The Retreat Experience: What Is It Really Like?
Curious about joining a retreat but never actually been to one before? Our BEaway retreat this Autumn in Portugal is in the works and details are still TBC but as usual, our escape will include daily yoga, family-style dining, local excursions and plenty of free time to relax and recharge. To get a better understanding of what really happens on these getaways, we asked our resident Yoga instructor and experienced retreat host, Kate Robinson to share her insights…
1. Who is the BEaway retreat designed for? Do I need yoga experience?
Anyone and everyone! It doesn’t matter about your level of yoga experience or your flexibility and/or strength. I strongly believe there is no one size fits all in the way we approach teaching, and in every class you can be assured that it will be adjusted, each person is assisted as their individual needs require.
2. How is a retreat experience different to attending regular yoga classes? What can we expect?
As you will be the same group each day we are open to focus on building the techniques covered during classes in a fun and relaxed way. In a day to day experience such as this where we will practice as a small group it's a great time to grow and learn together. The retreat experience will allow you time to really tune into yourself and your body. Plus, spaces are limited meaning we can give maximum attention to each attendee helping each person develop as they need and ensure we all leave with a sense of achievement!
© Kate Robinson
3. How would you describe your teaching style? Where do you draw your inspiration?
I would say I teach my vinyasa classes in a very fun and relaxed way, whilst still ensuring that each and everyone of my students is developing and strengthening their practice, and of course also enjoying themselves to the max! My yin classes, although 'deep' are also very gentle, and I will make sure you leave feeling like you've really 'checked in' with yourself. Our practice is a great way to tune in with ourselves on both a physical and emotional level, giving this wonderful sense of restored balance back. It's amazing what you can learn about yourself when you really stop to listen to your body.
4. Why do you personally practice yoga? Have your reasons changed over time?
After going to my first yoga class I was an instant addict. I had never felt my body feel so strong or experienced that sense of elation you have when you finish a practice. I very soon realised that this practice spilled off my mat and brought more positivity into the rest of my life pretty quickly. Yoga is where I go to connect with myself and restore my body and mind. Its like a conscious time out for me, where I am not thinking of anything else except my movement and breath. I am forever in awe of this yoga journey in which there is always something new to learn. I think over time it's this learning and development on an emotional and mind level I have become more addicted too, rather than just the physical aspects.
Quick-fire questions
Favourite mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum - Its a hard one to explain, but in very loose terms means the union of method and wisdom which will allow you to purify your body and speech to that of the buddha.
Favourite yoga pose: Reclining Hero / Supta Virasana - I struggle with tight quads and knees so this pose is like heaven to me afterwards!
Favourite pranayama: Kapalabhati - literally known as brain shining!
Favourite yoga/meditation book: Right now I am reading "Coming to your Senses" by Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness based stress reduction. It gives such interesting but somehow simple insight into the workings of the mind.
Your ayurvedic dosha: Pitta (fire and water)
Your yoga/spiritual teacher: I will be forever grateful to the wonderful teachers I had on my first yoga teacher training in India - Yogi Kamal Singh and Sunil Sharma. Their teachings forever changed the trajectory of life and are still with me today. I am also an avid follower of Eckhart Tolle - his works on ego and mind have been life changing for me!
Interested to join the BEaway retreat? Send us an email via the form below, and we'll provide more info on pricing, lodging, recommended flights, etc.