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Padmadarshini

I have long been interested in exploring and working with the body. Since being a teenager coming into my body through movement has been a way of connecting with and resourcing myself. I have taught yoga at Bodywise in Manchester for many years now. During this time both my personal practice and approach to teaching have ongoingly changed and evolved. It has been important to me to see the practice as a process of enquiry, exploration and creativity. My approach these days could perhaps be best described as Somatic Yoga. How I practice and teach tends to be quite slow, giving time and space and exploring sensations and returning to presence.

For some years now I have also been drawn to also exploring less structured somatic /embodied movement approaches - allowing movement to arise from listening to impulses within the bodymind rather than from an external form. In particular I love the practice of Authentic Movement, a little known but very rich embodied relational movement practice. It’s a bit like doing the metta bhavana through movement! Whether through movement or meditation I am really interested in discovering how the body can be a 'doorway' into listening to ourselves and can help us find a deeper, more open, easeful relationship to ourselves, others and the world around us.

yoga, embodied movement and meditation

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement. This playful synthesis of body based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and movement) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives. 

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation. We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives. 

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, but they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

wild swimming, embodied movement and meditation

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Retreat Type:
Introductory

This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity for several swims in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. 

We will have daily guided movement sessions to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings. 

Swim activities will include lifeguard supported bank-based activates, swim trips (for more experienced swimmers) and the opportunity for unsupported personal swimming. There may also be the opportunity to walk by water and explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information, including swimming ability and wetsuit requirement, please read the retreat information sheet before booking. 

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

Body, earth, breath

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Retreat Type:
Regulars

Body, Earth & Breath is the result of Padmadarshini and Inalu's shared interest and personal explorations over many years working with the body in movement, stillness and hands-on touch. 

Each day we will explore how the body can be a 'doorway' into listening to ourselves and take us into a deeper, more open and easeful relationship to our experience. We will offer guided and improvised movement explorations, sometimes with music, solo and sometimes with a partner, which may include hands-on touch.

We will also introduce the practice of Authentic Movement, an embodied relational movement practice - it's a bit like the metta bhavana as a movement practice! In a relational field the practice invites us to deeply attend to the body's impulses and follow their expression in movement. In this practice, life becomes more spontaneous, creative and more deeply personal, as we allow ourselves to become authentic to our own nature –more genuinely who we are and be seen for who we are. 

Each day there will also be periods of meditation and free time, as well as periods of silence. No experience of movement or bodywork is necessary to join us. If what we describe here resonates with you then it is for you and we look forward to meeting you!

For more information read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

yoga, embodied movement and meditation

-
Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement. This playful synthesis of body based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and movement) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives. 

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation. We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives. 

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, but they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Spaces

wild swimming, embodied movement and meditation

-
Retreat Type:
Introductory

This retreat will take a playful approach to reconnecting with the body through the elemental experience of water and through movement. Each day we will have the opportunity to swim in the local lochs and rivers as well as other explorations of water and wet places. We will also be using movement to support embodiment and connection. There will also be introductory meditation teaching, daily collective meditation practice, and a practical contemporary look at some traditional Buddhist teachings.

Swim activities will include lifeguard supported bank-based activates, swim trips (for more experienced swimmers) and the opportunity for unsupported personal swimming. There may also be the opportunity to explore local burns and waterfalls.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full

yoga, embodied movement and meditation

-
Retreat Type:
Introductory

These retreats combine introductory meditation teaching with a blend of traditional yoga and contemporary approaches to embodied movement.  This playful synthesis of body based approaches to wellbeing (through meditation and movement) in the peaceful and beautiful environment of the retreat can help restore physical and mental vitality and balance in our lives.

We will cover an introduction to two traditional Buddhist meditations as well as give a solid introduction to the principles of meditation.  We will also be exploring some traditional Buddhist teachings to get a flavour of how these might be relevant to our modern lives.  

No previous experience of meditation, yoga or embodied movement is assumed so these retreats are suitable for complete beginners, but they are also a good refresher for those who already have some experience.

For more information read the retreat information sheet.

Booking Fee:

£100

Booking Availability:
Retreat Full