How do we create a retreat program?

Many things have to be considered when creating a retreat program. The choice of location, venue, teachers, meals, duration, prices and the list goes on. Today we want to share with you how we connect those things to the effect we want our participants to have. It is related to the types of bodies or layers of the body everyone has. Read further to learn how to understand and nurture all of them!

You may have heard of emotional or subtle body, energy or light body, and perhaps about mental body and definitely about physical body. But what does it actually mean and how are you supposed to look after all of them when you barely have time to eat well and exercise? Here is where the ancient yoga system may help you to bring some order to chaos. Let us share what we use as a guideline when creating wellbeing programs for Love Life Retreats.

EXPERIENCING YOUR FIVE SHEATHS (Koshas).

In Yoga, we use Sanskrit - ancient Indian language of the sacred texts which helps us to understand the meaning of teachings and life’s mystery. Word kosha In translation from Sanskrit, means sheath or layer. Believe it or not, but your Physical Body is actually the outer layer, also known as the Gross Body or Causal Body that contains all the other layers. Now let's structure all of them and see what needs to be done to keep it healthy and happy and of service to you and the World around you.

Annamaya Kosha - Physical Body (food sheath). What you are made of on a physical level. Movement, quality of sleep, food and proper hydration are very important to support it. We need to make sure that the beds are deliciously comfortable, that the length of your sleep is long enough for you to recover from first to the last day of the program. There has to be sufficient amount of activities to keep all processes of the body in order and of course we have to make sure that you are supported with healthy and full of vitality meals.

Pranamaya Kosha - Energy Body (sheath of life). This is where our chakras ‘live’. Those of you who have been exposed to any yoga system have heard of the word chakra at least once and you may even know a few names in Sanskrit. However, without going too deep into it here, please note that each of us has about 72 000 nadis (energy channels) through which Prana (life energy) moves through the body. Our breath is a mechanism that connects our inner and outer world continuously. The best way to keep your pranic body happy is to have daily interaction with Nature, getting fresh air while moving and of course, breathing techniques, also known as Pranamaya. That is why all of our venues are close to nature and there is always time to go for a walk and take a few deep breaths to rejuvenate.

We have to make sure that you are supported with healthy and full of vitality meals.

Manomaya Kosha - Mental Body (mind sheath). This is where all the chatter happens but also where we understand how our mind processes the world through 5 senses. For example, we see something and immediately a signal goes to our brain to interpret and respond to through a thought, word, action or all together. Our skin, ears, eyes, nose, and tongue become tools that help us to experience the physical World, but it is our Mind that dictates what to make of this experience. When we create a retreat program it is important for us to slow down the thought process and challenge habits. We create new neural pathways by taking you out of your comfort zone and creating a space for you to reflect on what is happening in the moment. That is why drawing yantras and mandalas, weaving a cotton thread, painting, using creative writing techniques and reflective meditative practices are essential during Love Life Retreats to keep your Mental Body healthy and of service to you. 

Vajnanamaya Kosha - Intellectual Body (wisdom sheath). Our ability to become observers and tap into universal wisdom. At this layer we learn how to bring together all that we experience in life and our place in it. Meditation, silence, allowing space to simply be on your own and reflect on all the process are a huge part of our programs. We call it time for self reflection which is usually especially needed towards the middle of a program, right before and after the Integration day. 

That is why drawing yantras and mandalas, weaving a thread, painting, using creative writing techniques and reflective meditative practices are essential during Love Life Retreats.

Anandamaya Kosha - Bliss Body (bliss sheath). Do we need to say anything here? Beautiful locations, respectful atmosphere and continuous support in holding the space are our key tasks as Love Life Retreats facilitators. Yes, this is the stage to which we are aspiring to bring you by the end of each of our retreats or shortly after - to love life and all the processes that you get exposed to on the way. To find bliss, joy and content in every day tasks, to enhance colours and flavours and to realise what a gift it is to be here now.

Yes, a lot has to be considered when creating a retreat program - locations, venues, meals, teachers. However, the experience we want our participants to have during and after what matters the most to us. Please come along and tell us if we are on the right path. 

With Love,

Victoria Z.