A reviving and restoring full day of relaxation, mindful movement and gong practice towards the start of the New Year when energy reserves can be low. Led by experienced teachers Lucia and Sam. Complete beginners very welcome - mindful movement practices will be extremely gentle.

Relaxation and Sound Bath Day Retreat near Chelmsford, January 26, 2025

With long evenings and the after-glow of Christmas having faded, January can be a month when our energy levels, mood and intentions are low. Our full day retreat near Chelmsford will be a rare change to set aside time to look after yourself: body, mind and nervous system.

This accessible, replenishing non-residential day at Highwood Village just outside Chelmsford, Essex, will be an invitation to take invaluable time out of ‘to do’ lists and routines to deeply relax and re-set. Complete newcomers to mindfulness, gentle movement / yoga and relaxation practices are warmly welcome, as are those with an established practice.

Our New Year Day Retreat will comprise morning practices of very gentle movement, meditation and relaxation led by Lucia, followed by time for lunch and then a beautiful gong sound bath (sound meditation) led by Sam in the afternoon.

More about sound baths and winter rest

Sound, or gong meditation - involving simply lying down, listening to the sounds of the huge, melodious gongs as Sam plays them - can promote clarity of mind, emotional regulation, reduced fatigue, stress and anxiety. Studies have also shown reduced inflammation in the body and a change at a cellular level of red blood cells - aiding a lowering of blood pressure & improving blood circulation.

Long ago, our ancestors would have celebrated this time of year for its yin, reflective, even spiritual qualities - a natural time of stopping and hibernation, fire-side storytelling, early nights and conserving energy for the springtime waiting to emerge.

And indeed if you pay close attention, the early signs of spring are already here. Please read below for the day’s likely schedule and for more about Lucia and Sam.

Approx schedule:

10.30am: arrivals, welcome, with Lucia

10.45-11.15am: settling; breathing practice, with Lucia

11.15 - 12.15 noon: gentle movement to fully arrive and come into the body, with Lucia

12.15 - 12.30pm: seated meditation (chairs will be available), with Lucia

12.30 - 1pm: lying down guided mindfulness practice, with Lucia

1-2.15pm lunch - please bring your own

2.15-3.15pm: gong meditation followed by ten minutes’ silence, with Sam

3.15 - 3.30pm: silence to absorb the powerful effects of the gong meditation

3.30 - 3.50pm: meditation with Sam

3.50-4.30pm guided relaxation practice to finish, with Lucia

“Just to thank you for the excellent relaxation retreat at Highwood Hall in November. I found it very therapeutic after a stressful few months. It was a lovely venue too.”
— Chris, Chelmsford

A few words from Sam:

“I first discovered yoga and meditation following a breakdown in my mental health and have continued to practice since as a way to nurture my mental wellbeing.  I trained as a Strala Yoga guide & a meditation teacher, initially offering free sessions at work to other Essex Police Staff & Officers. 

I later experienced my first Gong Bath and was intrigued by the transformative and healing qualities I experienced.  Sound meditation has been around for over 40,000 years and we all know the  positive effects of music.  The gongs can work on a mental & emotional level by bringing us into a deep meditative state, supporting emotional regulation & clarity of mind.  On a physical level the sounds & vibrations can impact our brain chemistry & shift water in the body to help release blockages, potentially reducing tension, inflammation & pain.  I look forward to sharing my five beautiful gongs with you at this retreat.”

Sam leading a restoring gong meditation

A few words from Lucia:

“I love teaching day retreats and having the luxury of an extended time to stop and recharge. January is perhaps my favourite time to retreat: it feels like a natural thing to do at a time when mood and energy can be at a low ebb. There are many approaches to meditation - and the nervous system regulation that can come with it - and I enjoy practising a variety of approaches (especially guided relaxation - yoga nidra and different mindfulness practices, often lying down), to see what helps in any one moment.

I am a newcomer to gong meditation so am really looking forward to experiencing it at this special time of year. What a gift for our January wellbeing!"

Details:

10.30 - 4.30pm

At Highwood Hall nr Chelmsford

Cost:

£79 pp early bird for bookings before November 30, 2024

£89 for all bookings afterwards

Please bring your own packed lunch - also a yoga mat, two cushions and a blanket. We will provide tea & snacks!

Booking here:

Important notes - please read all the way down:

  • we are strictly unable to refund or transfer places. Thanks for your understanding.

  • the day will be suitable for most people, including complete beginners. Please contact us do discuss if you are unsure. You should be able to get on and off the floor easily.

  • Sound therapy & meditation can be very powerful tools to aid physical & mental wellbeing. Following Gong Baths people often report feeling relaxed & calm. Sometimes emotions arise into our awareness which can of course be pleasant and/or unpleasant.  Therefore gong baths may not be suitable for those with: 

     *  Acute/Serious Mental illness or Addiction.

     *  Metal implants. Including pacemaker.

     * Tinnitus. 

     * Pregnancy.

     *  Epilepsy.