Earlier this summer, I stepped away from everyday life. Entering the quiet rhythms of an ashram, where I spent 10 days in silence. Finding peace and serenity. There was no chatter. There was no constant stream of doing. There was just simple living, fresh food, spiritual practice, and space to be.
The days were structured yet gentle, filled with practices that nourish body, mind, and spirit. Here are some of the experiences that made a deep impression on me and help me on my path to finding peace and serenity
Simple Living
Life at the ashram is pared back to the essentials. Accommodation is modest, the daily routine is steady, and distractions are few. Living simply creates room for clarity — and the chance to notice how little we really need to feel content.
Fresh, Nourishing Food
Meals are lovingly prepared vegetarian food, some home-grown, always fresh and wholesome. Eating slowly, in silence, allowed me to truly taste and appreciate each bite. The simplicity of the food mirrors the simplicity of the lifestyle — light, clean, and full of energy.
Karma Yoga
Each day included karma yoga, or selfless service — helping in the kitchen or tending the grounds. Working in this way, with no expectation of reward, was grounding and surprisingly joyful. It reminded me how small acts of service can become a form of meditation in themselves.
Chanting & Meditation
Mornings and evenings began with chanting mantras and sitting in meditation. Chanting created a beautiful vibration. It seemed to soften the heart. It also quieted the mind. This made it easier to slip into stillness afterwards. Meditation then became not an effort, but a natural settling into peace.
Satsang
Some days the whole ashram gathered for satsang — which means “being in the company of truth.” We would sit together in silence, chant, meditate, and sometimes hear teachings read aloud. It felt powerful to share this space with others, each person turning inward, yet deeply connected through the practice.
Coming Home
The retreat was both restful and challenging. Sitting with silence brought up waves of thoughts and emotions. Nevertheless, through the practices I found moments of deep stillness and joy. Coming back, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for simplicity, service, and the practices that keep me grounded.
I’ve included some of my favourite photos below. These are glimpses of the ashram gardens and the meditation hall. They also show the little details that made the retreat so special. I hope they give you a sense of the peace and inspiration I found there.
If you’d like to bring some of these practices into your own life, join me in class. We’ll continue weaving meditation, chanting, and simple presence into our yoga together.
Contact me here to find out about availability
If you’d like to find out more about courses at the Mandala Yoga Ashram you can see their website here
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