Q: I am thinking of doing a spiritual/yoga retreat.  Are there any recommendations that you have or requirements the retreat should meet?

I am a great proponent of retreats and have taken several 'spiritual' retreats--including but not limited to a 30-day full day yoga teacher training retreat that emphasized personal growth, a beautiful retreat in a Vermont Thich Nhat Hahn monastary, and an extended trip to Nicaragua to clear my mind and re-invigorate my spirit.  But the most important retreat that I have learned that I can take is the daily retreat of connecting with my body and my breath through yoga and meditation and walking in nature.

 Isolated sabbaticals and retreats are an amazing way to get a bigger perspective on your life and journey, however the goal is to feel connected and grounded daily.  For example, in the middle of the volcanic island Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua I came upon the new direction of my journey as a woman and a spiritual teacher.  It was those quiet moments of complete isolation from our usual day-to-day activities that let the idea germinate and come bubbling to the surface.  When I returned home with a renewed and updated vision I was able to apply those ideas into a daily practice for others and myself. 

So yes, the intermittent retreat and vacation are invaluable, and even better when coupled with daily doses of bliss.  Last weekend instead of escaping away from my busy and fulfilling life to my cabin, I said aloud to my partner in a moment of such happiness: "We brought the cabin home this weekend!"  I am learning through retreats AND my daily practices to bring the cabin home instead of pushing through very busy times until I cannot wait to get away on a 'retreat'.

The synergy of the retreat and sustained daily practices of yoga postures, breath work, meditations, hiking and beauty in your life and relationships will provide you with a fulfilling and gratifying life.