Do you need some time space for yourself to deeply rest and re-set? Join experienced teachers Lucia and Sam for a restorative three-hour re-set. Our retreat afternoons take the form of a nurturing mindfulness practices, very gentle mindful movement and relaxation, followed by a beautiful sound bath with Sam. We’ll end with a cup of tea and some healthy-ish treats! A true replenishment for mind/body. ALL WELCOME.
“A perfect day of peace and relaxation as always Lucia. And Sam and her beautiful gongs were an absolute delight.”
We love teaching our half-day retreats which have been running in various forms - in-person, live steamed and across longer Guardian-recommended wellbeing weekends - for many years.
Accessible for most people, these nurturing three-hour sessions are a chance to rest deeply, slow down and re-connect to body and mind, allowing you to gently access the stillness that lies beneath the movement of thoughts, worries and ‘to do’ lists.
We will sink into calming practices such as guided relaxation (yoga nidra), accessible mindfulness and extremely gentle mindful movement, led by Lucia, followed by a beautiful hour-long sound bath led by sound practitioner and mediation teacher Sam. Sound baths / gong meditations support our physical & mental health in many ways, including helping us de-stress, to promote clarity and balance, helping us feel more centred and relaxed - and even reducing inflammation.
Teachings will be enriched by poetry or readings chosen to inspire and further invite us into an awareness of what lies beyond or own thoughts and preoccupations.
As a meditation and mindfulness-based afternoon our half-day retreats are geared towards those looking to pause, centre and give the all-important gift of self-care. Sessions will be suitable for most people who can get on and off the floor (eg a yoga mat) with reasonable ease.
Please note: there will be no traditional active yoga on this afternoon. See notes in right-hand column for further guidance on suitability. Many practices will be enjoyed lying down; options for posture will always be given.
Herbal tea and almost healthy snacks will be provided at the end of the session where there will be a chance to connect with fellow students or to take this time to yourself.
“Relaxation is not laziness. It’s about finding balance and taking care of yourself.” - Elizabeth Scott
“Don’t forget to relax. You can’t pour from an empty cup.” – Eleanor Brown
“The mini retreat exceeded my expectations on so many levels and I returned feeling inspired to make small changes in my own daily routines. The practical aspects - the beautiful location, facilities - made for a calming and healthy setting as a backdrop. A sincere thank you.”
Next afternoon retreat:
Sunday May 18, 2025, from 2-5pm at Highwood Hall near Chelmsford.
relaxation, mindfulness, sound bath from 2-4.30pm
tea, chats, healthy-ish treats: 4.30-5pm
Price:
£49pp early bird for bookings before March 30
£55 for bookings after March 30
Please note: we are unable to refund or transfer places. Thanks for your understanding.
Book here:
Further info:
Is this for me?
No experience of meditation or relaxation practices is needed or expected.
You should be able to get on and off the floor.
Please be sure to contact us before booking if you are experiencing mild or severe anxiety of depression as this retreat may not be suitable.
A little about your teachers
Lucia begun attending yoga classes in East London in her twenties. Drawn by its holistic, uncompetitive nature, and - most notably - by how the practices made her body and mind feel, she went onto take a series of intensive teacher trainings and has now been practising for 27 years and teaching for 17. She has extensive experience and training in both the mindful yoga and meditation traditions, having studied for two years at postgraduate level with Bangor university and with the Yoga Nidra Network to deliver Yoga Nidra (guided relaxation). She is fascinated, and motivated to teach, by the profoundly therapeutic benefits of gentle yoga and mindfulness practices.