Hawkwood College, Stroud, GL6 7QW
20/06/2025 - 22/06/2025
3 days
The summer solstice is a pausing place in the turning of the wheel of time, and this retreat invites you into a contemplative and peaceful state of mind.
Bringing mind, body and soul together through deeply restful yoga practices and philosophy, as well as journaling techniques and nature-based meditations, you will take time to enjoy the longest day, and find gratitude for the abundance of light and beauty all around us at this time of year.
There will be gentle Flow and Restore yoga to open up your body in the mornings and afternoon Resotrative/Yin style practices to release long-held patterns of tension and create more space for breath.
This form of yoga is proven to support mental and emotional health, as well as improve physical wellbeing. You 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.
As well as twice daily yoga sessions, there will also explore nature-based activities, including using journaling to connect with the landscape around you, and optional early morning meditations in the beautiful woodland sanctuary.
On Saturday there will be a special nature-inspired session devoted to the energy of summer. This will involve optional barefoot walking in 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.
Mel Skinner
