Self-Discovery in Thailand: Hosting Yoga in a Party Hostel and Finding Unexpected Connections

I came to Thailand with a lose plan—a purpose to host a personalized retreat for one of my coaching clients. I imagined the serene beaches, private sessions under swaying palm trees, and quiet introspection. But, life had its own ideas. Little did I know that this journey would take me far beyond any plan I had made, into places and experiences I never expected—hosting yoga in a party hostel in Bangkok, making deep connections with locals and people from around the world, and discovering new parts of myself along the way.

Faith, Risk, and the Unwritten Path

The first thing Thailand asked of me was faith—the kind that makes you step into the unknown, with nothing but a gut feeling. During the retreat, I found myself facilitating a morning mobility and yoga sessions at a bustling hostel in the heart of Bangkok. Not exactly what I had signed up for. I mean, a wellness coach in a hostel that’s more known for rooftop parties and wild nights?

But something in me whispered to me, this is exactly what you have to do, meet mindfulness in the eye of the storm. Faith isn’t always about knowing the outcome—it’s about trusting the unfolding, about letting life surprise you when you’re brave enough to veer off the map. With so much in the line for the owners and staff of the party hostel, with my own reputation as a high performance coach and all my associated clients, this was one of the biggest leap of faith for me.

Chasing Dragons and Crafting Stories

Having being in this hostel previously, I knew this was one of those “dragons” I had to face—the kind that forces you out of your comfort zone but gifts you the best stories. It was loud, chaotic, and full of life. Travelers from every corner of the world, each with their own version of escape or discovery. Observing people indulge in play, pleasure, and distraction was fascinating—some sought fun; others ran from something deeper.

But amidst the buzz, there were those few moments that cracked something open—when someone paused, took a breath, and joined me on the mat. In the middle of Bangkok's chaos, we shared a space of stillness. That’s where the magic is, isn't it? Right there, between the noise, lies the invitation for something real.

Sacrificing Comforts for Something More

It's easy to chase comfort—stick to your routines, surround yourself with familiar faces, and call it success. But real transformation asks for something more. I could have chosen an easier route, chosen a little sanctuary for the retreat, sustained by optimized schedule in the comforts of a beautiful villa. Instead, I stayed at the hostel in Bangkok, sharing space with strangers, sleeping in bunk beds, and giving up personal comforts.

In those early morning yoga sessions, as the sun rose over the hostel rooftop, I felt something shift. There is a kind of freedom that only comes when you step beyond your comforts, when you trade the known for the unknown. It’s in these sacrifices that we find treasures no one can map out for us.

Breaking Stereotypes and Building Bridges

One of the most profound parts of this experience was the connection I built with local Thai people, who initially had reservations about Indians. And honestly, I understood the hesitation. Stereotypes travel faster than the truth, and as an Indian, I know the stories people carry about us. But instead of resisting, I leaned in—with curiosity, openness, and humility.

We bonded over conversations and working, that moved past prejudices, and in those exchanges, I found myself playing a small role in shifting perspectives. It wasn’t about convincing or proving anything. It was about showing up with sincerity—choosing connection over assumption. And bit by bit, walls that were built on stereotypes started to crumble.

Beyond Distractions: Finding Depth Amidst Play

Bangkok is a city where distractions are endless, the lights are always shining. Pleasure is everywhere—parties, street food, markets, indulgences of every kind. But even amidst the play, there were moments of realness—conversations that went beyond small talk, vulnerable strangers opening up about life, fears, and dreams.

It reminded me of something: beneath all the noise, everyone is searching for something deeper. Some find it through indulgence, others through stillness. And in those moments of connection—whether through yoga, breath, or conversation—we touch that depth, if only for a moment. It’s enough.

What This Journey Taught Me

• Faith is taking the step, even when you don’t know where the path leads.

• The greatest stories come when you slay your biggest dragons—when you go where it’s uncomfortable.

• Comfort is overrated; growth happens when you sacrifice the easy path for something unknown.

• Connection happens when you drop assumptions and show up as yourself—fully and sincerely.

• Play and pleasure are part of life’s rhythm, but the real magic happens in moments of presence and openness.

This experience in Bangkok wasn’t what I had planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. I came here thinking I’d serve one person through a personalized retreat, but life had other plans. I ended up serving and working with a diverse group of people, connecting across cultures, and even shifting perspectives about Indians along the way, and ultimately serving my self.

And maybe that’s the lesson: Life doesn’t always give you what you ask for—but it always gives you what you need. All you have to do is say yes, step into the unknown, and trust that the story being written is greater than anything you could plan.

Here’s to chasing dragons, finding depth amidst the play, and discovering new versions of ourselves along the way. ✨

As I sit with these reflections, I can’t help but feel grateful—for the discomfort, the surprises, the connections, and the magic that only the unknown can bring. And if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: the journey is always worth it. 🦋