Join Jo McCoy and I for a really special pop up event at the absolutely stunning Laundry House at Gilmerton House.
The days following Summer Solstice are optimal for harnessing the vital life force energy we receive from the Sun. The Solstice is a doorway into the second half of the year and taking time to retreat at this time gives you an opportunity not just for rest & recuperation before the (often frenetic) summer holidays, but to look back on the journey you have taken since Winter Solstice and re-adjust anything which isn’t serving you so you can prosper in the months leading us back to Winter once again.
Half Day Retreat Overview
10am - 3pm Sunday 29th June at The Laundry House, Gilmerton House, East Lothian
Our time together will begin at 10.00am (arrival from 9.45) with a cleansing green juice. Once settled we will dive into our movement practice with an activating & uplifting Kundalini inspired Yoga class, incorporating Kriya, Meditation, mantra and relaxation.
Kundalini Yoga
The purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to provide a modality by which people can achieve their maximum creative potential, free themselves from Karma (the lasting effects of past actions) and realise their life purpose - Pauline Drossart, Shakti School
You do not need any prior yogic practice or knowledge to benefit from Kundalini yoga. It can be quite physical, but there are always adaptions we can make.
Following this, we will enjoy the benefits of essential oils and heat therapy in a beautiful, hand crafted horse box sauna. Sweat therapy (known as Swedana in Sanskrit) is an ancient practice which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries. The heat combined with herb and essential oil infused oils makes for a deeply therapeutic experience. Some of the benefits include:
Relaxation and Stress Relief:
The heat in a sauna helps relax muscles and reduce tension
Pain Relief:
Saunas can help relieve muscle soreness, joint pain, and chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Improved Circulation:
The heat increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the body, potentially improving cardiovascular health and promoting a healthier skin appearance.
Detoxification:
Sweating induced by sauna heat helps the body eliminate toxins and impurities.
Improved Breathing:
Saunas may help improve breathing and alleviate some respiratory conditions.
Potential Cardiovascular Benefits:
Sauna use may be associated with improvements in high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, as well as an increase in exercise tolerance.
Mood Enhancement:
Some studies suggest that sauna sessions can lift your mood and potentially reduce the risk of certain mental health conditions like psychosis, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Improved Sleep:
Some individuals find that sauna use helps improve sleep quality.
There will also be some time for journalling and, if the weather permits, a walk around the stunning grounds of Gilmerton House.
Following our Sauna time you will enjoy a nourishing bowl of Ayurvedic Food & a mug of pure ceremonial grade cacao.
Finally, we will sink into our gong sound healing with Jo.
The Gongs are agents of Transformation. The experience clears your mind so that you enter a deeper meditation state than you can usually go yourself. For some people they may experience meditation briefly for the first time. For others, used to meditation, they can go much deeper. What happens is that people seem to get what they need.
The gong has been used for healing throughout time. Having a sound bath deeply rests the body. The combination of the mind stopping thinking so much and the body resting can bring about healing on many levels. Jo regularly has emotional and physical pain relief stories from clients.
Most clients find the experience deeply relaxing and many report a great night’s sleep. It can be a challenging experience for some though – as the subconscious lets go of its fears. The integration from this experience can go on after the event – usually clearing by the next day. Clients normally feel better from the experience and lighter, clearer, more peaceful.
Jo often has clients coming back to ‘clear out their heads’ again. Some people describe it like a ‘reset button’. Others come to ‘see how deep they can go’ and see it as a practice of regular, deep self care; a wonderful experience to look forward to.
This will be a small, intimate half day day for up to 15 women.
Cost
£85pp BOOK
Included in price:
Green Juice on arrival
Move, Mantra & Meditation session
Sauna & essential oil session (pure, therapeutic grade herbal and essential oils)
Ayurvedic one-pot lunch bowl
Mug of Ceremonial Cacao
Gong Relaxation
Tea, water & snacks available throughout
What to bring:
Once you have booked your space, I will be in touch nearer the time with a full list of what you need for your day. For now, here is an indication of suggested things to bring:
Comfortable clothes
Favourite blanket & socks for relaxation (though we will have lots of blankets)
Water bottle
Swimming costume & towel
Journal & pen
If you would like to pay in 2 instalments please contact me here or If you need to extend it for longer this is never an issue. Please just ask.
NOTE:
Contraindications: Saunas are not recommended for everyone, and individuals with certain medical conditions, such as unstable angina, recent heart attack, or severe aortic stenosis, should avoid them.
Hydration: It's crucial to stay hydrated before, during, and after a sauna session.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any discomfort or dizziness, leave the sauna immediately
Please be aware that antidepressants are a contraindication when working with cacao. You should not consume ceremonial cacao if you have a heart indication. If you are taking any medication, please consult your doctor/ health practitioner before ingesting cacao. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or sensitive to caffeine and stimulants please let me know in advance. If any of the above apply, you are still very welcome to join and connect, and you can use an alternative drink for the ceremony. I recommend rose tea.
Gong Contraindications - not suitable when pregnant, not suitable for those with a pacemaker fitted, not suitable for any conditions which may be triggered by sound
** please note this event will be discreetly photographed by the very talented Amanda Farnese Heath