Essential Nature
Yoga and Meditation Retreats
About
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."
Edward Abbey
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At Essential Nature Yoga we aim to make time experiencing the natural world as much a part of our practice as our yoga postures and meditation. This can range from seeing flocks of geese in the winter sky, experiencing tens of thousands of breeding seabirds in summer or simply taking the time to truly look at a wild flower on a stroll through a summer meadow.
Our yoga postures and meditation open us up to being more receptive to the wonder of nature. We begin to feel a sense of connection to the wider play of life going on around us at all times.
There are so many benefits in this for all of us - it allows the mind to quieten, by being immersed in nature we can let go of our day to day troubles which if only for a short time can do us so much good. Our breathing will relax and deepen - and we'll be getting some fresh air.
Most importantly it can stir the soul. It can ignite, or reignite, a sense of wonder and awe for life, and our place in it. And it's great fun.
Retreats
Glastonbury, Somerset 11 - 14 January 2024
Enjoy a 3-night retreat in the Somerset countryside at the foot of the legendary Glastonbury Tor. We take the time to refresh and renew for the year ahead through yoga postures, meditation & yoga nidra (deep relaxation using the sound of the gong).
There will also be time to relax and unwind by making use of the heated swimming pool & steam room on site.
We will travel to the Avalon Marshes to witness the spectacular starling murmurations - sometimes numbering half a million birds or more! And of course we’ll take a walk up Glastonbury Tor.
£375-00 per person in a twin/double (shared bathroom)
£395-00 for a single room (shared bathroom)
£405-00 twin share/double (ensuite)
this includes accommodation, all meals and all teachings.
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Maximum of 13 spaces
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A deposit of £150-00 secures your place.
Led by Nick Edge (Sw. SatyaDaya) & Nickie Short (Tulsi)
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Portugal (Odemira)
11 - 18 May 2024
Join us for a magical 7-night retreat in the unspoilt countryside of Southern Portugal.
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This is an opportunity to deeply refresh and recharge in a truly beautiful and peaceful place. Fundamental to this there will be daily hatha yoga, meditation and yoga nidra (deep relaxation) either using the covered outdoor yoga space or practice room.
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You will stay in a light, spacious room at a tranquil lakeside lodge with direct access to the lake for swimming, paddle boarding and canoeing, which are all included.The gardens and surrounding country are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife literally on our doorsteps and at night, with no light pollution, the stars are a sight to behold. As well as the opportunity for guided nature walks, you are free to immerse yourself in the nature rich environment that surrounds the lodge whenever you wish.
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Professionally prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner are included throughout (soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are extra).
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Your investment is £975 p/p based on 2 people sharing. All rooms are en-suite except 2 that share a Jack'n'Jill bathroom. Single room occupancy is possible however there will be a supplement (please contact us for details). A non-refundable deposit of £250 p/p will guarantee your place. We wil also offer a payment plan from time of booking until 2 months before departure so that you can spread the cost.
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The nearest airport is Faro which is 90 minutes away. Transfers can be arranged from here, Lisbon or the, more local, train station. These will be at additional cost. If more people arrive on the same flights or at the same place then the transfers become better and better value per person.
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Flights, which are not included, to Faro are offered from many UK airports by a number of 'no thrills' airlines, Jet2, EasyJet,Ryan Air etc. so travel should be easy and affordable.
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Here is a link to where you spend your week
https://www.paradise-in-portugal.com/en/
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Week led and taught by Nick Edge (SatyaDaya) and Nickie Short (Tulsi)...........and Mungo is coming too!!
Practices
This is a selection of practices for you to enjoy at home and to get an idea of what we practice when on retreat together - the first one is a chakra based relaxation/meditation and the second a compassion based practice called Tonglen, both recorded at Walsingham in 2019. I'll get them more polished at some point - however for now I hope you enjoy them.
