The Art of Relaxation
A deep breath. Hands, palms facing up, gently resting on the knees while sitting cross-legged. Exhale. Thoughts are passing the inner eye like clouds. Breathe in. The breath is expanding the back, filling up the entire body. Exhale. Sit bones sink into the yoga mat for more grounding. Stillness. This is roughly how Franziska Driendl from 'Yogaglück' in Füssen starts her sessions.
"How you start the class is just as important as the relaxation at the end", says the 32-year-old. "It helps to turn the senses back inside, to feel oneself and to completely block out the outside world." She has been offering yoga retreats at Das Rübezahl hotel for a year now. About eight of them throughout the year. Two yoga classes are scheduled per day. While the participants start the day with a Vinyasa Yoga class, Franziska brings the days to a close very gently.
Vinyasa Yoga is all about doing the yoga poses – so-called asanas – in sync with the breath. As a result, each participant develops their own individual rhythm, the movements flow into each other. "In the morning I like to choose dynamic, strengthening exercises in order to kick-start the day", Franziska says. "In the evening I incorporate a lot of elements from Yin Yoga. This is a very calm, almost passive form of yoga. Yin Yoga is mainly practiced in a seated or lying position. The idea is to relax into the asanas, let the breath flow and release subliminal tension in the organs and muscles. This style of yoga is also said to lead to deep self-awareness and inner peace. In addition to the daily yoga practice, the retreats focus on nutrition and outdoor exercise. After all, yoga is not just a sport, but also a way of life. Thus, the package price always includes a menu. From detox smoothies to vegetarian and vegan food, one thing is always important: not too heavy and not too much – moderation is one of the essential guidelines for yogis. So far Franziska has held her yoga retreats in the yoga room or on the rooftop terrace. Since late 2018, Rohrkopfhütte mountain lodge has had new yoga platforms – four 16-square-meter wooden surfaces mounted on tree trunks and fixed to the mountain. "To me, this is something very unique", Franziska says and her blue eyes sparkle. "With the combination of nature and yoga two sources of energy come together".
The platforms can accommodate around 13 participants.
By the way: to join Franziska's yoga classes you do not have to be an experienced yogi. "I try to cater to everyone individually", she says. "We create a safe space. Everybody is moving within the scope of their own abilities." And that works well. The groups are a colourful mix – including complete beginners and yoga teachers. There is no need for anyone to be afraid of being judged during the 90-minute sessions. After all, it's about staying centred and letting go of the outside world...