My Wife Suja and I had often discussed visiting the Art of Living (AOL) International Center on Kanakapura Road, especially since our son attends the Sri Sri Ravishankar School in North Bangalore. However, we hadn’t found the right opportunity to go, even though Vijay had made several trips to the Ashram as part of school activities.
Suja’s birthday fell in December. While we went out for lunch to celebrate, we couldn’t plan an extended outing or trip as it coincided with Vijay’s preparation for his board exams. Like most schools, his teachers had placed a strong emphasis on pre-board preparation, and he was deeply immersed in his studies.
While Vijay was engrossed in his studies, Suja and I felt the need for a breather—Suja more so than me. I thought a retreat at the Art of Living (AOL) would make a meaningful and “experiential” gift post birthday/New Year. The idea struck me when I received a mailer from the Art of Living the weekend before her birthday, and we discussed it together. The mailer read:
“The Art of Living Happiness Program can help you rediscover your joy, cope with the stresses of everyday life and become a calmer, more confident you.”
The retreat seemed perfect—it offered Suja a well-deserved respite from the monotony of daily life while doubling as an experiential visit to the Ashram. Although intrigued, Suja agreed to sign up for the program with a touch of trepidation. After all, she hadn’t been on any solo overnight outings, except for occasional trips to visit her mother and sisters in Delhi.
Suja spent the next few days eagerly anticipating the break and meticulously planning the logistics for her outing. While packing her bags, she thoughtfully prepared a menu and an itinerary for me to manage the household—ensuring everything was in order for Vijay, my elderly mother who lives with us, and our energetic Beagle.
The residential program was scheduled for three days, from January 3rd to 5th, with participants required to check in at the Ashram by 9:30 PM on the night of January 2nd. That evening, Suja booked an Ola cab and arrived at the Ashram in plenty of time to settle in for the night.
The next evening, Suja called me and Vijay while waiting to go for dinner. She sounded ambivalent about the first day’s sessions. The initial morning had felt a bit underwhelming, especially after the buildup leading to the workshop. Adjusting to a new bed in an unfamiliar place, along with waking up early for yoga and meditation, added to her discomfort. However, she mentioned the eclectic group of co-participants—many had traveled from across India, and some even from other parts of the world.
During her call on the second day, Suja sounded much more upbeat. She shared how the slow start of the first day had given way to a more engaging pace as the program progressed. The group dynamics—forming, norming, and storming—had begun to settle, and the course structure, designed to gradually immerse participants into the program, started to resonate. By then, Suja had made a few friends and spoke enthusiastically about the serene environment: the sprawling campus, the safe and well-maintained grounds, and the ample space to walk around.
The program was scheduled to conclude early on the third day, as several international participants needed to travel back. I decided to drive down to pick Suja up.
The AOL Ashram campus, spanning 250 acres in South Bangalore, is immaculately maintained. I parked my car in the lot outside the campus and entered through the ‘fountain’ entrance. After calling Suja, she suggested I take a shuttle to Annapurna—the large food court, which also houses a small café. I reached there after lunch, met some of Suja’s new friends, and we enjoyed coffee at the Sri Sri Café just outside the campus.
Suja and I spent some time walking around the campus, admiring the beautifully landscaped grounds and various facilities. Finally, we packed up and began the drive back home, feeling refreshed and content.
Notes from Sujatha’s Reflections After Returning
- The program was structured for self-reflection, guided by experienced teachers or coaches who followed a pre-designed schedule.
- It is neither overtly religious nor heavily spiritual; the primary focus is to help participants step away from their daily routines and reflect on life and the “bigger picture.”
- Many participants joined the program with a specific agenda or a pressing issue they wanted to reflect on.
- While participants were encouraged to share their stories with one another, the teachers maintained their focus on imparting techniques. They skillfully deflected queries about individual personal issues, keeping the sessions aligned with the broader objectives of the program.
- The program offered participants tools like breathing techniques, kriya and meditation to seek “inner peace” and techniques for coping with life’s stressors, equipping them to return to their daily routines with a fresh perspective.
- Designed as a three-day retreat, the program facilitated a journey through the forming, norming, and storming phases of group dynamics, fostering camaraderie among participants.
- The AOL center provided food and accommodation, both included as part of the course “donation.”
