By: Jools Sampson | February 15, 2023
If you’ve never been on a retreat before and you are feeling unsure about booking one, this blog is for you.
Hello – it’s Jools here. I am the owner and found of Reclaim Yourself Retreats. I have been creating and leading retreats since 2005 and in that time I have travelled to over twenty countries and welcomed more the 2000 guests. Often when I talk about retreats, people say that they would love to join one day but they aren’t very good at yoga, or they don’t think they’d fit in and so on. This has made me reflect on what people think a retreat is verses the reality, so I thought I would share some of my thoughts here.
Retreat myth 1: Retreats are for people who are “good at yoga”
This is probably the most common misconception about retreats – that everyone who comes will be a super bendy advanced yogi and you’ll be huffing and puffing at the back of class feeling inadequate. This couldn’t be further from the truth! All sorts of people come on our retreats, all shapes and sizes, all ages (from 20-70) and everyone has different yoga experience and abilities.
Yes, it’s true that some people will be regular yogis and they have come to focus on improving their yoga practice. And then there will be others who do the occasional yoga class at home, people who used to do it but have got out of practice, and others who are pretty new to it all. There is always a real mix of people and that’s one of things that we love about retreats. Everyone gets to practice twice a day with a brilliant teacher and learn stuff! So wherever you are with your yoga, you’ll get better.
Do you know the saying every BODY is a yoga body? It’s worth reflecting on that if you are feeling unsure about coming on a retreat. Some people are naturally bendy while others are super tight from sitting at a desk all day. Some people have injuries, or their body has changed in some way and they can’t so as much as they used to. Some people can touch their toes, but many people cant.
Everyone can benefit from diving into some yoga, whatever their size or shape and toe touching abilities! Coming to a class every day is an opportunity to stretch and move and feel good. Some people come and do the first bit of a class and lie down and listen for the rest of the class. Other people do a class and go for run. Most people are somewhere in the middle! You can do as much or a little as you want, but we encourage you to come to class every day and give it a go. Just come to class, take what you need from it and don’t worry what everyone else is doing.
And one last thing on this subject, our teachers are brilliant and I choose them not only for being very experienced and knowledgeable but also for being down to earth and inclusive.
Retreat myth 2: Yoga groups are super serious!
Retreats are a group holidays and it can be daunting thinking about spending a weekend or whole week with a bunch of strangers. Will they all be super fit yogis wearing the latest Lululemon outfit? Will they all be hardcore vegans? Will the handstand crew be there? Will you end up sitting next to Kombucha man?
Honestly? Yes, sometimes those people do come on retreats (well, maybe not Kombucha man!) but so do all sorts of other people. From burned out lawyers to exhausted nurses, frazzled mums, glamorous grannies, hard-working professionals, mums and daughters, old school friends, solo travellers, couples and more. So if you are thinking we only have hardcore yoga students on our retreats, think again!
And by the way, whether you’re wearing your favourite Lululemon outfit, an Amazon bargain or your big baggy tracksuit, really it’s fine. Being comfortable is the name of the game here…
Retreat myth 3: Being in a group will be awkward or annoying
People come on retreats for many reasons. Sometimes they need help to manage stress, anxiety and burnout or to heal from trauma, heartbreak, or the loss of a loved one. Sometimes they want to feel inspired about life or feel alive again. Sometimes they want to forget their day to day life, have fun and immerse in another culture for a while.
Retreat groups are like temporary families and it’s our job to manage group dynamics. Sometimes we need to establish some boundaries to make sure we all get along, but mostly we are one big happy family and lot’s of new friendships are made. This happens a lot. And then people come back on another retreat with their new retreat buddies. It makes me very happy to see how people connect and support each other on retreats.
Sometimes people feel a bit emotional at some point during their retreat. We mostly have loads of fun on retreat, but in those challenging moments the team know exactly how to help. We are trained to listen and hold what you tell us in confidence, so you’re in a safe space if you want to talk something through. Or you might find someone else has been through something similar and you can have a good old chat over a hot chocolate or while relaxing on the beach. If you do find yourself feeling vulnerable or overwhelmed, you’ll find yourself supported and held by us, we are good at stuff like that.
So don’t worry about who else is coming. You’re going to meet people from all walks of life and we’ll shared our retreat journeys and make some brilliant new friends while we are doing it.
Retreat myth 4: I am going to be too out of my comfort zone to enjoy myself
Some people are worried that it’s all going to be too much. The travel. The adventures. The yoga. Reality check – you are most likely to be out of your comfort zone at some point and it is going to be ok!
We go to some pretty cool places and they are not your average retreat locations. Often our locations are remote but I am here to help you to get there. We are not a massive company – it’s me, Jools, and my small team and we make sure that you are really well looked after from the first time you enquire. It’s one of things that people always compliment us on – how they felt really well cared for and that we made getting to some amazing places very easy.
Many of our trips include adventures. Hiking up mountains or through rainforests, kayaking, snowshoeing, husky sledding, cycling, snorkelling – we find plenty of ways to explore wild places. We also run slow living retreats where you spend your time relaxing and finding stillness, so you dont have to opt for the epic adventure retreats if its not for you.
But you know what, being a bit out of your comfort zone is kind of what we are going for! We want you to feel a bit a challenged at some point. That’s where the magic happens – a bit of discomfort while being held in a safe way by a trustworthy team gives you a chance to be vulnerable and find some courage. When you’re being challenged, you are 100% present and focused on the here and now. Your day to day worries are left behind and you find out what you are made of! And you always realise that you can do more than you ever thought you could. The sense of accomplishment you feel improves your self-esteem, builds your confidence and your resilience.
It doesn’t haven’t to be a huge thing like climbing a mountain or getting in an ice bath (I have yet to do the latter myself!!) but being outside of your comfort zone – physically, mentally or both – can make your trip a more meaningful and sometimes even a life changing experience. Adventures can be big or small, from hiking through a rainforest to being in an unfamiliar situation or spending time with a group of strangers – all can be equally challenging. Watch our Iceland film and see what you think…
What do you think?
Have I dispelled enough myths and helped you feel ready to dive in?
