Ground Yourself

We have both loved the gym and sports since high school, and healthy eating came naturally with that. We discovered yoga in college and immediately felt passionate about it because of its holistic approach to wellness. Breath, meditation, movement and consistency are all essential components of yoga. The introspective, liberating, and deeply physical aspects were particularly appealing, along with the sense of community and self-discovery.

All elements of yoga are important. For example, while practising yoga sequences, you definitely need the breath to do it. However, you can practise Pranayama (breathing exercises) without yoga postures. Similarly, practising meditation before or after movement and Pranayama enhances all three practices, but meditation can also be done independently. So you don’t have to master everything in one session, but one element will always feed into the other eventually.

Keep your routine simple and consistent. Think of it as a daily connection to yourself — a way of checking in, noticing, and adjusting. Daily meditation — even just five to seven minutes — can be incredibly beneficial. The practice can be as long or as short as you have time for; sometimes you may have an hour, and other times just 10 minutes. Completing 10 slow sun salutations (a twelve-posture sequence of flowing movements), while linking breath and movement, can also help centre you. Then you can build your practice with standing postures, stretching poses, balancing poses or abdominal exercises — whatever suits you best. Whenever you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, it’s really helpful to focus on your breath: inhale for a count of five and exhale for a count of six.

Gratitude is an important aspect of mindfulness. Taking a moment to be grateful for your meal and your health creates a pause before eating, allowing you to reflect on how much you truly want to eat. Another method is to use a mantra to centre yourself.

There are two main misconceptions about being healthy. The first is that it is easy or comes naturally to us; the second is that it is boring. Wellness involves daily choices, such as movement, moderation, meditation, communication and gratitude. It can be challenging and often feels unnatural or difficult. But making the effort is essential. Wellness is certainly not boring; when we feel well, we experience life more fully and vibrantly.

Over thousands of years, teachers have developed their own styles of yoga. As a beginner, it might be helpful to explore a few different styles to see what resonates most with you. Take it at your own pace. Listen carefully to what the teacher is saying and move into the postures as your body allows. This will help you build a strong mind-body connection. If you focus solely on keeping up with others, you miss the chance to connect with yourself and notice what feels good in your body. Joining an online subscription service can give you confidence, because you can learn in the privacy of your own home. Our Curry Yoga subscription gives you access to two live sessions with us each week, as well as a library of yoga classes.

Take full advantage of all the incredible amenities and services they offer, from wellness treatments to an afternoon’s truffle hunting. These experiences are designed to enhance your retreat and support your healing and transformation. Make sure you fully indulge in massages, acupuncture, healthy meals, meditation classes, walks, and conversations with retreat leaders and other participants.

‘Ground Yourself’ offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We’ll be hosting daily yoga and meditation sessions, breathwork and mindfulness activities, all guided to suit any level of experience. Alongside that, you’ll have nourishing meals made using fresh, local ingredients, as well as restorative wellness treatments. It’s a perfect chance to step away from everyday stresses, focus on self-care, and return to everyday life feeling balanced and refreshed.