Embracing the Unknown: My Experience on an Adventurous Yoga Retreat

When I signed up for an adventurous yoga retreat, I thought I might just be booking a weekend of yoga, hiking, fresh air and a change of scenery. As a wellness retreat leader myself, this seemed like just what the doctor ordered: time to focus on ME! Thankfully an adventurous friend, and two-time Getaway Yogi, agreed to join me. What I didn't expect was how much the adventure component would awaken parts of me I didn't even know were dormant.

Stepping Beyond the Mat

Our yoga retreats are usually like this: quiet mornings, meditation/movement and serene flows - and yes, I got that. But this retreat added a twist: outdoor adventure that pushed me outside

my comfort zone. It began by a 2 and a half mile hike up to almost 12,000 feet where the picturesque lodge sat. The kind of mountain lodge you'd see in a Hallmark movie. We hiked in the rain. And it was cold (not the 100+ temperatures I was used to back home). It was exhilarating, fun, challenging and truly brought our group of 13 together. During the hike, I gained a deeper appreciation for the strength and balance yoga cultivates. That appreciation grew even deeper on day 2 as we embarked upon a 9 mile hike to almost 13,5000 feet. Fortunately, the weather was beautiful and the other retreatants were patient enough to wait while us "flatlanders" struggled with our breathing. But as they say, "the higher the climb, the better the view". The scenery was unbelievable and SO worth the struggle.

Connection and Courage

Adventure has a way of breaking down barriers. Sharing challenges with fellow retreat-goers-whether it was laughing through a wobbly balance pose, clinging to the side of a cliff or cold plunging for the first time-created bonds I will carry long after this retreat ended. Courage, I realized, is contagious.

Lessons to Take Home

This retreat taught me that yoga isn't just about flexibility and strength-it's about adaptability, presence, and embracing what comes. Adventure amplified those lessons. Every hike, climb, flow, and new experience became a reminder that life is fullest when we let ourselves stretch beyond the familiar. An adventurous yoga retreat is not JUST a getaway-it's an invitation to discover your own personal edge, and then soften into it. I found my own edge when I realized that crossing a suspension bridge (basically a cable across a canyon) was not for me. There was no judgement from anyone else, just my own personal disappointment. But as the great Michael Jordon says "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I cannot accept not trying". And boy, did I try! I didn't know that my soul was craving both grounding and thrill. Taking this trip was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love leading retreats. It is truly my purpose. But going on retreats fills my cup in an entirely different way.