Join us in the throes of summer, for a weekend retreat of connection and reflection, and see the English countryside with its prettiest dress on! As we’ve been moving through the seasons we’ve been struck by the interconnectedness of absolutely everything; so much has come to pass on this topsy-turvy, beautiful rollercoaster we call life, where even the shadows are secret opportunities.
We’ve put this retreat together for a chance for you to become one with the spirit of summer, and to connect to its essence as the part of us that it is. Summer is the season of revelry and celebration, and it casts the longest shadow; you may be looking to draw on more of the summer’s energy for what’s to come, or perhaps be reminded of your inner strength and light.
Each day will consist of a gentle rhythm of rejuvenating yoga, fireside movement meditations and walks in nature. During the retreat you will receive a 30 minute Ayurvedic massage with Steve, helping you to unwind, relax and find your flow. We will share 3 delicious locally sourced vegetarian meals each day, and you will have time for walks and quiet contemplation. It’s up to you how much you participate; the space is yours to hold as you wish.
Our home for the weekend is the Quadrangle, a Victorian farmstead built in 1870. We’ve had retreats here before, and it’s the perfect place to quietly observe and reflect on Mother Nature, in a beautiful rustic farmhouse setting, away from the hustle and bustle, to slow down and connect.
Run as a centre for sustainable living and the creative arts, the Quadrangle has beautiful elements with which to enjoy our stay: the main barn for our group practices and communal dining, the shepherds barn with woodburner to put your feet up with a cup of tea, the garden for fireside meditation and contemplation, a living permaculture forest garden, and a stream running through for some wild dipping! The hills and vales of the Pilgrims Way are in reach just a short walk cross-country.
It is the perfect setting to look away from the outside chaos and journey into our inner peace. In doing so we can become better aware of who we are and where we are headed.
Timings:
Arrive from 3pm onwards on Friday
The retreat ends on Sunday afternoon after lunch
Cost:
Dorm – £240 (£200 early bird)
Sharing twin room, Yurt or Bell Tent – £300 (£255 early bird)
Private room, Yurt or Bell Tent – £360 (£300 early bird)
Own tent or camper van – £200 (£170 early bird)
Early bird 15% discount if booked before May 15th.
Please don’t let financial difficulties be a barrier to you coming to this retreat – please contact Katy or Steve to discuss your situation and see how we can get you here with us!
Prices include:
Morning and evening yoga and meditation sessions each day, a 30 minute Ayurvedic yoga massage, 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day, a guided walk, accommodation.
Email Katy or Steve to reserve your place:
Katy Robinson +44(0)7748849829 / katy@mahayoga.org.uk
Steve Taylor +44(0)7598278130 / aym.steve@gmail.com
About Steve
Before Ayurvedic Yoga Massage (AYM) I trained in sports massage with a diploma from LSSM at Regents College London. Then, under the guidance of James Winstanley -pioneer of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage in the west and student of its creator in India Master Kusum Modak, I did the AYM Diploma. Over the last few years I’ve been building experience working with clients in London and the southwest. Now focussing on AYM and working with dancers, yoga teachers, personal trainers, cabaret performers, runners, and cyclists. As well as massage, I love running, old things, philosophy, festivals, reading, cooking, conversation, victorian stuff, ghost stories, carpentry, and films…. facebook.com/aym.steve
About Katy
I studied yoga and meditation under the direct guidance of Swami Vidyanand at the SriMa School of Transformational Yoga in India. I’ve been practising since 1999, leading me to deeper studies with different forms of yoga over the years including Transformational, Scaravelli-inspired, Sivananda and Yoga for Anxiety and Depression. I take an integral approach to teaching – incorporating physical postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama) and dhyana (mantra meditation), as well as meditation and deep relaxation (yoga nidra). Connecting body, breath, heart, mind and soul has brought an awareness and inner stillness I didn’t believe was possible before. I love being in this space of teacher and eternal student, and hope we can share the magic of yoga too. Take your focus inward, breathe and become present to your intention. All-comers welcome – from absolute beginners to yoga masters! As well as sharing my love of yoga through classes, workshops, retreats and trainings in the UK and abroad, I am a part-time project manager for non-profits and social enterprises. I am Reiki level 1 qualified and am currently training in Tantra massage, which complement the yoga beautifully. I love being in nature, connecting with my nature, and when I’m in the city I love getting around on my bike. facebook.com/mahayogaschool
The Quadrangle is a large Victorian model farmstead built in 1870 near Shoreham in Kent. Part of it is owned and managed by The Quadrangle Trust which is run as a centre for sustainable living and the creative arts. The garden runs down through an orchard to the River Darent and a field and small woodland beyond. It’s setting in the valley is extraordinarily rural and peaceful in that it is only 20 miles from Piccadilly Circus as the crow flies. thequadrangletrust.com
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage is a unique, relaxing treatment for the whole body, combining deep tissue massage, coordinated breath-work and yoga stretching. Ayurveda is the ancient Indian system of natural healing. AYM combines deep tissue massage with coordinated breath-work and yoga stretching. Its founder Master Kusum Modak has combined traditional Ayurvedic Massage with yoga adjustments learnt directly from BKS Iyengar. It’s performed on a floor mat allowing for a full range of stretching. In addition; the deep tissue massage dissolves physical tension, while the assisted stretches and breath exercises realign the body and stimulate the natural flow of energy. Organic sesame oil (a tri-dosha balancer), and ground calamus root (invigorates the skin / stimulates the nervous system) are used in the treatment.
Transformational Yoga is a truly integral yoga that goes far beyond just physical exercise. While offering a complete approach to wellbeing, it takes into account physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of health. It functions on a deeper level to stimulate kundalini energy to move up through the chakras, purifying and awakening the chakras. In this heart-centred practice we combine physical postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama) and dhyana (mantra meditation), as well as meditation and deep relaxation (yoga nidra), to purify your body, balance your emotions, heal your heart, focus your mind, and increase your spiritual wellbeing, helping you to let go and connect with your true nature.