yoga...my healing
yoga...my healing
yoga...my healing
A collaboration with my friend and colleague Anita, at 'Step Lightly with Anita Grey.'
A beautiful way to unwind and relax on the weekend of Samhain.
Friday 28th to Monday 31st October 2022
Lake District Autumn retreat
SOLD OUT
Stay at Brathay Hall on the shores of Lake Windermere
Time for you to take a pause...
Treat yourself to a few days away in a beautiful place, nestled in nature and away from your everyday routine and busyness of life. A time to stop and evaluate what you're doing and where you're going. The escape is a collaboration of women who share the same values and are also passionate about sharing their time and skills in a whole variety of ways. This holiday combines Yoga with walking with the Alexander Technique.
the yoga
The yoga sessions are to suit all levels and will both energise, strengthen, and warm up the body, as well as relax, restore, and stretch out tired muscles after hours spent walking. The pace is gentle, slow, and mindful, inviting you to embrace your individuality and curiosity to develop body awareness. There is an emphasis on the breath and movement.
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Embodied yoga is based on sensory experience – you're neither in competition with others, nor there to challenge yourself to the point of exhaustion! Our aim is to empower and guide your practice to help you find freedom within your body and to explore your practice both on and off the mat.
“Jacqui’s ability to read the room and adjust her teaching practise to suit a variety of needs and feelings at the time is intuitive and perceptive and something I have not found in yoga for a long time...”
The Practice Space
Our space for practicing is a light and airy converted barn and just a 2-minute walk from the Main Hall.
Please bring your own yoga mat if you have one (though we can provide one if you're intending to travel light!). Other yoga equipment is provided (brick, block, strap, scented eye pillow... and a few blankets), but you may prefer to bring your own if you have any.
Walking with The Alexander Technique
Mindful walking through woods, along craggy footpaths and managing descents that could be challenging...this will be an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of walking without undue wear and tear and the stress and strain on joints and muscles.
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Widely recognised as one of the most effective self-help techniques for posture and awareness, this “thinking in action” process helps us to let go of habitual patterns and tension, so that more energy is available for the sheer enjoyment of simply putting one foot in front of the other and appreciating the wonderful mountain environment.
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If you have walking poles, bring them along and we can spend some time exploring how we might use them more effectively to further reduce wear and tear on the knees. Or, if you are considering using them in the future, we’ll have a few spare pairs if you’d like to try them out.
“Anita’s boundless energy and zest for movement and life in itself, is energising and refreshing.”
Walking level
The walking level is perfect if you love longer low-level walks, or if you’re new to walking, but already do some form of exercise fairly regularly. We are unlikely to climb higher than 600m and no longer than around 12km. During the walks, we'll take time for a picnic lunch and/or a stop in one of the Lake District’s scenic cafés.
Walk options will depend on the weather and current conditions of course, but a few examples of walks we've done in the past include: Loughrigg Fell and Terrace, with a stop at the Rydal Caves, Elterwater and Great Langdale, and Todd Crag.
Anita is a qualified International Mountain Leader as well as teacher of the Alexander Technique.
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Typical weekend schedule
FRIDAY
16:00 Arrivals/welcome/tea and home-made cake
17:30 Gentle evening yoga practice
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Short Alexander relaxation practice
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SATURDAY
07:30 Morning vinyasa yoga flow
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Walking with The Alexander Technique (take packed lunch)
15:00 Free time, including drinks and home-made cake
17:30 Evening nurturing yoga practice
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Yoga nidra/meditation
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SUNDAY
07:30 Morning vinyasa yoga flow
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Walking with The Alexander Technique (take packed lunch)
15:00 Free time, including drinks and home-made cake
17.30 Evening nurturing yoga practice
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Fire ceremony/Yoga nidra/chill
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MONDAY
07:30 Morning vinyasa yoga flow
09:00 Breakfast
10:00 Applying Alexander Technique into daily life and/or free time
13:00 Lunch
14:00 Departures and good-byes
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(All activities are optional and subject to change)
Meals
Meals are to suit all diets, including gluten and dairy free diets and any medical allergies. However, we regret that we are unable to cater for personal preferences or complicated special diets.
The Rooms
Brathay’s comfortable bedrooms are all en-suite and are located in and around the Main Hall. All rooms have Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
If you’re lucky, you might also spot wild deer when you’re gazing out of your bedroom window!
For more information on rooms, you can also visit Brathay’s website here
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Scafell Lodges
These superior rooms are the most spacious and enjoy an extra touch of luxury, situated just a stone’s throw away from the Main Hall.
Helvellyn Rooms
These are newly refurbished twins in the Georgian splendour of Brathay Hall
Loughrigg Rooms
Newly refurbished, these are a block of cosy single woodland rooms with their own carpark.
Dates and Prices
Friday 28th to Monday 31st October 2022
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Single Occupancy:​
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Single (Loughrigg room) £525
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Twin/double room (Helvellyn room) £575
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2 people sharing (per person):
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Superior twin/double room (Scafell Lodge) £545
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Rooms will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please indicate your room preference (single - Loughrigg, standard twin – Helvellyn, or superior room – Scafell) when filling in the booking form, stating who you’d like to share with if applicable.
If you’re travelling alone but would like to share, please tell us at the time of booking and we will match you with a roommate.
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Included in the price:
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3 nights’ accommodation
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All meals and including tea, coffee, fruit, snacks
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All yoga practices and guided walking sessions
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What’s not included:
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Transport to and from the venue
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Insurance
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Soft and alcoholic drinks
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Spaces are limited. It's advisable to get in touch and book early.
A non-refundable deposit of £120 is required to secure your place - but please check first for room availability.
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Mobile: 07835685123 or email jacq@yogasapien.co.uk
"Jacqui's ability to read the room and adjust her teaching practise to suit a variety of needs and feelings at the time is intuitive and perceptive and something I have not found in yoga for a long time and Anita's boundless energy and zest for movement and life in itself, is energising and refreshing."