Mindfulness is a non-dogmatic, integrative mind-body approach that helps us manage thoughts and feelings.
It is a way of experiencing the world that is kind, open, receptive and curious, as well as being sensory-based. We all have an inherent capacity for mindfulness, regardless of age, sex or religion/absence of.
Over the last few years, partly due to over 100 studies showing its benefits to our wellbeing, mindfulness has experienced a huge surge of interest in the west. As on this retreat, mindfulness meditation is usually taught in an entirely secular way.
Regular periods of formal mindfulness practice in the beautiful yoga/meditation barn (shown right, and above) will form the heart of the weekend.
These sessions will be weaved into our day, with the Saturday and Sunday including four led mindfulness sessions per day, and two optional periods of yoga (including one Restorative Yoga session).
Most sessions will be between 30 and 45 minutes' long, with longer periods interspersed with group discussion and an intentional change in posture - and will be taught in a way that is as comfortable for the body as possible (for example: plenty of standing and walking meditation).
Formal teaching periods aside, we have ensured plenty of time for personal space and 'me time' - perhaps for soul-enriching country walks; tea and cake by the fire; chats with fellow guests; or simply time to read, sleep or be silent.
This retreat will be led by Lucia Cockcroft. Lucia is a co-founder of Satvada retreats and sister organisation, Yoga At The Mill, a highly-regarded yoga and mindfulness studio in Chelmsford, Essex.
Lucia has a long-standing yoga and meditation practice. She has been teaching yoga for nine years, and meditation for seven, and is currently studying for an MSc in Mindfulness Based Approaches at the University of Bangor - one of the few internationally-recognised pathways for mindfulness teachers.
She is privileged to count Jon Kabat-Zinn, Christina Feldman, John Peacock and Thich Nhat Hanh as amongst her meditation teachers - having attended retreats or training events with these wonderful teachers.
Lucia has a special interest in mindfulness for stress reduction and wellbeing; and the integration of mindfulness in yoga practice.
In December and March the retreat will be co-taught by Vikki Stevenson, who has been practising yoga for the past 18 years. She takes inspiration from a variety of styles, with a focus on breath-led movement and on working with our own individual bodies to find a way of moving that suits us all.
