My Ashtanga Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Bali: A Journey of Transformation
Bali has always been known as a spiritual haven, but little did I know just how profoundly it would change me when I signed up for an Ashtanga yoga and meditation retreat at Purna Yoga Bali. It was more than just an opportunity to learn yoga; it was a journey that reshaped my entire way of thinking and living.
The retreat was led by two incredibly inspiring souls, Ewelina and Rohil, who guided us with their infectious energy, wisdom, and compassion. The experience was not only about becoming a yogi—someone who practices the asanas (physical postures)—but much more. I discovered that yoga is a state of mind, a practice that unites the mind, body, and spirit. The word "yoga" itself means union, and I came to understand that this union is the calming of the fluctuations in the mind, a state of pure awareness and peace.
The Discipline of Ashtanga Yoga
Each day began at 6 a.m., with the cool morning air filling our lungs as we practiced the first series of Ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga is known for its discipline and routine, something that both challenged and transformed me. Ewelina and Rohil ensured that we not only learned each of the positions but also tested us, pushing us to remember and flow through the entire sequence. It was more than just physical movement; it became a deep exploration of my body’s potential. I realized that I could stretch my limits—both physically and mentally—in ways I had never imagined before.
The focus on routine, precision, and breath was powerful. Ashtanga’s repetitive nature taught me the value of consistency and how, over time, the body and mind adapt and expand. Every pose became a journey inward, teaching me patience and acceptance.
The Deeper Teachings: Yoga Philosophy and the 5 Kleshas
While the physical aspect of yoga was a central part of the retreat, we also delved deeply into the philosophy behind it. Rohil conducted enlightening workshops on yoga philosophy, introducing us to the concept of the 5 Kleshas—the five poisons of the mind: ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear. These are the root causes of suffering in our lives, and yoga serves as the remedy to remove these poisons.
This was a revelation for me. I began to understand how these mental obstacles had been holding me back, creating barriers to self-awareness and happiness. Through yoga and meditation, we learned to dismantle these poisons and free ourselves from their grip, embracing a deeper connection to the Atman—our true self or soul.
The 8 Limbs of Yoga: A Guide to Living
Another key part of the retreat was the exploration of the 8 limbs of yoga, which provide a framework for living a meaningful and purposeful life. We discussed non-violence (ahimsa), honesty (satya), not stealing (asteya), managing sexual energy and creation (brahmacharya), and non-greed (aparigraha). These principles extended beyond the mat and into every aspect of daily life, offering a blueprint for cultivating a strong, healthy, and harmonious temple for the soul—our bodies.
Ayurveda and Aligning with Nature
We also covered the principles of Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine that emphasizes balance between the body and the natural world. I learned to observe the elements within me—air, water, fire, earth, and ether—that constantly shift based on my diet, emotions, and environment. One key takeaway was to eat foods that are in line with nature—checking when the food was last alive—and to consume everything in moderation.
The connection between body and nature became clearer during our discussions on habits. We reflected on the habits we wanted to let go of and the new ones we wanted to build, understanding that good habits bring structure and purpose into our lives. We even explored habit stacking, where you build a new habit on top of an existing one, making it easier to sustain positive change.
Meditation and Visioning
Daily meditation sessions were a vital part of the retreat, offering a space to look inward and reflect on our deeper vision for life. This was where I felt the most profound shifts happening. With each breath, each moment of stillness, I could see my life more clearly. The retreat allowed me to strip away the noise and distractions of the outside world, revealing what truly matters. I left the retreat with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity about my vision for the future.
Bali: A Paradise for the Soul
Bali itself was the perfect backdrop for this transformation. The lush greenery, the serene beaches, and the vibrancy of the local culture all contributed to the experience. The island's natural beauty, combined with its nourishing, fresh food, made it a place where the body and mind could truly thrive. Every meal was a reminder of the importance of eating consciously, in line with nature and its cycles.
Takeaways: Lessons for Life
The retreat wasn't just a temporary escape; it was a deeply formative experience that continues to influence my daily life. Here are a few of the most important takeaways:
Yoga is a state of mind, not just a practice on the mat. It's about uniting the mind, body, and spirit and calming the fluctuations of the mind.
Discipline and routine lead to transformation. Whether in yoga or in life, consistent effort and focus can help us stretch beyond our limits.
The 5 Kleshas are the root of suffering, and yoga is the remedy. Ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear are barriers to self-awareness, but yoga helps us move past them.
The 8 limbs of yoga offer a framework for living. Non-violence, honesty, moderation, and non-greed are principles that can guide every aspect of our lives.
Ayurveda teaches us to live in harmony with nature. By aligning with the elements and eating mindfully, we can achieve balance and health.
Good habits bring structure to life. Let go of habits that no longer serve you and cultivate those that support your goals and vision.
Meditation is a tool for self-awareness and visioning. Daily meditation helps us connect with our true selves and see our path more clearly.
This retreat has changed me in ways I never thought possible. I can now proudly call myself a yogi, not just because I can do the physical poses, but because I have embraced the yogic way of life. My time in Bali was a turning point, and I will carry the lessons I learned with me forever. If you’re ever looking for a transformative experience, I highly recommend this retreat—it may just change your life too.
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