Learning from Injuries: A Path to Deeper Practice
Ubuntu Bali Retreat Center, located in the serene setting of Canggu, Bali, is more than just a yoga center. It is a place of personal transformation, where self-care, awareness, and mindfulness are at the core of its philosophy. In a profound interview, Andréa, the co-founder of Ubuntu Bali, shares her thoughts on injuries: it is a time for self-care and a deeper connection with oneself.
The Power of Self-Care in Yoga Practice
Yoga is not merely a physical exercise; it is a holistic practice that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. At Ubuntu Bali, the practice is centered around creating a space where self-care is prioritized. Andréa speaks passionately about this aspect, stating, “What I have learned with my injuries, is first of all, to be gentle with myself and not push myself, which I think in my earlier days I was not so gentle and I had more ambitions to keep practicing and pushing myself into poses that were more harming than anything. I believe that it is also connected to the ego, in my case for sure. I learned that being more gentle with myself as well as listening to my body. Some days I have more energy than others, especially as a woman, our hormones can go up and down”
This statement reflects the philosophy at Ubuntu Bali, where the practice of yoga is not about achieving perfection in poses but about cultivating a mindful relationship with one’s body. Our retreats encourages practitioners to embrace where they are in their journey, recognizing that each day is different and requires different levels of energy and focus.
Andréa further shares her insights on how injuries can serve as valuable lessons in one's yoga journey. Instead of viewing injuries as setbacks, she sees them as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. She elaborates, “I have gained so many insights from being injured that has taken me to the next level in the practice, a deeper level where I feel I am more connected and when it’s easy, it’s easy, then you just kind of flow through, but when you struggle with the practice, you have to sort of look at it and take the lessons from what comes up, it’s not just the physical lessons but also the mental lessons to go deeper”
At Ubuntu Bali, this philosophy is integrated into our approach to yoga. The Ashtanga Mysore yoga program, for example, is designed to accommodate the unique needs and abilities of each participant. This individualized approach ensures that every practitioner can modify their practice to suit their body’s current state, thereby preventing injuries and promoting healing.
Creating a Deeper Awareness Through Mindful Practice
The focus at Ubuntu Bali goes beyond physical benefits; it is about cultivating a deeper awareness of oneself and the world around us. We believe that the therapeutic practice of listening to our bodies can also teach us to develop a heightened awareness of those around us. By becoming more in tune with our own needs, we naturally become more empathetic and compassionate towards others. Ubuntu Bali is a space where yogis can deepen their practice, connect with nature, and engage in practices that enhance both their physical and emotional health.
Ubuntu Bali: A Sanctuary for Holistic Well-being
Ubuntu Bali is not just a yoga retreat center; it is a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to growth, healing, and transformation. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Canggu, the center provides a serene environment where guests can disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with themselves.
Andréa concludes in her interview, “if you are injured and you are struggling with the practice, what I would say is be patient and know that there are ways to modify the practice. Know that this is meant to heal us, not harm us, so listen to your body and don’t push yourself into something that hurts.”