Well, the time finally arrived and all the doubts as to whether the Sharon Bailey Get Up Keep Going Haybergill Centre Yoga Retreat 2021 would be happening evaporated. Covid and the uncertainty of the world changing around us, creating lockdowns and amended rules from one minute to the next, added stresses and worries. Everyone needed to escape for a stress-free weekend more than ever before.

Some, I'm sure, were a little anxious. We had a few newbies to Yoga, let alone a yoga retreat! Others came on their own not knowing anyone else and some because their confidence had completely disappeared with recent life-changing events. These though, turned out to be personal challenges that were quickly overcome due to the positive and friendly attitude everyone brought with them.

I contacted everyone beforehand to reassure them of the arrangements and guaranteed that they would feel like a new person!

One lady was so anxious that arrangements were made to meet a little earlier so that she could find her feet and get to know the venue before anyone else arrived. This took away the pressure and angst so she could start the weekend in control. If I can do anything to help make your weekend easier/happier/more rewarding and I can - I will. It helped this lady, taking her one step further on her journey to being the best she can possibly be to take control of her mind and body.

Haybergill itself has a beautiful, tranquil feel which automatically calms the body and mind.

Everyone settled in quickly, partly because I met everyone as they arrived and gave them a quick tour and helped them to their room. Making introductions and ensuring they had everything needed for a comfortable stay, including the weekend's schedule.

6.30pm, everyone met and introductions were done. Conversations started to flow, friendships began and the tensions of the world started to slowly ebb away. The weekend's objective began without anyone knowing. Dinner was served and anyone walking into the room would think that the 12 ladies sitting around that dinner table for the first time, were old friends. The chatter, the laughter was like a happy family!.    

With full bellies and cheeks aching, some retire to put on PJ’s, some change into Yoga clothes and some just come as they have arrived - but all came together in the Yoga room. As soon as we entered the room, a calmness embraced us. Silently we took to our mats, the calming oils filled our beings and we were guided through an hour of total bliss, releasing, relaxing. Off to bed and everyone slept like babies, not a care in the world and a stillness of thoughts of what tomorrow would bring.

Rising early at Haybergill automatically takes you on to the decking, chairs and blankets all around. Sitting there, you feel the stillness, the calmness that surrounds the whole place and your entire being. The birds sing happily, the red squirrels play, have fun and dance as if no one is watching. I feel the Love in my heart, I feel different, I feel………

One of the ladies said to me that "I haven’t felt like this in a long while, I feel at peace, I feel whole, I feel new, I feel alive! OMG! I feel alive."

Breakfast with my new family, you can feel, you can touch the love all around. We return to our yoga mats and 2 hours later I felt even more energised, I felt released, like I had a totally new body. What’s happened! The Haybergill Centre yoga retreat was working it's magic!

The fun, laughter and chatter continued through lunch. The afternoon took us on an easy local walk, we talked, we learnt, we laughed, we cried, we bonded. Everyone did what they needed to do embrace what they needed - chilling. reading, sleeping, reflecting, learning. Everyone had that rare opportunity to listen to their mind and body and learn.

The Saturday evening fire pit ceremony, with hot chocolate, was a highlight. It represented our "old" selves and the embrace of the new. It was such a relaxing evening that many fell asleep as the new day began.

Sunday embraced a Rise and shine Yoga session before it was time to depart. But, no one wanted to leave.

We embraced, we hugged, we shared, we planned the next retreat (as this has to be repeated). I felt so invigorated I could conquer the world……….

Everyone said how they had learned, reflected, rebalanced, reconnected, energised and had re-ignited that Fire within. Weekend objective - fulfilled!

I have two similar weekend retreats planned already this year. Spring and Autumn dates are confirmed and open to booking through my shop. I hope you will join us.

Namaste till the next time.

Sharon