October 2013 Yoga Retreat

Retreat Thoughts

Thank you to everyone who came along the second annual Spring to Life Yoga Retreat from Oct 25th to 27th. A great response with 18 retreat participants and a couple of the volunteers at the retreat centre joining in.

There has been discussions about running another retreat in March so stay tuned and perhaps more exciting one of my Bairnsdale students is keen to run a yoga retreat in Bali and I have been invited to teach yoga.I will still run the retreat in October as the weather and timing work well for people.

A couple of comments from the feedback forms just to get a sense of how people felt about the experience. I was happy to note that the comments were overwhelmingly positive, however, there is always room for tinkering and making improvements. In general, the nature walk that was new this year proved a great hit and gave everyone a chance to either go on a walk and enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings in the mountains or simply relax under a tree with a cup of tea.

It was hard to choose which comments to put up thank you everyone for your kind and thoughtful feedback.

"Margot's gentle, restorative, meditative yoga and her nurturing nature. Marc's calm, practical support. Great timetable- not rushed and adaptable."

"I learned a lot more about the versatility of Yoga. It's not just a stretching technique. Margot has gone through many more aspects step by step."

"The flow of activities seemed effortless. Margot's positivity and caring and funny approach"

"I feel healthier, happier, stronger and wiser than I did before I got here. I have a new mantra. You are here. You are now. This is living."

"Food is amazing. Accommodation is good." "Really loved the bush camping option."

The yoga practice room in the Golden House at SIBA. That is me waiting for people to return from the nature walk to Tullock Ard.

  I have abstained from putting photos of participants up on my blog as a popular reason for coming on the retreat (feedback forms) was to have time out.

Also some ideas to improve everyone's retreat experience that came up in written comments, about in the closing circle and by reflection are as follows: 

A gong will be rung ten minutes before each session.

A group photo to be taken on Saturday after lunch when everyone is there.

Try to have longer breaks between food e.g start earlier perhaps 6.30 for asana practice; eat dinner later shorter evening session.

Several people would have liked extra yoga sessions however, it is important to remember that you don't practice yoga on a full stomach. Good idea to wait at least 2- 3 hours after a light meal.

A challenge workshop e.g. inversions, splits 

I thought introduce some yin or longer held pose sequences rather than 2 restorative sessions.

The main dining hall at SIBA.