You Never Forget Your First Time...

Do you remember your first yoga class? I remember mine vividly...it was with a bona fide Indian Swami in Goa and it was quite a trial by fire. 

Just getting to the class was pretty traumatic - my girlfriend and I were accosted by a feral dog intent on savaging us as a procession of tuk tuk drivers played a fun game amongst themselves…‘let’s see how close we can drive to the tourists without actually killing them’. 

The class itself was a completely mind blowing experience for someone who had no idea what yoga was about. We began with chanting (I remember thinking ‘I wonder what my friends would think if they could see me now?’) and then into some strong breath kriyas (cleansing practices). I think it was at this point that I got the giggles but that soon stopped when we moved into the postures. 

What followed was one of the most intense and uncomfortable experiences of my life. At the time I was so inflexible I could barely reach my shins, so even the most basic poses were a serious ask for me and the teacher didn't seem inclined to modify the practice to accommodate the fact I was as supple as a plank.

But somehow I managed to make it to the end of the class, and as I lay back for savasana I clearly remember the most incredible sensation pulsating throughout my body - a sense of feeling fully alive and completely energised. I was hooked.  

When I woke the next morning I could barely walk - my body ached from top to toe. But once the pain had eased a little, off we set again (armed with a bottle of water to squirt at the scary dog) and that was the beginning of the journey that’s brought me to where I am today…there’s been a lot of yoga since, but if I’m honest none as memorable as that very first class. 

How was your first experience of yoga? Let me know in the comments below...

So what actually happens on yoga retreat (with me)?

““It isn’t at all untrue to say that being on retreat with Matt was genuinely a life changing experience for me. Being able to come away and connect with Matt’s yoga and meditation teaching, with nature, with delicious food and with a really genuine group of humans, was hugely meaningful. Tilton House is an incredible setting; warmth radiates equally from the log fires, the kitchen, and the host; and practicing in a yurt listening to the rain outside is really quite magical - you chose a great spot!””

— Retreat Participant, November 2018

Joining a yoga retreat is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your exploration of the practice...no matter what your previous level of experience

Are you curious about joining your first yoga retreat but not sure what to expect? In which case, read on...

Joining a yoga retreat can be a truly precious gift to yourself - an opportunity to immerse yourself in a sustained period of practice and a way to deepen your understanding of yoga, no matter what your previous level of experience has been. 

But if you're newer to yoga and you've not been on retreat before then I'm conscious that it can perhaps seem a little daunting to take that first step. I well remember feeling the exact same way...

Will you be surrounded by elite level 'gymnast-yogis' with the teacher exhorting them to wrap themselves into ever more exotic contortions? Do you have to be able to do a handstand? Will you be hit with a stick if you inadvertently slouch during meditation?

The answer to all of these questions is a definitive no...at least not on my retreats!

My intention for running retreats is to leave all participants feeling more centred and grounded at the end of our time together...more connected to their practice, more connected to their bodies and breath. And perhaps more connected to a sense of inner stillness.

We will of course deep-dive into the postural aspects of the practice, but with the greater time afforded to us we'll also have time to explore pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation and other elements of practice.

There will be time for open discussion about different aspects of the practice (philosophy, anatomy etc.) and time too for relaxation...to read, write, sleep or explore the surrounding countryside as you see fit - an increasing rarity in this day and age. 

Another wonderful aspect of retreats is the opportunity to spend time in a transformative space with like minded yogis and to forge new friendships. Many people who I consider to be amongst my very best friends are people who I first met on a yoga retreat.

And at the risk of over-promising, it's amazing how taking time out to pause and find stillness often opens up the space for us to connect to our sense of creativity, vision and purpose. 

In fact it was whilst on retreat with one of my own teachers that I decided I wanted to spend my life teaching yoga and meditation to others...who knows what might open up for you?

“Matt’s yoga retreat gave me the physical, mental and emotional space to practice yoga and explore meditation with ease and confidence.

A safe, warm and encouraging environment filled with friendly people”

— Retreat Participant, July 2019

Myths and Misconceptions: 5 Things Every Beginner Yoga Student Should Know

1.       Don’t get hung up on how inflexible you are. 

There are no prizes for people who can wrap their legs around their head twice (not recommended :)) after all, yoga is more about how you feel inside rather than how you look on the outside.  If you work mindfully within your present limitations you will enjoy all benefits that yoga has to offer.

2.       Yoga isn’t just for the ladies. 

In fact, historically yoga was exclusively taught and practised by men. Indeed, the roots of some of the very dynamic forms of yoga we enjoy today were first introduced to adolescent boys to harness their testosterone energy and give it a positive outlet.  Nowadays, men are feeling the benefits of yoga in all areas of their life from their work life to the sports field.

3.       There is more to yoga than first meets the eye. 

The yoga postures (asana) we learn in classes are only a small part of the practice of yoga. There are many other disciplines to be experienced including pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation to name a few. Asana is a good place to start as it helps to strengthen the body and begins to focus the mind.

4.       Yoga is not just about sitting around with your legs crossed and ‘Omming’ a lot. 

Of course it can be, but yoga is a very personal journey and so different things work for different people. Yoga asana can be practiced for many different reasons; as a method of exercise, stress relief, injury prevention or spiritual exploration to name a few. It’s up to you - with so many different styles of yoga available and different teachers offering different perspectives keep an open mind and have fun exploring what feels right for you.

5.       Don’t be miffed if you’re not floating around your mat with grace and finesse within a few weeks. 

First of all, don’t waste energy worrying about what you can and can’t do – just enjoy the practice for what it is. And secondly, be patient - acquiring new skills takes time and there are no short cuts. With a regular practice, everything comes in its own good time.