The Power of a Yoga Retreat

by: Doug Fingliss

Resurgence: A rising again into life, activity, or prominence; a restoration to use, acceptance, or currency.

Moments before the sun rises above the hills

I never thought yoga could be for me (I never thought I’d be a runner, either). I dismissed it, thinking it wasn’t my thing. I saw myself as someone who didn’t fit in, especially during my years of active alcoholism, when feelings of loneliness and that never good enough worthlessness defined my life. I was stuck believing I didn’t belong anywhere, especially on this planet Earth, and couldn’t imagine a future where spirituality or something like yoga would ever play a role in my life.

And yet, there I was, standing on my mat in a breathtaking open air yoga room in Jamaica at Good Hope Estate, surrounded by serene hills, warm breezes, and the kind of peace I once thought was out of reach for someone like me. The racing thoughts and anxiety used to be all I knew.

Beautiful open air yoga room at Good Hope Jamaica

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Jamaica, Good Hope Estate is a timeless treasure that blends history, natural beauty, and serenity. Once a thriving sugar plantation in the 18th century, the estate is now a sanctuary of renewal, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Jamaica’s rich heritage and lush landscapes. With its historic great house (and equally beautiful coach house), breathtaking views, and a focus on fostering community and well-being, Good Hope provides the perfect setting for rest and revitalization.

After a challenging year—umbilical hernia surgery that left me drained more than I’d realized, family struggles that tested me emotionally more than I’d realized, and months of knee rehabilitation—I came to Jamaica searching for a reset. What I found was a resurgence.

Good Hope’s tranquil environment and the nurturing yoga retreat hosted by Juliana and Rhode Island Hot Yoga helped me reconnect with myself in meaningful ways. I ran with no agenda through beautiful dirt roads and rolling hills and did yoga twice a day. I experienced a resurgence—a profound sense of renewal that left me feeling mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally stronger. Yoga, with its ability to nurture all four of these key aspects of fitness, became a cornerstone of this transformation.

Dirt roads are great for running!

For someone who has often felt isolated, both in running and in life, it was profoundly moving to share my miles with others. My wife Erin joined me on some of those runs and yoga classes, and we laughed and breathed together in ways that reminded me how lucky I am to have her by my side. Old and new friends like Diana, Shameem, Honore, and Nerissa joined for runs too, turning what is often a solo endeavor into a shared celebration of movement and connection.

Running with Erin and friends!

This retreat wasn’t just about the yoga or the running, though—they were tools. It was about something much deeper: the realization that I am not alone, that I do belong, and that my life can be filled with peace, purpose, and connection. It was a reminder that yoga isn’t just about the body—it’s about nurturing the mind, heart, and soul, too. It’s also about giving back - we were of service and helped paint a local school that was damaged in the hurricanes.

Service project

As I prepare for a year of solid running and continued growth, I carry with me the lessons I learned at Good Hope: the importance of balance, the power of community, and the courage to begin again. And begin again. And begin again. And every time I begin again I am stronger than when I last began again.

With immense gratitude to Juliana, Rhode Island Hot Yoga, Honore, Kelly, and the incredible team at Good Hope, I leave Jamaica feeling restored, ready, and hopeful. This trip was more than a retreat; it was a resurgence—a rising again into the life I never thought I could have.

Many thanks to my friend, Norma, for introducing Erin and I to Rhode Island Hot Yoga. I never would have gone if you hadn’t asked and if I’d never changed enough to say “sure I’ll give it a try!”

View out the front doors of the Great House

Breathtaking location

The yoga crew