An opportunity to explore health and wellness, using innovative local practitioners, with a particular focus on Mindfulness. All food is included.
Overview (10am - 5:30pm)
We will begin the day with a relaxed introduction to our venue, to each other and to Mindfulness and why we believe it is so important in health and wellness. We will hand out small notebooks so you can record thoughts and process notes through the day as you enjoy your free time.
We will then begin the 5 activities which you will choose prior to the event. There will be plenty of time to experience activities and these are available as individual or group activities. The activities will range from Mind and Body and Emotional/Spiritual Rejuvenation and Connection with Nature; all threaded together by our mindful approach. We will use local trainers and therapists who are looking forward to sharing their work with you and contribute to this approach to your well-being. We have a cosy living room and plenty of outdoor space which you can use to simply relax alone or together as you make of any free time.
We will break for an informal lunch midway through the day. Once you have finished your activities we will spend some time reflecting on your special day as well as to give time for interacting with each other and the facilitators.Finally, we will end the day with a very calming candlelit meditation session which will ensure you finish the day with a warm glow inside and out and we will send you on your way with a special gift.
All food will be provided. We are looking to provide a very interesting, inspiring and (most importantly) tasty Vegan experience here (people are welcome to bring their own food should they wish). The feedback from previous events stated that the food is absolutely fantastic and we are very confident you will enjoy what we have planned for you.
Who is this event for?
This event is suitable for anyone who wishes to explore health and well-being through innovative practices all bound by and threaded together with a mindful approach. Also, anyone who is interested in exploring a vegan diet with the reassurance that our menu is delicious! The days will happily accommodate those who practice the activities regularly as well terrified beginners. For beginners we would love to open you up to these wonderful ways of helping you begin work on ‘getting back to you’!
Our venue
Hayton Castle is a traditional, rustic and historic Cumbrian Castle nestled just north of the Lake District, with views of the Solway Firth. We will use the cosy indoor spaces as well as the outdoors depending on the activities. Our venue is already bringing together the whole community and aims to engage, empower and support people of all ages who have a passion for arts and the environment. Together we aim to offer experiences for those who simply want to try something different, fun, inspiring, rewarding or therapeutic.
Our facilitators
The event will be hosted by Martyn Blacklock (Health Motivator -website, also responsible for all Wellness activities at World Health Innovation Summit - website) and Stevie Westgarth (owner of Hayton Castle and founder of Hayton Castle Fields CIC -Facebook page)
For details of all facilitators and links to their social media and websites please see here
The activities:
Meditation (group and included for everyone at the end of the day in addition to their 5 choices)
While many of us enjoy meditating alone, meditating with others can enhance our spiritual growth significantly. In addition to helping people learn how to meditate, a meditation group can bring a tremendous amount of healing to everyone who attends. This can help someone who’s having difficulty overcoming the wounds from their past. This meditation will be conducted in a warmed environment lit only by candlelight to encourage total relaxation. There are various other ways a meditation group can be of benefit to its members:
Spiritual support - There is a synergy that takes place when people meditate together. The healing power that is cultivated in a group meditation session is usually greater than when meditating alone. If you open your heart to others in the group, the energy of mindfulness will flow freely for everyone to enjoy.
Help you stay committed to your meditation practice - Many of us have difficulty staying committed to our meditation practice. If we have a commitment to a meditation group, we will be more likely to stay committed to our own practice.
Help us overcome our egos - Some of us have difficulty seeing the world beyond our personal concerns. This self-centeredness is the never-ending source of our suffering because the world will never fully comply with our wishes. Getting involved with helping other will help shift our frame of reference, and help us see how others suffer just as much as we do, if not more.
Camaraderie - A unique bond is formed when we travel together on the path to inner peace, because we are all searching for freedom from our own suffering.
Pilates (group)
Joseph Pilates presents his method as the art of controlled movements, which should look and feel like a workout (not a therapy) when properly manifested. If practiced with consistency, Pilates improves flexibility, builds strength and develops control and endurance in the entire body. It puts emphasis on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance. Pilates' system allows for different exercises to be modified in range of difficulty from beginner to advanced or to any other level, and also in terms of the instructor and practitioner's specific goals and/or limitations. Intensity can be increased over time as the body conditions and adapts to the exercise
Vinyasa Flow Yoga (group)
During this session Martyn will introduce you to Vinyasa Flow Yoga using the Sushumna interpretation: a dynamic, Asthanga based flow but with a freer, more creative style. Regular practice can help guide you to discover a greater lightness, happiness and freedom in your life and help you to discover your true self.
Asana (physical postures) is the 3rd limb of yoga, but without the other 7 limbs we are merely scraping the surface. Asana is a great place to start though, it is often what brings most people to yoga and a healthy body is extremely important. However, yoga will help you develop a peace and happiness in body, mind and soul.
Sushumna Vinyasa Flow Yoga is made up of the following elements:
- Context, theme and preparation, invoking the highest potential in yoga bringing the roots of yoga into a contemporary context of how an asana class relates to life off the mat
- Asana and Vinyasa, in which physical postures working the right then left sides of the body dynamically interlaced with synchronicity of movement with the breath
- Adjustments, verbal and physical assistance indicating future potential
- Music, to inspire and unite us through this common language
- Pranayama, relaxation and body awareness through focusing on the breath Meditation, deep relaxation to unite ourselves as one coherent whole
Creating Rhythm for Health and Wellbeing (group)
A rhythm circle is an opportunity for people to come together to create and experience ‘in the moment’ music. Creating rhythm can be both energising and also deeply relaxing. It brings our awareness into the present moment so we can stop worrying and begin enjoying and expressing ourselves. Drumming as a group is fun, empowering and creates a feeling of community, it opens up a creative dialogue between participants.
Nutritional consultation (1:1)
Reiki (group or 1:1)
Reiki draws upon universal healing energy, which is then transferred to the client through visualisation and by gently placing their hands on our just above the body. Reiki, meaning ‘universal life energy’. It works on the principle that energy, also known as ‘ki’ or ‘chi’, flows through the body via energy centres called ‘chakras’. A balanced flow of energy is said to provide a sense of well-being and spiritual renewal.
Reflexology (1:1)
Reflexology is a non-intrusive complementary health therapy, based on the theory that different points on the feet, lower leg, hands, face or ears correspond with different areas of the body. Reflexologists work holistically with their clients and aim to work alongside allopathic healthcare to promote better health for their clients
Bio-Energy Healing (1:1)
Bio- Energy Healing is based on ancient principles of energy flow, originating in China as long ago as the sixth century. These principles consisted of movements which allowed chi or bio-energy to flow along a series of pathways called meridians connecting all areas of the body. The free flow of this energy is believed to heal and energise the internal organs of the body providing: immunity from disease, health, youthfulness and vitality therefore prolonging quality of life. The treatments are non-invasive, removing only shoes. A Bio-Energy session involves a series of hand movements around the body encouraging the natural flow of energy to create a sense of peace and well-being for the recipient.
Access Bars (1:1)
Access Bars® is a touch therapy directed at 32 points on the head. There are points for healing, body, control, awareness, creativity, power, ageing, sex and money. As you clear these blockages and old patterns it provides more space for you to receive allowing you to create your ideas. These points correspond to areas of your life and can release years of limiting beliefs and cellular trauma allowing you to change whatever isn’t working in your life. When these points are held gently they create a ‘bar’ of energy. By touching the points you activate specific areas and begin to clear away and allow for rapid change! Each thought, idea, attitude, decision or belief that you have fixed in place over a lifetime solidifies the energy and limits your capacity to change anything in that area. By clearing all of these limitations a whole range of possibilities begins to open up for you and life gets much easier. As it creates space you then have the ability to receive greater than what you currently have and more. How does it get any better than that?
Angel Awareness Workshop (group)
To learn about Angels to bring hope, comfort, peace and empowerment. Learn how to interpret the many Angelic signs. Find out how you personally connect with Angels. Learn how to protect and ground yourself. An individual 3 card Angel card reading will be given after the session to receive your personal divine messages.
Introduction to person-centred counselling session (indoors) (1:1)
Personal counselling can be offered to anyone experiencing difficulty in dealing with their emotions or those close to them, as well as for developing yourself beyond where you currently are to experience life more fully. See here for more details of Person-Centred Therapy. This introduction will allow you to experience what it is like to be with a counsellor and perhaps bring to your awareness any areas you would like to work on and consider as part of your special day and beyond.
Introduction to Person-centred counselling session (outdoors) (1:1)
This is the same as indoor therapy but differs by taking therapy outside of the typical environment indoors to the outdoors, to feel the benefits of an outdoor space through the fresh air, the rhythm of walking, peaceful sounds and endless metahpors. This is an innovative way of providing counselling and is very different to adventure therapy or outdoor activities that are therapeutic, We hope this experience can perhaps making counselling more accessible to those who wouldn’t normally engage with it but may be inclined to given the appeal of being outdoors.
No Hands Massage (1:1)
No Hands Massage is a deep and powerful treatment. Injuries, aches and pains can be smoothed away through the sheer power of healing touch. Once you have experienced a treatment, you will fully understand the depth of this experience. No hands stands for excellence in the quality and power of the touch that you receive. Delivering safe touch through soft yet strong parts of the body, like the soft fleshy part of the forearm, No Hands is for people who want more than just a ‘skin rub’. It is about change, letting go, releasing and transforming ourselves. Sometimes we know in advance what this change is going to be and sometimes we just trust, let go and only realise what it was all about two weeks after the session! It's a truly physical, emotional and spiritual experience.
Indian Head Massage (1:1)
Indian head massage is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. Clients report that the experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving them feeling energised and revitalised and better able to concentrate. The treatment involves a relaxing back, neck shoulder and scalp massage on a therapy chair concentrating on areas of muscle tension. The client then lies down and the treatment continues with an arm and hand massage, a neck and facial massage focusing on various pressure points.
Zu Qigong (1:1)
Zu Qigong (pronounced Zoo Chee Kong) is a new complementary therapy technique, applying a very light touch and working only on the feet and lower legs. Many clients report it as being a meditative type experience.
Why Zu Qigong?
Zu – is the Chinese word for Foot /Feet
Qi – translates as Energy, Vitality or Life
Gong – translates as Working with, Developing or Cultivating
Qigong can therefore be interpreted as:
- Working with energy
- Developing vitality
- Cultivating life
Giving us: “Zu Qigong – Foot Energy Work”
Zu Qigong is a non-invasive complementary therapy, designed around the energy system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and the basic principle of reflexology i.e. the theory that different points on the feet, hands etc. correspond to specific areas of the body. The “energy system” of TCM refers to the circulation of Qi or energy via a network of meridians / energy channels.
The Zu Qigong therapist does not diagnose, or treat specific illnesses, but works holistically using a simple routine designed to:
- Relax the mind and body.
- Promote natural circulation of energy throughout the body.
- Encourage the body to achieve a balanced flow of energy.
Elspeth Fare the founder of Zu Qigong describes it as:
“A Yin approach to counteract the Yang excesses of Western lifestyle.”
Payment
You will be sent the bank details in your confirmation email to make payment following registration.
Cancellation Policy
If you decide to cancel your place, you will receive:
- A full refund provided we receive notice of your cancellation at least 14 days' before the retreat date
- A 50% refund if we receive 13 - 7 days' notice
- No refund if we receive less than 7 days' notice