We have just returned from a fantastic weekend at our first retreat in Ellesmere, Shropshire,  We got excellent feedback without exception and from seasoned retreaters.  What we liked most was getting to better know the Yogis who have been regularly coming to our classes, some for several years.  Some people have never met as they attend different classes.  It was also lovely to see how easy it was for everyone to integrate into the group.  We were really impressed by the openess and friendliness of all participants.

On the first evening we took an orienteering stroll around the 10 acres of grounds which led us through woodland, kitchen and herb gardens, the sunken garden and the lawns.

Here are some of the pictures:

Yoga on the lawn

It was undescribably  exhilerating to experience yoga on the lawn surrounded by a backdrop of nature.

Taking a break in the conservatory

Casual breaks in the sunny conservatory with fantasic views over the grounds.

Walking the labyrinth.

Walking the labyrith was inspiring for all those who tried it.  You can even catch someone taking a swing while they wait their turn if you look closely.

Activities were almost continuous throughout the day and although people were encouraged to do their own thing most were up for the pre-breakfast yoga sessions and then joined in with all the planned activties throughout the weekend.  There was lots of room for choices and some took advantage of this with individual sessions in addition to the group sessions.

We had coaching and hypnotherapy sessions in the library on the first floor (fantasic views from the bay window),  nutrition groups in the lounge and our light bonding activity sessions in the lounge too.

Our laughter workshop was held on the old tennis court lawn, just next to the labyrinth and beyond that was the sunken garden where we intended to hold a meditation session but didn't manage to dodge the rain. The laughter workshop was a great stretch of the comfort zones leaving participants feeling empowered and liberated.

Yoga sessions were also held indoors and the Yin before bedtime ensured that everyone retired relaxed and ready for sleep.

The country is on an economy drive.  There are fears that a rise in petrol costs is on it's way and the knock on hits almost everything eventually.

One way to help with this would be to walk more.  Not only is it good for your pocket - also good for your health.  A brisk 20 min walk every day could help to save your life.  Why not make a pact now to save your petrol costs and walk a little more. 

Walking also helps you to learn to breath more efficiently and increase the oxygen intake into your system.  This gradually builds up until you begin to feel the fitness within.

I know that some have to drive to work and that walking takes a lot longer.  Planning can incorporate the time consuming walk into your regime and the time you gain on this earth may be well worth it to you.

Here is a calculator to see how much your petrol is costing you and how much it would cost if the price went up.

Petrol Calculator Widget created by Confused.com

Let us know how you have got on in your walk more and save petrol/money - your experiences could be an inspiration to others:
Some ideas for walking more:

• If you work too far away to walk or riding a bike is not good then just park further away and make it a longer walk into work from your car.
• Work out how much you are saving by walking and put the money away - plan what you are going to spend it on.
• Make sure you walk out at lunch time even if it is only around the block.
  
• Incorporate a step counter into your routine and see if your steps are increasing as time goes by.
• Encourage your friends and family to also walk a little more.
  
• Form a lunchtime walking group with some of your colleague at work
• Take your family for a walk in the evenings.

Please add any ideas you may have for helping with the walking blitz.