In the West, yoga is understood as a holistic practice combining physical postures (called asanas), breath control (called pranayama), and meditation (called dhyāna) to promote mind, body, spirit well-being. Originating in ancient India, over 5,000 years ago, yoga is rooted in the Indus-Sarasvati civilization and has evolved through various religious and philosophical traditions, particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and encompasses more than yoga poses, rather yoga is an entire system that spans diet, Vedic astrology and optimal timing (also called electional astrology), the Yamas (social observances) and Niyamas (ethical observances), and more. At Nectar Yoga Retreat, our 2-night Experience Packages include yoga classes in our stunning geodesic dome.

Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that induces deep relaxation and a state of conscious sleep, relaxing the sympathetic nervous system and enhancing the function of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest, digest, relax, restore).

A yoga retreat is an organized event where participants engage in yoga sessions, relaxation, and often other wellness activities in a tranquil setting. At Nectar, we invite guests to attend one of our yoga and meditation retreats, and any other healing retreat or wellness retreats. We also warmly welcome teachers, healers, and practitioners to apply as retreat hosts.

Meditation is a practice of focusing the mind, often through techniques such as introspection, breath awareness, body scanning and single-pointed concentration, to achieve mental clarity, emotional calm, self-awareness, and even improved sleep.

Brainwaves are patterns of electrical activity in the brain, measured in hertz (Hz), that correspond to different states of consciousness and mental activity.

Delta state is a deep sleep state associated with delta brainwaves, which are slow, high-amplitude brain waves typically occurring during restorative sleep. This research article by Science Daily shares that yoga nidra may benefit sleep and memory.

Theta state is a relaxed, meditative state associated with theta brainwaves, which are slower than alpha waves and occur during light sleep or deep relaxation, such as from sound healing (see below).

Breathwork refers to various breathing techniques designed to improve mental, emotional, and physical health by influencing the body's energy and stress levels. This article by Harvard Health shares how breathwork, be it known as diaphragmatic breathing, belly breathing, or paced respiration, which are widely practiced in yoga and Qi Gong, can evoke a measurable relaxation response.

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on balancing the body's energies through diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies to maintain health and prevent illness.

Doshas are the three fundamental bio-energies in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern physical and mental processes and determine individual constitution and health. We elaborate more on dosha in this article.

Sound healing is a therapeutic practice using sound frequencies, like those from crystal bowls or gongs, to promote healing and relaxation. A sound therapist is a practitioner who facilitates this process. In a sound healing article on Ekhart Yoga shares, 

“Specific frequencies are linked to specific patterns in numerology and geometry, and are said to have specific effects on the body and mind, such as:

• 174 Hz relieves pain and stress

• 285 Hz heals tissues and organs

• 396 Hz liberates the listener from fear and guilt

• 417 Hz facilitates change

• 528 Hz for transformation and DNA repair (known as the ‘miracle frequency’)

• 639 Hz reconnects relationships

• 741 Hz helps provide solutions and self-expression

• 852 Hz brings the listener back to a ‘spiritual order’

• 963 HZ encourages a sense of oneness and unity"

Crystal healing bowls are instruments made from quartz crystal, used in sound healing to produce tones and vibrations that promote physical and emotional healing. Attend a sound healing session at Nectar.

Energy healing is a holistic practice that involves channeling healing energy into a person to balance and harmonize the body's energy fields (sometimes called aura), promoting overall wellness.

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique in which practitioners use gentle hand movements to guide universal life energy into a person's body, promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. It aims to balance the body's energy flow and enhance overall well-being. Book a reiki healing session at Nectar.

Somatic healing involves therapies that focus on the connection between the mind and body to address physical and emotional trauma, often through body awareness and movement.

Somatic workouts are exercises that integrate body awareness, mindfulness, and movement to improve physical health and release emotional tension. Hatha Yoga is a somatic workout, with all-level yoga classes offered daily as part of our Nectar Experience Packages.

Forest bathing, traditionally known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice that involves immersing oneself in a forest environment to enhance mental and physical well-being through mindful engagement with nature. It encourages relaxation, reduced stress, and improved overall health by connecting deeply with the natural surroundings. At Nectar, guests have the opportunity to practice forest bathing during their stay. Read more about forest bathing.

Oracle cards are divination tools used for guidance and insight, featuring various themes and images that help users connect with their intuition and higher wisdom.

Tarot is a deck of 78 cards used for divination and insight, featuring symbolic images and archetypes to help users explore their subconscious and gain clarity on various life questions. We stock a large collection of Tarot (and Oracle) decks at Nectar Goods.

Natural or alternative medicine encompasses healing practices and therapies not typically part of conventional medicine, focusing on natural remedies and holistic approaches to health.

Manifestation is the practice of bringing desired outcomes into reality through focused intention, visualization, and positive thinking.

In a spiritual context, the Universe refers to a higher power or collective consciousness that connects all life, often seen as guiding and influencing individual experiences and destinies.

A journaling practice involves regularly writing down thoughts, experiences, and reflections to promote self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal development. We share some journaling tips, benefits, and journaling styles that you can try out on Nectar’s blog.

The concept of chakras originates from ancient India, specifically within the traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The earliest references to chakras are found in the Vedas, ancient sacred texts that date back over 3,000 years. Chakras are energy centers within the body, each corresponding to specific physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. The chakra system consists of seven main chakras aligned along the spine, from the base to the crown of the head, which help regulate various aspects of our well-being. Learn how to nourish your chakras on Nectar’s blog.

Within the yogic tradition, Agni refers to our internal biological fire that helps us digest, absorb, and assimilate food, experiences, and emotions. It also processes sensory impressions.

Kula, or kaula, is an esoteric yoga term that refers to a "family” or “group of people" engaged together in the practice of spiritual discipline or unified vision. Nectar Yoga Retreat’s beautiful facilities are ideal for corporate retreats, forest weddings, wellness retreats for your kula. Nestled in 20 acres of forested land on Bowen Island, our facilities features modern, Scandinavian-inspired cottages, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a geodesic yoga dome, and curated vegetarian menus from our partnered caterer. Let us help you transform your organization’s vision into reality.

Solstices and equinoxes are astronomical events that mark key points in Earth's orbit around the Sun. Solstices occur twice a year, around June 21 and December 21. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year with the most daylight, while the winter solstice is the shortest day of the year with the least daylight. Equinoxes also occur twice a year, around March 21 and September 23. During the spring (vernal) equinox and fall (autumnal) equinox, day and night are approximately equal in length. Join our solstice and equinox gatherings in our beautiful geodesic dome on Bowen Island.