spiritual retreat Archives

6 Must Have Experiences at Uluru, Australia

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia is the iconic giant red rock in the smack middle of the country, also known as Australia’s spiritual hub. Most Australians, let alone tourists, don’t get a chance to travel to Uluru. Because it sits in such a remote location, getting to Uluru is not easy. But if you do make it there, you will be blessed in many ways – 6 actually! I was lucky to make it to Uluru on my third visit to Australia and my timing couldn’t have been better. I got to witness the first ever drone show that showcases indigenous stories under the beautiful desert sky. Aside from that, there are other must have experiences while you are Uluru, and here are my top picks.

Dine Under The Stars

I had one of the most unforgettable dinners in my life with a view of Uluru. Tali Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu language Pitjantjatjara, encapsulates the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. Located in the middle of the desert, this open air dining experience taps into all of your senses.

When I arrived, I was greeted by friendly staff with a glass of champagne, while a musician played the iconic Australian musical instrument – didgeridoo. I took my first view of Uluru – standing at a distance as the sun was setting. There was also the domes of Kata Tjuta towering above the flatlands.

At the deck, up to 40 guests sat at tables of 4, as we ate a 3-course menu prepared using native ingredients. The best part for me was looking up at the sky and seeing the most number of stars I have possibly seen. After dinner, we learned about the night skies and heard traditional stories while sitting by the fire and drinking hot cocoa.

wake up to see sunrise in Uluru — *Sunrise at Uluru is worth waking up for, even if you don’t look so good!*

Wake Up To See The Sunrise

I spent only two full days at Uluru, and each day I watched the sunrise and the sunset. You simply cannot pick one over the other timing-wise, as both are so varied. As the suns rays fall over the rock, its color changes from black, grey, to pink, yellow, red and brown. There are a few lookout points from where you can get great views of Uluru.

*A guided walk will help you understand the deeper connection of this place.*

Go On a Guided Mala Walk

One of the best ways to learn about Uluru is by taking a walking tour with a traditional owner. Local elder Sammy Wilson pointed us to some of the important historical and cultural facts along an easy boardwalk to Kantju Gorge. We visited waterholes and rock art sites, and learned of Uluru’s cultural significance to Anangu. But most importantly, the indigenous guides tell tjukurpa (creation stories) that only they are allowed to share. One of them is called the Mala story, which is what is depicted at Wintjiri Wiru.

This experience is only offered through SEIT Outback Australia which prides itself in immersive journeys to the beautiful culture and history of Uluru and Anangu.

must experience drone show in Australia — *The magical Wintjiri Wiru sound and light show.*

Watch The Drone Show

Wintjiri Wiru is the newest experience that opened at the Ayers Rock Resort in May 2023. This is the world’s-first sound and light show that combines ancient Anangu storytelling with state-of-the-art drone and laser light technology.

We traveled by bus to a stunning viewing platform located near the resort. A short boardwalk through the desert led us to an open-air deck with intricate designs created by local artist Christine Brumby. Then we had drinks overlooking the sunset. There was Uluru on one end of the horizon, and Kata Tjuta on the other. Once we took our seats at the stadium-style benches, we each had a picnic basket filled with gourmet delicacies. There was cheese, fresh baguette, fruits, salad and desserts prepared by the resort’s chef. It was magical!

As the darkness fell, around 1,100 drones took flight, while lasers, projectors and field lights filled up the amphitheater. The audio narrated Mala story is accentuated with a light spectacle. I felt like the stars were dancing above me, while the sounds of the elders echoes in the stillness of the darkness.

If you feel awkward that a high-tech experience may disturb the sanctity of a spiritual site, ask they locals. The Anangu people were consulted every step of the way to ensure that they were comfortable with the drones and were able to craft their story as they wanted to be told. Some of them were delighted that modern technology was being used to carry on their stories, which is especially important for their own kids (who are also on devices now).

Wintjiri Wiru is a must have experience on your next visit to Australia!

shop for dot painting in Australia — *Purchase art created by local artist Christine Brumby.*

Shop for Indigenous Art

During your stay at Uluru, make sure to visit The Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), which is adjacent to the Desert Gardens Hotel. Here you can see indigenous paintings made by artists living in the western and northern parts of Australia. Among these, you will find the traditional vibrant dot paintings. You can also shop for scarves, jewelry, bags, books and original artwork to take home.

The Gallery operates as a nonprofit that works with artists to set up art communities through which they can source materials and get exposure for their work.

Walk Among A Field of Lights

Another experience worth waking up before dawn for is the Field of Light Sunrise tour. Artist Bruce Munro’s open-air exhibition, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara is his largest work to date. In pitch darkness, you will see over 50,000 spindles of light covering more than seven football fields. The colors of the lights change constantly, overing a spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.

In the morning, there was hardly anyone there, so I felt very peaceful walking through the lights. Once the sun started rising, you could see Uluru’s majestic shadows in the backdrop.

Also, nearby in Watarrka National Park, you can visit Munro’s new Light Towers installation (opened in April 2023).

*Watch the magical sunrise from the viewing deck.*

Getting To Uluru

Given its geographic location, most tourists to Australia often don’t make it to Uluru. There are only a few flights that come directly into Ayers Rock Connellan Airport, which are primarily from Sydney (4 times a week). There are also flights from Alice Springs, Cairns and Darwin.

You can also fly into the nearest town of Alice Springs and then drive 460 km to get to Uluru. If you are a road tripper, plan a multi-day camping and driving trip across the outback.

listen to didgeridoo in Australia — *Watch and learn about the iconic Australian instrument – didgeridoo.*

Where To Stay

While there are very few hotels and campsites near Uluru, you can find something at every price point. I stayed at the Sails in the Desert luxury boutique hotel, which had large and comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking a garden and pool. The on-site restaurant offered good selection of fresh and healthy dishes using local produce. There was also a cafe, bar and gift shop in the lobby area.

Walk from the hotel to the adjacent Town Square Lawn, where you can partake at complementary guest activities. Listen to the stories of Aboriginal culture and tradition, learn about hunting weapons, didgeridoo, and the local Pitjantjatjara language.

where to stay at Uluru — *Stay in luxury at Sails in the Desert hotel.*

Guidelines for Visiting Uluru

When you visit any indigenous spiritual sites, make sure to be respectful of the land and the cultural values. Stay on marked trails and don’t walk into reserved, private or ceremonial areas.

Whenever possible, be silent and allow others to focus on their meditative or spiritual journey as they go observe Uluru.

Also, do not take photographs of sacred carvings and images. When taking photos of videos of people – such as guides, elders or artists – make sure to ask for their permission first. Don’t use drones. The best way to enjoy your time at Uluru is by putting your devices away and soaking in the energy with your mind, body and spirit.

7 Places In Bali Can Make You A Better Person

Many travelers claim that the spirit of Bali has the power to seep into your unconscious mind and radically change your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. If you are capable of finding a sense of awe in watching colored puffs of incense rise from small flower offerings and centuries-old Balinese temples scattered throughout stunning natural settings, then no other place on this planet is more ideal for you than Bali. There is a good chance that if you visit these places in Bali, you may go back home as a better person.

The Holy Waters of Gunung Kawi Sebatu – Ubud

This temple is unique and infrequently visited. Lush and scenic, it is perched upon a forested hillside drawing water from holy mountain spring-fed water sources. It was embellished with statues, ornamental fish ponds, water shrines, and bathing spots around the temple complex. You can think of the Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple as one of the finest tranquil and soothing retreats that stands far away from the busy streets and the bustle of Ubud. From here, go to the Pura Dalem Pingit, which is revered as a purification spot among the Balinese Hindus.

Pyramids in Sea – Semeti Beach

The test of this place is that to reach the vantage point for a phenomenal view, you will have to cross an extremely rough and rocky path on Semeti Beach. The stones on this beach share an uncanny resemblance with the crystal box in planet Krypton. But after you reach there, you will be able to see pyramid-like rocks rooted in the sea and crossing these towards your vantage point will call on a lot of your conviction and perseverance.

Bali Spirit Festival – Ubud

This is an annual event taking place in March. Yoga practitioners and instructors from Bali and all around the world, artists, dancers and musicians performing colorful concerts gather for this event. Participate in yoga workshops, Dharma Fairs that have health bazaars and organic food stalls. The stage acts as the center of attraction and many world musicians keep up the vibe of the celebrations throughout the day.

An Almost Private Island – Gili

Some of the Gili Islands are so isolated that they will feel like your own private island! So, if you’re looking for a place to self-exploration and retrospect whilst island-hopping in Lombok, then the white sandy shores of the Gilis are made for you. Here, you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel or even explore the marine life around the breathtaking coral reefs. Gili is just one of many beautiful islands that scatter the seas around Bali. If you wish to explore these tropicals paradises, companies like Jettly’s private jet rentals can provide you with your own plane so you can hop from island to island.

Magic Tree in Trunyan Village – Kintamani

This is an ancient and remote village on a Balinese lakeside which is known for odd burial rites and a magic tree. The magic tree, locally known as Taru Menyan, grows in this village’s open-burial cemetery and releases a strongly fragrant resin which interestingly neutralizes the odors coming from the decomposing dead bodies. The silence of this remote area coupled with the chilling sight of graveyard skulls and bones will most likely unnerve you, but your close encounter with the ancient and upheld traditions of this place will teach you to be accepting.

Battles of Tenganan Pegringsingan – Candidasa

The old Balinese village is only a 15-minutes north of Jalan Raya Candidasa road. The age-old tradition of the Perang Pandan ‘battles’ is a highlight event of this place and is unique to only this village. This ritual is actually dedicated to the Hindu Mythology god of war and sky, Indra. The battles entail friendly duels between male villagers who are each armed with a rattan shield and a tied packet of the thorny pandan leaves. This ritual highlights their sportsman’s spirit and comradeship.

The Twin and Spiritual Gitgit Waterfalls – North Bali

Gitgit is Bali’s most popular waterfall that is both a beautiful natural attraction and an important spiritual destination for visitors. You will be able to reach its base after a few minutes trek by foot, after which you can enjoy the tall twin spouts that constantly crash into a rocky pool. For spiritual travelers, another bonus waterfall awaits near Gitgit that can be reached via forested pathways adorned with cacao trees, called the Jembong waterfall, which is considered to be a place for spiritual purifications and healing.

There are a lot of unexplored and unconventional places in Bali that have a completely different energy than the regular tourist places. So, coming here and exploring something that may not be on your regular itinerary can make you see things, think of them and feel their significance like you have never done before.

~ By guest blogger, Palak Narula. Palak is a full-time travel writer who visited Bali in 2017. She lives for good conversations, holistic experiences and the beauty of words. Follow her on Instagram @Wordbeatle

To book a personalized sustainable individual or group trip to Bali with a focus on spirituality, yoga or volunteering, contact us.

My Mountain Hermit Training in Japan

Read part 1 On My Way For Yamabushi Training

I survived! I am officially one of the first few non Japanese speakers in the world to have received Yamabushi mountain hermit training. It was a wonderful experience and I feel stronger, accomplished and that I have spiritually grown to another level.

The 5-day program designed by Megurun Inc. is the first of its kind. Yamabushi training has been offered to the Japanese people for hundreds of years. In fact, many people take solitary retreats in the mountains and its popular among older Japanese men to embark on Yamabushi getaways every now and then. But these are generally 3-day programs where large groups of people undergo the training with minimal interaction with the master. They are expected to ‘just experience’ as they push their physical and emotional boundaries.

In my case, there were only 2 people in the program, which was led by Master Tak who is fluent in English and Japanese. He described the process in great detail and guided us through the journey. Tak-San was a business professional who moved to the area to seek solace. After years of practice, he is now a Master Yamabushi and trains others.

On the first day, we stayed at a modest hotel in the city of Shonai, which was crowded with local tourists who had come to worship at the three sacred mountains of Deva. Located in the Yamagata prefecture of northern Japan, the area is known as “hidden Japan” as it is relatively cut off from other cities and not many foreign visitors go there.

This day was intended to disconnect from daily life, prepare for shugo (the training) and embrace Japanese culture.

We spent most of the day at a Zen temple with a Buddhist monk. He showed us their way of life, which included proper posture for sitting on the floor in lotus position, focusing one’s attention to meditate, and sharing their humble lunch. We got to see where the resident monks eat, pray and sleep on tatami mats. We also witnessed a prayer ceremony where the monks played drums, chanted the sutras and blessed us for our journey.

Then we had a calligraphy master, Mayumi Honma, teach us how to write ‘Uketamō’ in Japanese. This phrase is very important as it is the only word we are allowed to speak during Yamabushidō. It means, “I humbly accept with an open heart” and is a readily used response to everything the master instructs us to do (as we would say OK in English).

Calligraphy is an ancient Japanese art of writing, but it is much more than that in the spiritual sense. To do it well, you have to have a lot of focus and a steady hand. You have to be silent and be in the moment. Using a brush and ink, there is no way to go back and erase mistakes. You have to start all over.

For dinner, we went to a farm-to-table family-run restaurant where we tasted local specialities, including dadachamame (indigenous edamame) grown only in this area.

The next morning we transferred our bags to Daishobo, a pilgrimage lodge at the base of Mount Gassan. At one time, there were almost 300 pilgrimage lodges in the area, but now the number is reduce to less than 30. The lodges were family-run not-for-profit businesses, but the new generations don’t want the upkeep.

Daishobo is also home to Master Hashino, a 13th generation Yamabushi, who designed my program. He is in his 70’s now and worked in civil services professionally, and has been a Yamabushi for over 40 years. He still climbs mountains on a regular basis!

The lodge was basic – 2 floors with open rooms that can accommodate up to 35 people. The women stayed upstairs and the men downstairs. Meals, chanting, meditation and orientation were also held downstairs. Basically, not much privacy which is how Japanese people traditionally travel. You just find a spot on the floor to put your bedding down and sleep there.

There were male and female toilets outside the main house. We weren’t allowed to take showers during the program.

During this time, we had an impeding typhoon headed towards Shonai. Typhoons can bring a lot of rain and strong winds (similar to tornadoes). Being an unseasoned hiker, I was already nervous about the steep hikes we were going to do and started feeling more anxious. Tak-San remained calm and said he was closely monitoring the weather. We would still hike in the rain, but will change our route if we were in the eye of the typhoon. At that time, I reconsidered what I had signed up for.

Click here to read what happened next…

On My Way For Yamabushi Training

Here I am, headed to Japan for a 5-day Yamabushi Training program! Until a few weeks ago, I did not even know what Yamabushi was about. But an email that landed in my inbox convinced me to go check it out.

Yamabushi are Japanese mountain ascetic hermits who, according to a traditional Japanese mysticism, are believed to be endowed with supernatural powers. They have also served as sendatsu, or spiritual mountain guides, since medieval times for pilgrims. In other words, they are like Native Americans. They often live in the forest, hike for days, eat what they can find, all to connect with nature. Their practice, known as Shugendō, evolved during the 7th century from an amalgamation of beliefs, philosophies, doctrines and ritual systems drawn from local folk-religious practices, pre-Buddhist mountain worship, Shinto, Taoism and esoteric Buddhism.

The practice is no longer limited to hermits. Many Japanese people are taking a break from their busy city lives to go to the countryside and connect with nature. Therefore, Yamabushi training programs for Japanese people has become quite popular. But very few, if any, training programs are offered to non-Japanese visitors. I will be one of the first foreign visitors to experience a 5-day program under the guidance of a 13th generation Yamabushi master. Yamabushido is based in the sacred mountains of Dewa Senzan in Yamagata prefecture, an hour flight north of Tokyo.

I Skyped with Tak (Takeharu Kato) and Kanae Soma (owner of Megurun Inc.) in Japan, to better understand what I was signing up for. “We realized that many people have tried meditation and other mindfulness practices in their lives, but also realized that Yamabushi practices offer something different, something more powerful, and something which – although it has been practiced for 1,300 years has never been more relevant. Yamabushi training is the simple philosophy of placing yourself in nature and feeling, not thinking, to rejuvenate back to your true self. Yamabushi training is quick, practical, and effective, and provides a powerful context in which to resolve any challenges, questions, or decisions that need to be made. It has been used for centuries to provide space for consideration of the challenges of the modern-day person, an important role in the current age where people are becoming busier and busier and are looking for the chance to revitalize.”

Sounds great doesn’t it? I am totally in for a spiritual retreat that involves connecting with my true self, but wait, there’s more…

Soon after, I received a list of guidelines and checklist to prepare for arrival. In it was a fair warning. “Yamabushi undertake training in harsh alpine conditions including hiking through bush, over streams and waterfalls, up rocks, ladders and stone steps, which can include walking more than 10km for the basic course, or 15km for the extended course per day. In addition, your Yamabushidō experience will likely include hiking during the nighttime, meditating under ice cold waterfalls, jumping over fire, and being enclosed in a smoky room.”

Ok now I am not so sure! I am fine with meditation, but am I ready to hike all day and night, and jump into an icy waterfall? Well, physically I am not so sure if my body that hasn’t stepped into a gym in years, could possibly handle it.

Other guidelines include not washing your face, brushing your teeth, or shaving, not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and making sure to get as much sleep as possible before arriving. The last one may be tough as I make my 24-hour journey from Atlanta to Tsuruoka, and catch up with the 13 hour time difference.

The release form also came with bunch of warnings, most sentences ending in the word “death.” Yikes!

Well, I am on my way, packed with a suitcase full of white clothes (required), hiking boots and my backpack. It will be interesting to see how my mind and body are able to handle the demands of the program and what wisdom I gain from it.

For the next few days, I will be following the three basic rules of Yamabushidō:

Number one: no talking.

Number two: no questions.

Number three: uketamō! Meaning ‘I humbly accept with an open heart.’

On that note, I am keeping an open mind about what’s to come. To be continued…

All You Need to Know About John of God in Brazil

I first heard about John of God about 10 years ago while watching the Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah magazine editor, Susan Casey had recently travelers to Brazil and found personal healing after the passing of her father. Oprah herself traveled to the tiny village of Abadiania to interview this Miracle Man who had cured over 8 million people of life threatening illnesses, birth defects, as well as emotional and spiritual blockages.

As a journalist and spiritual person, I was eager to find out more about what was happening at the Casa Dom Inacio De Loyola.

WHO IS JOHN OF GOD?

John of God or Medium John is an ordinary Brazilian man, now in his late 70’s. He grew up very poor in rural Brazil and found out at an early age, that powerful spirits could enter his body and use it as a medium to heal people. Initially, he performed healings while he was working in the army as a tailor. Later, he opened a center where people could come for free and receiving the blessings from several spirits and other mediums.

Even though Medium John is a Christian, and believes in God, he doesn’t focus on religion. Everyone, regardless belief or religion, is welcome to the Casa. His work can be explained through a popular theory in Brazil called Spiritism, which is focusing on mediumship, where one can channel high energy beings and master spirits to guide humans and give healings through the metaphysical. Spiritism is very common belief in Brazil, as well as in India and among Native American cultures.

Though I have not had any personal experience with spirits per se, I do believe in guardian angels and the energy of the universe.

GETTING THERE

Less than two hours’ driver from Brazil’s capital, Brasilia, through rolling hills, cattle farms and country resorts, leads to Abadiania. There is a small rural town on one side of the highway where John of God resides, and a more touristy area on the other side. The “Casa area” as it’s nicknamed has one main street with a few pousadas (guesthouses), handful of restaurants, shops selling all kinds of crystals and white clothing, and a couple of massage parlors.

When I arrived in Abadiania, my guides Cecilia and Debbie were waiting for me outside Pousada Irmão Sol Irmã Lua. This was perhaps the largest and most posh pousada in town, with a garden, yoga room and lounging areas. The rooms were basic, with two small beds, a fan, and a bathroom that rarely had hot water. There was no television, air conditioner, or phone, only WiFi that functioned when it wasn’t overcast. As in the case of most businesses in Abadiania, the owners of Pousada Irmão Sol Irmã Lua had come to see John of God many decades ago, received personal healing and decided to stay and help continue his mission.

It is highly recommended that first timers and non-Portuguese speakers hire a local guide to visit the Casa, as there are rules that one must follow, and sometimes things happen too fast so important information can be missed. Also, it is very difficult to make hotel bookings on your own, as many of the pousad don’t have websites.

PREPARING FOR THE VISIT

Cecilia Zigher and Debbie Akamine had opposite personalities but worked as a team. Debbie had quit her job in top international tax firm in Sao Paulo and found love and harmony in Abadiania. She was animated, energetic and informative.

Cecilia, a native of Sweden, had traveled around the world searching for self-love and happiness, which she found when she met John of God. Cecilia was composed, thoughtful and open to sharing her own philosophies. The girls gave me a brief orientation for visiting the Casa, over a buffet dinner of Brazilian and western delicacies.

The instructions were:

Wear only white clothing (including underwear) so that the spirits can see your aura.
Write down 3 asks you want to present to John of God. These could be about your health, work, relationships, finances, or anything else that you need help with in your life.
Carry a small purse with some money and tissues (in case you cry). Don’t wear the purse cross body.
It is not allowed to take pictures of John of God.
Never cross your arms and legs when in the Casa grounds, as it blocks the energies from reaching you.
When meeting John of God, speak fast (if in Portuguese), make direct eye contact with him and hold his hand.
When sitting in the current room (meditation room), sit with eyes closed, arms and legs uncrossed and stay until they ask you to leave (it may be 2-3 hours).
Eat a big breakfast and meet at the Casa entrance at 7:30am.

Later I read Heather Cumming’s book John of God and highly recommend reading it prior to coming to the Casa. It gives you a much deeper understanding of what is exactly happening here, and how to prepare yourself to be receptive to the energies.

ARRIVING AT THE CASA

John of God sees visitors only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8am until every person is seen.

On Wednesday morning, I walked over to the Casa, only a 10-minute walk from my hotel. There were already hundreds of people arriving by the bus loads, being dropped off in taxis, and walking over to the entrance. Everyone was wearing white and appeared calm and hopeful. I later found out that approximately 2,000 people had come to the Casa that day.

The Casa grounds were modest white ranch style building with blue accents. There was a semi-open hall where people waited, announcements and prayers were recited, and John of God would first appear. Inside were a series of basic rooms for spiritual surgeries, meditation and an infirmary. There was a beautiful garden with lots of flowers, avocado trees and benches for meditating outdoor that overlooked a beautiful valley. Besides the garden were crystal baths – individual rooms booked for 20 minute sessions that involved crystal light healing. There was also a cafeteria selling fresh juices and homemade Brazilian snacks, a soup kitchen, and a pharmacy where one could buy blessed water and passion flower herbs (if prescribed).

John of God picked this location to be the center of his spiritual practice because of its high energy. It is said that there are crystals underneath the land the valley sits on.

People often leave prayer notes at the 3 triangles at the Casa that supposedly transmitted energy. These notes are collected and taken to John of God for further blessing.

It was 8am and time to meet John of God. “Are you nervous, like you are about to see Santa Claus?” Debbie exclaimed.

To be continued…

Into the Wild: The Yogi’ Who Ventured Into the Outdoors

There exist several well-documented examples demonstrating that one week of camping sans electronics, not only resets our biological body clock but also synchronizes Melatonin (a hormone) production with sunrise and sunset.

Armed with the knowledge of these studies, ventured into the outdoors, and into the very lap of nature. Though I am an avid Yoga enthusiast, the decision overall was prompted by a very dear friend of mine, Andrea, coupled with my own notions of the universe, and its role in life was compelling enough for me to take up this challenge of a camping trip. So, we found the best value camping gear, packed everything up, and started on ur new adventure.

A Tent from when the Yogis Ventured into the Outdoors — Setting Up Camp on the Venture Outdoors

Venturing Into the Outdoors

We decided to camp at The Desoto Falls located off Highway 129. The drive itself urged me to readily surrender to the bounty of nature and the wilderness which nourished my soul. I believe that camping is a silent form of adventure, which brings clarity to mind as well as allows the soul to soak in the positivity around. For me, it is a stress buster, wherein I can be myself while enjoying my surroundings without worrying about everyday mundane tasks.

Divya Sarin and friend on the Yoga Camping Trip

Setting Up Camp

When it comes to planning a camping trip, a lot does go into it, especially with all the equipment you’re going to need. With that being said, if you have the basics like a sleeping bag, a tent, and cooking utensils, that’s a great start. Some people who are camping for a long time like to ensure they take a power station, perhaps supplied by jackery dealers or other generator dealers, to power their appliances. While camping is fun, it isn’t so fun being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no phone. While we briefly mentioned tents, if you’re not someone who likes to spend time putting each pole together and attempting to build a tent, it may be worth checking out something like this Top 10 Best Instant Tents (1 To 8 Person Pop-up & Quick Setup) guide. This may help you make your decision about finding a new tent a lot less stressful.

Luckily, we drove up with a trailer so we could take quite a lot of stuff with us. I don’t think we would have fit all of our stuff in the back of an ordinary car! A friend of ours recommended looking at campingfunzone.com so that we would know all of the trailer components. It was useful to know about the axles and storage, just in case we need to sleep in it. Deciding the campsite, setting up the tents, arranging food, and starting the campfire, requires immense strength. Yet, despite the strenuous tasks, our bodies oozed energy like never before and our quest for adventure grew by leaps and bounds. When at last, we did start to feel at home, we spent time making smores and talked our hearts, not mention that some of us were also strangers for one another.

Building and Rebuilding

By the time, the day lapsed into the night we had cemented that awkward relationship into a budding new friendship – our hearts were lighter, the summer became cooler and our energies were higher. We had the best sleep in years with just the sounds of crickets and the nearby creek as lullabies. To further quench our thirst for adventure we started our second day with yoga, in the company of trees by the creek and followed up with a staggering 4.8 miles hike from Neel Gap to Blood mountain along the Appalachian Trail.

It rained while we hiked, which was soothing, and the majestic view from the top raised our spirits to an unknown level of ecstasy and elation. The trip concluded three days later with quality time spent with friends and most importantly nature. Our zeal for adventure has reached a pinnacle, not to mention our inquisitiveness to know more about nature. I now know that mountains are my calling, for I have left a piece of my heart there.

Yogis doing yoga at camp in the wild — Yoga While in Nature

A Continuing Tradition

Every year, Andrea and I, take the interested yogis amidst nature to make them disconnect from the daily routine. Camping once in a year helps in relaxing the mind. It sets the natural alarm clock for the body, helps with mood swings, and also engaging with nature by turning off the mobile phones/laptops lowers the stress levels and is believed to be equivalent to meditation.

I urge each one, my reader, to venture into the outdoors, go camping, and hiking, at least once in life and I promise you will not be able to stop yourself from doing it again. Let loose and for a change, party with nature. Smell the moist earth and take home the fragrance you would love to wear.

~ By Divya Sarin, a yoga enthusiast who can’t sit idle, and wants to create some magic in each person’s life.