Practising yoga and meditation is a key part of keeping physically fit in the Ayurveda tradition. But an everyday exercise that requires even less preparation and planning – walking – can also go a long way towards improving our health and wellbeing. So here’s our Ayurveda tip.

It seems like stating the obvious – and it is! And yet it may well be a blasé attitude towards the most straightforward form of exercise that means we don’t make the most of walking and the benefits it can have.

Why walk?

Walking is a big part of a wholesome, ayurvedic lifestyle. Let us walk you (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves) through why we’ve picked this as our current Ayurveda tip:

• Walking is singled out as a way to gently achieve balance in the three doshas, or human biological energies: vata, pitta and kapha.
• It’s proven to reduce the risk of heart disease – as well as stroke, diabetes, and many others.
• Taking time to walk is taking time to reflect. It encourages mindfulness and helps us become more focused.
• Walking reduces stress and improves your mood – something that is so easy to forget when we’re in the thick of it and can’t be physically removed from our desk chair.

And let’s not forget that walking doesn’t involve any special kitting out. Plus, it’s completely free!

But walking is a luxury – I’m too busy

The vast distances we have to cover every day, and the need to get to places quickly or at short notice, mean that we often choose an alternative to walking.

We become more and more reliant on public transport and our cars. Even when walking is an option, it might not be the first one we think of.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Taking a moment to slow down and reintroduce walking into your day can make a world of difference.

You could choose to really delve into it and match your walking routine to your body type in Ayurveda terms.

And here are some other quick tips on rekindling the connection with your own feet. See which ones are the most practical for you:

• Walk to the shops, instead of driving.
• At lunch time, go for a walk with a colleague instead of staying at your desk
• Use the stairs, not the lift
• Make it a family thing – weekly walks through the woods or in the neighbourhood.
• Escape on a walking holiday and bring back inspiration for change in your everyday routine.

So take a hike, walk the walk, or choose any other idiom you like. But whatever you do, don’t walk away from walking.

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Do you sometimes long for silence amidst the hubbub of our busy lives?

Previously we wrote about the rise of digital detox retreats. What’s also becoming popular is Vipassana meditation retreats also known as silent retreats, where, essentially, you don’t utter a single word for as long as you’re there. The days are filled with meditation, short breaks for meals and rest, a brisk walk – all in complete silence. Interaction with anybody else is prohibited.

Vipassana means ‘seeing things as they really are’ and is one of India’s most ancient techniques. These silent retreats are designed to help you focus on the connection between mind and body through self-observation, resulting in a balanced mind.

Overall the effect of being surrounded by silence can initially stir thoughts and over-thinking, but soon comes inner peace. We have an overload of information and too many distractions in our lives that we easily feel out of touch with ourselves. Silence can bring you back ‘home’.

Are silent retreats right for you?

While silent retreats are successful experiences for some, they are not necessarily the right thing for everyone. Sitting still in the lotus position may not be the best option for some to start with, and not for several days without speaking a word.

There are different ways to find silence that gradually help you find it easier to sit or move in silence for longer, e.g. from the meditation part of yoga classes like hatha yoga and Kundalini yoga, pranayama breathing practices, or tai chi and qi gong that is practiced in silence, or taking part in silent walks. Ironically, chanting meditations (making your own sound) can assist with finding inner silence.

If you’re looking for silence, you can simply go to a place that is off the beaten track or somewhere that is a technology-free zone. You might be surprised how much peace you find without a phone in your hand.

What retreat may be right for you?

Neal’s Yard Holidays offers a range of off-the-beaten track holidays and retreats with partial silent activities.

This hidden gem in south Wales is surrounded by natural beauty. Beaches, cliffs and historical sites are all around which provides ample opportunity to ditch your phone and get some much need peace and quiet. Yoga, Ayurveda and juice-dieting are available to help you unwind.

For more ways to clear your mind and enjoy some peace and quiet, take a look at our other retreats here.

The post Do you look for silence on retreat? appeared first on Neals Yard Holidays Blog.