Recharging mind, body and spirit: my end-of-year yoga ashram experience

Taking breaks from the relentless pace of life is essential for recharging and sustaining our energies. Whenever I step away, even if just for a day out of the city, I’m deeply aware of how fortunate I am to do so. Not everyone has the opportunity to pause, reflect and recuperate. It’s a privilege I never take for granted. It means I can restore my own wellbeing so I can continue holding a space for others and doing the work I’m so passionate about.

Last month, in December 2024, I chose a more unconventional approach: a few weeks at a yoga ashram in Greece. I’ve stayed in ashrams many times over the years but each time offers something unique. This visit was an opportunity to slow down, embrace some stillness and reset. For those unfamiliar, an ashram is a place where you live, study and contribute to a yogic way of life.

Here’s what I gained by spending Christmas and New Year far away from the usual end-of-year noise, hustle and bustle. 

I gave my senses a rest

Withdrawing from constant sensory inputs was essential for me. After an intense year filled with anti-war protests, activism and exposure to disturbing external events, I needed to switch off, shut down and reconnect with myself. Those weeks allowed me to step away from the relentless noise of social media, work-life commitments and daily distractions.

The beautifully green and natural setting – complete with a generations-old family of peacocks! – helped me become quieter, externally and internally. That helped me tune into the voice (or voices!) within. It was a chance to listen to what my body, mind and spirit were saying. Something crucial for growth and wellbeing. 

 I reconnected with practices and yogic traditions

While I have a daily sadhana (spiritual practice), being in an ashram surrounded by others on the same yogic path gave me the opportunity to immerse myself further. Daily asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathwork), meditation and yoga nidra nourished my mind, body and spirit. This reconnection helped me recharge so I could continue working therapeutically with others in a grounded and balanced way. 

I met new people and heard new perspectives 

Ashram-life attracts a diversity of people, each with their own unique journey. I enjoyed meeting others and hearing their stories – from spiritual awakenings, personal challenges to their connection with this yogic path. Every interaction felt like a gift, offering insights and lessons that deepened my teaching practice, personal practice and my understanding of the human spirit. 

I forged new ideas, plans and intentions

The slower pace in an ashram creates space and peace in my mind, something that draws me to that environment. That opens the possibility for new ideas and thoughts to rise and emerge naturally, which they always do. This time, I gained the clarity to refine my goals, set new intentions and define the directions for my work. 

I felt more secure in my goals and purpose 

The intensity of the past year had clouded my vision but my time at the ashram brought things back into focus. The stillness and reflection gave me the perspective I needed to reaffirm and strengthen my sense of purpose. I returned home full of energy and ready for the work ahead.