For my latest mini travel experience, I wanted to visit an ashram—even though I wasn’t sure what an ashram was. I figured it was some sort of yoga retreat, and the name of the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp pretty much solidified that impression. My main man briefly browsed the website, and we reserved a room with two single beds, an armoire and a private bathroom for $100 per night per person. We were on the road that Saturday, heading toward the Laurentians. After a two-hour drive from Ottawa, we checked in around 3pm.
Photo by Hollie Grace James.
Vishnudevananda Saraswati, a peace activist sent from India to spread the teachings of yoga and Vedanta, founded the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Camp in 1962, and the camp upholds its Indian roots. This isn’t simply a yoga retreat, with a rainbow of classes to choose from and a flexible schedule. It’s more of a spiritual experience, incorporating yoga in its very traditional sense, before widespread Western influence. That being said, it does welcome beginners like me (my yoga practice has always been sporadic, at best).
When we arrived, we headed to the reception area in the lodge, built from straw bales and other eco-friendly materials. An important FYI: no shoes are allowed indoors. We had some time to check out our very simple room and take a quick walk around the grounds before dinner at 6pm.
Photo by Hollie Grace James.
Online reviews had noted the meals were lacto-vegetarian, plentiful, nourishing and tasty. I don’t know if I can argue with the rest, but I respectfully have to disagree with “tasty,” although Jeff thought they were fine. I managed to scarf dinner down, at least, and then silently said a little prayer of thanks when the Health Hut opened. It sells fruit, juices, snacks and, most essential to me, smoothies and pistachio ice cream.
Wrapping up our first night, we participated in the evening Satsang: meditation, chanting and a bit of a lecture. It was held in the Krishna Temple, whose traditional Indian architecture is designed to foster harmony with nature. Although I’m a cynic, I did feel a sense of peace simply sitting there, chanting and listening.
5:30am Wakey wakey!
A dawn start might be a hard pill to swallow for those of us who don’t normally rise at this time, but the early morning hours are very conducive to meditation, as the mind is refreshed and calm after a night of sleep and not yet engaged in daily activities. Again, the Satsang consisted of half an hour of silent meditation. However, on this morning, we were not sitting still but silently walking. Uphill. And I was carrying a two-pound meditation cushion. It was, for me, a little more cardio and a little less meditative. We finally came upon a huge rock in the middle of the forest, where everyone listened to kirtan chanting, and a short talk on the philosophy and psychology of yoga.
8am First yoga class of the day
Held outdoors, this beginner yoga class consisted of a short relaxation, breathing exercises, the sun salutation (which, for me, was the most strenuous aspect), 12 basic postures and a final guided relaxation. Many people believe the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises) harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit, relieves tension, and stimulates blood circulation and the proper functioning of internal organs.
10am Brunch…or something like it
I didn’t even bother with the food this time around. I waited for that lovely Health Hut to open its doors for a delicious and nutritious smoothie. Heavenly.
10:45am Karma yoga
Photo supplied by Hollie Grace James.
Karma yoga involves selfless service. The guests are welcome to join the staff for an hour or so in the upkeep of the ashram. For us, this meant another trek uphill to another temple, where we cleaned up the aftermath of a celebration by taking down decorations, sweeping up confetti and doing whatever else we could to help out. We were rewarded with a banana and a lesson: the importance of performing duties so the whole can function properly.
12pm Optional activities—for us, sleep
2pm Second yoga class
This was generally a replica of the first class, although taught by someone different, so there was subtle variation.
6pm Confessions
I have to confess: we snuck out of the ashram and right into a pub. We drank coffee and beer and Diet Coke, and ate hamburgers and hot dogs and poutine.
8pm Sunday prayer
This was by far my favourite part of the weekend. I connected with the chanting, and was moved and inspired by the collective harmonizing.
10pm Lights out and SILENCE
We visited the ashram to have a mini travel experience—and that’s exactly what it was. We took the time to live in a way we wouldn’t normally. We glimpsed what it would be like to study at an ashram. Maybe one day, I’ll find out more.