Yoga Retreat Days at Burton Manor, Cheshire

An Introduction to Yoga for Beginners - Sunday 17th Oct 2010 £46

Treat yourself to an uplifting day of yoga practice, suitable for complete beginners, in the beautiful surroundings of Burton Manor, Cheshire on the Wirral Penninsula. Burton Manor is a Grade II listed building set in 15 acres of grounds overlooking the Dee Estuary and Welsh hills. There will be opportunities to explore the extensive gardens and peruse the open artist's studios which include fine arts and crafts for sale.

The day will offer an immersion into the beneficial practice of yoga. The aim will be to release stress from the mind and body whilst learning key relaxation skills including physical postures, breathing exercises, concentration techniques and an introduction to meditation.

Yoga is different from other forms of exercise in that each individual is encouraged to honour their current ability by amending postures to suit themselves. Options are always given to enable you to choose a softer or more challenging level of posture. There's no pressure! This is an ideal chance to pamper yourself or get together with like-minded friends who share your enjoyment of yoga.

Itinerary (this could change!)

• 10.00am - Introductory presentation including course overview and background information about Yoga. Simple limbering exercises known as Pavanmuktasana, which access all joints and muscles. Pavanmuktasana is a base-level exercise which is ideal for anyone with issues which may have affected their joint or muscle mobility. It helps students become more aware of their physical strengths and challenges. A handout enables you to continue these easy limbering exercises at home.
• 11.00am - Break - Refreshments included
• 11.15am - 12.45pm - Holistic Yoga session harmonising body, mind and breath through physical movements, breath awareness exercises and relaxation - a great all-over pampering session! This practise will focus on Surya Namaskar, a sequence of movements which can then be easily learned and practised on a daily basis with the help of the handout which is given during the course.
• 1.00pm - Lunch - all refreshments and lunch are included in the price. Lunch can be taken on the terrace in fine weather and there's also time to visit the atelier (artist's studios) and gardens
• 2.00pm - Presentation on various ways to relax and the nature of the mind. Indulgent relaxation session using sound, sight, aromas, breath and concentration exercises. This will include some pranayama (breathing exercises) such as Nadi Sodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
• 3.45pm - Break - Refreshments included
• 4.15pm - 5.00pm - Short physical sequence followed by final lie-down deep relaxation known as 'yoga-nidra' or yogic sleep, leaving you feeling centred and ready for the week ahead!

This retreat will be repeated on Sunday 13th February 2011

To book a place for yourself and friends, visit the Burton Manor website or call 0151 336 5172