A weeknd of escape and adventure giving you time and space to explore the rite of passage and the power that is menopause.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to escape for a weekend, to create time for yourself, to connect with others and the world around you. This weekend gives us all the time and space to reflect back on our lives, understand the process that we are going through (or will go through or have gone through) and start to envision how we want to spend the next part of our lives. It's about sharing our stories, reframing the negative image of the menopausal transition and acknowledging it as the supremely important rite of passage that it is.
Staying in the beautiful cosy 17th century Nab Cottage looking out across Rydal Water in South Lakes. The yoga is run in a beautifully converted barn witha wood floor, heated by the huge log burner making it toasty warm for autumnal morning and evening sessions. Cosy and comfortable twin or double rooms are all individually furnished. Delicious vegetarian food is prepared on-site using all fresh and, if possible, local ingredients. To relax, there is a hot tub overlooking the lake and a sauna; treatments are also available.
Start each day with a choice of either guided Ashtanga self-practice, for those who prefer a more dynamic style of yoga, or a general level yoga class for those who prefer something more gentle and teacher led. Spend the days out exploring this stunning area. Head out into the hills with the group to explore, watch the clouds, howl and jump into icy cold streams. Mike, rock climbing instructor, will take you to local crags to try out climbing for the first time or improve your skills if you are already a climber. Go for a post yoga or a star lit swim in Rydal Water across the road. If you prefer to stay dry you can explore the lake by canoe.
If you want to take it easy you can gaze out at the lake have a wander around Grasmere and try out the famous gingerbread or have a short wander - there is so much to explore from the front door. Sunday will be a quieter day for all with time spent on your own for reflection and jounaling, maybe a short walk or sitting in the autumnal sunshine with a book. This will be the day to come together and reflect back on the weekend and what we need as we head back to our everyday lives.
The days will end with some stretching out after your day in the hills. There will be chanting and breath work, journaling, reflection and discussion. We end the weekend by creating an autumanl mandala with what we have found on our walks and a small ritual around the fire.
Who is the weekend for ?
This weekend is for anyone who is thinking about menopause, going through menopause or post menopause. It is all about personal and spititual development, about coming together and sharing and about taking some time out of this carzy world and creating tiome and space for ourselves.
If you have an Ashtanga practice then this is for you and there will be the opportunity to work on your asana practice as well as reflecting on the changes this stage of life is having on you and your practice and what this means to you.
If you don't have an Ashtanga practice or are new to yoga this weekend is also open to you and the second morning class will work best.
Rock climbing is available on one day for anyone to try. If you are a beginner you will be givien plenty of support and instruction. If you are an experienced climber you will be given the support and challenge that you need.
The weekend is yours to do what you like with, all yoga, climbing, swimming and group walks are optional, however I do ask that everybody joins in with the evening sessions.
