Explore
Saturday 28 November | 10am-4pm | St Albans
Find your flow at the Explore Day retreat.
Your flow isn’t something you create. It’s something you discover. This day is an invitation to explore with curiosity—to notice how you move, where you hold tension, how your breath responds, and what happens when you stop trying to get it right and simply pay attention. Through familiar yoga postures and everyday movement patterns, we’ll explore the habits, thoughts and holding patterns that shape the way we move, and discover the choices available to us when we become more aware. As we begin to understand our bodies with greater clarity, we can find more ease in movement, respond differently to discomfort, and allow a more natural sense of flow to emerge—not by forcing it, but by noticing, exploring and discovering what is already there.
The explore day retreat is for you if:
- You’re curious about moving with greater ease, rather than simply trying harder.
- You’d like your yoga practice to feel lighter, more natural and more connected to your body.
- You’ve noticed recurring tension or discomfort and want to explore it with curiosity rather than frustration.
- You’re new to yoga and want to build your practice through understanding, rather than simply copying shapes.
- You’re interested in discovering movement that supports you both on and off the mat.
Learn to understand your own body, move with greater ease and efficiency, and discover a way of moving that feels authentic, sustainable and uniquely your own.
What to expect
A day of movement, exploring:
- A variety of yoga practices including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and ways of moving to create space and ease
- How to access greater strength, stability and functional movement through the application of Somatics
- The effect of subconscious tension in yoga and everyday movement, what causes it to arise and how it can lead to pain and dysfunction in the body
- How our habit patterns shape both movement and reactions to movement
- The role of mind in yoga
- How to move from the body, not the head
- The value of breathwork and its ability to change the effect of movement.
The day will end with a grounding yoga nidra practice to give the body and mind a chance to rest, absorb the teachings and let go of the physical and mental exercises of the day.
A vegetarian lunch will be provided and there will be time to commune and share with your fellow participants.
Limited spaces available. All levels of experience welcome.
When and where
Saturday 28 November 2026: 10am-4pm
Greenwood Hall, St Albans United Reformed Church, Watford Road, Chiswell Green AL2 3HG.
A light airy space, with plenty of free parking, located just off the Watford Road in St Albans.
Cost
£115
If it feels right for you, we’d love to have you. Places are limited to 10 to create a relaxed and personal experience.
Schedule
Morning:
- Welcome tea and introduction to the Explore retreat.
- An active integrated yoga session exploring movement potential in Hatha and Vinyasa style yoga practices, developing/refining your ability to listen to and adapt to your body’s needs.
Lunch:
- A light vegetarian lunch.
Afternoon:
- A session combining slow flowing movement and Yin yoga with deeper focus on the effects of breathwork (Pranayama)
- Guided Yoga Nidra session with sound to relax mind and body
- Closing circle.
What to bring
- A yoga mat.
- A blanket and a cushion for the Yoga Nidra.
- Drinking water. Tap water is available.
- Wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. Layers are recommended.
- Curiosity.
About Denise Gaskell
For many years, Denise has embarked on a journey to take charge of her physical and mental wellbeing, seeking independence in her healing process. Yoga has been Denise’s steadfast companion for over 40 years, illuminating paths and offering insights that have profoundly shaped her identity and transformed her relationship with chronic pain.
Denise’s passion for learning has led her to develop a deep understanding of anatomy and effective strategies for self-managing both physical and mental challenges. Through somatic movement, Denise has discovered techniques that not only contribute to the development of a more balanced body but also enhance the depth of her yoga practice.
Denise’s mission is to share this knowledge, empowering her students to take control of their own health and wellbeing in the hope that they will experience the transformative benefits that yoga and somatic movement have gifted her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend if I've never done yoga or somatics before?
Yes. This retreat is open to complete beginners as well as all levels of yoga practitioner. In order to get the most out of the day, you must be able to get up and down off the floor.
Can I attend if I've never done yoga or Somatics before?
Yes. This retreat is open to complete beginners as well as all levels of yoga practitioner. In order to get the most out of the day, you must be able to get up and down off the floor.
Are there any contraindications for the retreat?
If you have existing health conditions that affect your movement or are taking medication, please ensure that you have consulted your GP before taking part in this day retreat.
If you experience epilepsy, seizures or any other health conditions that could be affected by sound, please consult your GP before attending.
This retreat is not suitable if you are pregnant.
Can I pay in instalments?
If you would like to pay in instalments, please get in touch to discuss your options.
What is the cancellation policy?
All bookings made in all Moving into Stillness workshops and retreats are strictly non-refundable. All purchases are final. If you do not attend a workshop or retreat in which you are enrolled, you will forfeit your payment. If you would like to transfer your place to someone else please get in touch.
Still have questions? Get in touch.
All events are subject to the Moving Into Stillness Terms and Conditions. Your space is guaranteed on the retreat once you have made a payment. Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable.