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Cultivating Self Compassion
– Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat
@The Othona Community, Bradwell On Sea, Essex, CM0 7PN
19th-21st May 2023
£250 per person
2 bursary places available
Payment and booking
To secure the booking please complete this Google Docs Form:
“When we give ourselves compassion, we are opening our hearts in a way that can transform our lives.”
Join us for a weekend of self care and compassion practices. Set in a tranquil corner of the Essex Coast on the estuary of the River Blackwater, surrounded by sea, sand and woodland.
Each day will feature a nurturing timetable of mindfulness, yoga, walking, and yoga nidra. There will be ample time to take in the stunning location and enjoy delicious home cooked food in the company of others.
What are self care and compassion practices?
Yoga asana: gentle accessible postures (no experience necessary at all)
Pranayama: breathing practices to calm and soothe the nervous system.
Mindfulness: present moment awareness held within a container of kindness and non-judgement.
Yoga Nidra: an opportunity to deeply rest.
We use the practices to help us to rest, relax, and become reacquainted with all the parts of our being that require our loving attention. Stepping out of the business of our day to day, and being present with ourselves is in itself an act of self compassion and kindness. By adding in elements of a spiritual practice in the form of yoga, mindfulness, breath work and Nidra, the practices act as a bridge that takes us from a place of suffering and overwhelm, to our home within.
A place of peace, love and kindness.
Who is this retreat for?
Everyone! Complete beginners are very welcome, the retreat is also suitable for those who have an established practice who wish to make space for deeper reflection and growth. For those with accessibility issues the venue has few steps and has lots of chairs for seated practice.
This weekend will be a safe place to ask questions, and bring your challenges to two experienced and compassionate teachers and therapists.
Our Retreat Ethos
As a business we are concerned about the impact we have on the environment, which is why we have actively sought a venue which is local to us. With this in mind we actively encourage people to car share or use public transport. Nearer the time a car pool will be organised from Leigh on Sea.
We welcome people from all backgrounds regardless of race, gender, sexuality, LGBTQIA+ identity, religion or beliefs. You will be welcomed without fear of judgement or prejudice.
Cost £250 – Including room, food, drinks & led practice sessions
Reduced Price Places – It’s really important to Anahata that our retreats are financially accessible as possible. Please note we have two bursary places for individuals on low or no income please email us to enquire.
About your Teachers
Dawn Lister (she/her) is a mindfulness and yoga teacher with 27 year’s teaching experience. A 500 hour trained Hatha yoga teacher, mindfulness teacher, retreat leader and cranial sacral therapist.
She is co-founder of Anahata Yoga Centre and Owner of The Dawn Lister Therapy Centre, which offers professional and compassionate support for anyone struggling with physical and mental health challenges.
Daniel Groom (he/him) – has been practicing Meditation and Yoga since 1999. He is an Authorised IAYT Yoga Therapist and specialises in working with individuals and groups to support their mental wellbeing. Daniel actively works and supports people who are LGBTQIA+ offering Wellbeing Programs and Yoga Therapy for people within the community.
He co-founded Anahata Yoga Centre where he teaches Yoga and Meditation and is a Faculty Staff Member of Yoga Campus for their world renowned Yoga Therapy Training in London.
What to expect on Retreat?
Accommodation
Is simple and clean. A mix of bunk rooms and single or double beds are available on a first come first serve basis. Yurts are available if you prefer to be outdoors.
All retreaters will be offered a room/yurt on their own unless they wish to share with a friend. Simply let us know your preference when you book.
Note – Othona has bunk style room accommodation and all bedrooms share communal bathrooms and showers. We will be the only guests on the site during the retreat weekend.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner will be simple home cooked vegan and vegetarian fare with Fruit, Tea, Coffee and Herbal Drinks available throughout the day.
Special diets may be able to be accommodated with prior notice.
- Yoga mat, blankets, meditation stool or cushion.
- Notebook and pen/pencil.
- Bedding (duvet/pillow cover) and towel/s (Can be ordered with prior notice for £10 from Othona.)
- Layered clothing to include outdoor clothing for walking meditation.
Timetable
Arrive Friday from 16.00 onwards.
17.30-19.00 Orientation and first meditation
19.15 Dinner
20.00-21.00 Bedtime Practise (yoga nidra)
Saturday
8.00-8.45 Practise (mindful movement and seated practise)
9.00 Breakfast
10.00-11.30 Practise (Walking practise followed by meditation)
Free time
13.00 Lunch
Free time
16.00-17.30 Practise (Hatha Yoga)
18.30 Dinner
20.00-21.00 Bedtime Practise (Yoga Nidra)
Sunday
8.00-8.45 Practise (mindful movement)
9.00 Breakfast
10.00-11.30 Practise (meditation and Yoga Nidra)
Break
13.00 Lunch
14.30-16.00 Closing Practise (meditation and reflections of weekend)
End
There is plenty of time between practices to spend time in solitude, have a rest or nap read a book, relax with other retreat attendees.