Want to attend a yoga retreat without falling into the trap of being a clueless – or worse, offensive – tourist? Don’t worry, being a culturally sensitive yogi is easier than you think.
Yoga retreats really can be transformative, helping revitalise your body and mind in equal measure. But you’ll get the most benefits from approaching the practice of yoga with an open and, most importantly, culturally aware mind.
After all, yoga is more than a workout. It’s a centuries-old practice rooted in Indian philosophy, spirituality, and tradition. Ultimately, practicing yoga should never be about guilt or appropriation. It’s about respect, curiosity, and mindfulness.
Here’s how to be a culturally sensitive yogi and get the most out of your next yoga retreat.
1. Understand the roots of yoga
Yoga is not just a series of physical postures you ‘flow’ between. It’s a holistic system that originates from ancient India, with a history spanning thousands of years and a philosophy guided by texts like the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga traditions. That means that the practice encompasses different aspects, not just asana (postures), but breathwork, meditation, ethical principles (yamas and niyamas), and spiritual reflection. It’s also not just ‘one exercise’. Over its long history, it has evolved into an array of different styles, perhaps best highlighted by the contrast between the rather active ‘Vinyasa’ yoga and the meditative ‘Yin’ variety. Knowing a little about what ‘style’ you might want to focus on can help you feel a little less nervous about ‘getting it wrong’ when stepping onto the mat for the first time:
Vinyasa Yoga (Flow): Known for fluid, continuous movements that are deeply connected to your breath, making it excellent for cardiovascular health and building strength
Hatha Yoga: A beginner-friendly practice that combines slow poses with breathing exercises and meditation
Ashtanga Yoga: A structured, intense, and physically demanding practice that follows a specific, rigorous sequence of postures designed to build strength and stamina
Yin Yoga: A slow-paced, meditative style rooted in TCM and martial arts where poses are held for several minutes to deeply stretch and target connective tissues
Kundalini Yoga: a physical and spiritual practice that includes chanting, singing, meditation and poses
Equally, if you’ve only ever experienced yoga from a Western perspective, it’s important to take the time to understand how colonialism and commercialisation have shaped modern Western interpretations; an eye-opening process, especially if you are heading on a retreat to India, the traditional heartland of yoga. Whether that’s through doing your own research before you go or being prepared to ‘relearn’ what you think you know about yoga once there, it’s important to come with an open mind that’s ready to learn.
2. Recognise cultural appropriation versus appreciation
The line between cultural appropriation and appreciation can often feel a little thin for Westerners looking to engage with a practice as old and spiritual as yoga, so here’s the key difference to bear in mind. Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of a culture are taken out of context, commodified, or stripped of their original meaning. For example, wearing a bindi or chanting mantras randomly without understanding their significance is definitely a red flag. Appreciation, on the other hand, involves engaging thoughtfully, informedly and respectfully with a practice – and a retreat abroad can be a brilliant way to do that. Ultimately, asking questions – and doing your own research so you don’t put the weight of explanation constantly on others – is the best way to appreciate and learn about yoga. True appreciation comes from participating in classes, workshops, or retreats with a desire to learn, about both the flows themselves and the context behind them.
3. Learn some of the terms
The words used in yoga aren’t just descriptions of what you should be doing. They are Sanskrit – a primary sacred language of both Hinduism and Buddhism – and the words carry important intention and energy. Trying to use them correctly shows respect for their origins and helps you show engagement with the culture from which yoga emerged, even if you mainly practice it for the physical exercise. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher after class to explain any terms you didn’t understand. Here are a few to get you started:
Asana (ah-sana): the physical practice of yoga postures, derived from the Sanskrit word for seat
Pranayama (praa-nuh-yaa-muh): the regulation of the breath through certain techniques and exercises
Namaste (na-ma-stay): used as a respectful greeting or goodbye, meaning ‘I bow to you’. It’s a sign of respect and togetherness not just a ‘catchphrase’ at the end of your yoga classes
Surya Namaskar (soar-yah nah-mah-skar): the correct, original term for a ‘Sun Salutation’ – a popular and comprehensive yoga sequence of 12 powerful postures performed in a flowing, rhythmic sequence, typically in the morning
Vinyasa (vin-yah-sah): A flowing sequence of poses synchronised with the breath
Savasana (shah-vah-sah-nah): Corpse pose; the final resting pose at the end of class
Balasana (bah-lahsh-ah-nuh): aka the ‘Child’s pose’; a resting pose that stretches your body as you kneel, sit on your heels and fold forward to rest your forehead on the floor
4. Find the right teacher for you
Finding a teacher whose work is deeply rooted in an understanding of yoga’s traditions (whether through their heritage or specific training) can be a great way to make sure that you – and they – aren’t misrepresenting the practice. That’s not just beneficial for keeping you on the right side of cultural sensitivity; it will also help you maximise the benefits from your own yoga experience.
However, “I don’t agree that you have to only practice with teachers with Indian heritage,” says the author (and frequent yoga retreater) Mira Manek, who is British-born with Indian heritage. “Someone’s background does not make them ‘good’ or ‘not good,’ and I disagree with the idea that white teachers are all engaging in cultural appropriation.”
The more important thing is finding a teacher that you can relate to and who brings yoga to life in the way that most speaks to you. For example, if you want to lean into the spirituality of yoga, then finding a teacher whose work focuses on this aspect will get you the most benefits and ensure what you are told is actually accurate. However, if yoga is more of an exercise for you, that’s okay, and there are practitioners out there that can get you stretching and mentally de-stressing successfully. Just make sure you bear in mind that there is a broader cultural narrative behind yoga that shouldn’t be totally forgotten.
5. Choose your clothing depending on your environment
“What’s appropriate to wear while on a yoga retreat really depends on where you are,” advises Manek. “For example, are you in an ashram in India with an older, more traditional teacher? Then, it’s probably better to be dressed in a more traditional, modest way. Whereas, if you are on a retreat in Goa, the dress code is likely to be a little more relaxed, and outfits such as shorts would be absolutely fine. That said, I do think being aware of how you dress does matter as a whole in India (even for your own safety). Teachers might be used to a more Western wardrobe, and the country has changed over the past 10 to 20 years, but it pays to be sensitive to a country’s culture.” It works both ways, too. If you are a little torn on where to go for your yoga retreat, consider what you’d be most comfortable practicing in (and the type of environment you’d most like). That can guide you to finding the retreat that will work best for you and keep you engaging with yoga in a way that’s culturally sensitive.
6. Keep learning on and off the mat
Being culturally sensitive doesn’t stop when you roll up your yoga mat. Retreats can be a great opportunity to deepen not only your practice, but also your understanding of the place and community hosting you. Take time to learn about local culture, history, and traditions – whether that’s through learning a few words of the local language, supporting local artisans, trying regional food, or simply having open, respectful conversations with your teacher and the people who live there. Yoga itself teaches self-awareness, compassion, and humility – qualities that make for a great conscious traveller too.
7. But most of all… give it a try
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If the only thing that’s stopping you from travelling to a yoga retreat is concern about ‘doing it wrong’, let’s stop that feeling right now. The best way you can truly appreciate all that yoga has to offer is to actually try it for yourself.
“You don’t need to know everything about yoga’s spiritual roots to begin practicing it,” says Manek. One of the reasons to go on a retreat is to learn, after all. “Yoga is something you understand through experience first – through how it makes you feel. Over time, the practice itself has a way of both grounding and elevating. And it’s often that feeling – a sense of clarity or calm, or a connection within – that may plant the seed of curiosity into the roots of this deeply spiritual practice. That’s what makes it so powerful and why it is different from just exercise. Knowledge can unfold along the journey. Ultimately, not knowing doesn’t mean you’re appropriating the practice – as long as there is genuine respect for its tradition.”
FAQ: culturally sensitive yoga practice
Is it okay to practice yoga if I’m not Indian?
Yes! Most people would agree that yoga can be for everyone, but it should be approached with respect, regardless of whether you want to mainly benefit from it physically or mentally. Ultimately, that can be as simple as bringing some self-awareness to your practice, whether that’s studying a bit of its history, learning some terms or choosing a yoga retreat that aligns with the level of spirituality you are prepared for.
Can I say ‘Namaste’ casually?
‘Namaste’ isn’t a term that you should use with reckless abandon – it’s certainly not just a slogan for T-shirts or Instagram posts. It actually means ‘I bow to you’ and is used as a respectful greeting in both Hindu and Nepali cultures, as well as at the end of your yoga classes to signify gratitude and a sense of shared togetherness. For that reason you should always use it as a term of respect, not just some throwaway phrase.
What clothing should I wear to practice yoga?
Focus on comfort and respect, rather than adopting a ‘costume-like’ attire, which can quickly fall into cultural appropriation. In many retreat settings in India, modest clothing can be appreciated, so opt for clothing that keeps your shoulders and knees covered, and avoid wearing items like mala beads (which are designed for chanting or meditation) as pure decoration. The same goes for any ‘yoga’ slogans: keep these to a minimum, especially on tight pieces of clothing.
How can I deepen my understanding of yoga?
A great way to further educate yourself on yoga as a spiritual practice is to choose a yoga retreat that focuses on education, cultural context, and ethical engagement with local communities where appropriate. That way, ethical travel and physical and mental rejuvenation can go hand-in-hand. Avoid experiences that prioritise pretty aesthetics or social media content over authentic learning.
What are the best yoga retreats in India?
There are plenty of authentic options to choose from if you want to travel to the birthplace of yoga. At the Parmarth School of Yoga in Rishikesh – often called the yoga capital of the world – you can live in an ashram environment, learn from living masters and even become a certified yoga teacher. Or, for those seeking a luxury experience, Ananda in the Himalayas is widely regarded as one of the world’s most transformative wellness retreats, offering highly personalised programmes that combine yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and holistic therapies: Oprah Winfrey famously described her stay as “more like a pilgrimage than a visit.”
Becki Murray is Citizen Femme’s Beauty and Wellness Director. As one of the only UK journalists to hold a Distinction-grade diploma in cosmetic science, she combines her unique knowledge with an editor’s eye to help you make smarter choices about beauty, wellbeing, and aesthetics. Becki also heads up CF’s spa guide so you could say she’s an expert in the science of relaxation too…
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