Why I believe retreats Are a Necessity: Joanna Dunn Yoga + Retreats
Retreats have been part of my life for more than a decade. I’ve led everything from small half-day retreats in local studios to week-long destination retreats in Bali, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. After leading retreats for so long, I am convinced of something important: retreats are a necessity, not an indulgence.
More than just vacation with a side of yoga, the benefits of going on a retreat are deeply connected to our overall wellbeing. Retreats give us the rare chance to pause, reflect, and remember who we are underneath the routines and responsibilities of daily life.
What Are Retreats?
Retreats are intentional time away from daily life designed to support rest, reflection, and personal renewal.
A retreat can be spiritual, creative, contemplative, or movement-based. It may involve meditation, yoga, silence, nature, somatic practice, journaling, creativity, ritual, or simply quiet time. The defining feature is not the schedule but the intention.
A retreat creates space you cannot access in your everyday rhythm. When you step out of your tasks and roles, you meet yourself again.
What Does It Mean to Go on Retreat?
To go on retreat means to intentionally step away from the noise of life.
It’s not escapism, and it’s not denial. It’s a temporary pause from constant stimulation, so you can listen inward rather than outward. When you go on retreat, your nervous system downshifts, your mind settles, and your inner voice is easier to hear.
Retreating doesn’t pull you away from your life; it returns you to it, rested, clearer, and with renewed energy.
What Is the Purpose of Retreats?
The purpose is simple and profound: to refill your inner reservoir. In daily life, most of us are pouring energy outward - into work, family, caretaking, commitments. Retreats reverse that flow. They create the conditions for the body to recover, the mind to rest, and the heart to open.
When you remove your usual duties, something shifts inside you. You begin to feel the truth of your energy levels. You see where you’ve been pushing through, where your spirit is hungry for quiet, nature, or creativity.
A Story About My First Retreat (and How It Changed Everything)
Back in 2011, I was sent as an emissary by the yoga studio I was working for to Haramara, a retreat center just outside of the little surfer town of Sayulita on the Pacific Coast. To be honest, I had a cynical and jaded view of retreats as pure escapism. They were a way to avoid the realities of life, to be in denial.
Then, I arrived at Haramara and my five days there changed everything. First, at the time, there was no cell service or internet available on the property. So I was relieved of having to be in contact with the outside world. No news feed. No need to communicate with family or friends. There was feeling of being outside of time, a sort of suspension.
Second, I was immediately cared for. My meals – beautiful, nutritious and delicious – were taken care of. And I was in a place that was quiet and beautiful. The entire property looks out over the Pacific Ocean. Each day, I could rise and devote a portion of my day to my practice – sunrise meditation and a lengthy yoga practice. The remainder of my day, I could rest, reflect, dream - something I rarely would allow myself to do back home with a long to do list as well as social and work obligations.
These pieces were profound for me. At the time, I was incredibly busy and, although I didn’t recognize it, stressed and exhausted. I was managing a yoga studio, starting a teacher training, teaching workshops and weekly classes and my primary relationship was on the rocks.
In those five days, I was able to rest, to be cared for. Because many of the distractions and duties of daily life simply weren’t present, I had time to reflect and contemplate. I had wonderful conversations with others who were also on retreat. I leisurely explored the area on long walks. I may have opened a book – or more likely I napped in the hammock in my cabana and fell asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean.
Retreat Benefits: Why You Should Go on a Retreat
Over the last 15 years of leading retreats, I’ve seen the benefits of going on a retreat again and again:
1. You refill your inner reservoir
When we take time for ourselves, to rest and practice, we return with renewed energy.
2. You reconnect with your inner self
Daily life can press in on us so tightly that we forget we have an inner life. Retreats open that space.
3. Your nervous system has room to calm
Our culture moves fast. Retreats move slowly. They allow the nervous system to settle, which can change everything.
4. You gain perspective
Away from routines, patterns become clearer. Insight arrives more easily. You remember what matters.
5. You return more whole
Retreats help us recover the parts of ourselves that get buried under responsibility - especially for caretakers.
Many of us are more exhausted than we realize. We prop ourselves up each day. Retreats pull away the scaffolding so we can truly rest.
6. You build community
Whether you come to your retreat with a loved one or you arrive on your own, you will inevitably widen your circle and find a greater connection with others - while still allowing quiet time to turn inward. When you attend a retreat with someone you love, you share the benefits, resting side-by-side, supporting each other’s growth, and returning home with a stronger, more grounded relationship.
Not Everyone Can Travel Though Retreats Can Still Be Accessible
Not everyone has the time or funds to travel to a retreat but there are deeply creative ways to give yourself a retreat experience.
Here’s how to design a personal retreat, even at home:
Set aside dedicated time - an afternoon, a full day, or a weekend
Create distance from your routine and devices
In advance, create a schedule that you sense will address your needs
Hold space for your spiritual practice
Spend time in nature, silence, or creativity
Surround yourself with beauty
Let others care for you, even in small ways
Rest without guilt
Whether you travel across the world or create space at home, going on retreat is a powerful practice of caring for your inner life.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RETREATS
How do I choose the right retreat for me?
Consider your intention. Are you looking for deep rest, an intense physical practice, creative inspiration, or cultural immersion? Look at the retreat location, the style of yoga offered (e.g., Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative), the duration, and what's included (accommodations, meals, excursions). Read testimonials if available, and make sure the teacher's philosophy aligns with what you're seeking.
What should I expect from a typical day on retreat?
While every retreat is different, a typical day usually includes:
Morning Practice: A longer, more vigorous yoga and/or meditation session (often at sunrise).
Meals: Delicious, healthy, often locally sourced group meals.
Free Time: Mid-day time for rest, reading, swimming, journaling, exploring, or napping.
Afternoon/Evening Practice: A gentler or more workshop-style practice, often followed by dinner.
Downtime: Evenings are usually quiet for reflection or connecting with others.
You can read more about a typical day on retreat HERE.
Is the yoga practice too advanced for me?
Most of my retreats are designed to be accessible to all levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. I offer modifications for poses, so you can tailor the practice to your energy level each day. The intention is to connect with your body and breath, not to achieve the perfect posture. If a retreat is specifically geared toward advanced practitioners, it will be clearly noted in the description. I have even had participants come on retreats and do little or no yoga, but enjoy the structure and community of the days together.
What if I’m traveling alone?
Traveling alone is common and often encouraged on retreat! Retreats are designed to create a supportive community. You will share meals and practice time, which naturally leads to connection. You are never alone unless you choose to be. Many participants find that traveling solo allows for a deeper, more personal experience.
What is generally included in the retreat price?
Pricing typically includes accommodations, all yoga and meditation sessions, and most or all meals. It usually does not include:
Airfare to and from the destination.
Transportation to and from the airport/retreat center (unless specified).
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Optional excursions, spa treatments, or personal shopping.
Tips for retreat staff.
What should I bring?
A packing list will be provided, but generally include: comfortable yoga attire, swimwear (if applicable), casual layers for warm and cool weather, toiletries, a journal and pen, an open mind, and any personal items for comfort (like a favorite book or supplement). Yoga mats and props are usually provided by the retreat center.
If you have any questions you can contact me HERE.
Hello I’m Joanna
I offer yoga retreats in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. All are welcome. If you are interested in online yoga you’ll find my comprehensive library HERE.
I hope to practice with you soon.