It’s that time of year! The Mat returned late last month from its summer retreats: two one-week retreats in Maine. Being up in nature in Maine sounds like a wonderful way to spend several days in the summer, doesn’t it? But their return also meant an announcement about where next year’s yoga retreat will be! And if you’re curious before checking out The Mat’s pages and socials, it will be in Canada.
Exploring near the retreat center in Costa Rica
I may say this each time I write about the retreats, but I have such wonderful memories from the retreat in Costa Rica I went on a few years ago. A yoga retreat is so much more than “just yoga.” Sure, there are several sessions and from The Mat or retreats I’ve read about, this may be a yoga class once or twice a day. Classes may also vary around planned excursions available. And those activities offered can be a great way to explore a new place, often spend time in nature, and can be another way to build relationships. Because that’s another thing retreats offer: community.
A yoga retreat can be a great gift to yourself for nourishment, connection, and movement. The Mat builds a theme around their retreats, and I learned this summer’s theme in Maine was around the elements (love this theme!). The themes can offer great points for self-reflection, journaling, and something to take with you on those excursions. In addition to yoga and possible hikes, there may be some delicious prepared food at many meals from the retreat center. I came home from the Costa Rica retreat and definitely looked up some recipes similar to what we ate at the retreat, as well as other places I explored.
As someone who loves to travel, the yoga retreats offer a few opportunities to explore a new place: first there are the excursions – some included, and sometimes free time to take part in other offerings – that invite exploration of the area. And if there is available time to do so, adding on to the trip before or after can allow you to explore other areas of the state or country. I was fortunate to spend another week exploring other parts of Costa Rica with some friends, and I know I would try to make time to do so after another retreat.
I’m grateful for the retreat I attended – both for the experience and the friendships made or strengthened – and if I’ve been unable to attend, I always look forward to hearing about the summer’s retreats. One more reason why I look forward to writing this post each year? Not only do I look forward to seeing where the next retreat will be, but also to revisit the memories I made from the one I attended.
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
