Sivananda Yoga Ashram

Pretty recently on my healing journey, I started to deeply embrace the spiritual component of Yoga. It was a means to feel less lonely, even while alone. So, I sought out a retreat that would a) challenge my discomfort in just "being," b) provide structure for my personal meditation and asana practices, and c) nurture my reinvigorated interest in spirit.

A week on the most beautiful beach just outside of Nassau, Bahamas was, of course, healing in its own right. But staying at the Sivananda Yoga Ashram was simply put: transformative.

The tradition incorporates Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga (chanting and prayer), Asana (~12 poses), Meditation (>30min daily), Pranayama (Kapalbhati and Nadi Shodhana), and the universality of ALL religions: God is ONE. The established and aspiring monks (or swamis) there had me in awe: their discipline, the ease with which they seemed to move through their rituals!

The whole experience challenged my pre-conceived perceptions of God... and although I'm not quite sure what concept of a superior force feels right for me still, I saw, through a new lens, the true peace and goodness it/he/she can bring to humanity.

Equally as impactful for me, is the lesson of discipline! I've walked away with a renewed dedication to my physical body: fueling it, not just eating; keeping to a routine where I feel strong but not burnout; moving slower through my daily tasks to soothe my nervous system not jumpstart it; and sitting often in nothingness, training to detatch from those oh-so-sticky emotions and thoughts.

I don't know what turns my life may take from here - losing anything I currently hold dear is very scary for me - but I'm aiming to adopt one of the Karma Yogis' (who was present for my stay) attitude: true excitement for mystery!