Embracing The Unknown

Navigating Nerves Before an International Yoga Retreat

By: Denver Clark, C-IAYT, ERYT-500, YACEP

Immersing yourself in days and days of yoga can stir up many emotions. If you are traveling for an international yoga retreat or yoga instructor training, it can add even more complicated feelings to the mix, especially if you aren’t accustomed to traveling abroad or traveling alone – BOTH things I struggled with as I prepared to lead my first international retreat for yoga teachers. I have been teaching yoga for more than 16 years and led hundreds of trainings and retreats stateside, but heading alone to a country that I had never been to was intimidating, to say the least.

The idea of immersing yourself in a new culture, meeting new people, and deepening your practice can be exhilarating, but it's natural to feel a twinge of nervousness. If you’re feeling this way too, rest assured you’re not alone! Here are a few tips I’ve compiled from my experience to help inspire you to take the leap and embrace the journey ahead.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

Before we dive into coping strategies, it’s essential to acknowledge that feeling nervous is a completely normal response to stepping out of your comfort zone. Traveling internationally involves navigating the unknown, and it’s okay to feel a bit apprehensive. This recognition is the first step in transforming nervous energy into excitement.

The beauty of the yoga practice is its ability to remind us to breathe into the discomfort and ride the waves of emotions. In this way, we can brave the waves of change and venture into new territory that carries us to growth and enlightenment. Be nervous, share these feelings with a friend, meditate on what you’re feeling and let your inner wisdom guide you. On the other side of these feelings is an evolved version of you.

The Benefits of Yoga Retreats

Remember why you felt moved to sign up for your first yoga teacher training or yoga retreat in the first place. These experiences offer an opportunity to deepen your yoga practice, connect with nature, find inner peace, and build community. The benefits of immersing yourself in a serene environment, surrounded by like-minded individuals, are immense.

The transformative experience of stepping outside of your usual patterns of life, coming together with other people who are seeking connection and immersing yourself in the practices you love is truly life changing. No matter how frequently you join a retreat, each experience is unique and truly  once in a lifetime.

Prepare and Plan

Preparation can significantly ease your anxiety. Here are some tips to help you feel more secure:

·   Research Your Destination: Familiarize yourself with the location, culture, and customs. Knowing what to expect can help reduce uncertainty and get your excited about the unique experiences you will be having.

·   Connect with Fellow Participants: Reach out to the event coordinators and others attending the retreat. This can help build a sense of community even before you arrive and help you prepare for sharing airport taxis, enjoying upcoming events and excursions.

·   Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine leading up to the retreat. This can help ground you and provide a sense of calm. Sit in meditation or silence with your feelings and intentions for your trip and practice gratitude for the opportunity to have an adventure!

·   Pack Wisely: Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, appropriate clothing, and personal items that make you feel comfortable. Having everything organized can alleviate last-minute stress. Don’t be afraid to ask the coordinators, event venue or friends about their packing recommendations as well.

Embrace the Journey

Once you arrive at your destination, take a moment to breathe and soak in your surroundings. Allow yourself to be present in the moment, letting go of any lingering anxiety. Tap into each of your senses and take in this new place fully. 

Don’t assume that things will be like they are at home. The point of leaving your everyday routine is to shake up the “norm” and grow as a person. Before you complain or get worried, remember to practice self-study and non-attachment. Is what you are worried about truly important, or are you simply attached to the status quo?  If you let go of your expectations and arrive with an open mind, you’ll be primed and ready to receive more than you ever even dreamed was possible!

Share and Connect

Once you settle in, take the time to share your feelings with others. Whether it’s a fellow participant or the retreat leader, opening up about your nerves can foster connection and support. You might discover that many others felt the same way before embarking on this journey. 

Listen to others’ experiences as well to gain insight and cultivate awareness. Remember that everyone at the retreat is there for similar reasons—they’re all seeking connection and growth. 

Reflect on Your Growth

As the retreat progresses, take time to reflect. Journaling can be a powerful tool to capture your thoughts, feelings, and insights gained throughout the journey. This practice can help you recognize how you’ve grown and transformed from those initial nerves into a sense of empowerment. Meditation can also cultivate greater self-awareness. Even a daily quiet morning walk in nature can be just what you need to give yourself space to reflect.

You’ve carved out this time to be with yourself, so make sure to step away now and then to practice introspection and connect with the divine wisdom within.

Be sure to show yourself grace and compassion on your trip. You did the hardest part already. You booked the trip and showed up! In this way you have already grown.

Conclusion

Traveling internationally for a yoga retreat is an opportunity for personal growth and transformation. While nerves are a natural part of the process, they can be harnessed into excitement and curiosity. Embrace the journey, connect with others, re-fill your cup and allow yourself space to grow. After all, the most beautiful experiences often lie just beyond our comfort zones. So take a deep breath, roll out your yoga mat, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Ready to Join an International Retreat?

I’ve welcomed people from all across the globe during my years of managing a yoga retreat center, yet I have always dreamed of hosting a yoga training internationally. For the first time (but definitely not the last) I am facing my hesitation head on and planning Entreprenew, a Yoga Professionals retreat in Belize in 2025. The program is specifically designed for yoga teachers and studio owners as a time to reinvigorate your business, recharge your spirit, and reconnect with a community of yoga leaders like you! For those RYT 200 and RYT 500 teachers out there, you can earn CEUs for the content. Because I know first-hand how nerve wracking it can be to plan a trip like this, once you arrive at the airport every other detail from transportation, to accommodations, to food is all sorted for you. So, maybe this is your sign to join me in facing your fears and getting a new passport stamp!