Don't be Lonely at Christmas or Thanksgiving
Find a Yoga Cruise, Retreat, or Workshop over the Holidays
Oct 29, 2009
The holidays can be lonely for those with no family or plans or for those looking for something different. There are yoga centered opportunities in all skill and income levels for finding new friends or enjoying peaceful solitude. Begin the New Year with a new lease on life as well as a new fit body and mind set.
Yoga Retreats During the Holiday Season
Ongoing retreats can be found in Canada, US, Mexico, Europe, and Southeast Asia, but some organizations have special events over the holiday season. Most attendees enjoy the break in routine or are searching for change. These are more accessible at this time of year than the yoga cruises. Although different types of yoga are offered, Hatha Flow yoga can be considered a baseline.
- Yoga Traveler offers 2-7 day yoga retreat in November and December through the holidays. Their retreats are found in Ireland, Morocco, France, Bali, Thailand, and the Alps. Some weeks are tied to other activities such as surfing or skiing.
- Belize, an Eco-Adventure Retreat offers yoga plus a spiritual adventure over Thanksgiving.
- Costa Rica is rife with yoga retreats. La Escuela del Sol combines yoga with Spanish and scuba certification if desired.
- Mind-Body-Spirit specials through Christmas can be found at Puravida Wellness Retreat and Spa.
- Free Spirit Travel specifies vegetarian yoga holidays at Christmas extending an invitation to those who travel alone.
- Ulpotha in Sri Lanka describes itself as the best yoga retreat in the world.
- Southern Sweden at Haa offers a two week Christmas retreat.
Yoga Cruises can Best be Planned After the Holidays
Christmas cruises fill up rapidly, so finding a theme filled cruise exactly on the holiday is difficult. Aiming for one after the holiday or as a personal gift for later may be preferrable. Caribbean Cruise lines offer several 4-7 day trips from different ports to yoga aficionados. The classes are geared to all levels and allow other cruise passengers to participate if there is room. There may be several classes in the morning with a break if the afternoon for excursions or other ship activities and a few classes before dinner. There may be several teachers and different styles offered. Classes may be held on deck, in a conference room or on the beach as part of an excursion. Sharing an activity and interest helps meet new friends for later dinner companions and sharing.
Carnival and Costa Cruise lines, Holland America and Norwegian cruise lines also offer yoga cruises. There are transatlantic cruises combining yoga and wellness. The more elegant and expensive cruises combine healthy eating and lectures, along with the yoga practice. Many include Pilates and have a full gym with equipment for aerobics and weights. At times a particular teacher will invite students to sign on a cruise and the tour starts there or a group may have formed and request a teacher join them.
Workshops for Yoga or Pilates over the Holidays
Many schools traditionally offer a free Thanksgiving Pilates or yoga class. Check locally.
- Bryan Kest, power yoga master, offers workshops on Thanksgiving and throughout the month of November at multiple locations in Florida.
- Kripula in Massachusetts has events planned November through New Year's day.
- Baron Baptiste has all day Immersions available in Texas in November, and in Mexico during December.
- Iyengar teacher training courses the month of November are held in GAO India.
- Many local schools offer workshops, if not on the holiday, then around this time. Call area schools or research the style of yoga desired for times and dates.
Loneliness is a state of mind. If unable to travel over the holidays, pull the shades, light scented candles and engage in a private at-home practice. Give a gift to the self.
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