I am a big believer in going on a spiritual retreat. So many things happen on them on so many levels that it usually takes days to process the experience afterwards. And the benefits received keep flowing for months to come. I have been participating in them for over thirty years now and every time I do, I come away very happy that I have done so. These days, in the capacity of a Swami, I run my own retreats and have the privilege of deciding how the retreats are made up, where they will be and what goes into them.

It means I can draw on my experience from some of the best spiritual retreats I have been on and choose what I liked from them and incorporate those elements in the ones that I run. All good, and great for you should you come to one of them. So what do I think makes a great retreat? Fun, community, exercise, good food, location, variety of activities and good organisation. The heart of it all however, are the programs that centre around the profound spiritual teachings that originate from India, the meditation sessions, physical yoga and healthy dietary advice. In other words, learning how to move well, eat well, think well and experience the depth of your spiritual nature through guided meditation. Sometimes I run silent spiritual retreats but most often, when students are new to each other, I feel it more beneficial to get to know one another first – though I do encourage less talk to help you keep focused and peaceful within yourself. spiritual retreats australia Australia is a vast, beautiful country. And it is here that I spend most of my time giving retreats. I am always delighted when people from various countries of the world make the effort to travel here and participate in them along with the local Australians. This makes for a special event and I make sure that the location of the retreat offers the best environmental experience possible. spiritual retreats india When I have worked with students for some time I invite them to accompany me to attend spiritual retreats in India. This really is quite something but it is very important for individuals to have a sound understanding of the philosophies of India and practise of meditation before going. This is because the Indian culture in itself can be very challenging, and the bright light of the Spiritual Master overwhelming if careful preparation is not undertaken first. But learning the essence of spirituality and meditation while seated on the sacred soil of Mother India in the presence of the illuminating Spiritual Master will possibly be one the of the best experiences you are ever likely to have.