A Transformational Week: Reflections from an Inclusive Yoga Retreat
When planning a yoga retreat, my intention is always the same: to create an environment where everyone feels safe, welcome, and supported, no matter their level of experience, body type, or background. These retreats are about inclusive yoga, not just in theory, but in practice.
I was grateful to work with an incredible group of people at a yoga retreat in Costa Rica. One participant, a first-time male attendee who also lives with visual impairment, shared his experience with such honesty and warmth that I asked if I could share it here. His story offers insight into the true heart of alignment-based yoga and the benefits of yoga for men who may be unsure if a retreat is “for them.”
“I came with my wife, and I was a little nervous, being visually impaired and, well, the only guy. But it was such a relief to find I didn’t need to ‘perform’ or pretend. I didn’t need to be macho. I just had to show up.”
That’s what yoga for all bodies means to me. It’s about creating a space where you can listen to your body, take up space exactly as you are, and move in a way that feels right for you, not anyone else.
Throughout the week, we moved through a combination of restorative yoga and gentle alignment-based yoga, both of which are designed to support the nervous system and allow the body to unwind. Whether you’re dealing with tension or back issues (like Randy) these practices meet you where you are.
“Even though I couldn’t always see you, I could hear your cues so clearly, ‘relax your jaw,’ ‘move your eyes,’ ‘notice your feet.’ I found myself getting into the poses just by listening. And by the end of the week, my back felt better, my shoulders had loosened, and I felt like I had space in my body again.”
This participant had never done yoga before. His story is a reminder that yoga for beginners isn’t just accessible, it’s transformational.
“I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to do it. And being the only guy made me hesitate at first. But now that I’ve done it, I know I can keep going. I feel so much better, and I’m going to keep practicing when I get home.”
When we talk about the benefits of yoga for men, this is exactly what we mean:
relief from chronic tension
connection to breath and body
and a new sense of possibility.
Inclusive yoga retreats for everyone
Whether you’re a beginner or long-time student, whether you’re navigating physical limitations or simply craving space to rest and reconnect, this is a place where you belong. These are yoga retreats for all bodies and all levels of yoga.
If you're curious, hesitant, or wondering if this might be right for you, I’d love to have you join me. There’s space for you here.
What to expect at a yoga retreat
If you're curious about what to expect at a yoga retreat, this blog HERE might be a helpful place to start. And if you have any questions, whether it’s your first retreat ever or your first time joining one of mine, I’m always happy to chat.
You can also learn more about upcoming yoga retreats in the Pacific Northwest HERE.
Joanna Dunn offers alignment-based yoga, restorative yoga, and inclusive yoga retreats in Washington State and beyond. Her classes and retreats are designed to support all bodies and all levels, from beginners to longtime practitioners.
Learn more at joannadunn.com