Yoga amongst the yew trees
Meeting at Old Winchester Hill carpark at 9:30am, the morning starts with the group coming together for a guided breathing practise (pranayama) and intention setting. We will then take a mindful wander to a clearing within the ancient yew trees for yoga and meditation. Here we will connect with the earth and our surroundings using your chosen tree for support and inspiration. We finish with a nature inspired meditation before a silent wander back.
The yew trees at Old Winchester Hill are one of my favourite places to visit and sit quietly, looking at the canopy above and the beautiful rich colour of the twisting branches. I often sit and think of our ancestors and how they would have viewed the landscape, the wildlife and the changing seasons. Come and join me as we walk in the footsteps of those that have walked before us.
Refund policy: Event is non-refundable unless cancelled due to the weather, in which case a full refund will be given. In the event of cancellation 24 hours notice will be given.
What to bring: Please wear weather appropriate clothing that you can move in. A seating pad will be provided for mediation, you are welcome to bring a yoga mat, but you will need to carry it with you. Please bring water and a snack if you will need one.
Mindful Wanders bring together walking, yoga and meditation in beautiful natural setting across the Meon Valley and South Downs.
Our teacher, Stacey, has designed these special wild yoga walks to not only immerse in you in your surroundings, but to embrace the beauty of silence, connecting to nature through the holistic practise of yoga and meditation.
Mindful Wanders start with the group coming together for a guided breathing practise and intention setting. We then take a gentle walk in silence to the chosen outdoor space for the yoga practise, which could be in woodland or on top of a hill or even a sacred piece of land. As you wander you will begin to experience a calmness as you centre your breath, become conscious of each step and connect to the nature around you. You will be invited into a circle for a moment of connection before being guided through different yoga poses using the trees, skyline and ground beneath you for support and inspiration. The practise closes with a nature inspired meditation before a silent wander back.
So often we walk chatting to others or with our head down looking at a mobile phone without noticing the world around us. Walking in complete silence gives you that space to listen to the birds, observe seasonal change, touch, smell and truly absorb nature. It gives you the opportunity to be mindful, switching off from technology and becoming more self-aware.
The simple act of walking alone can help boost endorphins and lower stress which is enhanced when you add the element of silence. Silent walking promotes relaxation and helps restore physiological and psychological balance.
Join us as we walk across the beautiful Harting Down for a Mindful Wander focusing on gratitude. Meeting in the National Trust carpark at 9:30am, we will first come together and set our inner intention for the walk, you will be guided through some gentle breathing techniques to help centre and calm you before we embark on the walk. The walk will take place in silence, giving you time to take in the scenery and wildlife, whilst contemplating what you are grateful for. This is your chance unplug from technology, breathing in fresh air and count your blessings.
We will be completing the Harting Down Wildlife walk, a 4-mile* circular route taking in the amazing views and historical landscape. Along the way we will stop to move and flow through yoga poses, taking inspiration from the nature and wildlife around us, returning back to close with a guided meditation and opportunity to share.
*This walk has been rated moderate with grassy paths and several hills to climb
The National Trust says: ‘This moderate walking trail takes you around Harting Down, one of the largest areas of ancient chalk downland in our care and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. You'll enjoy panoramic views over the Weald to the North Downs, before descending into secluded valleys of natural and historic interest. Look out for rare wildlife and grazing sheep.’
Refund policy: Event is non-refundable unless cancelled due to the weather, in which case a full refund will be given. In the event of cancellation 24 hours notice will be given.
What to bring: Please wear weather appropriate clothing that you can move in. A seating pad will be provided for mediation, you are welcome to bring a yoga mat, but you will need to carry it with you. Please bring water and a snack if you will need one.
Cost: £22pp
Date: Saturday 18th May 2024
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm