Vidhi Gupta
05-Sep-2025
Finding mindful moments on a wellness retreat with The Aum Life.
Stepping away from my usual environment and routine made all the difference in slowing down and embracing intention. I realised I didn’t need to fill every moment with nonstop excitement or adventure. Sometimes, wholehearted peace lies in stillness.
Om…. Om…. Om….
The chants of Om floated through the air as I began my morning. The vibration was powerful yet grounding, filling the silence around me. I felt like I was part of nature. Peace surrounded me. It was such a contrast to my usual mornings, where alarms pierce through sleep, unread messages demand attention, and a groggy me stumbles into the rush of another workday. Here, at a wellness retreat in Goa at The Postcard Hideaway with The Aum Life, I was given the calmest possible start to my day.
At the heart of AUM Life is Richa Agarwal, Founder & Director, and Managing Trustee of Samta Foundation. She wants AUM to become a bridge for people to raise inner awareness and spiritual wellbeing, forming AUM’s philosophy:
A: The cosmic vibration of creation, leading to Awareness
U: The vibration of preservation, bringing Understanding
M: The vibration of dissolution, found through Meditation
This triad underpins AUM Life’s mission through the wisdom of trusted masters, ancient traditions, and transformative practices.
And rightly so, my days at this wellness retreat were filled with rituals of reflection.
The Therapies
A pre-arrival form is sent to you for a detailed consultation- an honest exploration of my health, concerns, and expectations. With this, my wellness schedule was carefully aligned to my needs. Each day unfolded as a thoughtful balance of physical well-being, meditation, mindfulness workshops, and spiritual counselling, designed by Wellness & Program Director, Suyash Singh.
Rolfing, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Ayurveda therapies, each and every session offered new insights into what my body needed and how it could respond when truly listened to. The expert healers came from Vaidyagrama, a renowned Ayurvedic healing village in Coimbatore. Not only were they extremely learned, they were also really warm and compassionate. In just twenty minutes of one-on-one consultation, they could identify my core concerns and suggest practical, holistic solutions.
Days began with the sacred fire ceremony, invoking the power of Agni. Listening to Dr. Ramdas chant mantras, each syllable precise and resonant, I felt time slow down. Then came yoga, where the simple act of focusing on my breath transformed my stamina and flexibility. On the first day I could stretch a little; by the second, I found myself reaching further; by the third, I was surprised by the strength and fluidity my body had discovered.
Evenings brought serenity of another kind. Sound Bath Healing sessions by Bodhi Krishna, where vibrations travelled through my body. One mystical evening there was a Sacred Sufi Night specially organised by the AUM team. Musician and storyteller Vipul Rikhi sang the words of Kabir, Rumi, and other poets of love, accompanied by the simple tones of the Indian tambura. It was a night of music that touched the soul- lyrical and meditative.
Throughout the day you had individual sessions of Rolfing, Shiatsu, Chikitsa, Ayurveda massage and some group sessions of breathing, asanas, and a cooking workshop, to keep your day eventful.
The Food
As a big time foodie always in an experimental mood, I arrived curious. Could a Sattvic diet truly surprise me? And it did. Every single day! Chef Hina Chokshi crafted plates, working with simple, often forgotten ingredients, and cooking them into soulful, nourishing meals.
Raw banana poha transformed into crisp tikkis, hibiscus syrup added a refreshing sweetness, and nightly warm teas soothed the body before sleep. Each day featured a single star ingredient- bajra, rice, or any millet- woven into a complete thali that was wholesome yet inventive. Local techniques were honoured, such as grinding chutneys in traditional ways, while produce was sourced thoughtfully from partner farms.
Rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, the yogic diet, and the mindful ethos of SLOW food, the menu reflected purity, clarity, and compassion. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free, but above all, the meals carried simplicity, where the true flavours shine.
Each day, I found myself eagerly taking my place at the table, curious about what thoughtful creation would arrive next. Every meal was not just delicious, but also artfully plated, transforming simple, pure ingredients into something extraordinary. What touched me most was the intention behind every dish, the effort to highlight the goodness of each ingredient while keeping it true to its essence. I returned home not only with a satisfied palate but also with a newfound appreciation and knowledge of Sattvic food, its simplicity, and its power to nourish.
What’s Next?
The journey with AUM Life doesn’t end in Goa. Soon, an Urban Ashram will open in Mumbai, offering therapies, consultations, and a Sattvic café where one can buy thoughtfully sourced ingredients and healthy meals to bring wellness home. Members will enjoy priority access to sessions, classes, and community-led experiences. It’s a promise that the mindful rhythm of the retreat need not fade when you return to city life.
As I left Goa, I carried more than just memories of untroubled mornings, soulful food, and sacred sounds. A world that glorifies the noise and the hustle, I found my calm with The Aum Life.
Dr. Prafull Sabadra
Dr. Mayanka Lodha...
