Yoga Retreat at Hare Krishna Valley at the Dawn of the New Year

What a way to farewell 2016 and greet 2017!

Many of us went to the Yoga Retreat during this New year period. This retreat was aimed to “discover yourself.” It was at Sri Krishna’s Otway Retreat, about 90 minutes from Melbourne, set on a 200-acre land with lots of forest land and greenery all around.


We bid adieu to 2016 with 13-14 hrs of various Yoga activities. Sounds daunting, right? We can’t imagine that we participated actively in all the proceedings, didn’t need an afternoon rest or tea/coffee and felt energized all the way through.

In one day we did Asanas, Pranayama, Japa, Kriya, Yoga Nidra multiple times. We also participated in Dhyana, Meditation, chanting peaceful affirmations, Jal-neti, Sandhya Vandana and Kirtan.

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During the “Talk on Yoga,” session, Shri Rajendraji gave us practical insights and probing questions which provided clarity of perspective and impetus to establish a healthier routine, – one that positively affirms our lives through the joyfully serene discharge of service to our family, community, and nation.

There was also a communication session conducted by communication coach, Rajeev. The objective of this session was to help participants effectively communicate the enhanced inner clarity.


We started day 2, at 6:30 am, outdoors, with Surya Namaskara. Everyone found this an inspiring and enjoyable experience. We also did another round of Yoga Asana and Pranayama in the morning followed by most of the participants reflecting on the practice of Yoga and the Yoga Retreat experience.



During this extended Yoga period, participants learned about different limbs of Yoga in more details and in an immersed way. Away from all technologies and daily routines, everyone participated single-mindedly in Yoga.

During this period, everyone enjoyed saatvic vegetarian food, cooked in traditional and simple ways. It seems to bring out the natural flavours and tasted delicious. We also sat down on the floor to eat, the traditional Indian way of eating. Everyone washed their dishes after every meal, enjoying the co-operative way of living.


Many also went for Bush walks, visited Indian cows and Vege Gardens.


Considering the popularity and success of this Retreat, watch this space for many more of them to come!!

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