Photo: Glimpses from the 2024 Integral Yoga European Reunion.
I set out on a journey to the 2024 Integral Yoga European Reunion held in Spain not knowing what to expect. It’s been more than six years now of serving as director of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) at Yogaville, and during that time, I’ve gotten to know so many people within the Integral Yoga global organization. Most of these connections were made through technology, so this trip marked the first time I would meet many of them in person.
While I recognize the potential pitfalls of technology, I also appreciate its usefulness. During the pandemic, I felt grateful for Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime, regular phone calls, and even social media. However, if this trip has taught me anything, it’s that no technology surpasses the human eye, and no medium compares to direct presence. I’ve never had an experience quite like this before—getting to know people online and then meeting them in person. It was both strange and amazing.
In case you didn’t know, the Integral Yoga sangha is incredible. Gurudev was extraordinary, bringing people together in a way no one else could. How amazing is it to have little communities in Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, France, Finland, Ireland, England, Australia, China, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, the US, and probably other places I don’t even know about? The most important lesson for me, drawn from my experience at the reunion, is that what we have is truly special—the people and the teachings.
What I love most about the teachings, and what I believe has appealed to so many others over the years, is the sense of inclusion that Integral Yoga emphasizes. I remember stepping into the LOTUS Temple at Yogaville for the first time, amazed by its beauty and genius. Never before had I seen such a profound attempt to bring about unity. It felt as if Gurudev was calling out, “Hey people, wake up! We’re all after the same thing, and it’s totally cool if we go about it in different ways while sharing space together. Here, under the umbrella of Integral Yoga, you are welcome.” That was it for me—I knew I was home.
As I sit on the plane heading home, I consider what the future of Integral Yoga might be. What I know for sure is that these teachings are needed now more than ever. People are so thirsty for an honest, heart-led spiritual community to be a part of. That, I feel, was the essence of this retreat. I believe Gurudev saw the yearning we all have to be accepted. After meeting so many people from various cultures who love him dearly, I realize that what they truly felt in his presence was love and acceptance. I wonder: can Integral Yoga still offer this to people without him here in the body? The retreat in Spain proved to me that it’s possible.
It was more than just a meeting—it was a profoundly enriching experience. Nestled in the serene desert landscape, our accommodations were simple yet special, providing the perfect backdrop for our practices. The days were filled with Yoga sessions, each one deepening our connection to ourselves and each other. Practicing Yoga individually yet as one collective body under the vast desert sky was a powerful reminder of our shared journey.
Beyond the Yoga, the retreat offered a variety of enriching activities. We explored beautiful gardens, each meticulously tended and bursting with vibrant life. The halls were filled with music that seemed to resonate with our souls, creating an atmosphere of harmony and joy. Every meal was a celebration, with food that nourished not just our bodies but our spirits as well. The quirky spaces for hammocks and swings added a touch of whimsy, inviting us to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The animals at the retreat center added another layer of magic to our experience. Whether it was an encounter with a chameleon hidden in the leaves or the soothing presence of birds singing at dawn, the connection to nature was palpable. Each day felt like a new adventure, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Gibraltar and Spain sangha for their incredible effort in organizing this retreat. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every detail, making the entire experience unforgettable. For those who couldn’t make it this time, perhaps I’ll see you in Italy two years from now? I’m told that these retreats are for all Integral Yogis, not simply those living in Europe. I cannot recommend highly enough the power of coming together with each other.
This journey has reminded me of the beauty of our community and the importance of continuing to nurture and expand it. Here’s to many more years of learning, growing, and connecting together.
About the Author:
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Avi Gordon is the director of the Integral Yoga Teachers Association, a global organization of over 10,000 Yoga teachers, and he is host of the Integral Yoga Podcast. Avi teaches Yoga and meditation and has also written a novel, A Light in the Tunnel, which is a story that imagines a better future. He’s been a school teacher in Taiwan, South Korea, Israel, and the US.
