Ashiyana Retreat Center, Goa India

Ashiyana Retreat Center is located on the beautiful Mandrem Beach of Goa, Southwest India.  Located along the Arabian Sea, Goa is the site of India's most pristine beaches, and is a wonderful introduction to India as it's laid back atmosphere helps to ease some of the cultural shock that India loves to hand out.

Ashiyana itself is both comfortable and supportive - the physical layout, body treatment services, and nurturing meals all act to hold space for one very important thing: practice.  Whether one's practice is focused on yoga, meditation, friends, or simply relaxing all alone, Ashiyana holds a wonderful space for all.  I was personally most impressed by Ashiyana's attention to community and the skillful space it holds for each of us to truly touch what is most current in our own life and inner work.

In Ashiyana's own words:

Ashiyana is the on-going realization of the desire to create a spiritual home.  In its highest expression this is an opportunity to meet others in the heart, beyond fear and thought.  It is a retreat centre that brings guests from all over the world and a group of local staff and foreign helpers who together make up the Ashiyana community.

Goa in general is a wonderful convergence of seekers from many culture's, especially those from Europe and Asia.  If you are looking for a reminder that you are in fact a world citizen, Goa will undoubtedly address this element of your personal growth in countless and revealing ways.

Lastly, if you do end up traveling to Ashiyana please say hello to everyone there for me, as I consider them a part of my own world practice family.

See 2010 Ashiyana Video

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