The Holistic Network Blog

Jayne Ralph experiences the divine delights of a yoga retreat in Crete

Taking a week out of your hectic life and skipping off to Crete might seem like a lovely break, but if it’s for an intensive Astanga yoga course it can seem rather daunting!

Although I’d taken odd classes in Hatha, Kundalini and Bikram I hadn’t yet braved what is apparently considered the most challenging form of yoga.

When I arrived early on a hot Saturday morning at the Triopetra retreat, a team of friendly staff met me with big smiles and breakfast. My soul heaved a sigh of relief. Run by George Cassimatis, the centre offers courses all year round, even over New Year. It’s set high on a cliff with stunning views of rolling hills, deserted sandy beaches and three rocks standing in the sea, from which Triopetra derived its name.

It felt like I’d arrived in heaven. Blissfully I had a day to rest and meet the rest of the students – a friendly, healthylooking bunch from across Europe.

On the first night after a candle-lit supper we walked down the beach for a moonlight meditation. This powerful initiation helped create a connection with the other students as well as our new surroundings.

After walking back up the cliff in silence we set our alarm clocks and had an early night, as yoga began at 8am.

Our teacher was Bettina Anner from Munich, who was full of smiles, yet firm enough to encourage me not to give up easily. I found the two-hour class a challenge and a painful reminder of just how unfit I was.

There was a lot to remember including how to breathe and how to hold ourselves internally. After the class I felt great (albeit a little sore!).

Astanga is a formation of fast-flowing yoga moves, always performed in the same order. As beginners we stopped when we reached the position we were unable to do properly and then skipped to the finishing sequence.

This means when you feel like you’re going to die you always have other positions to complete. Bettina was forever reminding us that yoga is fun, but sometimes I have to admit I wasn’t so sure.

By the end of the week I’d vastly improved my yoga practice and even started to enjoy it. I’d also lost some weight, gained a tan and made some new friends. My success may not have come easy, but I felt that submerging myself in the Astanga lifestyle was the best way to learn and improve, even for a complete Astanga virgin.

Triopetra yoga retreats are available all year round. See www.astanga.gr for more details