Govinda Valley: The Place That Keeps on Giving
Sometimes, we search for meaning in the busyness of our everyday lives, only to discover that the key to living fully is to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. For me, Govinda Valley became the space where I found that balance - where I was given the tools to live a fuller, more intentional life.
Four Months of Transformation
My four months in the Valley gave me all the foundations to live a full life; one I always felt lay dormant within me. I learnt how to:
Cook
Look after my body
Understand my mind
Make the bed properly!
Most importantly, it gave me a community of like-minded people who are some of my closest friends today. I used to always look forward to our shared meals together where we would discuss the insights from the morning class which could have been about yoga, breathwork, meditation, nutrition, astrology, philosophy, etc. It was a place where deep, meaningful conversations flowed naturally, and we all supported each other’s growth.
If Not Now, When?
Before I applied for the program, I asked myself this question: "If not now, when?" It was a daunting decision - one I had to reflect over constantly. It was a big risk to go from high-paid employee to temporary unpaid volunteer. But I felt and knew deeply within myself that whatever I could gain in four months of paid work, I have a lot more to become in four months of self and spiritual discovery.
In fact, if whatever I had to gain from my current lifestyle was so effective, how could I possibly feel that there must be more?
If the lifestyle I was living was truly 'mine' and I was the best me I could be, why did I feel there were unanswered questions and that there was more within me to explore, express, and uncover?
Looking back now, I know I got a whole lot more from introspecting, volunteering, questioning, serving, and meditating at Govinda Valley than what my day job could give me over a lifetime.
The Power of Commitment
Last thing I'll mention is you get out what you put in. If you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to go and live at GV, be all in. Commit to your practice and service to the community, and experience what living yoga in daily life is. You won't regret it and the person you emerge as certainly won't either.
From one seeker to another,
Luis
