Moving, Breathing, Being: A Nurturing Day Retreat
Saturday13 December | 10am–4pm | St Albans | £115 before 1 December 2025
Explore regenerative movement, breathing and meditative practices with Denise Gaskell to reawaken your vitality and nourish the most important relationship you have – the one with yourself.
Autumn invites us to slow down, reflect and turn inward. The darker, colder days can leave us feeling sluggish, demotivated or unbalanced. These feelings are signals from the body asking us to pause, tune in and make space for change.
This day retreat is an opportunity to embrace what it means to truly listen to your body and to nourish the most important relationship you have – the one with yourself. Through sensing and feeling, you will learn to deepen your trust in your own perceptions, adapting and evolving your practice according to your individual needs. Gain insight into the causes of your own imbalance and learn to release habit patterns that drain you. By making space for change in this way, you uncover the vitality, clarity and motivation that’s already within.
What to expect:
- Regenerative movement
Active and passive therapeutic yoga and somatic movement practices to stabilise, strengthen, mobilise, calm and restore. - Conscious breathing techniques
To support a healthier internal state by developing focus, clarity, relaxation and more efficient breathing. - Deep rest through Yoga Nidra
A guided meditative journey into deep relaxation, reconnecting you with your inner wisdom and capacity to let go.
Open to a limited number of participants. All levels of experience welcome.
Location
Greenwood Hall, St Albans United Reformed Church, Watford Road, Chiswell Green AL2 3HG.
The recently refurbished, Greenwood Hall offers a light airy space for our retreat. Located just off the Watford Road in St Albans, it offers plenty of free parking on site.
Cost
Early bird offer before 1 December 2026: £115
Places must be booked and paid for by 29 November 2025. £135 from 1 December 2025.
Schedule
Morning: Welcome, journaling, Somatic Movement, breathwork and active breath-led yoga.
Lunch: A nourishing plant-based lunch.
Afternoon: Restorative Yoga, calming breathwork and guided Yoga Nidra.
Closing: Rejuvenating snack, journaling and closing circle.
What to bring
- A yoga mat.
- A notebook or journal for reflection throughout the day.
- A blanket and a cushion for the Yoga Nidra.
- Drinking water. Tap water is available.
- Wear warm comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. Layers are recommended.
- A willingness to explore.
This retreat day is for you if:
- You’re seeking deeper connection with yourself.
- You want to respond to your body’s needs with more clarity and care.
- Your energy levels are low and you feel weighed down by life’s demands or challenges.
- You regularly experience stress, anxiety or difficulty sleeping.
- You’re ready to take charge of your own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
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.
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.