For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a swimmer, dedicating 20 hours a week to training with my college team, pushing my body to new limits every day. My journey into swimming began when my parents needed an outlet for their high-energy little girl.
If you were to ask my friends about me trying yoga, they’d probably burst into laughter. I’m not the type to attend a class weekly; if I’m lucky, I make it once a month. Some days, I can touch my toes effortlessly, while on others, it’s a bit of a stretch—pun intended.
When my mom called me in January of my freshman year of college and suggested a yoga retreat to Guatemala, I initially reminded her that I’m a swimmer, not a yogi. However, with her reassurance that it catered to all levels, I jumped at the opportunity.
Describing my trip to Guatemala as the most beautiful and soul-touching experience would be an understatement. Despite being the youngest at just 19 years old, the retreat comprised women ranging from their mid-20s to their mid-60s. The camaraderie among these strong and authentic women was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
In swimming, everything is a competition, even against teammates. Yoga, on the other hand, is a practice, not a competition. As someone accustomed to wondering how others perceive me, on the yoga mat, my focus shifted solely to myself and how my body felt. Finding peace in every movement, understanding that some days I could touch my toes and others I couldn’t, was liberating. When I chose to skip a yoga session one morning of the retreat, and I wondered if I would be judged, the women around me applauded, emphasizing the importance of listening to my body. Yoga, regardless of your lifestyle, offers a break from everything.
The most significant aspect of my time in Guatemala was the opportunity to bond with my mom while on a yoga retreat. This year, as my friends plan their spring breaks, I proudly announce my plans to attend a yoga retreat in Panama with my mom—she’s even leading it! These experiences are truly once-in-a-lifetime.
I encourage everyone to embark on a retreat, whether in Panama, or Italy or a small nearby retreat for a day. Whether you travel solo, or with a friend or family member, take the time to reconnect with yourself and forge meaningful connections with a diverse group of people.
Caroline McKay started practicing yoga with Katie Schroeder in her tween and teen classes at Treetop. Her favorite classes on the schedule at Treetop are Flow and Restore or Relax and Restore. She currently is a sophomore at Assumption University where she is a political science major and is captain of the swim team.
Retreat to Panama; March 3-9, 2024
Retreat to italy: June 23-29, 2024
Coming Soon: Day Retreat at Treetop