Retreat with Doris Iding

Everything we have ever thought and felt is stored in our bodies and remains there. That’s why experiences we had 20 or 30 years ago still affect us today. If, on the other hand, we are fully present in the here and now, we can experience the world through our senses in a completely new and immediate way—and find much more joy in life.

We’ve all been there: the taste of raisin cake or cinnamon, or the smell of mulled wine, brings back memories of our grandparents, Christmas cookies, or Christmas markets. This means that these past experiences shape our present ones—whether we realize it or not.

Mindfulness is the magic word here, because it helps us let go of old stories and experiences and turn our full attention to the present. This is because negative experiences from the past, in particular, can cause us to steer clear of certain sensory experiences—even when they have absolutely nothing to do with what happened to us at some point in the past.

We can clearly sense just how deeply all our thoughts, feelings, and sensations are stored in our bodies when we turn our full attention inward. This, however, requires a little time, peace and quiet, and sometimes a bit of courage. Courage, because it means allowing everything to be present—even the things that normally get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This includes feelings like anger, loneliness, frustration, or fear. If, on the other hand, we allow everything that arises to simply be there, we arrive fully within ourselves. Then we no longer need to run away from ourselves; instead, we can anchor ourselves completely in the here and now through our bodies and all the wonderful sensory experiences they hold in store for us. Through this kind of presence, we can experience life much more consciously.

Of course, we can’t just suddenly be present in the moment overnight. But we can practice it. In the midst of a stressful daily routine, it’s a bit harder to turn off what’s known as “autopilot.” When we’re on vacation, however, in a place where we feel comfortable and can relax, we can take the first steps toward bringing mindfulness into our lives or deepening our practice.

With our mindfulness days, we invite our guests to immerse themselves fully in the moment with all their senses: to taste, smell, feel, and experience our delicious breakfast. To enjoy nature with all their senses. To experience the spa—and be fully present in the moment…. Swim. Feast. Explore. Experience.
Action words that make life worth living.

Incidentally, such soothing experiences become ingrained in our brains and help us become more mindful in our daily lives as well. Through yoga, breathing, and meditation exercises, our attention shifts from our minds to our entire bodies—and thus to a sense of wholeness.

Finally, we feel at home in our bodies again, and our minds can find peace. This gives rise to a deep, inner peace—one that we no longer experience only on vacation, but one that becomes the foundation of our lives.

Mindfulness, then, is much more than just a conscious awareness of the present moment. It is a gateway to inner freedom. And it is also the key to greater outer freedom. What a gift. What a delight. What a miracle, this mindfulness!

THE MINDFULNESS YOGA RETREATS WITH DORIS IDING WILL TAKE PLACE
ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

FROM APRIL 28 TO MAY 1, 2024
FROM OCTOBER 17 TO OCTOBER 20, 2024 AND
FROM NOVEMBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 27, 2024