Spring brings so much joy after a long winter (especially this one!) and whatever is going on in the world; we can always rely on mother nature to bring new life into the world. This Rachel Carson quote sums this up beautifully “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter”.
Zoom yoga classes have been a savour and a great way to stay connected during the winter; supporting our mental and physical health during the pandemic. These will continue as the restrictions ease. Zoom yoga classes has benefits that include being more accessible; with no need to travel to a class and have connected our yoga tribe all over the UK, Spain and even Australia! Moving forward; we are hoping to add some classes in the woodlands at Hill Farm, Tintern soon (watch this space), but in the meantime have added some yoga and brunch mornings at Hill Farm. Check out link for dates and how to book: https://forestretreats.co.uk/brunch-mornings/. A great opportunity to practice some yoga, see people in person(!), eat a delicious homemade brunch and have a natter. Places are selling out fast so don’t miss out.
Bookings for our retreats have unsurprisingly taken off this year with healing and wellness being a key theme for many this year. Our June weekend retreat has sold out so we have added a July weekend and September has places available too. We also some spaces available for day retreats and our yoga, dinner and spa evenings. Tom and I have made it a priority to book a retreat for ourselves; to recharge the batteries and ensure we are on top form to look after you. Typical retreats include blissful yoga and meditation, Shinrin Yoku, sound healing gong baths, delicious vegetarian food, optional holistic treatments and much more! We both can’t wait to host these. It brings us so much joy seeing the transformation that takes places within people by the time they leave, feeling so much more relaxed and rejuvenated.
Shinrin Yoku is a relatively new offering at Forest Retreats but an ancient practice that has had revival over the last few years. Shinrin Yoku translates to Forest Bathing (with no swimming costumes involved). Originally from Japan; this meditative woodland practice connects you to the healing properties of the woodlands and has been proven to reduce stress, improve sleep and even boost cancer fighting cells! Our Shinrin Yoku experiences have been recommended by The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/sep/06/forest-bathing-in-south-wales-wye-valley) and guaranteed to give you a whole new perspective of the healing properties of nature, and give you the tools to cultivate your own Shinrin Yoku practice. We offer affordable group practices or bespoke packages that might include lunch or use of our wood fired eco-spa.
It’s time to plant our seeds of intention for the year ahead and self-care should be a priority for us all. Let’s take time to recharge our batteries because only then we can move forward with new wisdom.
Thank you for your support and hope to see you soon!
Hayley and Tom x
