Yoga Weekend Get-Away
It's been quite some time since my last post...I must admit my creative motivation has been lacking a bit, but after this past weekend, I feel refreshed!
If you are looking to deepen your yoga practice beyond just postures, I highly recommend checking out Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch in the Catskills of New York. My girlfriend Amy, with whom I have been able to share my love for yoga, found this unique retreat for us to attend over the Easter Holiday and it was an amazing experience.
As per Yogapedia, an "ashram" is "the name traditionally given to a spiritual hermitage or a Hindu monastery. It can be used to describe the place where a spiritual or religious guru and their disciples live". I had never visited an ashram before, therefore I really didn't have any expectations, but after three days of full immersion into deeper spiritual living, I know I will be back sooner than later!
Swami Vishnudevananda founded the ranch in 1974 with the purpose of providing a retreat that allows visitors to be fully submerged in yogic living. If you are looking for a trendy, insta-worthy location with Lululemon-wearing, half-nude, fitness yogis, this is NOT the place - I actually felt out of place by applying mascara and wanting to wear a tank top instead of long sleeves! However, it was extremely refreshing to unplug from the rest of the world and just take in the peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Side note: I am not passing judgement on anyone here - I too wear name brands, dream of retreats in Iceland or Fuji, and prefer to practice in a sports bra rather than covering my body! Nevertheless, it was exceptionally invigorating to practice in a more spiritual place where you turn inward rather than worrying about how you look!
The teachings at the ranch are based on the five points of yoga: proper exercise, vegetarian diet, proper breathing, positive thinking & meditation, and proper relaxation. Our weekend started with a brief introduction of the grounds, followed by our first Hatha Yoga class. They offer beginner and advanced classes, which is great for anyone new to the practice. All in all, the three day program consisted of four two-hour yoga classes, four meditations with chanting, and brunch & dinner. We had some free time in between, which we used for hiking and reading. We also participated in several religious ceremonies since it was Passover Weekend and the Birthday of God Hanuman, a Hindu monkey God who is the symbol of strength and energy. I did not grow up in a religious household, so to be part of an inter-faith experience was extremely special.
The ranch consists of a main building, the sleeping quarters with shared and private rooms, two temples, a sauna, and an additional house where larger yoga classes are held. Set on a remote mountain top, this is the perfect location to look inward and deepen one's spiritual practice. You'll find that the ashram fulfills its mission to "spread peace, health and joy through yoga".
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