Reflections from our Yoga Retreat
Easter 2025
Our annual yoga retreat took place over the four-day Easter holiday at the charming Continental House Guest House in Hepburn Springs, set against the backdrop of a glorious autumn season.
It is a retreat focussed on relaxing and rejuvenating that included twice daily Yoga in Daily Life classes, yoga nidra, twice daily guided meditation sessions, nourishing freshly cooked meals, and the option of the Turkish hammam experience, massage, reiki healing and plenty of free time.
There is also the sharing of yoga wisdom and the opportunity for questions and discussion. The following reflections are from those talks to both remind ourselves and to share with you.
This lovely retreat is every Easter and we invite you to join us next time.
Yoga: A Personal Journey
Yoga is more than a workout or a way to relax - it's actually a science. The ancient teachings and scriptures don't ask for blind belief; instead, they offer a path and practical tools. A way to experience enlightenment ourselves, through our own practice.
Before these teachings were ever written down they were passed from teacher to student, master to disciple, through spoken word and example. Because of this there was not one-size-fits-all as the teacher would give what was most useful for the student at that particular time in their journey.
Fast forward to today: yoga has become a global phenomenon. It's often seen as a form of exercise, or a tool for stress relief and mental wellbeing. While these benefits are valuable, many of us teaching now (myself included) aren't gurus or sages - we're fellow travellers on the path.
That's why, at this retreat - and always - we invite you to truely make the practice your own. Every time we step onto the mat we're not the same person we were last time. Life changes us, moment to moment, so let your practice reflect that. As you are guided through the class, stay tuned in. Feel what's happening in your body, in your breath, in your heart. Choose the way of moving, breathing and being that serves you best in that moment.
Only you truly know the state of your body, mind, emotions, and spirit. In this way, your yoga teacher is not an authority, but a guide - a facilitator walking beside you on your personal journey.
Yoga, at its core, is a subtle and unfolding process of awakening awareness. As you deepen your practice, these inner states of being become more tangible and easier to understand.
With consistency and conscious effort your sensitivity to movement, posture and internal shifts becomes more refined. You begin to notice the nuances - those small yet powerful signals your body and mind offer. This growing awareness nurtures a sense of autonomy, allowing you to tailor your practice in ways that truly serve your individual needs.
Over time, the self-knowledge cultivated on the mat naturally extends into daily life. You start to make choices with greater clarity and confidence, responding rather than reacting. In this way yoga becomes more than a physical practice - it becomes a means of living with intention, presence and personal freedom.
This is your journey. Let it be true to you.
We saw this over the weekend. Our chef fell ill and was unable to cater at our retreat. This task fell to us, the organisers / teachers! Without hesitation members of the group stepped into the kitchen to help, unprompted and wholeheartedly. Throughout the weekend similar moments of generosity and care were present. Regardless of our differences there was a genuine spirit of togetherness that created a warm and welcoming community. It was a clear example that yoga truly extends beyond the mat and into how we live, support one another and share space.
Written by our retreat facilitators
Gita Larissa & Anny Lakshmi
