Press the Pause Button and Retreat!

Ever wished life had a ‘pause’ button? If so, you’re definitely not alone!

It often feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Life can be busy and demanding so it’s not surprising that, at times, many of us feel overwhelmed and desperate for some time out. Something as simple as sitting quietly and mindfully with a cup of tea can give us that bit of space we crave, but how many times have we thought ‘but I don’t have time for that’ and rushed on with the day sacrificing our cuppa or gulping it down while multitasking?

Sometimes we literally need to retreat. When we take ourselves away from the whirl of our day-to-day, we give ourselves the opportunity to carve out some space, shift gear and gain new perspectives.

The practice of Pratyahara (the fifth of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga) invites us to withdraw our senses from the external world in order to bring our attention inwards and eventually become acquainted with our true, divine, nature. During our asana and meditation practices, Pratyahara might look like closing our eyes, blocking our ears or simply inviting a deeper awareness of physical sensation. Translating the practice into our life off the mat, we might try to notice where and how we direct our energies and seek out opportunities to step back from the constant demands of our to-do list, emails, social media, phone calls…

In the past I’ve retreated in a number of different ways: alone for a few hours; in company for a few days; under the guidance of a teacher; with friends; with strangers; in silence; in discussion; abroad; at home. The circumstances have varied but the outcome has always been a renewed sense of spaciousness, a feeling of regaining perspective and of shoring up foundations. Without fail, I’ve returned home feeling less attached to my busyness and more able to schedule my priorities (like enjoying that quiet cup of tea!) rather than prioritising my schedule.

If you’d like to retreat with Alessandro and myself, we’re excited to be hosting a YogaVenue getaway from 16-22 May 2019 in beautiful Andalucia. This will be an opportunity to step away from the demands of day-to-day life, to connect more deeply with your Yoga practice, relax and of course have fun in gorgeous surroundings! You can find out more information, including booking details here.

By Katie Phelps