Entrepreneur and content creator Gauravv Saxena recently attended a yoga retreat at Govardhan Eco Village, Palghar, and had a wonderful experience. He says, “Attending the recent yoga retreat was a transformative experience, one that really allowed me to pause, reset, and reconnect with myself amidst the hustle and bustle of my current life in Mumbai. The retreat was led by Jenil Dholakia, and I say this with absolute sincerity: she is truly the best yoga teacher in the country. Her ability to translate the deep, timeless teachings of yoga into a language that feels relevant, accessible, and deeply personal is a beautiful gift. She doesn’t just teach poses; she facilitates an environment where you are encouraged to meet yourself exactly where you are.”
He adds, “My decision to join this particular retreat was driven by a need to balance the intensity of my corporate leadership responsibilities with my personal journey of well-being. Having transitioned from Uganda to Mumbai, I felt it was essential to find a space that emphasized mindful living rather than just physical exercise. I wanted to learn from someone who views yoga as a way of life, and Jenil’s holistic approach to body, breath, and mind was exactly what I was looking for.”
Along with Gauravv, actors like Rashami Desai and Claudia Ciesla also attended the workshop. “It was fascinating to share this space with a diverse group of people, including actors like Rashami Desai and Claudia. What was refreshing was that, on the mat, everyone was simply a student. We were all there to strip away the external labels and focus on our own internal growth. Sharing the experience with such talented individuals added a lovely dimension of camaraderie. We were all united by the common goal of self-discovery and wellness.”
On sharing his takeaway from the retreat, Gauravv says, “The biggest takeaway for me is the realization that the ‘work’ doesn’t end when the class does. Yoga is as much about what happens off the mat as what happens on it. I’ve learned to carry the stillness and the mindful breathing I practiced during our sessions into my daily professional and personal life. It has reinforced that strength isn’t just physical; it’s the patience, focus, and compassion I bring to my relationships and my work. Yoga has become a grounding force in my personality. It has provided me with the tools to manage stress more effectively, allowing me to maintain a balanced perspective even when things get overwhelming. It has made me more patient in my leadership style and more mindful in my creative work. Integrating this practice has fundamentally shifted how I show up in the world. I find myself more present, more intentional, and significantly more resilient.”
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