Yogasutra Retreat

Leading the Yoga Sutra Weekend Retreat from October 25th to 27th at Niravara Plantation Stay was a beautiful experience, filled with connection, mindfulness, and profound moments of calm. Nestled in a coffee plantation, the setting couldn’t have been more ideal—it felt as if nature itself had prepared a peaceful backdrop for our journey.

Day 1 started with a warm welcome for our participants as they arrived. We greeted everyone with a refreshing lemon drink made from fruit grown right here on the property. After a hearty lunch and some time for them to settle in, we gathered for our first session at 4 pm. It was a gentle practice, designed to help participants ease any travel tension and allow me to get a feel for everyone’s level of experience. There’s always a special energy in the first session; people arrive with open minds, ready to immerse themselves. Afterward, we took a walk down to the river—a simple activity that had a quiet, grounding effect on everyone.

As evening approached, we gathered for our first Trataka practice. Watching each participant engage in this candle-gazing meditation was inspiring; you could see the stresses of daily life slowly melt away. We ended with an early dinner, keeping it light and nourishing, which felt just right.

Day 2 began at 4:30 am during Brahma Muhurta, a time that holds a special spiritual quality. For many, waking up this early was a new experience, but as we moved through the 2.5-hour session of asanas, pranayama, and meditation, no one seemed to feel the passage of time. I watched participants become deeply absorbed, each in their own way, and it was beautiful to witness.

Later that morning, we introduced Jal Neti, a cleansing kriya. It’s always fascinating to see participants embrace this practice with openness. For most, it was their first time trying Jal Neti, and the looks of satisfaction afterward showed they’d found a new way to care for themselves. After a nourishing breakfast, we took a peaceful walk, followed by a short trip to the Bettada Byreshwara temple. Being there added a gentle spiritual touch to our journey, and the presence of Dr. H. Parmesh, one of the participants, enriched the experience further as he shared his insights on various topics, sparking wonderful conversations.

The evening session focused on back-strengthening asanas, and it felt like a comforting close to a fulfilling day. Dinner and a final round of Trataka completed the day, leaving everyone relaxed and ready for the night.

Day 3 started once again at 4:30 am, a rhythm that the group had settled into by then. We flowed through yoga and Jal Neti practice with ease, and by the end, everyone seemed centered and at peace. We gathered one last time at 10:30 am for a feedback session. Hearing each person’s experience, I felt a sense of gratitude they spoke of new friendships, a calmer mind, and a deeper connection with themselves.

Throughout the retreat, we served satvic meals on a steady schedule: breakfast at 8:30 am, lunch at 1:30 pm, high tea at 5 pm, and dinner at 8:30 pm. Each meal was lovingly prepared by the Niravara staff, nourishing everyone with fresh, balanced food that kept them feeling energized yet light.

As I watched participants leave, I felt a quiet satisfaction. They carried with them a piece of this place, a sense of tranquility, new friendships, and a newfound appreciation for mindful living. As an instructor, it’s a privilege to facilitate such a journey, to see people transform over just a few days, and to know that each person left feeling refreshed, recharged, and more connected to themselves.