Date : 17 Nov 2024

The serene Chinmaya Vibhooti, nestled in the picturesque Sahyadri range near Pune, recently hosted a Mindfulness and Meditation Retreat from 15 to 17 November 2024, welcoming over 65 seekers to pause their daily hustle and embrace a journey of mindfulness and self-discovery.

This retreat brought together a harmonious blend of Vedantic wisdom, neuroscience insights and Yoga practices expertly guided by Swami Swatmananda (Chinmaya Mission Mumbai), Dr. Sunitha Shanker (psychologist), and Smt. Anju Taparia (Yoga instructor and wellness coach).

Swami Swatmananda seamlessly integrated spiritual wisdom from the Gita and Swami Chinmayananda’s teachings with modern mindfulness practices. Dr. Sunitha complemented this with a scientific perspective on how the brain functions and offered practical tips to alter thinking patterns. Anju Taparia’s Yoga sessions provided participants an opportunity to connect mind and body, while the Yoga Nidra sessions at the end of each day offered a deeply restorative experience.

The sessions were not just theoretical and participants were guided first hand through meditation sessions. Participants also engaged in various activities to anchor themselves to the present moment, taking home practical tools in mindfulness to integrate into daily life.

The retreat featured powerful immersive sessions that participants described as life-changing and transformative, enabling them to attempt to let go of lingering regrets and ease future anxieties, paving the way for spiritual growth.

In addition to the sessions, participants enjoyed contemplative moments at unique spaces within Chinmaya Vibhooti, such as the Swanubhooti Vatika, which provided a tranquil environment to connect deeply with oneself.

By the end of the retreat, participants carried with them a peaceful energy, deeply inspired and equipped with renewed clarity to sustain mindfulness in their personal and professional lives.