One of the most life-changing aspects of practicing yoga is developing the perspective of approaching anything without expectation of a predetermined outcome. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you roll with it. Or maybe you bend with it, or get upside down to get a new perspective. Sometimes circumstances turn out even better than you hoped, and the universe gives you a truly unexpected gift.

After a year of planning, undertaking tasks that were completely outside my wheelhouse (website, marketing), and laboring over the content of the retreat, it turns out that what it really came down to was connection.

Sure, the goal of my retreat was to connect more deeply with your own body, mind, and spirit. To get curious, play, and reflect. To open up to the possibilities of YOU.

What touched me the most was the connection that grew within the retreat. Sharing practice, sharing meals, and deeply supporting each other during experiences like the Ice Bath Ceremony… where everyone thought they’d never make it through, and every single person did! (That’s a whole other post.) Friends grew closer, and strangers became friends.

One of my favorite moments was playing in the ocean with someone I haven’t connected with in a long time. The ocean was pulling us in and out as we rolled and giggled like we were 5 years old again. I smile just thinking about it. I will treasure it always.

There is connection with the staff, who greeted us by name, provided incredible experiences, remembered our favorite drinks, reminded me when it was banana pancake day, danced with us, and hugged us goodbye.

There was connection with the Earth. The sound of the waves, the breeze in the trees, the beautiful flora, the magical flock of parrots that flew by numerous times as we were up in the studio. Feeling the sand in your toes. The change of the tides, and the water crashing against the rocks. Watching the sky change as the sun goes down, as you feel your body changing within the practice. A deep sighing breath out as you just let go.

Ultimately, self-care and healing are not about just caring for yourself, or only caring about yourself. It’s about allowing yourself the time and space to become a better “version” of you, to invite you to more deeply connect with those around you. To nurture and care for those around you, and finally, to remember that we are, in essence, all connected.

My sincerest thanks to the beatiful humans who shared this experience with me. I will treasure the memories of our time together.

Until we meet again, Be Well.

Interested in joining the adventure in 2026? Message me to be on the “first to know” list. bhavanagoodyoga@gmail.com