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Gratitude, light and abundance
Facilitator: Mel Skinner
As we move towards the summer solstice, and the turning point of the year, this retreat is designed to help you find the ability to rest, restore and reflect. We will use yoga and nature as tools to reconnect with ourselves and with the land around us, and find a sense of peacefulness and contemplation that may be otherwise difficult to access in our busy lives. In doing this, we will find gratitude for the abundance of light and beauty all around us.
Event time: Fri 2nd Jun 2023 at 4:00pm - Sun 4th Jun 2023 at 2:00pm
- Early morning meditation walks to the woodland sanctuary
- Gentle flow and restore yoga to create space for breath and stretch and move
- Opening to stillness and introspection with restorative yoga
- Deeply restful yoga nidra
- Summer solstice ritual incorporating Hawkwood’s labyrinth and natural spring
Participants Will Gain
- The chance to celebrate and connect with the summer solstice
- Yoga to release stress and tension, and create space and ease
- Deeply restful yoga nidra
- The chance to pause, reflect and replenish one’s energies
- Discover a sense of gratitude and light already within you
The Benefits
This time of year is known as a time for renewal and abundance, as summer blooms in full glory. This yoga retreat will invite you to rest and restore your energies, to connect with the light inside of you, as well as the longer days outside.
With gentle Flow and Restore yoga to open up your body in the mornings and afternoon Restorative/Yin style practices to release long-held patterns of tension and create more space for breath, this is yoga proven to support our mental and emotional health, as well as improve our physical wellbeing. We will also experience yoga nidra, a deeply healing and restful form of yoga that is proven to decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, support chronic pain and insomnia, and resolve trauma.
The Shape of The Retreat
As well as twice daily yoga sessions, we will also explore nature-based activities, including using journaling to connect with the landscape around you, and optional early morning meditations in Hawkwood’s beautiful Woodland Sanctuary
On Saturday we will have a special nature-inspired session devoted to the summer solstice. This will involve optional barefoot walking on grass, lighting of candles, yoga nidra and “planting the seeds” of our intentions as we prepare to move forward – plus a nourishing gong bath on Saturday evening.
There will also be plenty of free time for you to drop out of “doing” mode, and to read, sleep, explore or whatever else you feel. This is truly a retreat to nourish your mind, body and soul, and all are welcome.
Hawkwood
Hawkwood is a stunning Grade II listed 19th Century country house, surrounded by 42 acres of sustainably managed woodland, farmland, and gardens. Set in the heart of the Cotswolds – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a diverse selection of nearly 150 courses, there’s plenty to choose from, including courses in transformative leadership, future thinking, inner life, music and the arts. Our programme of courses is led by experienced tutors and leaders in their fields.
What Is Included
Both residential and non-residential rates are available. Residential options are fully inclusive with all meals provided. Non-residential options include suppers, lunches and all refreshments and exclude B&B.
Additional Activities
- Mindful walking through our woodland trails
- Meditate in our Woodland Sanctuary
- Go on a hike and explore the Cotswolds AONB
- Discover surrounding charming market towns
Price Options
£325 Non-Residential
£385 Residential Shared
£425 Residential Single
Practical Information
Participants to bring yoga equipment (please see list below). Plus a journal/notebook, pen and colouring pencils, and any poetry/readings they would like to share with the group.
*yoga mat
*yoga bolster (can substitute with pillows)
*yoga bricks and blocks x2 each (can substitute with pillows)
*blankets for warmth - 2-3 is ideal
*yoga strap
*eye pillow
*cushion for head
Note: Mel can provide some equipment, please email direct at mel@melskinneryoga.com to request equipment. Mel will also have blankets to sell.
Mel Skinner
Mel has been teaching yoga since 2014, and works with groups and individuals, online and face-to-face, to support those looking to develop their spiritual life, as healing from trauma, excess stress, menstrual and womb health, fatigue, sleep problems, and general body aches and pains. She is also a writer, astrologer and reflexologist. She lives just outside of Bristol near the river and the trees with her husband and daughter.
Visit Tutor's WebsiteTestimonials
“Mel is a gifted teacher, I am very grateful to her. This course has been transformative.”
“My best yoga teacher”
“Mel is a wonderful , empathetic and skilled yoga teacher. She also sets an inclusive and non-judgemental, non-competitive environment, which is not always the case in the world of yoga.”
Upcoming Courses & Events
Hawkwood is an educational charity providing courses, facilitating training and offering venue hire, set in a stunning location in the Cotswolds.
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