Testimonials from our Himalayan Yoga Retreat 2018
I learned so much. About the Buddhism and all of the monastery’s we saw. About life in the monastery’s and about the different buddha’s, like the Buddha of Compassion, Avalokiteshevara. But also about life in Leh and the village, how people live, work and the importance of Buddhism in their daily life. I learned a lot about the use of mantra’s and the meaning of them. I will never forget OM MANI PADME HUM. I learned also a lot about myself. I really tuned in to myself again and refound the stillness and peace that was right there in my deepest self. I felt what yin and restorative yoga can do for my body and mind. I found the space to connect with myself through the meditations we did and I feel like I opened up so much. Now I can see much more clear again what life is about for me. It’s not about all the stuff, money or goals we need to reach, but it’s about love and compassion and taking care of ourselves, so that we can take care of others around us.
I took a lot of gifts with me from this retreat. All the things I learned and the inspiration I got to take with me in my own yoga and meditation practice. My interest in the Tibetan Buddhism and the mantra’s, which I can apply in my daily life. But also the contacts I made with the people of the retreat, the local people and you. The experience of being in such a special place, feeling so energized and opened again. I will never forget this journey in the holy mountains.
I loved every aspect of the retreat and that I’m so grateful for you, Veerle and Rene, to show me these great places and shared your knowledge about Buddhism, the people, yoga and meditation with me. I still feel so filled with all the things that I learned from you. The yoga classes of Veerle really opened my heart again. They made me look close to and inside myself again and brought me to my inner peace of silence and compassion. I felt so good during these days of two classes a day and the free time in the garden or the silent valley. I felt so much good positive energy that I didn’t feel before for a long time. I also loved the mantra’s we learned, especially the Om Mani Padme Hum, that I use now every day! The meditations and yin yoga classes of Rene really gave me the time and space to surrender to the moment. To really be in the moment with just the focus on the breath. Our morning session on the Shanti Stupa was a really nice experience! Such a special place to do a yoga and meditation session, you could really feel the energy of this special place. Also the morning prayers we attended at Thikse Monastery were so impressive to me. It was such a special experience to see and hear the monks doing their daily morning ritual. I could watch and listen all day. The contact I had with the local people was so nice! All the people I met were super gentle and happy people.
I was quite impressed by the beautiful Ladakh area, the nature was overwhelming, spiritual with the mountains and monasteries. What a lovely welcome in the hotel Togacheepa and village – a very comfy hotel and amazing yoga studio, nice staff, secret garden and great yoga studio. The energy, compassion and dedication of Veerle and Rene is touching, they make all the difference. Yoga classes from Veerle are high-level, practically but also spiritual and she has such a lovely (singing) voice. An experience to keep in my heart!