Yoga aspirants from across South Africa gathered at the Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo for a weekend of yoga, meditation, reflection and connection.

Participants travelled from Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, while many members of the Chatsworth community were also among those who attended, bringing together people from different backgrounds and experiences in a shared spirit of learning, growth and friendship.

Guided by Duncan Rice and the Yogam Yoga teaching team – Allan, Jacqui, Marcelle and Dr Sarres – the retreat offered far more than an opportunity to deepen a yoga practice.

A member of Yogam Yoga, Dr Yavisha Ramnarain, said that the event became a reminder of what can happen when people step away from the noise of everyday life and create space to simply be.

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She explained, “Through yoga asana, meditation, mindful walking, discussion and silence, the weekend encouraged participants to slow down and turn inward. The practice of yoga and asana served as a reminder that strength, balance and inner peace are cultivated not only on the mat, but in everyday life. The peaceful surroundings of the retreat centre, combined with the kindness of the teachers, staff and fellow yogis, created an environment where learning felt effortless, and connection felt natural. One of the most meaningful teachings explored Patanjali’s concept of Raga, or attachment. Through reflection and discussion, participants were reminded that attachment is not limited to material possessions. People often cling to memories, identities, expectations and past experiences without realising how deeply these attachments shape their lives. A teaching from the Bhagavad Gita reinforced that freedom is not found in withdrawing from life, but in participating fully while letting go of attachment to outcomes.”

Dr Ramnarain added that the meditation sessions offered moments of stillness and self-discovery, providing a rare opportunity to experience a quieter mind and a deeper sense of inner peace.

“Shared meals, hikes, chai conversations and laughter created friendships that felt genuine and lasting. Existing connections deepened, new friendships blossomed and, somewhere along the way, a group of individuals became a tribe,” she added.

Yogam Yoga offers donation-based yoga classes in Chatsworth at Oceanview Primary School, 11 Rushly Street, Havenside, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

For more information, visit www.yogamyoga.com