An opportunity to explore health and wellness, using innovative local practitioners, with a particular focus on Mindfulness. All food is included.
Overview
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 restorative yoga 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:
Stress Relief Yoga (group)
Our society today works at a fast pace and this can leave us feeling tired, drained and unable to sleep or quieten the mind. This class explores the breath and helps students to use breath control to calm the mind. The physical yoga postures are designed to reduce the effects of stress and the session concludes with meditation and relaxation.
Restorative Yoga (group and included for everyone at the end of the day in addition to their 5 choices)
Restorative Yoga is for those times when you feel weak, tired or stressed from your daily life with the focus of the practice to add energy to the body and to actively relax. By supporting the body with props we will alternatively stimulate and relax the body to move towards balance.The restorative poses themselves are of being rather than doing and this class will be conducted in a warmed environment lit only by candlelight to encourage total relaxation.
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
PiYo (group)
Combining what she had seen on stage in Las Vegas with her favourite Pilates and yoga moves, Chalene Johnson created a new workout to lengthen and tone muscles while maintaining sufficient pace to burn unwanted body fat. As a result, people unable to perform higher-intensity sessions because of injury could still get the muscle-sculpting benefits of a resistance workout and the cardio benefits of a heart-racing routine without feeling as if they had done either. And, most importantly, they could wake up the following morning without feeling stiff and sore.
“My aim was to ensure that someone who was very overweight and couldn’t jump up and down to get the effects of cardio could still do this while getting stronger and sculpting their body using just their own body weight. It had to be something that looked totally different from anything else out there.”
It might be hard to believe that a workout based on gentler forms of exercise, such as yoga, could help to remove excess weight and build muscle, but the secret is in the way the poses are used. Instead of being held for long, reflective amounts of time, they morph into a constantly moving, fast-paced flow of sequences. It’s the same with the Pilates-style moves too. The exerciser is led through dozens of repetitive, microscopic core sequences to tighten, tone and flatten the stomach.
Meditation (group)
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. 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.
Reiki (group and 1:1)
Reiki draws upon universal healing energy, which is then transferred to the client through visualisation and bygently 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.
Thai Massage (1:1)
Traditional Thai massage uses no oils or lotions. The recipient remains clothed during a treatment. There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked.The recipient of the massage wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. The receiver will be positioned in a variety of yoga-like positions during the course of the massage, that is also combined with deep static and rhythmic pressures. The massage generally follows designated lines ("sen") in the body. The legs and feet of the giver can be used to position the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging. The massage may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, and moving the recipient's body into many different positions. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the giver will adjust to fit the receiver.
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
Introduction to watercolouring (group)
The medium of watercolor is spontaneous by nature, and is well suited for the intuitive painting process. Watercolour behaves in a fresh and translucent way that is more "committed to the moment" than other paint mediums that can be changed or painted over and over again. You will be part of a group who will be lead by Peter as you learn some techniques to help you create your own watercolour of the Solway Firth and surrounding area as you sit outside, weather permitting, and appreciate the therapeutic benefits of this very rewarding process.
Pottery workshop (group)
Create your very own ceramic tea light holder, you’ll be amazed at the beautiful piece of pottery you’ll make. As well as some excellent tuition, you’ll also get all materials and of course the pleasure of a lovely session meeting creative folks and spending time in the super studio! So why not treat yourself to some time away from the hum drum and enjoy learning a new skill. Cazz will have you potting up a storm in no time!
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.
Swedish Massage (1:1)
Swedish massage therapy is the modality that comes to mind when most people think about massage. As the best-known type of bodywork performed today, one of the primary goals of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
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.
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