Details:

Date: Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th August

Retreat Leader: Lou Beaumont

Requirements: Everyone is welcome

Cost: Generosity Model – Donation only (via the donation form at the bottom of the page; no set amount)

Format: Onsite

Start & Finish Times: 22nd August 19.00 – 24th August 13.30

Accommodation: Land of Joy wishes for everyone who visits the centre to feel welcome, accepted, safe and secure. Our accommodation options are very limited, with mostly single-sex shared accommodation and only one single room (which is sometimes needed by volunteers). This means single accommodation can only be offered to those who need it the most, but still won’t always be available. Camping can be an option at certain times of year if you have your own tent but space is very limited. Please read the relevant sections of the booking form carefully.

About the Weekend

You will be to get in touch with our subtle energy through the basic practice of pranayama breathing exercises and gentle qigong movement. These two systems focus the mind a great combination for keeping the body well and a perfect preparation to any form of meditation.

Pranayama is an ancient system of breathing exercises associated with the practice of hatha yoga (physical posture yoga) By controlling the breath we can energise the body keeping it fit and healthy for everyday life, at the same time these exercises calm strengthen and help to subdue our turbulent mind.

Qigong or chi gong is a holistic system of coordinated body posture and movement, breathing, and meditation. Qigong forms are simple to do but deeply effective for both health and well being. Becoming sensitive to the energy around us and flowing within us helps to balance the body and mind.

On the basis of these practices with a calm and focused mind we can explore gently the meditations on breath and chi. You do not need any previous experience to join this retreat as long as you are comfortable in sitting and standing and of course breathing!

About the Leader

Lou Has taught yoga & pranayama for many years & is a qualified Wheel of Yoga teacher. She was fortunate in the early years to meet & take classes with Phil Jones who was a master of classical pranayama & has practiced ever since. This weekend she will be sharing very simple & effective breathing exercises, the basis of pranayama, that will energise & relax the body & mind.

Because of her interest in movement she started to practice Chi Gong & Tai Chi in Spain (where she lived for many years) with the Spanish lineage holder in the Hun Yuan tradition of Chi Gong, Tai Chi & Martial Arts – Pedro Valencia – a very special master who she has been taking classes with for the last 15 years. She will be teaching some of the basic gentle meditative movements of chi gong from this style during the weekend. Working with chi, our basic subtle energy, helps to keep our body fit & flexible it also helps to relax & expand our minds.

A Way to Say Thank You

To Land of Joy…

Our generosity model means we do not charge for any teachings, accommodation or food. We are therefore 100% dependant on donations to help us cover our £90,000 a year running costs.

You are therefore invited to give what you can as a thank you for the organisation and hosting of the retreat, including the food and accommodation provided if you stayed onsite.

You may also like to make a regular contribution to the centre by becoming a Branch of Joy. This kind of support gifts us a steady and ongoing income, which in turn provides the confidence and means for us to continue to flourish for many years to come.

Everything given will ensure Land of Joy continues to be offered as a precious place for retreat.

To The Teacher…

Teachers and retreat leaders practice generosity by freely offering their time to Land of Joy. We cover their travel expenses but do not pay them for the teachings they give.

You are therefore invited to make an offering to the teacher as a thank you for the time and knowledge they share.

To The Volunteers…

Our retreats are supported by our wonderful team of volunteers, some of whom you will meet during your time at the centre. Those who live onsite offer their time, expertise and dedication in return for food and accommodation. They do not receive a wage or stipend. Unfortunately, we are only able to accept offerings for them in cash, so if you would like to thank them for their service, please do so by bringing cash with you to the centre and placing it in the volunteer collection pot.