Explore
Coming soon…
Find your flow at the Explore Day retreat.
and easeA vegetarian lunch will be provided
our yoga practice and into movmensubconscious Your flow isn’t something you create. It’s something you discover.
This day retreat is an opportunity to explore the way your body naturally moves and discover how that can change the way you experience your yoga practice. Together we’ll investigate the movement patterns that underpin everyday life, become more aware of where unnecessary effort and tension arise in the body and breath, explore how our thoughts influence the way we move and discover how moments of stillness can bring greater ease into movement.
Through familiar yoga postures, we’ll uncover the movement habits and holding patterns that shape the way we practise. By noticing them, we create the possibility of moving differently, not only on the mat, but in everyday life. As movement becomes clearer, pain and discomfort can also become easier to understand, helping us respond with greater awareness rather than simply pushing through or avoiding them.
This isn’t about perfect alignment or performing poses in a particular way. It’s about understanding your own body, moving with greater efficiency, and discovering 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
- Learning to access greater strength, stability and functional movement through the application of somatics
- Ways subconscious tension is brought into yoga practice and everyday movement and how it can lead to pain and dysfunction in the body
- How our habit patterns shape our movement and reactions to movement
- The role of mind in yoga and learning how to move from the body, not the head
- The value of the breath 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.
- Vinyasa flow, Hatha and Yin yoga practices to explore how tension and thought can restrict different ways of moving.
- Somatics to release underlying tension and develop a deeper understanding of how your body is naturally designed to move.
- Breathwork to cultivate strength, stability and ease of movement, while supporting a greater sense of awareness and clarity of mind.
- Yoga Nidra to subconsciously continue the practice of physical and mental release to continue as the body rests.
- A nourishing vegetarian lunch
- A space to communicate and share with like-minded souls.
Limited spaces available. All levels of experience welcome.
When and where
Saturday tbc: 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.
- Integrated yoga and somatics practice exploring functional movement.
Lunch:
- A light vegetarian lunch.
Afternoon:
- Pranayama (breathing) practice exploring tension in the breath.
- Guided Yoga Nidra practice exploring tension in the mind.
- 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.
Explore is for you if:
- You’re completely new to yoga and want to build your practice on understanding rather than simply copying shapes.
- You’re curious about moving with greater ease rather than just trying harder.
- You’d like your yoga practice to feel lighter, more natural and more in tune with your body.
- You’ve noticed recurring tension or discomfort and want to explore it with curiosity rather than frustration.
- You’re interested in exploring movement that supports you both on and off the mat.
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 or are taking medication, please ensure that you have consulted your GP before taking part in this day retreat.
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.