Category: Uncategorized

India 2024

Review

I was invited by my friend in the UK, to join a group of strangers from the other side of the world and be immersed in all that India had to offer. Ali made this process seamless, ensuring the group meet, via WhatsApp meetings, so our group was forming before we arrived in India.   Ali ensured we had all the information we needed; her planning was second to none.  Word of advice read the information she sends, it is invaluable. 

All my senses were blown away by the chaos, noise, overpopulated towns and cities, cows, car horns, new aromas some pleasant, some not, the colours, and especially the wonderful food. 

Whilst all senses were on high alert, this was balanced by the amazing yoga from Milan, Kelly and Ail and meditation that was on offer.  The locations and variety of yoga were amazing, at sun rises to full moons, from rooftops, at the sides of the Ganges and my all-time favourite, paired yoga at the base of the Himalayas on a beach.  

Th trip doesn’t stop with the exploring India and yoga, Ali introduced us, to share chai and chocolates, with Sadhu’s and her friends in local villages, experiences that will not be on any formal tour, and ones that will never be forgotten.  

I can’t rate this trip high enough and regard myself so fortunate to have had this opportunity. I have taken away personal growth and development, everlasting memories and new friendships from the other side of the world, all in epic couple of weeks.  

India 2024

I am so grateful to Ali and Milan for this wonderful opportunity. They are both natural teachers and have a huge wealth of knowledge to share. They also have a close bond and did an amazing job of creating a special experience for us all. They were always generous with their time and energy on this trip. Always going above and beyond to help out when it was needed. For me, this trip to India started way before the 10th November ’24 when we departed for Delhi Airport. 

It started earlier in the year on 11th February when I first heard about it from my yoga teacher at the time who announced there was only one spot left on the India Yoga Immersion Journey with Ali at Sadhana Yoga NZ. I enthusiastically got in touch because I knew this was going to be special. Ali is someone you immediately feel comfortable with and feel drawn towards. She is a great communicator, is full of warmth and wisdom and is a meticulous planner. Having been to India many times, Ali was able to introduce us to the people and places who hold a special place in her heart. This was a very unique aspect of the trip which I loved.

I also loved the opportunity to do regular yoga practice led by Milan in amazing places. Like the morning partner yoga on Rishikesh beach surrounded by the Himalayan foothills and the fast-flowing Ganges or on hotel rooftops whilst guests enjoyed a late afternoon beer and read the news.  Also when led by Kelley on a tiny hexagonal ghat extending out over the Ganges in Varanasi, these were unforgettable experiences. Meditation led by Ali also takes on a new perspective when carried out at sunrise in spectacular temples or in silence whilst walking barefoot on a sacred path on the edges of a forest. 

Even amongst the millions of people in India, the constant noise from traffic and the air pollution this creates, we were able to immerse in quiet peacefulness and contemplation to find a calm place and look inwards. 

Another wonderful aspect of the trip for me was getting to know the rest of the group. There were 9 of us including Ali and Milan and we began getting to know each other via WhatsApp and Zoom sessions established at the beginning of the year. Right from the start we were encouraged towards communication that was open and honest and which resulted in creating a trusting connection between us. 

If you want to see India through the windows of an air conditioned bus and visit popular tourist sites, then I would say this is probably not the trip for you. Although a group of us did visit the Taj Mahal, the remainder of the trip was immersion into the other side of India; hanging out with the locals, literally immersing yourself in the Ganga for a cleansing dip, eating in local restaurants, travelling by rickshaw and overnight trains. Even managing to get some sleep on a busy platform at Haridwar Train Station at 2am due to a delayed train. 

Wherever you’re at on your inner journey you’re sure to get a few steps closer to your destination. 

Amongst your spare rolls of toilet paper, your ear plugs, and your Imodium, make sure you also bring your sense of humour and curiosity, your openness, your sense of adventure and your desire for growth. 

If you allow yourself to go with the flow into the heart of spiritual India I’m sure you won’t be disappointed