The Nature of Mind Retreat

Sunday 15 October 2023 10.00-16.00

“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.”

~ Thich Nhat Hanh 

This retreat is now fully booked. If you'd like to be added to the waiting list please email [email protected].

You can see all our other retreats HERE.


This ‘Nature of Mind’ Retreat will create a space to just be to explore the deeper layers of the mind through mindfulness practices and teachings and connections with Nature. 

Understanding the mind can bring clarity and insight to the challenges and difficulties we experience in life and lift us out of our habitual behaviour patterns that keep us stuck. 

Just being in Nature can calm our nervous system and bring us home to ourselves and the present moment, but when we incorporate mindfulness practices it doubles it’s impact on our well-being.

Join us to explore a wide variety of mindful practices that will help you be with your moment-to-moment experience, to respond with compassion and see deeply into your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.


Who is this day for?

This day will be perfect for if you are new to mindfulness or looking to re-invigorate or deepen your practice. 

There is no need to be able to sit on the floor cross-legged as chairs can be provided. And we won’t be ‘sitting’ for hours on end but exploring various practices. 


What will be included?

The day will look something like this with some of it spent in silence with breaks throughout and a nourishing plant-based lunch in peaceful, natural surroundings:

10.00-10.15 – Welcome warming tea and settling in

10.15-10.30 – Intention setting meditation

10.30-11.00 – Body scan practice

11.00-11.30 – Tea break in silence

11.30-12.00 – Mindful stretching / gentle yoga

12.00-12.30 – Sitting with sounds and thoughts

12.30-13.30 – Plant-based nutritional lunch (optional silence with mindful eating)  

13.30-14.30 – Mindful walking and Nature connections

14.30-15.00 – Kindfulness – compassion-based practices

15.00-15.30 – Tea break in silence

15.30-16.00 – Reflection, sharing in pairs and group inquiry

 

Location

This retreat will take place at Highfield Park Visitor Centre in St Albans Hertfordshire, AL4 0RA, a beautiful light-filled room within a stunning green space perfect for mindful walking and Nature connections.

 

Investment Options

Early Bird Offer of just £111.00 available until 3rd September - £134 after this date. 

Monthly Payment Plan of just £67.00 per month is also available to spread the cost over 2 months (available when booking before 15th Sept).


'Felt like a week's holiday!'

by Jo Mildren

"I feel like I’ve given both my mind and my body a week’s holiday! It was such bliss to have a whole day just for me, to slow down and nourish myself away from the frenzied pace of life. I was expecting the sense of physical well-being but was really pleasantly surprised how beneficial I found it for my mental well-being too. I’m holding on to that feeling!"

This special location

The Nature of Mind Retreat will take place at Highfield Park Visitor Centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL4 0RA a beautiful light-filled room within a stunning green space perfect for mindful walking and nature connections.

The majority of our practices will take place inside this award winning eco-building with mindful walking and Nature connections taking place within the rural park.

Soak up the peace and quiet of this unique location and allow yourself to just be for a while.

'Magical from start to finish'

by Michelle Lake

"It was magical from start to finish. I lost complete track of time- we managed to do such a lot and yet it felt a spacious and unhurried day. The yoga and meditation sessions felt very nourishing and rejuvenating. I felt very lucky to be able to spend this special day with a lovely, like-minded group of people. I left feeling re-energised and at peace with myself."

This day retreat is for you if:

  • you feel like life moves at a relentless pace,

  • you often get stuck in spiralling negative thought patterns,

  • you'd like to create or maintain a strong healthy body and mind,

  • you'd like to create space and time for your own well-being,

  • you’d like to re-learn how to slow down and connect to your inner wisdom.

'Supports mental health'

by Finola McManus

'What I love best about your teachings is that they not only give the benefit of a yoga practice but also deliver simple and practical ways to apply the teachings in every day life and help support mental wellbeing which is especially important at this time.'

Ready to join us?

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'A unique approach to yoga'

by Liz Hobman

'Louise has a very unique approach to teaching yoga, drawing learning from nature, neuroscience and nourishing spiritual teachings! I love the variety in her programmes, which combine mindfulness practices, movement and postures, readings and poetry, with wisdom and warmth. I am learning so much about how the mind, body and spirit can work together to cultivate compassion, strength and resilience for ourselves and those around us.'

  • Connections

    Connect with yourself, Nature and beautiful like-minded souls that will ensure you leave feeling grounded and calm but at the same time energised and awakened.

  • Location

    Highfield Park Visitor Centre, St Albans, Herts. AL5 0RA. Full directions will be sent once you are booked.

  • How to Prepare

    Wear comfortable clothes you can move around in and warm layers for the afternoon walk, bring a yoga mat, blanket and meditation cushion if you have one but chairs will also be provided.

'Classes are a life-line'

by Cathy Washbrooke

'Louise’s classes are a life-line! She is a very warm, nurturing and knowledgeable teacher. She also integrates elements of mindfulness through various readings, poetry and insights to deepen the practice and allow deep rest to take place. I always feel lifted, yet grounded after each of Louise’s yoga sessions. '

Your Teacher

'Yoga gives us peace and clarity in order to see the beauty and wonder that is all around us'

Louise Neicho

Having spent the first 20 years of my professional life working in and with Nature I feel a deep connection to the natural world that has promoted numerous benefits in my life. Combining this with a love and appreciation of yoga and mindfulness that spans over two decades has enabled me to share practices that help us connect more deeply with Nature and ourselves. I have completed over 1000hrs of yoga and mindfulness teacher training and in 2023 I received a distinction for my master's degree in Mindfulness where my thesis focused on the wellbeing benefits of connecting with Nature. I can honestly say that yoga and Nature has saved my life on more than one occasion, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my practice. To bring all of this together is simply a dream come true and I hope you will join me and our like-minded community soon.

'Louise is so kind and caring'

by Emma Scinaldi

'I started as a complete beginner and was worried I would not be able to follow the moves, but Louise is so kind and caring, plus really knows her stuff so is able to give very clear, supportive guidance. There is never any pressure as Louise always offers alternatives. With care and kindness she has encouraged me to really develop my practice. I always feel really energised after a session with Louise but I am also starting to notice a higher level of peace and tranquility in my day to day life. I feel strong and calm at the same time!

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'A priceless gift'

by Liza Timpson

'These are more than yoga sessions! Louise has a gift at transferring a real sense of inner calm and peace, in what has been very challenging times. Her lessons are creative and extremely useful in understanding how to cope in challenging situations. I informed a friend quite simply attending online has been a game changer for me. I feel ready to conquer my day or week ahead. A priceless gift.'

T&C's

Once payment is made your space is guaranteed for that particular retreat. Bookings are non-refundable and not transferable. By purchasing this retreat you are agreeing to these terms. Read full t&c's HERE.