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About this trip
4 days of full immersion into nature & the practice of life science!
Ayurveda and the Elements Retreat & Yoga Teacher Training Course is an enlightening deep dive into how Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, can inform and enhance your own yoga practice and take your teaching skills to the next level. A retreat in the heart of gorgeous nature with like-minded people to discover and practically learn the life science of self-caring and healing framed as a short teacher course delivered over the weekend, with room for learning, discussion, practical embodied techniques, and joyful community connection.
Discover this fascinating personalised approach to asana practice which will help you guide your students towards the yoga that really works for them. Learn how to bring out the best from your students within the class time you have, by adapting and tailoring your approach using some simple modification techniques that can be quickly and easily communicated in the studio and on the mat. Applicable to any form of yoga you may teach, from kundalini to vinyasa, this holistic approach will elevate your classes and imbue true transformative power.
This retreat is for those who want to deepen their knowledge and practically try Ayurvedic nutrition, massage, and yoga for their self-care or Yoga teachers, facilitators and space holders who want to be confident in the choices they are making for their students. Knowing that you are able to provide the best style of learning to bring out students' innate strength and unique vitality. Keep classes engaged by introducing them to yoga which is naturally suited to their temperament and tendencies - playing to their strengths and targeting their weaknesses in a way that they feel intuitively drawn to.
Most yoga teacher training courses touch on Ayurveda as a component of their courses - but do you really know how to apply this knowledge in your classes? Come with us as we show you how the theory becomes a reality and bring a profound depth to your teaching.
Do you need to be a yoga teacher to attend? No! This course is suitable for anyone who wants to add dimension to their own yoga and learn how Ayurveda can support you in finding a practice that serves your ultimate goals.
Training Syllabus
Over the weekend we will look at how you can tailor asana practice for each of the three main elemental types, Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (earth and water). Practice in each style and feel the difference for yourself. Learn how to identify each of these three types by taking a general appraisal of physical, mental and emotional characteristics, so you can spot each student as they walk through your classroom door and know what will be best for them.
Discover the therapeutic practice of ayurvedic massage and how you can bring in some techniques to enhance your class offering. And it's not just asana, we explore the mantra, pranayama and meditations you can teach to pacify each elemental type and diversify your workshops - perfect for teaching day retreats and longer classes.
Enjoy ayurvedic food over the whole weekend and explore the sensory therapy of elemental eating so you feel equipped with the knowledge to make the best choices for your own holistic health and wellbeing, ensuring you are in top teaching condition and able to make recommendations to students depending on their constitutions and the seasons. In our guided voice activation workshop drop into a space of centred heart and reveal your true voice as a guide and conduit of yoga. There will be plenty of opportunity for personalised learning during our open Q&A sessions with our ayurvedic experts where you can get the answers to the questions that really matter to you.
All this against a backdrop of the gorgeous nature of the Thames Valley, with wild swimming in the refreshing river waters each morning, free time to walk in the glorious green of the forested hills and impeccable campfire vibes with kirtan, music and song.
This year we are bringing our newly built mobile sauna by the river so you can deeply relax in the warmth of the sauna with a spectacular view of the river Thames.
Essential Info
We will be eating fresh, organic, locally grown plant based meals lovingly prepared according to Ayurvedic principles. As much as possible of our gorgeous fruit and veg will come from Tolhurst Organic farm, based on site, who use stock free farming to produce the lowest possible carbon footprint, cruelty free food. Their work is truly inspiring and aligned with our ethos of re-connecting and re-aligning with mother nature to live in more harmony.
The retreat begins on Friday evening 23rd August and ends on bank holiday Monday morning 26th August 2024.
The retreat is held in a secluded rural camping field next to the shores of the river with composting toilets, hot shower and fresh water. Tents available to rent if you can not bring your own.
Camper vans & caravans are welcome, dogs must stay at home!
This retreat is free from drugs, alcohol or intoxicants which cloud the mind.
Surround yourself with hundreds of year old trees, wild flower meadows, stunning scenery, magical sunset views, wonderful wildlife & your community.
Ticket Info
We hope to be able to accommodate all who are interested & feel drawn to come together as a community.
We have tickets available for the Full YTTC: Friday evening - Monday morning which are limited in numbers to facilitate personalised learning, inner inquiry and reconnection as a community.
Your Tickets include:
4 Day immersion into sacred lands and your beautiful self!
✔️ All 4 days of the course.
✔️ All activities, classes and workshops.
✔️ Certificate of Completion for the Ayurveda and the Elements YTTC
✔️ Delicious Ayurvedic food: Friday dinner, 3 meals a day on Saturday and Sunday and breakfast on Monday. A selection of hot drinks will be available throughout the day.
✔️ Ground for your own tent.
We have a limited number of Super Early Bird Tickets at £249 available until they sell out, secured with a £50 deposit and payable in instalments.
If you miss those, our Early Bird Tickets at £275 are available until they sell out, also on a payment plan if you choose to spread the cost.
Our full price Ayurveda & The Elements Yoga Teacher Training Package at £299 will be available right up until the course start date or until we sell out!
For those who would like to combine the fun of the retreat and karma of the service we have few Seva Tickets. These tickets are designed for those who enjoy getting involved in the running of the retreat by giving the core crew a hand with whatever is needed to be done on the day, or those who can't afford the full price of the tickets but still want to come. If you’re keen to be involved, please click here to complete our online application.
The tickets can be booked in the Available Packages section below.
Travel
Hardwick estate is only 40 minutes by train from London (Paddington), and just 20 minutes by car from Junction 12 on the M4. Easily accessible from the main transport hubs at Reading, yet set in the rolling countryside of the Chilterns AONB, Hardwick is ideally located for a weekend getaway of peace and tranquility.
If you have a spare seat in your car and are happy to share a ride, or if you need a lift to the gathering, join the link to the our retreat community WhatsApp group.
What’s included
- CertificationReceive a Certificate of Completion for this short course YTTC to add to your yoga qualifications
- Daily Ayurvedic YogaEach session tailored towards balancing different elemental types for true embodied and experiential learning.
- Identifying DoshasLearn how to identify the different ayurvedic types or 'doshas' by exploring generalised physical, emotional and mental characteristics attributed to each one.
- Ayurvedic MeditationA great opportunity to learn effective methods of meditation for each ayurvedic type, ensuring profound results and deep inner stillness.
- Ayurvedic PranayamaA transformational workshop with experienced teachers will show you how to breath new life into your classes and create a lasting connection to a sense of inner contentment.
- Ayurvedic MantraLearn the power of sound to revitalise the internal elements - calm fire, steady air and uplift earth through chanting sacred mantra.
- Elemental EatingDiscover the basis for an ayurvedic diet as we reveal the six ayurvedic tastes and how to balance them for ultimate daily wellbeing. Be able to make informed choices for yourself & advise students.
- Ayurvedic MassageGet some hands-on experience of therapeutic techniques which can be incorporated into your asana classes - giving your students a truly re-energising time in your sessions.
- Voice ActivationDiscover your authentic voice and become a powerful conduit of the wisdom of yoga through activating your throat chakra and empowering your sound.
- Teacher Q&ABring all your burning questions to our ayurvedic experts who will be able to give you in depth answers and guidance in areas of specific interest to you.
- KirtanLed by talented devotional musicians, offer your prayers to the night sky around the campfire as we sing over the flames.
- Ayurvedic Meals and TeasAll our food is organic and locally sourced and lovingly prepared with your health and satisfaction in mind. We are so lucky to be surrounded by passionate and ethical growers!
- Ayurvedic AssessmentAyurvedic assessment of your own constitution will be offered. Understanding of your own nature provides enhanced tool set for self healing and wellbeing.
- Nature ConnectionConnect to the sacred land around you through immersion into the generous wild.
- Wild SwimmingWe are blessed to have a clean and pure section of the Thames on our doorstep. Listed as one of the best wild swimming spots in UK.
- Ground RentAccommodation is provided on a secluded camping field next to the shores of the river. Bring a tent with you or hire one at checkout.
- Riverside SaunaDeeply relax in the warmth of the sauna with a spectacular view of the river Thames.
- Luxury Indoor ShowersIndoor showers and toilets are conveniently located next to the campsite. There are additional toilets, an outdoor hot shower cabin, sinks and fresh running water also available in the campsite.
- Boat RidesWe will have some boats and kayaks available at our campsite throughout the gathering for you to enjoy the river Thames.
- Massage/HealingThere will be professional therapists on site offering rejuvenating massage and deeply healing bodywork. This will be offered at a reduced rate but is not included in the package price.
What’s not included
- Tent for Personal RestBring a tent to pitch in our secluded camping field next to the shores of the river. We have an option to rent tents which you can add before you checkout.
- BeddingPlease bring your own sleeping bags, blankets, pillows etc.
- Cutlery and crockeryPlease bring your own plates, bowls, cutlery and mug.
- Yoga matPlease bring your own yoga mat. Let us know if you cant access a mat we have a few to borrow. Please also bring a blanket for end of class relaxation.
Available Packages
Weekend immersion into sacred lands and your beautiful self! Arrival on Friday evening from 3 pm.
Includes:
✔️ 4 days of the gathering.
✔️ Riverside Sauna and all activities, classes and workshops.
✔️ Delicious Ayurvedic food: Friday dinner, 3 meals a day on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfast on Monday.. A selection of hot drinks will be available throughout the day.
✔️ Ground for your own tent or campervan.
Available options
Bell Matting
2 Single camping beds or a double bed
Bedding, Linen, Blankets for beds
Quilts, Cushions
Table, Light & Mirror
Fairy lights
Rugs
Pre-erected, spacious, cotton canvas bell tent for your private accommodation. Equipped with double mattress, rug, table and lamp.
Pre-erected, spacious, cotton canvas bell tent for your private accommodation during your stay. Comes unfurnished.
Pre-erected, unfurnished tent for your private accommodation during your stay. Sleeps 3-4 people or provides spacious accommodation for one.
Pre-erected, unfurnished tent for your private accommodation during your stay. Provides decent space for solo travellers.
Itinerary
We will welcome you to our beautiful location between 3-5pm. There will be time to settle and orientate, put up your tents and relax into your space before we gather.
On the first evening we will talk a little bit about your ayurvedic self, and how that will help shape your practice over the retreat. We will then enjoy our first meal together before holding the opening circle around the camp fire.
As we settle in, grounding deeper into ourselves and the land surrounding us we will take the opportunity to embrace the earth element through song around the evening fire. Offering a musical space for connection with the trees that fuel the fire and produce the seeds for growth and life’s cycle of endings and beginnings.