Yoga is a combination of physical, mental and spiritual disciplines, the continuous practice of which leads to a state of equilibrium in body, mind, and spirit. Bali, with its history of deep spirituality, medical traditions, lush tropical greenery, terraced paddy fields and bamboo groves filled with bird song is at the heart of the explosion of interest in all forms of yoga. People from around the world make the journey to Bali to stay at resorts, hotels, villas, small and large yoga retreats that offer holistic practices or a broad range of interrelated activities. A combination of yoga, meditation, traditional Balinese massages, wellness therapies and healthy food are offered as ways to detoxify and to get lives back on track.
As the world’s leading destination for yoga and meditation retreats, a wide variety of international yoga teachers practice in Bali, making it the perfect place to start and continue with yoga. Each yoga practitioner has their own special technique of imparting the knowledge to enthusiastic followers. Training takes the form of practicing yoga postures or asana, breath control, and meditation. These practices are expected to encourage total well being, love, laughter, and happiness and to gradually achieve peace of mind.
Experienced and qualified yoga teachers will first assess the potential of new entrants to their class and teach, encourage, and inspire them to achieve their true potential. Separate classes are conducted for more advanced practitioners. Some retreats offer special training programs lasting several months for primary, intermediate, and advanced students as well as teacher-training sessions. A strict timetable is followed from Monday to Friday with practical classes and workshops to explain the background and theory behind the practices. A harmonious atmosphere is provided by specially designed airy and naturally lit yoga studios overlooking Bali’s gorgeous scenery. Individual and group classes are available according to the preference of the yoga students. Several spiritual communities that welcome visitors combine their founder’s beliefs with the practice of yoga, meditation and prayer. Some popular yoga studios have become cultural centres and offer a host of other activities such as ecstatic dance, qigong, and reiki workshops, sound healing and even weekly movie nights.
The Como Shambala that is located in Ubud Bali is a health and wellness retreats of repute for those who are desirous of achieving relaxation and total well being. This wellness retreat has a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic physician and dietician on hand to devise therapies and programmes to help their guests achieve the goal of total well being.
Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+
