Finding Inner Alignment: A Yoga Retreat in Italy with Alisha Netalkar

Modern living is always about getting from point A to point B as fast as possible and stopping to smell the roses seems like a waste of time. Well, in the week to come, we are going against the grain. We are going to pause and take in the sights and sounds of the tranquil hills of Assisi, Italy. We are going to rediscover what truly makes us happy by disconnecting from the demands of our daily lives to reconnect with our authentic selves. As you arrive at the airport, a sense of anticipation will fill the air as we meet as a group for the first time. After exchanging warm smiles and greetings, we will be whisked away on a group transfer to our haven of peace, Le Case Residenza di Campagna. The serene surroundings of Le Case with the breathtaking views of Monte Subasio Natural Park serve as the ideal backdrop for our journey of rediscovery.

Upon arrival at Le Case, check-in and settle into your rooms. Once ready, we gather for a welcome drink to refresh ourselves after a long day of travels. As we sip on our drinks, we take the chance for an intimate introduction, offering each other a safe space for growth and transformation. Alisha, your guide on this spiritual quest, will offer an idea of what to expect in the days to come. At the end of it, you will take heart in the fact that you are in the company of supportive companions who are here to help you along your journey. Finally, a sumptuous and wholesome dinner concludes our day.

As the gentle rays of the sun wash over Assisi, we start the day with a silent meditation session. As the peace brought about by the quiet surrounds us, take the time to be present with yourself. Feel the freshness of each breath you take and let go of any unwanted distractions. This will set our hearts on what truly matters and prepare us for the day ahead. After meditation, we nourish ourselves with a cup of warm herbal tea and a plate of freshly cut fruits. Our journey continues with yoga asana practice, guided by Alisha. The vibrant colors of Assisi surround you, inspiring a connection to the beauty of the world around us. After the practice, a delightful breakfast awaits, a feast for the senses that will leave you feeling not only satiated but also empowered to carry the essence of mindfulness throughout the day.

The day continues with a deep dive into the meaning of inner alignment. In this session, you'll learn from Alisha what it really means to re-center your mind, body, and soul towards positivity. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to seize, offering an opportunity to meditate on the meaning of joy and further explore the charming surroundings.

As the day comes to a close, a soothing yoga nidra session will guide you towards a state of deep relaxation, embedding the lessons of the day deep within your mind. Our evening meal is a celebration of culinary artistry, highlighting the joy of nourishment and the authenticity of Italian cuisine. To wrap up, we'll come together for a review of the day, reflecting on the transformative journey we've begun and how we can continue to infuse our lives with authenticity, empowerment, fulfillment, and the ever-present mindfulness and meditation that will ultimately bring more joy into our lives.

As a new day unfolds in the serene embrace of Assisi, we start our day's journey with quiet contemplation. Let the morning stillness envelop you as you explore the depths of your mind and seek out the path to spiritual alignment. As before, we wash away unwanted impediments to our well-being with a refreshing cup of herbal tea and a plate of fresh fruits. We continue our yoga asana practice. Feel the growth in your spiritual strength as your body seamlessly flows with each movement. Afterward, we share a delightful breakfast that nourishes your being, celebrating the flavors of Italy.

In the afternoon, we leave our haven for the town of Assisi to discover its spiritual roots. See for yourself the charms of the town and learn about the historical birthplace of St. Francis, the loving saint who founded the Franciscan order. As we listen to the stories of days past, we take inspiration from the soulfulness of Assisi on how we can center our lives on what truly matters. After the tour, you will have free time to continue your personal exploration of the enchanting landscape surrounding Le Case. Go for a walk, or take a dip in the pool and allow the calming waters to ease your soul.

As the sun slowly dips below the horizon, we gather for a guided meditation session, continuing our work to strengthen our connection with our mind and the wells of joy that lies within. Our evening together culminates in a sumptuous dinner. After the meal, we take stock of today's experiences, sharing candidly our reflections and journaling our insights. Insights are the profound realizations and discoveries that occur within us during our journey. It will offer us glimpses of our authentic selves and empower us to live a life of greater fulfillment and joy.

As we awake to the crisp morning air in Assisi, we start the day by stilling our minds and immersing ourselves in the wonders of the world around us during a walking meditation. Pay attention to each breath you draw. Feel how the texture of the ground beneath you changes with each step you take. Still your heart and mind during the trek. Upon return, we allow the healing flavors of a cup of herbal tea to soothe our souls. A plate of freshly cut fruits will nourish our bodies. Today, our usual yoga asana practice will be complemented by the practice of pranayama. Often, when things feel out of control, we can slow down and find peace with each inhale and exhale. The practice of pranayama will teach us how to focus and control our breath and regain control over our life energies. Using mindful movement and conscious breathing, we empower ourselves to draw strength from within our spiritual self. After our spiritual practice, we indulge in a delicious breakfast that will fill our stomach and soul.

In the afternoon, we learn about the ancient concept of Purusharthas. During the talk, Alisha will share about the four aims of human life that will light the path to a life of joy and contentment. After the talk, it is time to put the new knowledge into action. In your free time, seek out contentment and enjoy the peaceful haven at Le Case and its neighborhood. Just before dinner, we calm our minds and restore peace to our hearts in a relaxing yoga nidra session.

As night begins to fall, a soulful dinner prepared with the freshest ingredients will leave us satisfied and gratified. To end the day, we come together in a reflection session and continue taking note of the insights that help light our way to the good life.

When the genial rays of the sun nudge you awake, feel a glowing excitement for life as you wake up to the beautiful greenery of Assisi. As before, we begin the day by focusing on our inner selves in a silent meditation. Once the tone for the day has been set, enjoy a rejuvenating cup of herbal tea and a sweet plate of fruits. Our journey to focus our minds on the things that spark joy continues with yoga asana and pranayama practice. Consistency is the key to spiritual alignment and well-being. A delectable breakfast will provide the fuel we need to continue setting ourselves on the path to joy.

Brunch is followed by meditation session guided by Alisha, providing you with the opportunity to focus the positive. Discard the ills that are weighing you down and set your mind on the things that move you. A freshly prepared dinner will tantalize your taste buds, leading you towards gastronomical contentment.

After dinner, we appreciate the intricacies of Assisi, the place that has granted us the peace we need to get to know ourselves better. As the day draws to a close, we gather to reflect on our experiences of the day, continuing to note down our insights in our journals.

It is the penultimate day of our spiritual journey. Give yourselves a pat on the back for the effort you have put in so far. As the sun rises, we begin our day with a silent meditation session. By now, your minds will be clearer and it will be easier to focus on the joys that lie within us. Wash away all negativity with a cup of herbal tea and a plate of fruits. We tap into the positive energy of the universe and allow our bodies to flow with ease in a yoga asana and pranayama practice session. After working up an appetite, indulge in a hearty breakfast.

In the afternoon, Alisha will connect the dots from your journey so far with a talk. Learn how inner alignment, the mind, and insight come together in a synergy that will power you toward a life well lived. After the sharing session, allow your heart's desires to flow, and let the universe take care of you. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to explore the grounds of Le Case and Assisi. We gather again just before dinner to pause and relax in a yoga nidra session.

On our final night, we come together for a dinner feast, indulging in the flavors of Italy and appreciating each other's company. We talk openly and honestly about ourselves and what we've learned, trusting our companions with our most authentic selves. Sharing the notes in our insight journals, we pass on to each other the wisdom we have gained in the past week. The final night on our journey of transformation will be filled with sincerity and gratitude.

In our journey so far, we have been consistent in keeping to a routine that helps us align our spiritual well-being. As we awake on day seven, we know today will be different. Today is our last day in our spiritual haven in Assisi. Despite the bittersweet realization, we continue with a final morning of silent meditation, this time focusing on all that has been good in the past week — the view, the friends, and the fulfilling journey we had. We soothe our hearts and minds with a cup of herbal tea and fruits, their taste forever a reminder of what it truly means to be happy. We cement our strength to pursue the joys of life in a yoga asana and pranayama practice before savoring a final breakfast together.

For one last time, we gather on the beautiful grounds at Le Case, sharing with one another our concluding reflections. Give thanks, hugs, and much love to your newfound friends. With a heavy heart, we pack up and check out of our accommodation. A group transfer will usher us to the airport. As you return home, you will now be empowered to take control of the rhythm of life. Pause to smell the roses, focus on the depth of your breath, and seek fulfillment on your own terms. If you ever need help, Alisha and the friends you made in Assisi will just be a phone call away. Take care, and see you soon!