The idea of a ‘life transformation’ is often perceived as a huge, monumental event where everything changes permanently in an instant. However in reality life transformations happens over time and, in many cases, the changes that affect us the most come from within.
While life transformations are immense, and the benefits are long-term, they do not need to be overwhelming. While the process occurs over time, it can be as simple as opening the mind, boosting confidence, finding true passion and rediscovering excitement. For those looking to make these positive life changes in a stimulating environment alongside likeminded people, a health and wellness retreat could just be the answer!
Refocus and re-evaluate your goals
For many, the things we do on a daily basis happen in autopilot – like driving or brushing our teeth. But for some, this ‘mindlessness’ can take over important parts of our lives such as relationships or personal goals. By taking time out from your everyday life to enjoy daily meditation and answer soul searching questions can enable you to achieve greater mental clarity.
A yoga retreat can be a genuine catalyst for change and help you ‘re-enter’ life in full force, become more aware of yourself, and appreciate the small daily experiences you may have been overlooking. A prime example of how a yoga retreat can help realign one’s thinking comes from one of my recent guests, a mother of two, who seemed so caught up in her role as a mother that she repeatedly told me her best advice was ‘not to have kids’. Yet, during the retreat we discovered that her priority in life was to be the best mother she could be and by having this time to herself she was able to revaluate her role and over time rework her lifestyle, resulting in a happier and more content person.
Reset your body; give it a break from overuse and abuse
There is nothing wrong with routine but if it consists of a poor or lacking diet, irregular exercise or work that places stress on you physically, your body will eventually resist and become sick or hurt. From day one on a yoga retreat, you will start to feel the blood flow through your body, muscles and organs. Unused muscles will be stretched and you will learn to breathe quality breaths – yes, that’s right – you will learn to breath better, deeper and longer.
A yoga retreat will help you lay the foundations for a healthier and more resilient body. You will stretch your limbs for longer, sit straighter and taller and feel your body flex so it can reach its full potential. Rather than being hunched, toxin filled and sedentary, you’ll begin to feel like a vibrant, powerful machine that is made to run, jump, move and live!
Be surrounded by (and meet) like-minded people who support your journey
People who embark on a yoga retreat are there for a reason. This may be to create a deeper connection with a partner, friend, family member, or in many cases, themselves. Some like to take the next step in their yoga practice, while others come for a peaceful getaway to escape the stresses of everyday life. Whatever the reason, everyone shares the openness to grow, get to know themselves better and find more clarity in their life. Being in a nurturing environment of like-minded people is often one of the best ways to reach one’s full potential and the ideal way to begin a personal transformation.
While a yoga retreat can be the catalyst for change, a lesson we learn throughout life is that the more you put in, the more you will get out. The same applies to positively transforming your life. Don’t expect an overnight miracle but be aware that by making small changes each day, you will experience the wonderful benefits of life transformation.
Bali Bliss Retreats offers an all-inclusive five day holistic health and wellness experience where guests can relax, recharge and rejuvenate. Situated atop the breathtaking limestone cliffs at the stunning Uluwatu Surf Villas, the Bali Bliss Retreats experience promises a stimulating and transformational journey hosted by yoga instructor and business founder, Nadine Lafleur.
The retreat is an ideal way to facilitate a life transformation. It will help reset the body by giving it a break from overuse and toxic influences. A complete physical rejuvenation is achieved through an all-inclusive program of invigorating yoga, calming meditation, and a cleansing plant-based cuisine. On arrival, guests are transported from the airport by drivers to serviced villas where they are greeted by a team of wellness professionals including yoga coaches, surf instructors, massage therapists and retreat guides.
Travellers today are searching for new experiences that allow them to detach from their everyday life. My retreats are designed to deliver a complete mind, body and soul experience. It is a truly transformative retreat where guests can regain control of their lives.
Daily yoga and meditation sessions cater for all levels of ability and are taught by qualified experts. To complement the yoga program, the gourmet plant-based cuisine is designed to assist the cleansing process by eliminating preservatives, stimulants and refined ingredients for a full detoxification that will benefit the mind and body.
Uluwatu is also a stunning surfing location with tropical temperatures, crystal clear water and first-class waves all year round. With private beach access via an idyllic cliff staircase, a plunge pool, lush gardens and lawns overlooking Temples surf break, a Bali Bliss Retreat is a one-of-a- kind experience. Open the mind, break out of the routine and try new things- a life transformation can be as simple as that!
Dates for 2016 Bali Bliss Retreats have now been announced and bookings are currently available for the 2015 spring and summer program (7-11 September, 3-7 October, 7-11 November 2015). Packages start from US$1,799 triple share room or US$1,999 double/twin room. All packages can be tailored to individual needs.
Additional Bali Bliss Retreats – Upcoming Dates:
- 3-7 October 2015
- 7-11 November 2015
- 16-10 April 2016
- 21-25 May 2016
- 18-22 June 2016
- 3-7 September 2016
- 1-5 October 2016
- 5-9 November 2016
The standard program inclusions:
- Return airport transfers on day 1 and day 5
- 5 days / 4 nights villa-style accommodation with in-ground pool and complimentary Wi-Fi
- Gourmet cleansing meals including a la carte breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, three-course dinner
- Relaxing welcome massage
- Large tropical fruit basket
- Detox kit for the morning cleansing ritual
- Use of quality yoga equipment including Lululemon mats, cork blocks, cotton straps and bolsters
- Bottomless drinking water available in rooms, the yoga pavilion and at the table
- Invigorating daily yoga
- Meditation and relaxation techniques
- Tribe time
- Plenty of time to unwind by the pool and watch the waves rolling in at the world-famous Uluwatu surf break
Optional add-ons are available on request and may include:
- Surf lesson at the neighbouring Padang Padang surf school
- Kecak Fire Dance at the neighbouring Uluwatu Temple
- Spa treatments
- Half-day exploration around the Bukit peninsular, to nearby town and beaches
- Private yoga or meditation
- Stand-up paddle (SUP) yoga class
- Raw food ‘cooking’ class
- Non-vegetarian food options
- Yoga and beach wear
- Pre-ordered yoga mats to take home
Article by Nadine Lafleur
Nadine lives and breaths health and wellness. When she is not hosting her yoga retreats in Bali, Nadine teaches Acro Yoga in Sydney; a form of yoga that combines yoga and acrobatics. Nadine is a great personal example of someone who leads a healthy and holistic lifestyle. For more information click here, or contact Nadine on 0424 742 611.