Rest and Restore Retreat
Inner stillness and surrender
Friday 15th - Sunday 17th November 2024
Early bird price ends 5pm, 23rd August
As we move towards darker days, it is the perfect time for us to drift and dream our way into the season of winter, and to accept all that we must let go of. Drawing on the yogic philosophical concept of abhinivesha (the fear of death and the will to live), and with an emphasis on restorative yoga and yoga nidra, we will explore the time of surrender, and the peace that comes from doing so.
At a glance
Plenty of deeply restful yoga nidra
Soothing restorative yoga to really relax muscle tension
Grounding meditation walks and contemplation of nature
Accessible yoga philosophy teachings
The sharing of poetry in the library in front of the fire
A deeper understanding of yoga philosophy and why this is relevant to this time of year, and coping with modern day stresses
The chance to release tension from mind, body and soul
The retreat
As we head ever closer towards the end of the year, many of us can find ourselves dreading the darker days. Others will find themselves longing to embrace the desire to hibernate and go inwards. For most of us, modern life can make it difficult for us to really slow down and discover the jewels that winter has to offer. This retreat is an invitation to discover the beauty of stillness and quiet contemplation.
This retreat will contain restorative yoga and yoga nidra as two deeply restful and contemplative yoga techniques that teach us how to soften, release and relax, plus there will be a nourishing and healing gong bath on Saturday evening.
When we are relaxed, it becomes easier to face things that may have felt overwhelming or challenging before. Mel will introduce the yogic concept of abhinivesha, meaning the fear of death, and we will use the beautiful surroundings of Hawkwood to observe and connect with the death and decay of nature around us. This will teach us not to be afraid, but instead to accept and acknowledge that all endings offer new beginnings.
By giving ourselves permission to rest, grieve, and feel, we actually become stronger, more resilience and balanced. We move out of “emergency” and “urgency” mode, and reconnect to the rhythm of our soul, and the rhythm of our Earth.
“Mel is a gifted teacher, I am very grateful to her. This course has been transformative.”
The food
The food at Hawkwood is mostly organic, mostly local, all homemade, and totally delicious! You certainly won't go hungry on this retreat as we start the day with a delicious breakfast including eggs, toast, muesli, juice and a selection of organic tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are home-cooked with love, and include meat and vegetarian offerings, and the quality of the ingredients will boost and support your digestion (as well as the knowledge that someone else will be doing the washing up!).
Located within an enchanting 19th Century Grade II listed building surrounded by 42 acres of beautiful grounds, Hawkwood College is based just outside of Stroud, within easy reach from both the M4 and M5 motorways. A relaxed, quirky venue hosting a wide range of educational and nourishing courses and retreats and surrounded by woodlands, with simple accommodation, a generous kitchen, and a strong ethics at their core. I am always very honoured to be part of the vast and wonderful range of offerings here.
The venue
The Schedule
The aim on this retreat is to slow ourselves down. I encourage you to let yourself move at the pace of your body. You may be surprised by how tired you really are, so afternoon naps, relaxing with a book, or enjoying a stroll to the meditation hut in the woods are all welcome here. You are free to do as little or as much of the yoga as you like.
You will be given a schedule when you arrive, but here is a copy of the 2022 schedule to give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Bedrooms and pricing
Early bird price ends 5pm, 23rd August
Non-residential (breakfast not included) - £345 - early bird price £293
Shared room, shared bathroom - £415 - early bird £353
Single room, shared bathroom - £465 - early bird 395
Please note travel, insurance and treatments (where relevant) are not included in these prices.
Booking is made directly through Hawkwood College for this retreat.
This booking is handled by Hawkwood College. Please contact them directly for further information including any information you require on covid-19 guidelines.
Terms and conditions
Participants to bring yoga equipment*, plus a journal/notebook, pen, and any poetry/readings they would like to share with the group. There will be beautiful unique Tibetan shawls for sale from Mel. You may also like to bring walking boots and extra layers for the early morning walk.
*yoga mat, yoga bolster (can substitute with pillows), yoga bricks and blocks x2 each (can substitute with pillows), blankets for warmth - 2-3 is ideal, yoga strap, eye pillow, cushion for head
Prepare for your retreat
A note on self-care
A retreat can be wonderfully relaxing, allowing you time to focus on yourself and taking away the every day stresses of life. However retreats can also be times of emotional release, as slowing down often offers the chance for reflection and contemplation. It is recommended that you slow down before your retreat if possible, and also allow yourself time to return to the everyday world, perhaps taking an extra day off work if you can, and avoiding making any unnecessary social engagements or obligation.
It is good to prepare for all weathers, especially when retreating in the UK! For this reason, I recommend wellies and/or walking boots, waterproof clothes, comfy warm socks and slippers, a warm jumper or two, hat and gloves, sunscreen, and swimming clothes (when relevant).