Into the Woods - Yoga and Healing Arts Retreat

In Greek mythology, the Pelion region is considered the home of Chiron the centaur, who was the healer of the Gods. Inspired by the Pelion forest, the mountain, the waterfalls, the golden sun, and the sea, we will work with the elements of nature as we set out on a healing adventure combining yogic wisdom, visual arts, shamanism and play.

Healing Practices 

Yoga:  Each day will start with a gentle yoga practice which is suitable for all levels. The sessions will either be Sivananda Hatha Yoga with Janie, or Kundalini or Hidden Language Yoga with Judith. Each class will focus on using the body as a tool for self-reflection rather than attaining the perfect pose or yoga body. Morning yoga classes will be deeply relaxing, setting the tone for each day and creating a firm foundation for all other practices throughout the retreat. 

Creative Arts:  During the art sessions, we will use clay, paint, mixed media, found objects and sound, to explore our inner stories, and open up to the creative self. When we give ourselves permission to play and make mistakes, our experience can be filled with creativity and spontaneity as we learn to develop trust and meaning through the artistic process.   

Sound and Silence: Silence and sound are nature’s biggest healers. When we take time to be still, we can follow our breath deep into the earth and listen to the song of our soul. During the retreat we will use silence, meditation, shamanic sound work, mantra and heart songs to connect with our inner life-force. No meditation or singing experience necessary.  

Sacred Touch: Positive touch nourishes, relaxes and heals on many levels. Modern busy life sometimes leaves us disconnected from the benefits of healthy touch. Learning massage is a great way to reconnect with ourselves and others. We will learn a set of simple massage techniques, which can be performed on skin or over clothes. We will work with clear boundaries to create a safe non-sexual space for healing touch.  

Dream Work & Reflection:  During the night, our inner wisdom awakens. By looking at our dreams, we can learn to decipher their symbolic messages. We will employ a dream yoga method that lets you be the interpreter of your own dreams. In our days together, we will also reflect on our waking experiences through journaling, and by sharing our insights with one another.

What to expect

Daily rhythm: Our aim is to create a wonderfully relaxing space which nourishes you as a whole person. Every day starts with yoga. Then after breakfast follows a session of healing arts, in which we connect with the theme of the day and the rhythms of the group. Afternoons after lunch are for exploring the lushness of the mountains, forest and sea, getting to know each other, or simply relaxing in a hammock. Before dinner you are asked to help the community a few times with gardening, watering, doing dishes or preparing meals. This is a great way of connecting with the community and giving back. After dinner, there might be a fire, a song circle, a dance or simply time for being rather than doing.

Amenities: Our workshop space is a wonderful sheltered dance platform overlooking the forest. Accommodation is basic with options of sleeping in a tent or being in a single or shared room. Food is vegetarian with lots of lovingly grown produce coming from the community’s own gardens.

Is this retreat for you?

We welcome all adults who are looking for a creative, relaxing and inspiring week. You can be single or in a partnership, a seasoned yogi or artist, or an absolute beginner. As long as you are willing to open your heart to the magic of the moment… Come and find us in the woods and let the rest take care of the rest.

Leaders

Janie Orrell (UK) and Judith Grob (NL) met at Kalikalos in 2018 and found each other in a mutual love for yoga, nature and a zest for life.