The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net 

SOMETHING as simple as taking time out to focus on oneself can boost physical and emotional wellness. But so many people in today’s world are overwhelmed by the their hectic lives and as a result they rarely take the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that can make a positive impact on their body, mind and soul.

However, an upcoming wellness retreat by Studio Ohana wants to change all that by offering a healthy escape to Green Turtle, Abaco, from May 4 - May 7.  

The retreat will feature three daily yoga classes (all different types ranging from yin yoga to power yoga), vegan food and interactive vegan cooking lessons during lunch, as well as group coaching and discussions around topics that relate to everyday life. There is a long break each afternoon where participants can rest, relax, snorkel, or explore the island.

According to Alexis Bethel, owner and founder of Studio Ohana, the retreat is another way for the community-based studio to promote wellness through yoga and alternative forms of fitness. 

“The purpose of the retreat is to give people a time and space where they can focus fully on themselves and their well-being, away from distractions. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their yoga practice, explore eating an animal product-free diet, connect with like-minded individuals and have free time and space to self-reflect or just to enjoy the beautiful island and have fun,” she said. 

Alexis said she is aware that many people do not see the importance in taking a time-out from the day-to-day hustle and bustle and really focusing on their well-being, but hopes the retreat will help them see the value in doing so as often as they can. 

“The retreat is going to offer participants a time and space to really delve deeper into themselves. It’s for people who are craving a space to tune out distractions and just focus on themselves and their full well-being in order to re-centre, renew and show up more fully in their everyday lives,” she said.

“Each day will be centered around a theme that will tie together the yoga classes and group discussion. Daily themes include self-love/self-care, surrender versus control, and ahimsa (which means non-harming in Sanskrit).”

Vegan cooking demonstrations will also be part of the retreat so participants can learn how to cook easy, delicious vegan meals and take the recipes home with them.

“The retreat will be hugely beneficial. It’s an opportunity to shut off fully for three days, to explore a healthy animal-free diet, to deepen your yoga practice, to connect with like-minded people and foster relationships. Participants will come back feeling refreshed, more centered and more deeply connected to themselves,” she said.