By Smitha, India
Smitha on the banks of the sacred River Kaveri at Yoga Gita Ashram.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I would like to share an awe-inspiring experience from my time at Yoga Gita Ashram, a journey that left an indelible mark on my life. This story is not just for my peers but also for the younger generation, Gen Z, who are navigating a world filled with distractions and uncertainties.
For several years, I have lived the fast paced life in the metro city of Bangalore. My profound love for Super Bikes and adventure has led me on several unforgettable journeys. I was introduced to Yoga in 2018 when I enrolled for daily yoga sessions. With time my thirst for inner bliss grew stronger and I was introduced to Sage Vigo through a close friend in Mysore. This marked the start of a transformative journey in my life.
I unearthed the 3 dimensions at Pancha Kosha Meditation & Detoxification Retreat that transformed my life. My time at Yoga Gita Ashram was a blend of pleasant surprises, profound reflections, and moments of self-discovery that made me pause and evaluate my life’s journey so far. While it’s challenging to put into words the depth of my experiences during the Pancha Kosha Meditation and Detoxification retreat, I’ll do my best to articulate the thoughts and emotions that shaped this transformative chapter of my life.
Embracing Clarity and Unearthing Inner Strength
One of the most profound realizations I had during my time at Yoga Gita Ashram was that embracing clarity can lead to unearthing one’s own strength. This isn’t just a philosophical idea; it’s a prophecy that unfolded through my personal journey. The Pancha Kosha Meditation and Detoxification retreat, which focuses on the five layers of human existence, allowed me to dive deep into self-awareness and introspection. It was during this immersion that I discovered the joy of missing out—JOMO—a concept that feels almost revolutionary in today’s world, where FOMO (the fear of missing out) dominates our lives.
In this fast-paced, hyper-connected Iron Age, where everyone is constantly chasing the next big thing, I found myself luxuriating in the simplicity and stillness that Yoga Gita Ashram offered. The programme became a form of penance, a sacred space where I could strip away the noise and distractions of the outside world. This process of purification brought me face-to-face with my inner power and helped me truly “know myself.” It was a revelation that I didn’t know I needed but one that has since become the cornerstone of my personal growth.
The Joy of Fewer Thoughts and Simpler Practices
One of the most surprising aspects of my journey was realizing how having fewer thoughts could bring so much joy to my existence. In a world where our minds are constantly bombarded with information, expectations, and anxieties, the idea of mental stillness felt almost alien. Yet, through the practice of simple asanas (yoga postures) and mindful breathing, I found a sense of peace and strength that I had never experienced before. These practices not only strengthened my body but also fortified my mind, creating a harmonious balance between my internal and external selves.
What amazed me even more was the physical transformation I underwent without stepping foot in a gym. My food intake increased, yet my weight remained stable. My endurance and strength reached new heights, proving that true fitness isn’t about grueling workouts or restrictive diets but about aligning the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga Gita Ashram taught me that health is holistic, and the changes I experienced were not just physical but also mental and emotional.
The Three Dimensions of Transformation
During my stay at Yoga Gita Ashram, I found myself reflecting on three key dimensions of my life that underwent significant transformation. These dimensions are universal, and I believe anyone who embarks on this journey will discover or rediscover them in their own way.
- Health: A Holistic Transformation
The first dimension is health. For a long time I had suffered from a terrible back and shoulder. The changes in my physiology that I experienced during and after the course of the Programme were nothing short of remarkable. From improved flexibility and strength to enhanced energy levels and mental clarity, the program touched every aspect of my well-being. I noticed a significant shift in how I felt—both physically and mentally. The aches and pains that had become a part of my daily life for a long period without a ray of remedy from the world outside, began to fade, replaced by a sense of vitality and resilience. It was a reminder that true health isn’t just the absence of illness but the presence of vitality and balance.
- Knowledge: Sharpening your Perspectives not infused and injected Perspectives.
The second dimension is knowledge, and this wasn’t just about acquiring new information but about unlearning and disengaging from infused perspectives. The teachings of Sage Vigo opened my mind to new ways of thinking and understanding the world. I began to see life through a different lens, one that emphasized mindfulness and self-awareness. This newfound knowledge wasn’t confined to the yoga mat; it seeped into every aspect of my life, influencing how I approached office work and sales meetings, external challenges, relationships, and even my own thoughts.
- Spirituality: A New Path
The third dimension is spirituality, and this was perhaps the most profound transformation of all. Yoga Gita Ashram opened a new path for me, one that led to a deeper connection with my spiritual self. At the core it was all about exploring the essence of who I am and my place in the universe. This journey of self-discovery brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I had been searching for every day. It was a reminder that spirituality is a way of life. I appreciate this dimension and now I always find time to be with myself.
Gratitude and the Promise of Return
As I sit here reflecting on my time at Yoga Gita Ashram, I am filled with immense gratitude. This experience was more than just a retreat; it was a rebirth. During meditation sessions, I have experienced my whole life events part by part and piece by piece, good, bad, and ugly. It reminded me of the pure joy and pain of life, something that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines. The lessons I learned and the renovations I underwent have stayed with me and are still regulating me intrinsically, shaping how I live my life and interact with the world. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Yoga Gita Ashram, especially to Sage Vigo, for providing such nurturing and transformative experiences through his vast wisdom. The Yogi’s, the environment, and the practices all came together to create an experience that was nothing short of magical. I was suffering with intense back pain and shoulder pain when I joined Pancha Kosha Meditation and Detoxification Retreat on October 1, 2024. With practices like Naadi Kriya, followed by sun gazing routines, not only did my perspective of life get enhanced, but my mind also became enriched. This place is nothing less than a promised land for thriving individuals. I shall certainly return and learn the beautiful journey of human evolution and self-discovery.
Final Thoughts
In the fast-paced corporate world, success is often measured by hustle, long hours, and constant pressure. I was no stranger to this grind—until yoga shifted my perspective from chaos to calmness. The Pancha Kosha Retreat was a turning point, revealing three transformational dimensions that reshaped my leadership and work-life balance.
First, I learned to transition from hustle to harmony. Instead of seeing teamwork as a battlefield, I embraced collaboration with mindfulness, creating an environment where productivity and well-being coexist. This shift improved not only my efficiency but also the collective energy of my team.
Second, I moved from fatigue to focus. The relentless demands of corporate life often left me drained, but yoga equipped me with the tools to reset and realign. Breathwork and meditation became my secret weapons, helping me sustain energy and clarity even during high-pressure moments.
Finally, I evolved from reactivity to resilience. Challenges are inevitable, but how we respond defines our success. By cultivating inner stillness, I now navigate setbacks with a steady mind, turning obstacles into opportunities.
Yoga isn’t just a practice—it’s a leadership strategy. The Pancha Kosha Retreat didn’t just transform me; it refined the way I lead, work, and thrive.
The entirety of this course has reminded me that life’s greatest gift is life itself. Use the body to align inwardly to discover stillness, at least for a few moments. Yet, do not attach to those moments, and thrive and unlearn to embrace the presence of self. It showed me the journey from false confidence to real confidence, that true strength comes from within and that the path has given me impetus.
This course is for everyone, especially for someone who’s feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life. I encourage all generations—Millennials, Gen Z, and even Gen Alpha—to take a step back and consider embarking on a journey like this. Whether it’s through yoga, meditation, or simply spending time in nature, finding a way to reconnect with yourself can be incredibly transformative. And if you ever get the chance to visit Yoga Gita Ashram, don’t hesitate. It’s not just a place; it’s an experience that has the power to change your life.
Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to seek out your own path to clarity, strength, and joy.
Namaskara
Smitha Patil
About the Author
Smitha has vast experience in supply chain management, amassing over 19 years in the industry. She is an enthusiastic solo biker with a keen interest in Hindu literature and Eastern philosophy. She has embraced a holistic way of living by balancing mind, body, and spirit.
