Essential Nature
Yoga and Meditation Retreats
About
"Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit."
Edward Abbey
​
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
Spain (Extremadura)
11 - 18 May 2024
Join us for a magical 7-night retreat in the unspoilt countryside of Extremadura in West-central Spain. Extremadura is a region of great natural beauty with incredible landscapes and towns and villages steeped in history. The region is famous for the ‘dehesa’ which is a unique environment teaming with native wildflowers and birdlife.
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).
We stay in a delightful ‘casa rural’, country house, less than 10 miles from Trujillo. The rooms are light, airy and spacious and all have en-suite facilities. The gardens and surrounding country are home to a wide variety of birds and wildlife literally on our doorstep and at night, with no light pollution, the stars are a sight to behold. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a number of terraces and lawns inviting the opportunity to truly unwind.
​
The price is £975 p/p based on 2 people sharing. 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.
​
The nearest airport is Madrid which is 2 hours away. Transfers can be arranged from here at additional cost.
Week led by Nick Edge (SatyaDaya) and Nickie Short (Tulsi)
...........and Mungo is coming too!!
***We have only 3 spaces in twin en-suite rooms***
​
Walsingham, Norfolk
28 Nov - 1 December 2024
A 3-night weekend of practice, stillness and sahring at Walsingham, a world famous centre of pilgrimage, where our practice will include hatha yoga, meditation and yoga nidra.
We also spend time on the beautiful Norfolk coast with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife - in the winter Norfolk is famous for flocks of wild geese numbering into the tens of thousands.
The price is £395-00 per person based on twin share (max. of 12 participants), which includes accommodation, all teaching and sessions and all meals.
A non-refundable deposit of £150 p/p will guarantee your place.
​
Weekend led by Nick Edge (Sw. SatyaDaya)
​
***2 spaces left***
Glastonbury, Somerset
9 - 12 January 2025
​
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).
​
There will also be time to further 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)
£395-00 twin/share double (ensuite)
​
14 places - this includes accommodation, all meals and all teachings. This year we will be catering for the retreat.
​
A non-refundable deposit of £150-00 secures your place.
​
Led by Nick Edge (Sw. SatyaDaya) & Nickie Short (Tulsi)
​
​​​
Iona, Scotland
10 - 17 May 2025
​
​
Enjoy a 7-night retreat on this spectacular island, known for centuries as a place of deep peace and spiritual renewal.
​
Iona is known as a ‘thin place’ – a place where we are more able to connect with the mystery that lies at the heart of our being.
​
Our time together will include daily hatha yoga, meditation & yoga nidra. As importantly we allow time and space to explore and simply be on this magical island. We spend a day with thousands of seabirds on the Treshnish Islands (weather permitting) – famous for breeding puffins (the cost of this trip is extra).
​
£795-00 per person (max. 9 places) - this includes accommodation (in twin-share/double rooms), all meals and all teachings.
​
(There is a triple room option available at £695-00 per person if we get 3 people who wish to take up this offer)
​
A non-refundable deposit of £250-00 will secure a place. Travel to and from Iona is not included.
​
Led by Nick Edge (Sw. SatyaDaya) & Nickie Short (Tulsi).
Isle of Mull, Scotland
8 - 14 September 2024
Our 6-night retreat is currently full.
Please get in touch if you would like to be added to the waitlist.
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.
