Written by Jen Fisher, Yoga Teacher and Retreat Leader
Jen Fisher is an inspiring yoga teacher who encourages students to understand that they are their best teachers. She has been teaching yoga to children and adults since 2007. She is the co-founder of Little Guru Kids Yoga and leads yoga retreats around the world.
Everywhere we look these days, we see ads for yoga retreats, friends posting pictures from yoga retreats, and flyers in coffee shops about upcoming retreats. But what exactly is the purpose of a yoga retreat? What happens on these retreats? Do I need to be an advanced yoga practitioner (um, no, advanced only means you are advanced in your relationship with yourself and what is right for you. Holding a handstand has nothing to do with it) or be able to meditate all day?
The purpose of a yoga retreat
A yoga retreat is meant for regeneration. We spend so much of our time and energy caught up in the daily grind, often missing the moments in between. Before we know it, we are burning the candle at both ends with no clear path to resetting. Just as bears hibernate in winter to awaken in spring with renewed energy, we too need time to rest and regenerate.
But a yoga retreat is not just about escaping to an exotic destination and practicing yoga for hours on end. Instead, it is about creating a sacred space, one filled with intention, connection, and simplicity. It is a chance to reconnect with nature, unplug from the digital world, and fully immerse yourself in the present moment. It is about being vulnerable, cleaning the lens through which you perceive yourself and the world.
Breaking the myths
One of the biggest misconceptions about yoga retreats is that they are only for advanced practitioners or those who are highly flexible. In reality, yoga retreats welcome all levels, from complete beginners to experienced yogis. The focus is not just on physical postures but on self-discovery, relaxation, and personal growth.
What really happens on a yoga retreat?
A yoga retreat is more than just practicing yoga. It is an immersive experience designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul. A typical day might include morning meditation, yoga classes tailored to all levels, nourishing meals, and free time for self-reflection, nature walks, or even spa treatments.
At the retreats I lead, we start the day with a vinyasa flow class and end with restorative yoga and meditation. Each day may include additional healing practices such as sound healing, yoga nidra, journaling, and breathwork. However, I always remind participants that the retreat belongs to them. They can do as much or as little yoga as they like. What truly matters is what replenishes the soul and how the time is spent turning inward.
The science of relaxation
Scientific studies show that yoga and meditation help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. The combination of breathwork, mindfulness, and movement during a retreat allows the nervous system to shift from a state of stress to one of relaxation and renewal. This can lead to improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a sense of balance that lingers long after the retreat ends. The goal is to decompress the stress.
Unplugging and being present
I encourage retreat participants to unplug as much as possible. Maybe that means checking emails only once a day, or even trying to go off the grid entirely for a day. In our everyday lives, we are constantly bombarded with information. Social media, emails, and notifications pull us in different directions, making it difficult to be fully present. On a retreat, we strive to shift our minds from rewind or fast-forward mode into play mode, fully engaged in the now.
Who should go on a yoga retreat?
Yoga retreats are ideal for anyone feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or simply seeking a change of pace. Whether you are a busy professional, a parent in need of self-care, or someone looking for a new adventure, a retreat offers a space to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with yourself. You do not need prior yoga experience, just an open mind and a willingness to explore.
How do I choose a yoga retreat?
There may be a place you have been dying to visit, so that is where your search begins. Or perhaps there is a teacher you really enjoy who is leading a yoga retreat that fits your life. Budget is always a huge factor. There may also be a retreat for a certain demographic that you fit into, such as an "empty nest" or "caregiver" retreat. But always do your research. I highly recommend reaching out to the teacher leading the retreat and trying to connect. Have a chat and make sure it is the right retreat for you, your time, and your budget.
Can you create a retreat at home?
Of course, travel can be expensive, and modern life makes it difficult to get away. The good news is that you can cultivate the spirit of retreat right at home. My teacher, Shiva Rea, describes in her book Tending the Heartfire that the ritual art of retreat can happen anywhere. She outlines five essential elements:
Sacred time: Set an intention and create space for retreat within your daily life.
Sacred space: Designate an area in your home that fosters peace and stillness.
Natural ritual: Align your practice with the cycles of nature, for example, going inward in winter or planting new intentions in spring.
Spirit of practice: Integrate mindful movement, meditation, or time in nature.
Sacred activism: Unplug from digital distractions and allow yourself to reset.
Conclusion
A yoga retreat is more than just a vacation; it’s an opportunity to reset, recharge, and cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. Whether you travel to a retreat center or create a retreat at home, taking time for rest and reflection is essential. If you’ve been curious but hesitant, consider this your sign to take the leap. You may just return home feeling lighter, clearer, and more inspired than ever before.
Read more from Jen Fisher
Jen Fisher, Yoga Teacher and Retreat Leader
Jen Fisher has been guiding students on their yoga mats to understand that yoga is an inward journey, and not about how it looks on the outside. She refers to herself as "an American teaching yoga" because she holds yoga with such reverence and respect. Beyond teaching classes to kids and adults, she has been faculty in many teacher training programs, created her own trainings, and led over 25 yoga retreats worldwide. Her wish for all of her students to find peace and their inner wisdom that they were born with.
