A Journey of Self-Discovery: Interview with the Visionaries Behind Rechaka Retreats
Rechaka Retreats is a sanctuary for those seeking holistic wellness, offering transformative experiences through yoga, breathwork, and inner healing. The retreats held in Costa Rica, Arizona, and California provide a space for individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and rejuvenation. We spoke with the founders, Shalane and MaKenzie, to offer a glimpse of what awaits you during one of their retreats.
9 Q&A’s from the Rechaka Retreats founders
What inspired the creation of Rechaka Retreats?
We met teaching yoga together and really wanted to create more transformative experiences that go beyond the studio and take people to magical locations. We’ve always loved to travel, so this combined all our favorite talents and values into one business.
How did the company get its name? What does “Rechaka” mean?
When we were thinking about what to name the business we gravitated towards Sanskrit words since that’s the traditional language that is used in yoga and we were thinking “How do we want people to feel?”, “What are words that people would use to describe our healing yoga retreats?”. Rechaka means exhale in Sanskrit and we thought that couldn't be more perfect. We want everyone to feel as though they had a full body exhale, that incredible sensation that’s both refreshing and relaxing.
What does a typical retreat with Rechaka look like? What are the main activities, or do they differ depending on the location?
All of our retreats are unique, with different activities and themes based around different kinds of transformation that we would be focusing on for that particular one, but every retreat has a daily yoga and meditation practice. We always try to incorporate activities that are unique to the location so you’re getting a more immersive experience of the region as well. We often offer sound healing and breathwork as some of our favorite activities that give incredible experiences for all of our participants.
What are the primary goals or outcomes that participants can expect to achieve from attending a retreat at Rechaka Retreats?
Something that we are firm believers in is creating an intention the first night when we are together, as it really sets the tone for the entire retreat. Our aim is always for each person to feel like they have come home to themselves or even know themselves and who they are more than when they arrive — and so far we’ve hit that mark every time!
Feeling connected to a community is a common reason why individuals go on retreats. How does Rechaka create a community within its retreat containers?
We often say that connections are the deepest forms of currency, so activities that promote connections with one another are always focal points for every retreat. We often create opportunities within our activities for people to feel safe to open up, as well as activities that are playful. As leaders, we’ve been taught that in order for people to feel alive, and to set their souls on fire, they have to feel like you as the leader are willing to go there and be vulnerable. With this in mind we also participate, share stories and how we as leaders are also trying to grow. We believe that you need to be able to lead by example.
How do you handle situations when participants have different levels of experience or physical capabilities in the programs?
We have had all levels of experience, some have even never done yoga before our retreats and some are yoga teachers themselves. Something we pride ourselves in is being a company that appeals to all walks of life and abilities. In class, we are always encouraging them to trust their bodies and always take modifications when necessary, even if that means resting that day.
How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your retreat programs and make improvements?
We actually use a feedback process that involves not only the participants but each other as business partners as well. You are always receiving feedback from everything in your life, you're deciding whether you like things or don't, whether they are pleasant or not, or even why this might not work for you but could be great for someone else. We always ask the participants post-retreat about their experience, their favorite and not-so-favorite parts, and anything that they might do differently. We do the same as business partners, what we observe, what we had conversations with the participants about, how the food was, and what was the venue life. All of these factors are considered and then we make changes according to what was said.
There are so many healing retreats nowadays that it can almost be overwhelming. What makes Rechaka Retreats different from other wellness retreats?
Something that is unique about Rechaka Retreats is that from the moment you purchase your spot, we believe that you are already with us. We never want you to feel like the first time you’re connecting with us or the others from the retreat is day one. We want you to feel like your retreat starts from the moment you hit “purchase” and so you’re nurtured with emails, a packing list, and even a Spotify playlist to get you ready.
We also start group threads and encourage everyone to schedule activities with some of their new friends during their downtime. Something that we also pride ourselves in is the ability to bring down the emotional walls that most of us are holding up and create a space of expansion. This is not just your “morning yoga and then we don’t see you all day” kind of retreat. Our retreats truly are an “experience” from purchase until even sometimes weeks after. Some of our groups still get together and do dinner, true connections are made on our retreats.
How does someone know if Rechaka Retreats is right for them?
A Rechaka Retreat is perfect for anyone who desires a fast track to friendship and who is ready to go from saying “I want to make a change” to taking action. You know it’s right for you if you’ve felt like you’ve been floating through life but want more clarity. A Rechaka Retreat is for you if you’re ready to feel more like who you really are than ever before. This is right for you if you want a life refresh. A Rechaka Retreat is for anyone who wants to feel lighter, brighter, and have more vitality.
Wrapping up
If you feel the call to embark on a wellness journey that focuses on yoga, breathwork, and inner healing, Rechaka Retreats warmly encourages you to explore their website. There, you can discover the array of upcoming retreats and check for availability.