Yoga Retreats...
Suppleness and Strength- a Yoga Retreat
With a Meditation, Sound bath, Walking and a Wild Swim Opportunity
Friday 26th- Sunday 28th July 2024
`Come away with me…to a quiet place and rest for a while.’ (Mark 6:31)
Body Wisdom Yoga invites you to the beautiful, peaceful and deeply spiritual Ladywell Retreat Centre. Set in the serene Surrey countryside in Godalming, the Ladywell sits among lovingly tended grounds with lots of beautiful places to walk or sit, relax and re-charge.
The theme- Suppleness and Strength- Both on and off the mat we need to be able to flow like water around challenges but also maintain a body that is strong and able to carry us through life as we seek long-term wellness and vitality.
Our yoga will focus on finding the balance between being strong and being able to flow. We’ll strive for a balance between effective muscle strength and flexibility, and learn to notice where we might be out of balance. We’ll explore our own natural tendencies. Do you naturally yield or stand firm? What are the benefits and pitfalls attached with both of these extremes? And we’ll meditate on ways to find balance.
Additional sessions- On Saturday night Sound bath facilitator Camilla Hamblin will take us on a deeply relaxing sound journey to soothe us.
On Saturday afternoon there will be an optional session to come for a walk along the river Wey. If the conditions are favourable, I’ll be leading a wild swim, or paddle. But if swimming isn’t your thing spectators and supporters are very welcome.
Every session will be optional so you can do as much or as little as you wish. There will plenty going on but if you prefer to take time for yourself to relax in the garden, in your room or the communal spaces you’re encouraged to do that.
Accommodation- The bedroom situation at Ladywell is the best I’ve ever been able to offer. The rooms are spacious, bright and overlook the beautifully kept gardens and surrounding land. Every room is available for single occupancy at no extra cost (though if you want to share no problem- though it doesn’t make a difference to the cost) and each room has its own perfect en-suite shower room. There are kitchenettes on every floor with tea and coffee making facilities and a fridge. So you can make yourself a drink or have a snack any time of day or night! Even though Ladywell is an old building the rooms were completely refurbished in 2020 and they have excellent heating and there is a lift for anyone who needs one. Visit https://franciscancentre.org.uk/about/gallery/ to see some pictures of the rooms and the rest of the venue.
Food- The food at Ladywell is freshly and lovingly prepared on site. Three buffet style meals a day are served in the bright, airy dining-room and the following dietary requirements can be catered for- vegetarian, pescatarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free. We’ll be full-board with tea and biscuits on arrival on Friday and dinner that night. There will be breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. If you have more complex dietary needs than those listed above, please get in touch and I’ll speak to Ladywell to see if they can accommodate.
Arrival, departure and a rough schedule- You’re invited to arrive from 4pm for tea and to find your room before the first yoga session starts at 5.15pm (if you need to arrive later that’s no problem- just let me know). On Sunday we’ll finish after lunch (at approximately 2pm). A full itinerary will be available nearer the time.
Cost- Full-board, including all sessions is £385. All payments are non-refundable. To secure your place email me at alison.stoker@gmail.com and I’ll send you the booking details. A deposit of £200 is required to secure your place with the remaining £185 due by Monday 20th May.
Transport- The full address of the venue is Franciscan Centre, Ladywell, Ashtead Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1ST
There is plenty of free parking at the venue. Or if you’re travelling by public transport Godalming railway station is a 5-minute taxi ride away.
If you have any questions please send them my way.
There are currently four places left on this retreat.
Terms and conditions
All payments for classes are non-refundable* and classes can’t be carried over to the next term. However, you may change classes (assuming there is space in the other class) or receive a yoga video instead of in-person classes.
You may not transfer your place to somebody else without checking with me first.
You may not share any yoga videos I’ve sent on social media.
With day workshops and one-off day or evening events I can only refund you if I can find somebody to take your place. In this case I'll deduct a 10% admin fee.
With residential retreats I'm unable to offer refunds or exchanges. I advise having travel insurance you can fall back on if you're unable to attend.
