To Retreat, Simply Surrender!

There was a period in the history of mankind, when absolute power and the authority to reign were determined on battlefields. The defeated either beat a retreat, or surrendered to their new leader.

We have come a long way since. The battles and strife for existence are less visible in the open field, but more in the conscious ground of our inner being. Urbanization, technology, education and New Age awareness has created limitless opportunities and choices, the liberty and resources to actualize our dreams and potential. Achievement and material affluence are the new leaders, making us give up peace and simplicity at every corner. The urban battle cry to be one up on thy neighbor keeps our body and mind in relentless action.

The question is- how long will you last in this unabated battle, if you don’t yield every once in a while to recharge your energy and get a perspective? Not very long, I am afraid. Stress and fatigue will catch up sooner than later, and leave you drained of vitality and life force in the prime of your life. This means the onset of ailments and sickness.

Since life and its eco-system has this miraculous mechanism to achieve balance, we see a surge today in holistic healthcare practitioners, spas and urban retreats, all of which aim to heal and rejuvenate the mind and body depleted by the tribulations of modern life. However, from my experience, a 2-hour aromatherapy massage or a 40 minute Yoga session rarely achieves that kind of all-pervading calmness, rejuvenation and surge of energy that we city folks are yearning for. So many of us seek a perspective that will add meaning to our lives, and veer its direction towards fulfillment. However, most of us simply seek practical knowledge, tools and resources to de-stress and energize our being at the end of the day.

Here is where I would like to introduce you to the endeavors of a few selfless souls in our community, who have found their calling in alleviating the pain of others. They have professionally taken upon themselves to help elevate the health and wellbeing of their fellow-beings. Through their workshops and retreats, the urban man and woman can launch themselves rather effortlessly into the energizing realm of holistic health, in a relatively short time.

Retreats, or guided getaways into the lap of Nature, are indeed the future of the health tourism industry. A vacation which not only promises green relaxation, healthy food and spa pampering, but allows you to participate in workshops and activities which will reveal to you the higher secrets of optimal health, beauty and longevity, is definitely a winner. Moreover, not only would you leave revitalized, but the tips, tools and practical knowledge you gain here can be applied in your daily life with your family, rendering such experiences truly invaluable.

REVA : Rejuvenating Emotionally and Vitally with Awareness

             The brainchild of Shalini Yamdigini, an Advanced EFT Practitioner, and Dimple Arora, an Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner, REVA was conceptualized in 2010. After years of facilitating the health of hundreds of individual lives in their private clinical practices, these service-oriented practitioners desired to take their practice to the next level – that of empowering groups. And so, REVA was made manifest.

REVA, which also stands for renewed strength in Latin, would give individuals a rare chance to be in a refreshing green environment, away from the urban jungle and stress. They would get to learn and acquire real, practical holistic tools for healing and balance. Every individual would get personalized attention, with a complete opportunity to heal and come into balance under the guidance of three holistic practitioners using three powerful holistic modalities as follows:

Shalini Yamdagini is a certified EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner. Her clients call her a gifted healer. By using EFT, Shalini healed herself of an illness which had confined her to bedrest. Shalini has used EFT to help hundreds of clients move past their physical and emotional challenges to experience immediate relief, peace and clarity.

Dimple Arora (Duangthip) is an author, a Diet and Nutrition Advisor (SAC Dip London) and an Advanced Ayurvedic Practitioner (IAA, Pune, India). By blending the best of timeless Eastern herbal wisdom and cutting edge Western nutrition science, Dimple has successfully helped many clients, including children, overcome metabolic, hormonal and chronic disorders such as allergies, cholesterol, blood pressure, asthma, obesity, acidity, amongst other ailments.

KP Pantomanoo, a master of Insight Meditation from Chiangmai, combines neuroscience ( scientific study of nervous system) and spirituality (mindfulness training which gives rise to insights and wisdom), to present a complete picture of the consciousness.

The first REVA Retreat was held in Khao Yai in March 2010. The participants were pleasantly amazed at the shift in perspectives and energy levels, before and after the retreat. REVA is unique in that it addresses and allows you to work on all three levels of health at the same time– physical (holistic nutrition), emotional (EFT techniques) and spiritual (insight meditation). The 3 day 2 nights REVA program includes open seaside Yoga and herbal teas early morning, 5-6 workshops well spaced out over a 3 day period, with ample time for relaxation and personal activities, healthy organic food, and spa treatments.

Reasonably priced, the REVA package addresses the health needs of the modern urban denizen, whether corporate or individuals. Ongoing support from the practitioners even after the retreat is another distinguishing feature of REVA.

One REVA participant from last year’s retreat commented, “Life has changed for me since REVA. My allergies are gone, my relationships are back on track, I feel like a new person. Thank you REVA, for taking such good care of me!” – Virginie Simone, French Entrepreneur and Jewelery Designer.

REVA has now tied up with SIX SENSES RESORT in HUA HIN for their future retreats. Six Senses Hideaway in Hua Hin is the perfect launch pad into the holistic, sustainable way of life, with its lush green surroundings and concept of SLOW LIFE – Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wholesome. Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experiences.