For the last 7 months I’ve been working on my 300 hour yoga certification. Each month we do a long-weekend intensive. Two of those are 5 day retreats somewhere fabulous, for us to bond, practice our yoga teaching skills, and work on ourselves. January 10th was the date for our second retreat, and we decided to forego the mountains of Northern California (the location of our first yoga retreat) and we opted for the ocean town of Newport, Oregon.
Bright and early on Wednesday morning we set off for LAX. Michelle our organizer extraordinaire (and the photographer behind some of the pics in this blog) had a shuttle to pick us all up and we arrived at LAX for our morning flight with 45 minutes to spare. Driving to LAX is nightmare at the best of times but add on morning commuters and it can quickly turn into a nightmare. So glad we opted for a shuttle and not to drive ourselves! Thankfully I planned ahead and had some documentaries to watch on my iPad, as the small plane offered zero entertainment aside from people watching.
Destination Newport, Oregon
After getting our car and starting our journey to Newport, everyone began exclaiming how beautiful and green Oregon was. Now let me remind readers that I am originally from England. That little island where it’s cold, grey and raining a lot of time. Guess what Oregon reminded me of? England! We landed to cold, damp and grey skies. However, yes it was beautifully lush and green with trees that followed deep onto the horizon.
VRBO beach house
After a short stop for some food we found our VRBO location and settled in. The house was amazing and beautifully decorated with 3 bedrooms, full kitchen, and a hot tub. Plus it was a literal stones throw from the beach, and a short walk to the local grocery stores, which made it very conveniently located. Honestly, I fell in love with it, and it very quickly became a home from home.
Schedule and events
The next 5 days passed in a blur. It’s always amazing how quickly these yoga training retreats fly by. We had intimate chats over breakfast in the morning while planning our days events. Mornings were usually lectures, or a hike to the lighthouse and surrounding woodland parks. Afternoons were lectures and practicum followed by dinner and a documentary about Indian culture. We managed to squeeze in a couple of walks on the beach also, and as the beach is my happy place I was in heaven having it so close by.
Doesn’t sound like a Yoga retreat?
When people think of “yoga retreat” I’m sure they imagine a bunch of women in yoga pants and sports bras getting their bendy poses on. The reality is that yoga practice is mainly done on the other 23 hours OFF the mat. This is done in the hours you spend reflecting on who you are, and more importantly who you want to become. It is the part self study that is usually done in small group setting (in our case sometimes sitting around in your pajamas) and allowing yourself to open up and be vulnerable. This is the work that cannot be done alone, it needs a witness, compassion, understanding, love, and above all support, knowing you are not alone on this journey.
5 days goes by fast
Coming home from these trips is always bitter sweet. While I loved our beach house, and the ocean, by day 4 I was missing Bob, Pixel and my home comforts. Yoga retreats are invigorating, inspiring and motivational. This trip was no different, honestly I’d say it was the best one so far as we’d spent 7 months bonding together as a group and now we are completely comfortable opening up and sharing our self doubts, fears and potential for growth. By day 4 that motivation was beginning to bubble, and I quickly found myself wanting to return home and take action. Thanks for an amazing 5 days Oregon, I’m sure I’ll be back someday.
Questions:
Have you been to Oregon?
Would you go on a yoga retreat?
What’s your preferred method of self-improvement?
AnnMarie John
I haven’t been to Oregon in a long time but a yoga retreat sounds amazing!!!! I can imagine how refreshing and relaxing it is to go on a retreat like that. Self care for me is just simply doing things that I love, and yoga is one of them.
Di Hickman
Yep I’m starting to take part in the #mefirst movement of doing things for me first to ensure I’m healthy and fulfilled so I can give to others.
Maria Katsulos
This is such a great insider’s look at what it’s like preparing for a yoga certification!! I’ve been considering getting started on mine after I recuperate from surgery, thank you for sharing what it’s all really like!
Di Hickman
It definitely not all asana, and if it is then it’s really not yoga!
Heather
This sounds like an incredible learning opportunity! What a beautiful location with friends. We’ve never been to Oregon but I would love to visit!
Di Hickman
Yes it was the best learning environment!
Cindy Ingalls
I haven’t been to Oregon in quite some time. I’ve wanted to go back to explore it even more. I don’t know if I’d go on a yoga retreat since I’m not much of a yogi, but a spiritual or spa retreat sounds amazing. Sometimes you just need some time away to relax, destress and regroup.
Di Hickman
Yoga isn’t just about the physical asana, this was definitely more spiritual.
Christina Shirley
I have never done yoga in my life, but I could definitely join in on this retreat! It looks like you had a great time and really enjoyed the peace and quiet!
Di Hickman
The peaceful ocean was the best part!
Britney Kaufman
How fun does that sound! I’ve wanted to do a yoga retreat for a while, but ever since I finished my teacher training I’ve been pregnant or busy with my kids! Someday.
Di Hickman
Yes definitely, make some time for you!
Melissa @primpandprimebeauty
I have never visited Oregon, or done a yoga retreat before, but by the looks of it, I would love to!
Di Hickman
It was so much fun!
dixya @food, pleasure, and health
i have never been to oregon or a yoga retreat. i love the idea of group self-reflection.
Di Hickman
Yep group dynamic changes things!
Angela Ricardo Bethea
Oh, You guys look like you had an amazing and fun time there in your yoga retreat. and you find a perfect place. The ambiance of that place is so fulfilling and relaxing.
Di Hickman
It was relaxing, and chill. But I always feel that way at the ocean!
Jill Conyers
From the smiles on the faces it looks like everyone had a wonderful time. We love visiting Oregon.
Di Hickman
It was amazing! Time with other women is so underrated!
Teresa
I have never been to Oregon, but I wonder if this would be a great summer place to visit with my family?
Di Hickman
Yes! Nature walks, beach, harbor, and more. Really family friendly
Angela Tolsma
This sounds like the best way to take yoga teaching. I have been thinking on take my teacher trainer but haven’t been sure how to go for it and this sounds so amazing and wonderful. I am so glad you had an awesome time and thankful you shared your experience. I haven’t been to Oregon. But I have been doing tons of yoga readings and classes and it’s everything to me.
Di Hickman
If you’re looking for teacher training check out yoga alliance.com for yoga teacher school in your area.
Daire
I’ve never been to Oregon, but it’s on the to of my list (that beach looks so inviting – the ocean is my calm place!). I love that the yoga retreat focused on self reflection, which is something I’m trying to focus on recently. I’ve been getting more into yoga and meditation the past few months and I can’t wait to delve in more.
Di Hickman
definitely the more I learn the more I want to learn!
Erica
I’m not into yoga, but I do love meditation which has many of the same principals. A retreat sounds like it would be lots of fun. As a side note, my husband works for the City of Los Angeles at LAX and has to make that commute every day. So annoying.
Di Hickman
ah see this is the common mistake people make. Meditation IS yoga! yoga has 8 parts and meditation is one of them.
Yes that commute is the worst! I don’t envy your hubby!
Andrea
Wow! This looks like such an amazing experience to have. I have been to Oregon before and I love everything about it. For me, self reflection and asking people for feedback is the way I improve, change and grow.
Di Hickman
definitely! I came away feeling so inspired!
Samantha
Oregon is awesome! I am so happy to live in the Pacific Northwest, as Oregon is a half-day drive away. I also love how you talk about “yoga” and what that really means. It took me awhile to figure out in my practice that time off the mat was just as valuable as time on the mat. Congrats on your teacher training!
Di Hickman
thanks! id go so far as to say the time OFF the mat is more important than ON the mat!
Jessica Joachim
This looks like it was so much fun! I have never been to Oregon, but I think I need to change that!
Di Hickman
Its beautiful!
Shelly Maynard
I have never been to Oregon! In fact, I’ve only been west of the Mississippi once and that was over 20 years ago. I enjoyed discovering that your yoga retreat was more than pretty, bright-colored yoga pants and bras inside of a gym room. I never thought about such a big part of it being a time of reflection. I think a trip like this would be very enjoyable! I prefer getting outside with nature to self-improve. I can’t wait until we can begin planting our garden. That is when I feel the most at peace and re-discover myself!
Di Hickman
you’d love our retreats! definitely less Lululemon and more inner reflection!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh
I’m not one for doing yoga, except every now and again. I’d never really go to a retreat, but it sounds great for yogi’s. I do however want to visit Oregon one of these days. It is absolutely beautiful.
Di Hickman
Well we didn’t do a whole lot of physical yoga practice, lots of life yoga!
shandy kaye
I’ve not been to Oregon but Oregon looks beautiful! I love how eco-friendly this place
Di Hickman
definitely! Love the nature here!
linda
looks like you all had a great time besides doing yoga, 🙂
Di Hickman
Such a fun trip!
Jessica Levinson
I can see why you fell in love with this place! Your pictures show just how gorgeous it is there. Sounds like a wonderful retreat!
Di Hickman
It was a great getaway, and wonderful learning!
Emily
Wow this sounds so amazing!! I would love to do something like this.
Di Hickman
It was such a fun time