Summer Retreat Day – Chipping Norton

A joyful and rejuvenating day of yoga, somatic movement, meditative practices and soundbath, connecting as a community whilst immersed in nature, and optional wild swimming in the lake.

Example schedule:

~ Arrival and welcome tea, settling into the space

~ Introductions & opening circle

~ Yoga flow with Anna

~ Restorative yoga with Vanessa

~ Lunch – bring a dish to share, or your own packed lunch

~ Wild Swimming or Resting in the glade during lunch break

~ Somatic awareness, fascia and the nervous system: a workshop with Vanessa

~ Soundbath with Anna

~ Closing circle

About us: We are yoga teachers with over 30 years’ of teaching experience between us, who bring our other complimentary practices into our facilitation, with the goal of helping people to regulate, rest and reset.

Vanessa brings ‘Body Listening’ – a combination of movement and music, dance, yoga, visualisation, meditation and massage therapy skills, as well as somatic awareness through trauma-informed relational skills. Through this, she aims to equip participants with physical, emotional and mental tools to promote nervous system regulation and well-being through self-awareness. She also offers massage and individual treatments – read more on her website.

Anna brings sound meditation where participants are invited to explore deep states or rest and reflection whilst being bathed in the vibrations of gongs, singing bowls and chimes. Many people who struggle with meditation find that these immersive soundscapes help to quieten the mind and achieve profound rest or tap into a creative insight and processing. She also brings elements of her creative practice background to retreat days, inviting participants to mindfully explore different artistic mediums as a means of self-expression and processing.

No prior experience is necessary and you are welcome to contact us with any questions about the venue or the practices.

Venue: Heath Farm

Heath Farm is located between Banbury and Chipping Norton. It’s a tranquil setting that will give you a true sense of escape, without having to travel far from home. We’ll be located in the glade – a woodland area with a wooden yoga platform shaded by a canopy, a compost toilet and small covered outdoor kitchen with tea making facilities and a fridge. We will also be able to use the lake for wild swimming during the lunch break (optional); there is a shower available for rinsing off afterwards.

There is parking available on-site, and we will also create a car share spreadsheet to help those without a car find a ride.

If you want to arrive early or extend your stay, accommodation is available at the farm.

What to bring: today is all about paying attention to pleasure and comfort!

Clothing you’re able to move freely in. Layers are good for ensuring comfort in moments of stillness (preapre for being outdoors under a canopy, whatever the weather).

A yoga mat and blanket

2 pillows and a spare pillow case

Swim wear and towel if you’re interested in wild swimming (a shower is available for rinsing after your swim)

Packed lunch or a dish to add to the bring and share spread

Optional but recommended: extra blankets / cushions / an eye pillow for maximum comfort during restorative yoga & soundbath sessions

A day of joy and connection with yourself, others and nature

We offer this day as on invitation to listen to your body, reflect, and explore physical practices that will support more comfort and ease in the body, and promote general wellbeing. This is an opportunity to enjoy the soothing effect of spending time in nature, whilst tuning in to yourself and connecting with others.

The sessions are trauma-informed and somatically aware, but aren’t intended to hold a space for in-depth emotional or mental processing. If you feel the need for an individual session prior to joining the group event, or want to discuss participation further, please get in touch with Vanessa.

Supporter & Financial Assistance places.

The ‘supporter’ admission rate is for those who can afford to pay a little more, in order to help cover places for those not able to pay full price. Financial assistance spaces are available for those who cannot afford the full rate without compromiging necessary daily expenditure.

Cancellation policy

We are unable to offer refunds or exchanges, unless the event has sold out and we are able to fill your spot with another participant from the waiting list, in which case an admin fee will be charged. We are happy for anyone who is unable to attend to pass their place on to someone else, and notify us of the new participant’s contact details to ensure they receive important pre-event updates.

If one of the facilitators is unable to offer workshops at the event due to unforeseen circumstances, the event will go ahead with an amended schedule, which may differ slightly to the original offerings.

If we have to cancel or reschedule the event, all participants will be refunded or offered a place at a future workshop.