During our routine-filled lives, we often shy away from the unknown, viewing adventures with the same skepticism as Bilbo Baggins from 'The Hobbit,' who deemed them "nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things."

As Beatriz and I embarked on a 36-hour Yoga Adventure, doubts and skepticism filled the car, stacking up like a tower of worst-case scenarios. Would the people be too "worthy," the yoga subpar, and the food strictly vegan? The lack of details about the retreat fuelled our apprehensions, casting a cloud of negativity over the entire experience.

Approaching the retreat, my primary concern wasn't perfecting intricate yoga poses but navigating the social intricacies of the yoga community. The fear of encountering clichés, judgment, and an atmosphere too earnest loomed large. What if I let some of my less yogi views slip out? What if I revealed my true authentic self? 😱 😱 😱

The retreat turned out to be a congregation of proficient yoga practitioners, each on their own yoga journey. Unity emerged as early as the opening circle, where we played a memory name game – an icebreaker I'll introduce at my own retreat when the opportunity arises. It was the first icebreaker I have ever liked.

Contrary to concerns about lacklustre yoga, the yogi instructors Rachel, Kelly, and Hannah were brilliant. They crafted a holistic program, including yin, meditation, vinyasa, hatha, yoga nidra, and visualisation. The retreat became a space where yoga extended beyond the physical, entering the realms of contemplation and inspiration. Everything I had hoped for but lacked faith to believe in.

There wasn’t a single session that I didn’t enjoy or feel inspired by in some way – the delicate interplay between challenge and release was perfect. The practices were well-paced, the instruction clear, the options varied, and the sequencing interesting. Asanas were a vessel for self-reflection, a reminder that the yoga journey explores not only physical postures but also the mind and spirit.

My initial negativity, which at first felt funny now feels small and limiting. The whole adventure has been a good lesson in releasing doubts, embracing the unexpected, and keeping the mind and heart open. These are things that I teach and theme yoga practices around but found on the journey to West Lexham impossible to practice myself.

As the retreat came to an end, emotions flowed freely during the closing circle. Friendships were forged, joy shared, lessons learned and self-awareness blossomed. I feel truly grateful to have shared time and space with such special people but will need more time to process exactly what else I have taken from this adventure.

In the end, our journey into the yoga sanctuary served as a poignant reminder that, within the vast expanse of yoga experiences, unexpected connections, shared growth, and unity await. This yogi's tale invites all practitioners, seasoned or new, to approach the mat with an open heart, ready to embrace the unforeseen wonders that unfold with each breath. Namaste, with gratitude for the unexpected lessons learned along the way.