My Visit to an Ashram

I started visiting the Yogaville ashram years ago. I went with a friend because it was on my list of things I wanted to try.  I have returned almost every year since then, sometimes with a friend and sometimes alone.  It is my calm, peaceful, and restorative place.

I totally get that an ashram is not for everyone, frankly it’s not for the vast majority of people.  It’s different.  And it definitely requires a totally different mindset.

There are also varying types of ashrams.  I know many people visit Kripalu in Massachusetts and love it there.  I have never been, but it is also on my list of things to try.  Kripalu is much more of a spa atmosphere than Yogaville.

There are many things about Yogaville that appeal to me, including driving miles and miles away from everything in rural Virginia.  The act of removing myself from my daily life and going where no one knows me or expects anything from me helps me feel restored.

The ashram was closed for almost three years because of covid, so my last visit was in February 2020.  I genuinely missed being able to visit.

Yogaville

Yogaville is a special place.  My family jokes that it is my cult (it is NOT a cult), but no one discourages me from going every year.  I think they know I need a place to recenter and that I come back a happier and calmer person.

The ashram is located on the James River south of Charlottesville and is at least a 4-hour drive from my home.  As soon as I pass the entrance sign, I can feel stress leaving my body.  I know nothing is expected of me for the next few days, a totally different and freeing experience.  I am doing something just for me.  I think this is one of the reasons I can relax so much there.

It is pretty bare bones.  I usually sleep in a bunk room which means I might be by myself, or I might be with up to 5 other ladies in a room.  Everyone is respectful and quiet. 

Yoga is offered twice a day as well as different types of meditation.  I always plan on the 30-minute mid-day meditation in the lotus which is lovely.  This is my first time visiting since I completed my 200-hour yoga instructor certification and began teaching classes myself.  I enjoyed watching the different teaching styles through this new lens and learning new techniques.

Meals are vegetarian, healthy, and filling.  There is no coffee or sweets offered (although I admit to keeping some M&M’s in the car – I can’t go cold turkey!)  just tea, water, and honey.  After a weekend visit, I feel cleaner and less inflammation.

There are large portions of the day that are open.  The ashram offers lectures, but you are free to choose how you want to spend your time.

I always choose hiking. 

The ashram is surrounded by thick Virginia forest and has a number of hiking trails.  I have them memorized by now, but still love spending time walking and listening to the birds and the streams.  I walk without earbuds and treat hiking as another form of meditation.  Nature is very therapeutic.

Coming home

It is always my intention to bring the peace I find at the ashram home with me.

This is way easier said than done.  Home brings with it responsibilities that I don’t have at Yogaville, so it’s a balance.  Some years I am more successful than others.

Plus, as one of the teachers said, I am human, and it is ok to lose my way.  I just must keep working on finding my way back.

I truly hope each one of you finds a place that allows you to refresh and to find yourself again.  While I love the mountains and hiking and can certainly find peace in the woods, there is something about being somewhere just for yourself without any expectations of you that is especially freeing and rejuvenating.

So, until my visit next year I will practice small daily changes to keep balance in my life.  And I will work on giving myself the grace and space to not be perfect; to be human. 

I hope you can do the same.  Namaste.