Summer Retreat 2024
There are places in the world where time seems to slow down, where the noise of everyday life fades into the background, leaving only the gentle hum of nature and the quiet stirrings of the heart. This summer, we found such a place at Hridaya Yoga France, tucked away in the serene countryside, surrounded by rolling hills and vast, open skies.
Arriving at the retreat felt like stepping into another world. The air was crisp with the scent of pine trees, and the sky stretched out like an endless canvas, offering a space where we could breathe a little deeper and feel a little freer. The grounds were simple, yet they held a quiet elegance that invited us to settle in, to pause, and to reconnect—not only with the world around us but with ourselves.
The days unfolded in a rhythm that felt as natural as the sun rising and setting. Morning meditations greeted us with a stillness that was almost tangible. It was in those early hours, as the sun bathed the landscape in soft golden light, that we began to tap into the deeper layers of our being. Guided by the teachings of Hridaya, we explored the heart as the center of consciousness, as a source of wisdom, love, and profound peace. It was here that we learned to sit with ourselves, to embrace whatever surfaced in the silence, and to understand that within the stillness, there is always movement—movement towards understanding, healing, and growth.
The yoga practice was a beautiful blend of asanas, breathwork, and spiritual exploration. But more than the physical poses, it was the intention behind the practice that stayed with us. Each movement was an invitation to go inward, to soften the barriers we had unknowingly built around our hearts. Whether we were moving through gentle flows or finding stillness in a longer-held pose, there was a sense of deep connection—not only to our bodies but to the energy that surrounded us. The teachings of Tantra woven into the practice reminded us that yoga is not just about flexibility or strength; it’s about living with openness, compassion, and presence.
Mealtimes were a celebration of community. Gathered around long wooden tables, we shared more than just food. The meals, lovingly prepared, were nourishing not only in their ingredients but in the way they brought us together. There was a richness in these moments—conversations that flowed effortlessly, laughter that rang out into the warm summer evenings, and a sense of belonging that can only come from being in the company of kindred spirits. We came from different parts of the world, with different stories and experiences, but in that space, we were united by a shared journey towards deeper understanding and connection.
One of the most profound moments was our silent day—a day where we set aside words and leaned into the language of the heart. Without the need for conversation, we found ourselves communicating in ways that were subtle yet powerful. A smile, a gentle nod, the shared energy of a group meditation—these moments reminded us that connection goes beyond words. It’s something felt in the spaces between, in the quiet moments of just being.
As the retreat drew to a close, there was a soft sadness in leaving, but also a deep sense of gratitude. The lessons we learned at Hridaya Yoga France didn’t stay behind in that quiet sanctuary—they traveled with us. We left with hearts a little more open, minds a little quieter, and spirits more aligned with the essence of who we truly are. The retreat wasn’t just an escape from the world; it was a return—a return to ourselves, to our true nature, and to the deep, abiding connection we share with all living beings.
Our time at Hridaya was more than just a yoga retreat. It was a reminder of the power of stillness, the beauty of community, and the importance of living with an open heart. And as we move back into the rhythm of our daily lives, we carry with us the quiet knowing that the peace we found in that serene French countryside is always within us, waiting to be accessed whenever we pause long enough to listen.
