30 am: Commence the yogic regime with Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and effortless yet highly effective yoga postures. Surya Namaskar is performed outdoors with the purpose to pay homage to the glory and power of the sun while it revitalizes your body and soul. This practice opens your heart, flexes your body and allows you to absorb all the vital elements of the program for complete upheaval.

8:45 am: Breakfast is the highlight and the demand of this hour. Appetizing and equally nourishing wholesome Vedic food flavored with healing traditional Indian herbs and spices such as fennel, turmeric, gingers, etc is served. You can choose from a traditional assortment including traditional pancakes such as cheela, Indian bread such as rotis, paranthas, delectable fresh vegetables, homemade pickles, fresh fruits, porridge, etc. The diet is prepared with the aim to fill your stomach and satiate your taste buds in the most ravishing and nourishing manner. Those who have any particular aversions or allergies can choose from a variety of vegan options that can be availed upon request.

10.30 am: Post breakfast; reach the teaching hall where an invigorating session on ancient yogic philosophies that form the very core of yoga science awaits you.

The class shall focus mainly on the ‘Tri Gunas’ (Three attributes of all existence) scribed and explained in detail in the divine book of Bhagavad Gita. The ‘Tri Gunas’ are the foundations on which life exists. It is observed that an entity is a carnation of any one or a combination of these three gunas (values) namely Sattva, Raja, and Tama.

Sattva Guna is present in a person closer to the divine, a soul who is happy, content and spiritually active in life.

Raja Guna signifies passion, fire, and zeal, while the predominating factor in Tama Guna is lethargy, greed, and materialism.

It is widely observed that each entity has one of these three gunas as the predominating factors in their personality. However, the course of these gunas can be altered through spiritual practice and yogic healing. Swami Vachananandji shares far-reaching insights into the fabric of human creation in his light hearted, yet intense style of preaching.

Mindful Meditation practice takes the foremost role when the participants indulge in connecting with the five elements (Panchtattva) within themselves. These five elements (Earth, Fire, Air, Water, and Ether) are the ones which a human nature is composed of (according to traditional yogic literature). During the practice, you shall adapt and learn to observe and connect with things around you with the help of mindful walking in natural surrounds, purposeful eating, observing the breath, and slow observant movements during asanas practice. Everything single element shall lead you to form a stronger connection between your soul and the celestial powers around you.

Post-luncheon where you shall relish another delectable assortment of nutritious foods, you will have a few hours to yourself where you can spend some quiet time in the tranquil ambiance of the town, or indulge in reading, writing, and sleeping in order to rejuvenate for the evening ahead. You can also go for Ayurveda spa treatment or massage if the thought appeals to you within the facility of the Ashram. It is entirely up to you what you do in your free time.

04.00 pm: A healthy cup of evening chai (tea) awaits you before you gear up for the evening’s program. Indulge in an invigorating session on Yoga Nidra (or yogic sleep) during which you shall learn to channel your energy into a balanced rhythm for mental and spiritual liberation. The soothing voice of Shwaasa Guru takes you to a journey of self-exploration while you comfortably lie on the floor

06.30 pm: A delicious supper is served. Dinner is followed by traditional Satsang during which you assemble around a campfire and share insights of the day, rejoice over some music and singing, and indulge in spiritual exchange and internal reflection. This spiritual interaction followed by meditation of the day is a perfect way to conclude the day before sinking into a deep and peaceful sleep.