Yoga Retreat in Cherrapunjee

Description

Yoga Retreat in Cherrapunjee

 

Date: September 19-22, 2024

Location: Cherrapunjee (Sohra), Meghalaya, India

 

Join us for an unforgettable yoga retreat in the enchanting town of Cherrapunjee, led by Shri Sisir Biswas, CEO of Yoga & Happiness and a renowned yoga expert with extensive experience in conducting successful retreats. Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes, rejuvenate your mind and body, and deepen your yoga practice in one of the most picturesque locations in India.

 

Day 1: September 19, 2024

Arrival and Exploration

10:00 AM: Pickup from Guwahati Railway Station/Airport

Your journey begins with a comfortable ride to Cherrapunjee, allowing you to take in the stunning vistas of Meghalaya.

 

1:00 PM: Visit Arwah Cave

Explore the intriguing limestone formations and ancient fossils at Arwah Cave. (Approx. 3 hours)

 

Evening Adventure

4:00 PM: Nohkalikai Falls

Experience the breathtaking Nohkalikai Falls, the tallest plunge waterfall in India. (Approx. 2 hours)

7:00 PM: Introduction and Meditation Session

Gather for a warm welcome, followed by a soothing meditation session to set the retreat’s peaceful tone.

 

 

 

Day 2: September 20, 2024

6:30 AM: Morning Yoga Practice

Start your day with an invigorating yoga session amidst the tranquil surroundings of Cherrapunjee.

Adventure and Discovery

8:00 AM: Trek to Double Decker Root Bridge

Embark on a memorable trek to the Double Decker Root Bridge, a marvel of natural engineering. (Approx. 5-6 hours)

 

 

5:00 PM: Yoga Stretching Session

Unwind and ease your muscles with a gentle stretching session after the trek.

6:00 PM: Pranayama, Mudra, and Meditation

Deepen your practice with pranayama techniques, mudras, and a calming meditation.

Cultural Connection

 

8:00 PM: Cultural Session

Enjoy an evening of local music and dance, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya.

 

 

Day 3: September 21, 2024

 

6:30 AM – 7:30 AM: Stretching Asana Practice

Begin your day with a series of stretching asanas to energize your body and mind.

8:00 AM: Dawki Trip (Scenic Excursion)

Visit the picturesque India-Bangladesh border, the stunning Dawki Bridge, and Mawlynnong, Asia’s cleanest village.

Evening Calm

6:00 PM: Pranayama, Bandha, and Dhyana

Enhance your practice with advanced pranayama techniques, bandhas, and meditation.

9:00 PM: Trataka Session        End the day with a Trataka (candle gazing) session, promoting concentration and tranquility.

 

 

Day 4: September 22, 2024

Morning Departure

6:00 AM: Check-out and Departure

Begin the return journey with visits to:

Elephant Falls: Admire the beauty of this multi-tiered waterfall.

Borapani View Point: Stop by for a panoramic view of the serene Umiam Lake.

Kamakhya Temple: Conclude the journey with a visit to the sacred Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati.

 

Evening Farewell

7:00 PM: Drop-off at Guwahati Railway Station/Airport

Depart with cherished memories and a renewed spirit.

 

Inclusions:

• Meals: Pure vegetarian food including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner.
• Accommodation: Comfortable lodging throughout the retreat.
• Transportation: All transfers and sightseeing in a comfortable vehicle.
• Yoga Sessions: Expert-led yoga, pranayama, and meditation sessions by Shri Sisir Biswas.

 

 

Benefits of Yoga Retreat for Yoga Practitioners and Non-Practitioners

Here are ten detailed points on the benefits of a yoga retreat for both practitioners and non-practitioners, along with references to research on the benefits of yoga retreats:

1. Stress Reduction
   • Description: Yoga retreats provide a break from the daily grind and allow individuals to unwind in a peaceful environment. The combination of yoga, meditation, and a tranquil setting helps reduce cortisol levels and promotes relaxation.
   • Research: A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants of a week-long yoga retreat showed significant reductions in perceived stress and improvements in mindfulness and well-being .
2. Enhanced Mental Clarity
   • Description: Regular yoga practice and meditation during a retreat can improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity. This mental detoxification helps clear the mind of clutter and enhances cognitive function.
   • Research: Research in the International Journal of Yoga shows that yoga and meditation practices improve attention and memory .
3. Physical Detoxification
   • Description: Yoga retreats often include a healthy diet, physical activity, and detox practices that help cleanse the body of toxins, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
   • Research: The Journal of Clinical Psychology highlights the benefits of yoga on the body’s detoxification processes, including improved liver function and digestion .
4. Emotional Healing
   • Description: Yoga retreats offer a safe space for emotional release and healing. Through yoga, meditation, and supportive community, participants can process and let go of emotional baggage.
   • Research: A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that yoga retreats can significantly improve emotional well-being and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety .
5. Improved Physical Fitness
   • Description: Daily yoga sessions improve flexibility, strength, and endurance. Practitioners often find themselves physically revitalized and more in tune with their bodies.
   • Research: According to the International Journal of Yoga, yoga practice enhances physical fitness, including flexibility, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness .
6. Deepened Yoga Practice
   • Description: For practitioners, a yoga retreat provides an opportunity to deepen their practice, learn new techniques, and refine their skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.
   • Research: Studies indicate that immersive experiences like yoga retreats lead to significant improvements in yoga skills and overall practice consistency .
7. Connection with Nature
   • Description: Many yoga retreats are held in serene natural settings. The connection with nature promotes a sense of peace and enhances the overall retreat experience.
   • Research: Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that spending time in nature reduces stress, enhances mood, and improves overall well-being .
8. Community and Support
   • Description: Yoga retreats foster a sense of community and belonging. Participants can form meaningful connections, share experiences, and support each other’s growth.
   • Research: The sense of community and social support found in yoga retreats has been shown to improve mental health and create lasting positive relationships .
9. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
   • Description: Retreats provide time for introspection and self-discovery. Participants can explore their inner selves, set personal goals, and gain insights into their lives.
   • Research: Personal growth and self-discovery are common outcomes of yoga retreats, as reported in studies focusing on the psychological benefits of such immersive experiences .
10. Improved Sleep Quality
    • Description: The combination of physical activity, relaxation, and stress reduction in yoga retreats leads to improved sleep quality. Participants often report deeper, more restful sleep.
    • Research: A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that yoga practice improves sleep quality and reduces insomnia symptoms .

Research Paper Reference

One notable research paper on the benefits of yoga retreats is:

• Gard, T., Noggle, J. J., Park, C. L., Vago, D. R., & Wilson, A. (2014). Potential self-regulatory mechanisms of yoga for psychological health. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 8, 770. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2014.00770

This paper explores the mechanisms through which yoga practices, including those experienced during retreats, contribute to improved psychological health and well-being.

These points and research references highlight the comprehensive benefits of yoga retreats, making them valuable experiences for both seasoned practitioners and those new to yoga.