This is the real deal. If you are looking for a true expression of the essence of Yoga you don't need to look further. I have had the warmest of genuine welcome, been nurtured, eaten amazing food which is prepared and served with love. The teachings and course leadership are authentic and based in deep understanding of yoga. The setting is perfect, an oasis of nature unspoilt on the bank of the splendid Thames. The sweat lodge is authentic and transformative. I can't recommend this any more highly.

I have left deeply transformed at the end of the retreat - at peace, empowered and joyful. I shall share with you a poem I penned at the end on Sunday after most people had set off. What brought me to this point? Was it just being at the right place at the right time? Was it just the practices, the setting, the energy, the company, the food? It was all of the above, and beyond! First of all, all the organisers and teachers at the Sadhama ReWild retreat I have just attended at the Hardwick Estate in South Oxforshire live and breathe what they teach. It came across strongly and informed the ethos, the energy and the vibration of the whole experience for everybody. People gelled and I made many new connections with some like-minded and like-hearted people which I am relishing. There was an all-embracing welcoming of everybody with no judgement. We practised yoga, danced around the fire, swam in the Thames, did forest bathing and much much more, all within a very safe and sustaining space magically magnified by the idyllic setting. I have sadly lost an old sangha due to various reasons, but have now got a new one - a new yoga family who has taken me in to walk alongside and with me and I with them. Second of all, the practices sometimes reminded of what I already know but have forgotten, at others I learnt new things. But, I found that perhaps we always experience things anew, as we are moment by moment changing. Practices were delivered and shared with joy. The structure of the day was honoured. It all was flowing without too much ado! Thirdly, the food, freshly prepared, vegan, organic, was very nourishing and absolutely delicious. I was sustained not just by the food itself, but by the ambience, the loving, compassionate, all-embracing energy and people. Now for the poem inspired by this experience, as promised earlier is called: JOY What does joy look like? What does joy feel like? What does joy smell like? What does joy sound like? Where does joy live? What dance does it dance? What song does it sing? Joy is seen on children's faces Joy turns up in some unexpected places. Joy sometimes surprises, takes you unawares Joy whispers sweet nothings, when it seems nobody cares. Joy's fairy-like nature can be felt in a tree Joy speaks to the heart when there's nothing to see Joy shines throughout our beings divine Joy reassures it is now and forever fine. Joy constant like a steady, strong mountain springs forth like a wild water fountain refreshingly fresh, always anew washing away all unwanted residue. Joy wakes up the dormant, heavy heart and the whole body, each and every part of our whole being sacred, infinite our spirits and souls dance happily within it. Joy is multiplied when shared Joy comes in when its summons are heard Joy sings and twirls sweetly around when it hears that most welcome sound of our inner being emptied of waste - in it comes, with its sweet-smelling taste hurriedly enters with an enthusiastic haste filling our heart, mind, body and soul with love so that our being is below as it is is above! Joy is when a sangha is sadly lost, but a new one is found Joy is when compassion, generosity and freedom abound Joy's gifts abundant as it is overflowing Joy brings us back to our own inner knowing. Written by (me) Mary Mallia "JOY" on Sunday 12th September 2021 after the Sadhama ReWild Retreat at The Hardwick Estate, South Oxfordshire and inspired by my experience there and at that time.

I attended the Sweat snd Serenity Retreat - it was indeed a magical experience. Waking up to a bracing and refreshing wild swim, followed by daily yoga followed by a wonderful breakfast. The days activities were well planned out and varied ranging from a sweat lodge, forest bathing and meditation. We spent every evening around a fire, sharing, singing, laughing, crying and witnessing one another, it was such an impactful experience being in community and meeting wonderful people. The sweat lodge was held on Saturday and was an incredibly deep experience and one I shall always remember - the space and fire was held by Andy and his fire keepers who made you feel safe and connected which enabled you to go deep within. I can still smell the sweet grass in my nostrils. I throughly and surprisingly enjoyed the daily yoga ( and this was something I was least looking forward to having not embodied the practice myself) Bara was able to draw something out of each one of us despite what level one was at. She herself had a deep spiritual practice which really enabled me to see yoga in a different way, connecting to myself and something bigger. The food was absolutely amazing, so much thought and time had gone into its preparation and to ones ayurvedic dosha and accommodate each dish as particular digestive needs. The gong bath as a treat - lying still as the sun set feeling waves of energy flow through you. Walking to the splendour of the Oak tree ended our retreat and we sat there in beautiful community, in connection, with this ancient Oak - breathing in his breath and him breathing in ours - the reciprocal relationship we share. What a wonderfully nourishing experience - thank you - very much looking forward to the next one Marsha