A day in the life of a retreat...

Crystal singing bowls on the yoga deck overlooking Cumbrian hills

Do you wonder what happens on one of our retreats?

What is the schedule like?

Will you have time to get the rest you really need?

Firstly, many thanks to all the people interested in joining a retreat and reaching out with questions. I believe that you are right to wonder and ask before making a booking. Your questions are always welcome.

If you have met me or if you have been reading my newsletters for a while, you will know that before setting up my own offerings, I had been a participant, for almost 20 years, on many different kinds of retreats, and many a time, I had wished that, just like some of you, I had spent time researching the schedule.

On many an occasion, it had either been too few or too many activities. Either leaving me feeling neglected as, with my fellow retreaters, we scattered in all directions in search of entertainment or leaving me totally exhausted after days of what could have been marketed as 'boot camp' but wasn't.

With that in mind I always detail the schedule on the retreat listings but I am always happy to go over it.

Let's look at a weekend retreat in Cumbria...

On the Friday, I personally welcome guests between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm. After been shown to their room, people usually gather around the kitchen island for a cup of tea, biscuits and a chat with their fellow retreater. This is where the bonding starts!

The evening yoga sessions, in the dedicated studio, start at 6 pm and end at around 7.20 pm. The sessions are never rushed. The yoga teacher will always take the time to get to know you and adapt the sessions to your needs.

By the time you leave the studio the table is dressed in the dining room and I am busy in the kitchen putting the finishing touches to dinner. The main courses we enjoy during lunch and dinner are freshly prepared by a local chef. I am responsible for cooking/ warming up the food and preparing side dishes.

At 7.30 pm we all sit at the large table to enjoy dinner and good conversation. On the first evening, guests are usually happy to make their way up to their room for an early night. However, there are 2 cosy sitting rooms available for further chatting.

In the mornings, yoga starts at 8 am. Not too early and not too late! The kitchen is accessible round the clock and tea, coffee and biscuits are available to the early risers.

There is also unrestricted access to the beautiful garden, offering ample sitting, overlooking hills and grazing sheep.

After morning yoga there is a buffet breakfast served in the kitchen. You can make yourself some toasts, there is a selection of jams or you can opt for a bowl of Muesli/ Granola with yoghurts and berries. Freshly brewed coffee, teas and fresh fruits are always available. In any case, breakfast is taken at a leisurely pace. You are with us to rest and heal.

After breakfast there is a period of free time. Some guests just want to curl up in a corner with a good book or finish some knitting. Some guests lie in a hammock in the garden and day dream. I will also take some guests to the local stream for some cold water dipping. It's a great way to let your worries flow away, get invigorated and prepare for the way ahead.

At 12.30 pm lunch is served. Again, we gather around the dining table and put the world to rights.

At around 2 pm we leave for a walk.

We enjoy 2 different walks over 2 afternoons.

The first walk is to Cautley Spout, which is England's highest waterfall. We cross fields until we join the official walking path. We get to enjoy breathtaking views over the Cumbrian landscape. The walk can last up to 3 hours as, again, it's leisurely. We take time to breathe, appreciate our surroundings, take pictures and admire the local flora. Every season has its colours and it's always stunning.

The second walk is to Farfield Mill on the outskirt of the village of Sedbergh. Farfield Mill is a former Victorian woollen mill converted into open artists' studios. It's also a beautiful art gallery with free exhibitions and a great shopping destination for British arts and crafts. This walk takes about 2 hours.

We always appreciate getting back to the house after a walk and putting the kettle on!

There is more free time before the evening yoga session.

On the second evening, after dinner, we gather in the studio for a sound bath. I am a fully qualified sound healer and it's always a joy for me to play my crystal and Tibetan singing bowls. Mentions of a great night's sleep the following day are wonderful to hear.

On the last evening, weather permitting, we gather around the fire pit and reflect on the time we spent together.

On the November retreats we benefit from dark skies and indulge in some star gazing, hot chocolate in hand. If we can't get outside then we make the most of the wood burning stove and comfortable sofas in the large sitting room.

Obviously all activities are optional. It is your retreat.

I hope that this is useful to someone.

Still have questions?

Please get in touch as I love hearing from you.