While the city was busy winding down over the weekend [May 25 – May 27] with most people glued to the TV watching the IPL and others entertaining themselves at malls, a small group of people were charging up their batteries in a unique way—with the help of meditation and Yoga. They were attending the first-of-its-kind Retreat in Mumbai organised by Stay Well, Complete Wellbeing’s activations arm.
The two-and half-day residential retreat was held in a resort located at Uttan, just an hour’s drive from Mumbai. The resort is located on top of a hill overlooking the Arabian sea, a perfect setting to calm one’s mind and leave behind the stress and speed of daily life. It was chosen with careful thought as it had to be a place that did not wear one out traveling and far enough to make one forget the daily hassles amid the soothing company of nature.
The weekend was a thoughtful mix of rejuvenating yoga, breathwork techniques, guided meditations, reflexology massages and games based on mindfulness. There was even a session on partner yoga. But all this was paced well. It gave participants the chance to experience a much slower, relaxing pace of living—a concept foreign to most of us who are live life in a hurry.
Participants welcomed the fresh day with Surya namaskars [sun salutations] with the rising sun, overlooking the lovely seashore. The chirping of birds and the sound of sea waves provided the background score—all the encouragement one needed. Throughout their stay participants, enjoyed Sattvik food that was specially designed for the retreat by a reputed nutritionist. It helped get into the right mood, as food has a deep connection with our emotions.
“We’re thrilled at the response this retreat has received. We also had international participants at this retreat. Retreats such as these are great not just to get some time by yourself but if you’re attending it with your spouse or your family it’s an excellent way to reconnect. Some of the participants even suggested that the weekend was too short and they would have loved to stay back longer and savour the experience,” said Grazilia Khatri, yoga teacher and mastermind behind the retreat.
About Stay Well
StayWell is an initiative of Complete Wellbeing magazine, to put into practice the sound wisdom that it brings to its readers every month. The events organised under StayWell are designed keeping in mind the fast pace of life in cities around the world.
About Stay Well
StayWell is an initiative of Complete Wellbeing magazine, to put into practice the sound wisdom that it brings to its readers every month. The events organised under StayWell are designed keeping in mind the fast pace of life in cities around the world.
Here’s what some of the participants have to say….
I hadn’t expected it to be so refreshing. I was also a bit worried about food and facilities. But the facilities, the kriyas, the food and the entire concept turned out to be super enriching. After this, I feel like going on a retreat, at least once a month to detoxify the body and mind.
—Rakesh T Suneja
“The experience was good. It was a nice rejuvenation for me from the daily hustle-bustle of life. It was well conducted and organised.”
—Pragna Shah
When prices of Petrol are going up, and the rupee is falling down, you must surrender yourself to Complete Wellbeing Yoga retreat to forget all your worries, sorrows and discomforts. It’s been a great experience.
—Vijay K Dand
It was the first time I have ever spent a weekend like this and my overall experience was very good. I suggest that we have meditation lessons every week for all the members in Mumbai and have go for a retreat to the North of India once a year.
—Khusbhoo Shah
This is the first time I have attended such a retreat. I have never been associated with any yoga…It was a wonderful experience…Hope that I can practise it and continue reaping positive results.
—Sameer Nair
This was my first experience of this kind and I am very impressed and happy to have attended the retreat. It has widened my horizons and I am looking forward to many such experiences.
—Ranjita R Nair
The experience was totally new for me and it as a nice one. Sessions were very informative, very, very nice. I’m sure I must be 10 inches slimmer. The food was nutritious… liked it. Thanks to all.
—Kumud Giri
It was a very relaxing and rejuvenating experience…totally different from our daily routines. You should hold these retreats at least thrice a year.
—Neelam Dand
Heartfelt gratitude to Staywell for having me here and introducing me to yoga. The satvik meals were really great and innovative. The pranayam sessions were refreshing. The reflexology massage was a novel experience. Great learning! Thanks to all who made this retreat successful!
—Nutan Kaviskar