Retreat: A day of 'un-doing'

Join the wonderful Mel Skinner with Nemia from Nuthatch Retreat for a day to let yourself really, truly rest.

This is a day of “un-doing”, where we will release the stresses and tensions of the body, relax and calm the mind, and give ourselves permission to just be, and in doing so, enjoy the beauty all around us. Let go of the shoulds and coulds, of the expectations and responsibilities, and melt into relaxation in this beautiful heart of the Forest.

At a glance

- A gentle day of releasing tension, resting and reflecting

- Gentle movement inspired by yoga and somatic education

- Deeply restful yoga nidra shown to release muscle tension and reduce stress and anxiety all done while lying down!

- Snacks on arrival, morning tea, a two course lunch and cake before leaving. You won’t go hungry!

- Optional 15 minute reflexology or massage sessions at additional charge

- A maximum of 8 people

Welcome to a day where you don’t really need to do anything at all - the hardest bit will be giving yourself time and space to be here!

In yoga philosophy there is a concept of “aparigraha”, which can be translated as “non-grasping” or “non-possession”. We will bring the quality of “non-grasping” to our practices on this retreat day, where the movement is gentle and soothing, keeping our nervous systems grounded and rested. Yoga nidra is the ultimate of “non-doing”, where we rest our busy minds and enter into a state similar to sleep, thought to bring deep rest and greater creativity through the release of delta and theta brainwaves.

On arrival you’ll be greeted warmly with teas and coffees and light snacks, before we enter into gentle movement. After this movement, which is inspired by restorative yoga, yin yoga and somatic education, there will be more refreshments, followed by yoga nidra, perfect for those exhausted, sleep deprived and restless. In the afternoon, after a delicious home cooked lunch, there will be time for you to journal, and if you choose, receive a 15 minute reflexology or massage treatment from either Nemia or Mel. You can also use this time to sit in the garden, weather allowing, and read, chat, or simply “gaze as long as sheep and cows”, in the words of poet William Davies.

Drop out of striving and straining, and give yourself permission to rest, nourish and simply be. And exhale…