June 16, 2014
…or to at least pull your mat out for a quick 10 or 15 minutes!
It’s that time of year again: the sun starts to shine, the weather warms up, and if you’re one of the few who get the summer off (I’m looking at you, grade schoolers!) then it’s the time of year to relax.
If you’re like most of us and either go to school or work in between school years, than along with the gorgeous weather and feeling of adventure in the air, there are still responsibilities and tasks to perform and prioritize throughout the day. As I’m sure most of us have encountered, daily life can sometimes be intense or stressful whether it’s the dead of winter or 75 and sunny.
Below are five signs you may be in need of a yoga retreat, or at least in need of setting aside whatever amount of time you’re able each day to center yourself, get grounded, and relax. Anytime you take that time just for yourself (no matter how big or small) it makes a difference for your practice, for you, and for how we interact with the world around us.
1. Sweating the Small Stuff
It’s a good sign to take a breath and book that retreat if you find yourself getting overwhelmed or stressed about the little things. Just relax! Do your best and check out retreats somewhere tropical. We’re thinking the Caribbean.
2. Negativity Towards Those Around You
If you find yourself getting irate at the smallest comment or mannerism, that’s a good cue to reconnect with your Zen. When we’re negative to the people around us (and I don’t mean in a constructive criticism kind of way) it’s generally a sign there’s something going on with us or our lives that isn’t working or doesn’t measure up to expectation. Let those expectations of yourself and others go and take a look at what’s truly going on. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including but not limited to: a yoga retreat (you knew that was coming!), a yoga class or solo practice (you probably knew that was too), meditation, or even simply listening to your mind and body’s needs and paying attention to them. Especially if you only drank coffee for breakfast or skipped that Ashtanga class to watch Netflix.
3. A Nature Disconnect
In our busy lives (especially us city slickers!) it can be easy to fall out of touch with nature, and in turn, the natural way of being. If you feel like it’s been a while since you felt sand between your toes or smelled fresh mountain air, check out a retreat somewhere beautiful and soothing like the Berkshires (Kripalu Center, anyone?) or in the Santa Barbara mountains.
4. A Practice Disconnect
If you’re feeling out of touch with your practice and can’t quite put your finger on it, that can be another pointer it’s time to get away for at least a long weekend, if not the whole week. That feeling of disconnect can point to internal (emotional, spiritual and physical) factors that should be addressed, but a change of scenery can also instigate change and renew perspective, helping to reconnect you to yourself and your practice.
5. You Just Want To
Last but not least, go on a yoga retreat if you want to!! There doesn’t need to be negative signs or reasons to go on a retreat. If it sounds like fun and you’re able to, go for it! There ain’t no party like a yoga retreat party because a yoga retreat party creates positive change in your emotional, physical and spiritual well-being!
Need to stock up on some props to take with you? Visit us at BarefootYoga.com and take a breather. We’ve got you covered.
Quad Stretch
Knee-to-Chest stretch
