By Maysam Najjar
My roommate came to me with news one night; her sister had bought us two nights at a yoga retreat in Govinda Valley. The Heart and Soul Wellness Retreat promised an opportunity to “rest, relax and reset”, with authentic yoga practices as well as meditation classes and workshops.
A couple weeks later, we found ourselves at a lovely property in Govinda Valley.
Located just over an hour from Central Station and accessible by train, the retreat is nestled in a dip in the land surrounding the Royal National Park. It is among tall and thick trees and cascading branches, bright green plants and leaves as well as diverse flora in a range of lovely shades and shapes.
The place is in close proximity to multiple walking trails and scenic beaches and lookouts, but you’d have to be prepared to make a steep climb up stairs and inclines to get to some of these locations (or maybe that’s just how it felt to us at the time…).
We were greeted at the residence with an orientation, where we were informed that any use of recreational drugs, alcohol, caffeine and nicotine were strictly forbidden on or off the property. My heart hurt at the thought of having to forego my morning (and cheeky afternoon) coffee.
Guests were also expected to observe the set timetable. We were up at 6.30am for morning yoga and were advised to not make noise after 9pm.
Throughout the day, we attended scheduled classes, seminars and yoga sessions where we’d explore various strategies and tools that aim to connect the mind, body and spirit. We found ourselves attempting to redirect and positively align our thinking in one session, and then going on to perform yoga movements and breathing exercises in another.
I’d never been on a trip like this. I had stayed in an Airbnb once in New Zealand that was heavily adorned with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist imagery, and had the strong, spicy smell of incense wafting through the charming little spot on a hilltop. The house had permanent residents as well as temporary guests but definitely catered primarily to tourists and was super relaxed with no set schedule.
Down in Govinda Valley, the Heart and Soul Wellness Retreat functioned as a place for both visitors to take a break from the fast-paced nature of city life through mindfulness programs, and as a school for students to learn more about the teachings of Yogic practice.
The “students” live at the property without charge, and they exchange their services of labour (wherein they look after the property and assist with maintenance, food, and the running of some classes) for the knowledge imparted in the three-month course. On our first night, we witnessed their graduation, which involved singing, chanting, fire-burning and speeches at dinner. Some were dressed in traditional Indian garments, and all seemed to emit a relaxed vibe.
The website declares: “As a long-established yogic ashram, we offer individuals the opportunity to experience what is like to be part of an authentic spiritual yoga community.”
Mindfulness is a meditative practice that has the aim of grounding a person through the act of being acutely aware of one’s senses and emotions in the present moment, without judgement.
Many yogic practices incorporate ideas about mindfulness and apply skills and strategies to the attainment of a relaxed and content state of being.
Being conscious of one’s physical state and being able to reframe modes of thinking sets the foundation for a deep exploration of one’s sense of self as well as connections to community, spirituality and nature.
Both the mind and the body were honoured in the program.
The yoga classes were in a spacious room, with floor to roof windows overlooking the lush greenery and diverse flora that adorn the property. We were provided with the “gear” needed for our lessons, with yoga mats laid out and supportive pillows, blocks and even blankets for the session.
Talking to some of the guests gave insight into the kinds of people this was catering towards. The patrons chatted about their experiences with cutting out various food groups and some intolerances that arise because of abstinence, and many could relate and had similar experiences to share.
The demographic was overwhelmingly female, and white. Every guest I spoke with told me that they live in affluent suburbs, and most were visiting solo. They were in various industries of work and study, with an acupuncturist, an academic (in the field of Ancient Languages and Hebrew) and a psychology researcher all at the same table as my roommate and me.
They were all super friendly and relaxed, eager to embrace the relaxation and serenity that comes with mindfulness practices.
It was a wonderful experience, and I would likely go back if I ever desired an escape, however temporary, from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It’s an easy-to-get-to spot that offers the opportunity to switch off from the rush and settle into the tranquillity of rural yogic living.
Featured image: The lookout near Otford Rd. Photo: Maysam Najjar