West Lexham Day Retreat
Immerse yourself in nature as you pause and unplug at this Mandala day retreat, just 90 minutes from Essex, at West Lexham wellness retreat centre: https://westlexham.org
The Venue
The Independent and The Guardian regard West Lexham as a must visit for both retreat and staycation. Set in a lush 21 acres of gardens, woodlands, lake, and river, this eco-friendly paradise is the perfect back to nature day retreat. The ecology of the floating water meadows has earned the title as a site of special scientific interest.
The beautiful onsite lake in front of our venue is fed by a chalk stream making it ideal for a lazy row in one of the free on-site row boats or for a spot of wild water swimming. The venue also offers a naturally filtered outdoor swimming pool devoid of any harsh chemicals and heated by an eco-friendly biomass boiler.
Seasonal food will support and revitalise you throughout the day. A plant-based lunch will be provided together with snacks and drinks throughout the day, or maybe try the kitchen garden café which uses seasonal organic produce from site and treat yourself to a coffee and a piece of cake.
During the day you will have plenty of free time to relax, unwind and explore.
Preserving the Environment
West Lexham Wellness Retreat Centre runs on 90+% renewables and organic principles with delicious fresh drinking water drawn from the chalk well available from every tap.
The beautiful washrooms and showers are available for your use. These washrooms use a biological waste treatment powered by microorganism, meaning that no harsh chemicals are used.
NB: I ask if you bring shampoos and soap products that you use only natural products. Many thanks.
The Retreat
Saturday 6th July 10-6pm. Arrival 9.30am, Opening practice 10am.
Have you ever heard about Mandala? Not sure what it is? A Mandala is a symbol of the universe in its ideal form. And its creation signifies the transformation of the universe from suffering into one of joy. It can also be used as an aid to mediation, helping the mediator to envision how to achieve the perfect self.
To start our day Mandala Vinyasa yoga, we will practice towards a firm intention and connection between you and each of the Elements in the Universe Earth, Water, Fire and Air. During a Mandala Vinyasa practice, you will be integrating the spiral patterns of nature, as there is never perfection nor straight lines in nature. You’ll explore circular movements with your body, moving around all four corners of the mat in 360 degrees. Physically the class is flowing but much slower paced then a Vinyasa (flow) through different levels of asana (postures), while prioritising the breath to movement and working on a particular target area (element) in the body. As the movements are slower, they are linked by the breath in a conscious manner.
After a scrumptious plant based lunch, you can continue to explore the grounds, swim in the heated swimming pool or if you’re feeling wild enough take a wild water swim in the stunning lake.
During the afternoon let’s get Arty!
Mandala art is a form of meditation. The very nature of creating mandala art is therapeutic and symbolic. In the process of drawing mandala artwork, you feel much calmer and more peaceful and you’re breathing and heartbeat slow down. The shapes and colours you create in your mandala art therapy will reflect your inner self. Your instinct and feeling should inspire and guide you through the process of creation. Ultimately, you will be creating a kind of portrait of yourself as you are when creating the mandala So, whatever you are feeling at that time, whatever emotions are coming through, will be represented in your mandala art therapy.
As with most art therapy, it’s not about the final product it’s about the journey. When you reach your destination, you will have a representation of something meaningful and personal…a snapshot of you for a moment in time expressed through your mandala art. No art skills necessary. You will love the free flow and how calm it makes you feel, and even better we will be doing this whilst sitting in nature with a beautiful outlook.
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To end the day Sound Healing session with the subtle sounds of the crystal singing bowls. After our session you should feel delightfully light, aligned, and peaceful. There is no need to rush off take your time, maybe sit by a tree, or continue relaxing on your mat.
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This retreat is created to nourish mind, body, and soul. Where we can rest with like-minded people as we set our intention, focusing on connection embracing rest and journeying within.
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If the peace and tranquillity of this very special day retreat sounds like something you would enjoy, then please contact me via the form below.
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With gratitude, Maria. x
