Put Some “Gusto” in Your Life with a Yoga Retreat!

Yoga Instructor Rae Indigo - Colorado Retreat

Have you ever dreamed of stepping out of your daily routine and retreating to a place where you’re offered delicious, healthy food and someone leads you in daily yoga and meditation practice? Where you’re in the company of other like-minded/like-hearted seekers of truth, love and beauty?   

Have you ever wondered what might happen to you and to your life if you would just make the time to retreat to a place like that? Well, get out of your daily routine for a while and give yourself the chance to have a life changing experience. Once you’re on a yoga retreat (or yoga holiday, as they’re sometimes called) all your regular daily obstacles will be gone and your day to day hassles will be put on hold, while you’re hooked up to a program that offers solutions for when you go back. You’ll return rejuvenated and recharged and with a whole new attitude, plus you’ll be feeling energy you haven’t felt since you were a kid.

There are many reasons people go on a yoga retreat:

·         Deepening an existing practice

·         Restarting a practice that was dropped

·         Testing the waters (if you’re new to Yoga)

·         Finding a new direction in life

·         Meeting new, exciting people

What kind of people go on Yoga retreats?:

·         Some are young; others are elderly (and all in between).

·         Some are loose and flexible, while others are a stiff as a board.

·         Some may be exhausted or at a crossroads in their life.

·         Some simply want a chance to get away from it all.

·         Others want to take care of just themselves for a change.

There are times on a Yoga retreat when adventurous activities like hiking through beautiful landscapes are offered and other times when silence is observed while doing cooperative communal service. There may be new dietary experiences to taste and enjoy, learning to practice “Ahimsa” (non-injury to others) while enjoying plant based foods - both raw and cooked. There may be a time for cleansing and giving the body a break from un-healthy habits.

Fred Busch - Director of Teacher Training

On some retreats you’ll be surrounded by beautiful settings, while on others you may focus on sensual pleasures like massage, energetic healing or bodywork. A Yoga retreat may involve early morning meditation to stop the constant chatter of the mind. Also, there’s Vipassana (insight meditation) for those interested in self-reflection or looking for a more spiritual experience. There may be instruction which will help you learn Pranayama and other advanced breathing methods.

Stress is known to cause an emotional imbalance in someone who would normally be a level-headed person. Dealing on a daily basis with uptight and offensive people, handling unwanted responsibilities, the anxiety and road rage experienced while driving are just a few of the situations that wear us down. The emotional benefits of a Yoga retreat are huge because they offer a break from all this tension and distress! Just imagine the feeling of peace and being reconnected to the earth and all things natural, while harmonizing your mind, body and emotions through yoga asana and breathing.



It has been proven that stress is a contributing factor in 70% of the world diseases as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Many doctors are now realizing the benefits of yoga and by attending a yoga retreat; techniques will be taught which will lessen the likelihood of any type of stress related illness. You’ll be deepening the "intelligence" of your body, teaching it to respond in new ways to stressful situations.

Tip: Knowing exactly what kind of experience you’re looking for before signing up will help ensure you pick the retreat perfect for your needs. Selecting retreat with a time frame suited to your schedule is also important; whether it’s a day retreat, a few days, a week, or even longer. And, perhaps most importantly, it is always recommended that the retreat you select is lead by certified yoga instructors who are prepared to work with you at your skill level. Spending intimate time with an experienced yoga teacher is one of the most potent opportunities for change available today; being a mixture of instruction and inspiration, it will guide you toward being a more authentic and powerful human being.

In conclusion: Yoga retreats are the latest trend in yoga where you will be able to gain many profound benefits beyond those found when participating in a few hours of yoga sessions or classes. Those who attend such retreats and are guided by a yoga master, report experiencing a silent, inward revolution; one that produces a conscious growth and outward “evolution” of their body and mind. Contrary to the general belief that yoga is limited to an individualistic practice, a yoga retreat allows you the opportunity to explore the social aspect of yoga. Plus, the closeness to nature and having the time and opportunity to re-examine your motivations, goals, and beliefs helps you to become re-united with yourself and the awesome person you really are, both when you’re alone and in the company of others.

*Note: Upcoming start dates for the next Colorado Retreats with with certified instructors:

October 4th-7th: Fred Busch and Rae Indigo – Hot Yoga
October 11th-14th: Victoria Brunacci
October 18th-21h: Pablo Lucero
November 8th-11th: Claudia Bustillos
Click on Salamadhi Ranch Mountain Retreat Center for more.