Many guests on their Bali yoga retreat attest to how incredible they feel simply by stepping onto their yoga mat each day over the course of a week. Often, the yoga retreat experience is a major instigator in inspiring guests to continue this daily yoga practice back home again also
Let’s look at the main benefits of practicing yoga daily:
Spaciousness
‘I don’t have time for yoga’ is a common perception in a modern society. However, a daily yoga practice needn’t look like a full 90-minute class. A daily yoga practice may look like 30 minutes one day, a ten-minute meditation another day and perhaps 45 minutes of flow and breath work the next. The duration of time is less important than the dedication to showing up. Yoga in fact gifts you with more time and space- time and space for yourself, and time and space to be more present with the people in your life. A daily practice opens up a sensation of spaciousness, and this spaciousness expands in direct correlation to your ability to show up to your practice.
Self-Care
No matter what we have going on in our lives, the need to take care of ourselves is non-negotiable. Dedicating time to a daily practice is an offering to yourself and a clear statement that says ‘I am worthy.’ Your yoga practice isn’t selfish; it isn’t any less important that the other dozen things on your to-do list. In fact, taking time to nurture and nourish yourself ensures you have the energy and mindset to tackle whatever may show up in your world. Filling up your own cup, your own love tank, is essential to being able to show up for the other people and commitments in your life.
Presence
We tend to move through our days on auto pilot, always one step in the future or looking back into the past, instead of really being firmly grounded in the here and now. Yoga is one of the most powerful ways to literally pull yourself into the present moment. Here, you find your breath, you find stillness, you find surrender, you find clarity and you find yourself. Stepping onto your mat is almost like stepping into the eye of the storm- a place where no matter what may be whirling about outside of you, you find a place of peace and gratitude for the simplicity of the present moment.
Movement
On a physical level, yoga does indeed offer a plethora of benefits for the body. From assisting digestion, increasing strength and flexibility, toning muscles, creating limber joints, supporting spinal health and alleviating pain, yoga has been proven to be a tremendous tool both for healing and prevention. Keeping the body mobile is becoming even more important in a society that is increasingly dominated by a sedentary lifestyle. Movement can also help to boost endorphins and uplift our mood. A ‘yoga high’ is a real occurrence that you find through your daily practice.
Grounding
Yoga has the magical ability to lift us up, and also ground us down. Yoga connects us to primal elements within us, rooting us to the earth and to our bodies in an empowering way. When we feel grounded, we can move through life with clarity and purpose. We can make decisions with ease, and we can connect with our ‘gut feeling’ or our intuition. A daily practice maintains this connection, this strength and this resolution to walk your chosen path with dedication.
Inspiration
There is an inherent beauty in the practice of yoga. It has a softness and grace and offers a journey through which we discover new things about ourselves and the world around us. Yoga inspires us to be better people, to follow the things that set our hearts on fire, and to be the change we wish to see in the world. Yoga develops connection, reminding us of our common nature and that we are indeed all connected. Whether we are in a yoga studio or in our own home, the power of the practice moves beyond borders and creates a community. Yoga permeates our existence in the most beautiful of ways and reminds us of our infinite potential.
These are just a handful of the benefits that you may experience from a daily yoga practice. Investing in daily ways to care for yourself is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain overall good health and wellbeing. Making time each day and honouring that commitment is the hardest part. Once you experience the benefits that your daily yoga practice offers, you will look forward to this time on your mat everyday. If you’re looking for a kickstarter, try joining us for a Bali yoga retreat – the perfect way to begin or deepen your own yoga journey.
Yoga classes is included in every Palm Tree House retreat, offered in our beautiful boutique retreat villas. Each one of the villas have their own unique yoga space that allows you to practice in the beautiful open air and amidst the sounds and aromas of nature. If you’re really looking to dive into a full week of yoga, the yoga package also includes additional passes to some of our partner yoga studios in Canggu where you can explore a whole range of yoga styles, teachers and classes.
Find out more about our Boutique Bali Fitness Retreat here, or contact us for more information.