Summer day retreats near London
Summer 2013 yin/yang day retreats:
Sunday August 11, 11am - 5pm
Need to take a break in peaceful surroundings, but short on time and money? Join us on a Summer day retreat: a wonderfuly energising yet relaxing mix of vinyasa flow yoga, restorative yoga and mindfulness meditation. And we throw in a yummy, home-cooked lunch, too! You can pay online, below. Unfortunately it is not possible to refund cancelled places, unless we can re-sell your space (a few weeks notice usually required).
Our beautiful, light-filled venue, Highwood Village Hall, boasts underfloor heating, eco-friendly design, separate cafe/dining area and calming countryside views.
Our yin/yang day retreats begin with an energising yang, or dynamic, session led by talented vinyasa flow teacher, Jodie Merrick.
A vinyasa flow series (vinyasa simply means 'linking movements to breath') is sequenced to ensure the body is opened and our energy is awakened in a safe, organic way.
The dynamic session will invite us to surrender to the release of the softer afternoon practice - but only after we have enjoyed time out for a light, vegetarian, home-cooked lunch. In this time, feel free to curl up with a book, chat to other students, or take a walk in the peacefulness of the surrounding fields.
We will call on the help of bolsters to invite the body to release, and the mind to relax. The practice will close with some sitting meditation and a long Savasana (Basic Relaxation Pose), for deep relaxation.
This retreat may not be suitable for complete beginners - please enquire.
For more information about the teachers, please click here.
Our summer 2013 dates are June 9 and August 11.
Mindfulness day retreats in silence
The West has seen a rapidly growing interest in mindfulness meditation over the last five years.Originally stemming from Buddhism, this simple, though at times challenging, form of meditation is normally (as it is on these day retreats) taught in an entirely secular way. Scientific studies have found the practices to be highly effective at reducing stress and anxiety levels, and are also increasingly used to treat depression.
Other general benefits when practised regularly are improved sleep, lower blood pressure and enhanced immunity. People also report feeling more centred, and calmer afterwards.
The mindfulness practises are mostly centred on the body and include practices such as the Body Scan, Mindful Movement, Walking Meditation, and Mindfulness of Breathing.
To promote a contemplative, calm atmosphere, our mindfulness day retreats - including the lunch period - will be held in silence, apart from the teacher's instructions, and a half-hour period at the close of the day, when we will have some time for a cup of tea, biscuits, and Q&As!
The day - which will be taught by Lucia Cockcroft - will include a range of meditation techniques drawn from the mindfulness tradition, including the Body Scan, Mindfulneses of Breathing, Mindful Movement, and walking meditation.
Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a cushion and blanket if possible. While we will do some movement/very gentle yoga in the morning, during most of the day you will be static. If you are looking for a physically challenging practice, it is best to opt for one of our yin/yang day retreats instead!
Important note:
This retreat is open to all, including complete beginners to meditation. However, please be prepared and open for the extended period of silence, which most people find nurturing and very peaceful (but can sometimes also feel intense). For this reason, it is not recommended that the mindfulness day retreats are bought as a present, unless the recipient is fully aware of the format of the day in advanc
Cost:
Yin/yang day retreats:£65 for one person
£120 for two people booking/paying together.
Silent day retreats:
£55 for one person
£99 for two people booking/paying together
Note:
If you are booking online, via our google buttons to the left, a 3.5% fee will be incorporated into the cost (to reflect our charges). If you would rather pay via cheque or bank transfer (no fees), drop us a line.Timing:
We will begin at 11am and close at 4pm (or 5pm for the yin/yang day retreats), with at least an hour for a slow, mindful lunch!Format:
For the yin/yang day retreats, lunch is provided. You will have plenty of time to spread out and explore the beautiful, peaceful surroundings. For the silent day retreats, please bring your own vegetarian lunch, which will be enjoyed in silence.
Location:
Highwood Village Hall, near Chelmsford. Regular trains from London Liverpool St take 35 minutes; then taxi.