As founders, our lives are a constant whirlwind of meetings, tough decisions, late flights, and ambitious plans. We’re always hustling, on the move, and striving for the next big thing. Amid this frenetic pace, it’s easy to lose sight of ourselves. We forget to pause, to reflect. To be ‘human beings’ rather than ‘human doings’.
That’s why I recently decided to take a break at JAGAH, a serene retreat. The word “JAGAH,” which is the Hindi word for “space,” perfectly captures the essence of the experience. It was a chance to escape the noise, disconnect from the digital world, and reconnect with myself.
We don’t talk much about burnout; it is an accepted fact of the founder’s life, but it is still a tough one to grapple with. So those two days away were a much-needed respite. There, I got the opportunity to meditate, practice yoga, and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. I also conversed deeply with other founders, sharing thoughts and insights.
It was a necessary reminder that it’s okay to slow down, to prioritize self-care, and to recharge.
An extraordinary mentor and milieu
Sriram’s presence at JAGAH was genuinely transformative. As an IIT / Harvard graduate and former McKinsey consultant, he brought a unique blend of intellectual rigor and spiritual wisdom to the experience. He effortlessly navigated the space, guiding us through deep emotional states with a gentle yet profound touch. His ability to see each participant on a personal level was truly inspiring.
Sriram’s teachings weren’t just about meditation but about life itself. He helped us bridge the gap between the high-paced demands of our entrepreneurial lives and the importance of mindfulness. His empathy and wisdom turned the retreat into a profoundly personal journey of self-discovery, helping us find clarity, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The actual physical space we were in made all the difference, too. Kshemavana, a lush green haven on the outskirts of Bangalore, was more than just a location. It was a quiet invitation. The property is thoughtfully designed, aligning seamlessly with the retreat’s aim of turning inward. Every detail—from the peaceful ambience to the integration of nature—created a setting where we could genuinely detach, heal, and grow.
First steps to being present
JAGAH is not a regular getaway. It is two days of total reset for the soul, governed by plain but impactful house rules.
● No phones or gadgets for 48 hours: To step back from the noise and look within.
● No grains in the meals: Introducing the impact of grains and encouraging mindful eating.
● Minimal talking: A semi-silent retreat which only permitted speaking in interactions with the meditation guide.
Each day started with yoga sessions that spiritually awakened us and heightened our self-awareness. Various invigorating forms of meditation and mental exercises unfolded throughout the day. The most fundamental of the practices we learnt were:
● Pranayama breathing exercises brought us to the present moment and helped regulate our energy and focus.
● Trataka (Candle-light meditation): Held in a serene dhyan room with soothing lights that slowly dimmed into complete darkness, this practice focused us into a state of deep meditation.
● Yoga Nidra: We concluded each day with this form of deep relaxation, which allowed us to enter a state of conscious rest.
The miracle of mindfulness
I found mindful eating to be most revolutionary. My meals had always been rushed affairs, eaten over the sink, and treated like tasks to be completed. So, the simple yet powerful rule of moving one’s hand or mouth at any one time (never both at once) has altered how I think of food. This practice taught me to consider each morsel and recognize the point where I am 80% complete — a far cry from the quick and careless food breaks many of us take.
There is a reason why this matters so much. Sriram, our meditation facilitator, introduced us to how profoundly our mind is connected with our body. In her books, Louise Hay mentions that mental patterns can influence physical health and even use these patterns to aid in cancer recovery. This concept spoke to me, reminding me to honor the alignment of mental well-being with bodily health.
To think well is to feel and be well
An essential step in that direction came from the “past, present, and future” exercise. This practice clarified that our past experiences subtly shape our present actions. We explored the positive imprints of our past that could propel us helpfully. We also identified the negative notions that held us back, replacing them with affirmations that served us better. The past doesn’t have to dictate our future. We can reframe it.
Another technique I sharpened at the retreat has been helping me reframe my future: Journaling.
We were introduced to different approaches to recording and understanding our thoughts and emotions. The best time to journal is first thing in the morning before reaching for the phone or engaging with the world outside. I suggest journaling by hand—pen and paper let you capture your thoughts authentically. For those new to journaling, gratitude prompts are great for getting the mind going. Spend two minutes noting what you’re grateful for and appreciating what you often overlook in daily life.
The biggest revelation was being able to see the layers of the mind. The Dynamic Mind Practice taught me about the brain’s alpha, beta, and theta waves. Becoming conscious of these waves and understanding the path to enter each was eye-opening. Each has a role in guiding our performance and maintaining balance, whether in high-focus tasks or creative reflection.
The energy of the collective
Beyond these structured practices and exercises, the community-made JAGAH is genuinely exceptional. A network of peers from all walks came together, sharing their struggles and triumphs. It was comforting to know we weren’t alone in our challenges.
Avinash, the visionary behind JAGAH, created a vital space and a special memory. Thanks to his thoughtful planning and the tireless efforts of volunteers like Mathew, Sehar, and Rohit, the retreat ran smoothly. Rohit’s discreet photography captured our time there without interrupting our presence. They ensured we could fully immerse ourselves in the moment, free from distractions. Volunteers, the only ones with phones for emergencies, ensured we could go smoothly without screens for 48 hours.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. You may not have time for a 15-day Vipassana course. Still, even a two-day detox like JAGAH, where you ditch your devices and delve into yoga, meditation, and introspection, can offer vital rejuvenation.
Trust me, your future self will thank you. Creating space for yourself is creating peace for yourself.
Written by Sehar Dabur
