Joyful, seasonal retreat days and classes in Sussex to feed the soul and lift the spirit
Yoga and Revitalising Rest
Take part in two sessions over the course of the day: a light, energising flow practice in the morning, focussed on strengthening, rooted postures to engage with the oncoming Autumn season. In the afternoon, enjoy a restorative practice, with more passive, grounding poses, tuning into the peaceful nature of the landscape in the South Downs. The retreat day ends with the refreshing rest and relaxation of Yoga Nidra - the calming space between sleep and wakefulness.
Breathwork and energetics
Join Mimi and Sam to explore pranayama - a vital foundation for all yogic practice. We will introduce key breathing practices including energising Kapalabhati ('breath of fire' or 'skull shining breath') and calming Anuloma Viloma (alternate nostril breathing) as a way to calm the mind and nervous system, tuning into subtle energy channels. The process of conscious breathing allows us to be absorbed in the present moment, the beating heart of yoga.
Midlife Nutrition with Mimi Spencer
With particular emphasis on eating to support a sense of settling and harmony in mind, body and spirit, Mimi explores key ingredients, used in delicious combinations, to access physical and emotional well-being as Autumn arrives. Taking inspiration from her book The Midlife Kitchen, she'll introduce delicious ingredients and recipes designed to maximise health benefits. Light lunch and drinks included.
Nature Reconnection with Sam Hart
The Autumn Equinox is the perfect time to find strength and joy in nature. Join Sam Hart at our fabulous Waterhall venue overlooking the South Downs to re-engage with nature, feel the earth beneath your feet and discover more about this impressive local rewilding project. Sam will introduce meditative techniques to reassert our relationship with our beautiful land... Think of it as our Natural Health Service.
What is provided: yoga mat and bolster, delicious veggie lunch, snacks and drinks, herbal teas
What to bring: two cushions or pillows, two blankets, eye mask (optional), water bottle, a sense of curiosity
Buy tickets
here, £85 (£70 early bird rate until June 21; £45 for low-waged)
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We are The Rest is Yoga...
Sam and Mimi met during their yoga training in 2021. Sam now offers community yoga classes for people of all abilities, and works with the Brighton Natural Health Foundation and the Brighton Yoga Foundation to bring the benefits of yoga to a wide and diverse audience. Mimi has practised yoga from the age of 21. A journalist and author, she has written extensively about diet and nutrition, with seven books to her name including The Fast Diet with Dr Michael Mosley, and The Midlife Kitchen. Together, Sam and Mimi launched The Rest is Yoga in 2022 to offer approachable, supported retreat days and classes accessible to everyone - even people who may think yoga is not for them.
Previously on The Rest is Yoga....
'Yesterday’s retreat was so special, I cannot thank you both enough, just what I needed. The yoga and meditations were excellent, and I learnt so much to help me make my coeliac diet more interesting and nutritious. Am very fortunate to have found you.'
Ann
'Thank you for a perfect day! You thought of everything to make the experience seamlessly smooth,
fun and relaxing. Food absolutely delicious! Feeling de-stressed and floaty.'
Kate
'I utterly enjoyed every moment of the day, it was a total escape and a wonderful experience and I cannot wait
to sign up for the next one. I think I am still floating on a cloud from the loveliness…
thank you both so much for organising such a blissful retreat.'
Rachel
'Yesterday was so joyful in ways thacould not even have imagined. The space you created was so safe and inclusive allowing for vulnerability, so much loving kindness and compassion. The world can feel triggering, and can feel frazzled, and your retreat is the perfect antidote for bringing back self-connection and harmony.' AT
'Stunning setting - truly comforting, feeling safe and secure inside with the wild weather outside. Feeling so nourished and relaxed.' Lisa
'It was just perfect, just what was needed, really perked me up and gave me lots to think about (in a good way!).
It was such a warm, welcoming and relaxing environment, wish we could do it every week!' Elsa
'The Rest is Yoga has brought such goodness, healing and nourishment to my life. The value of these days is immeasurably Good - it's not always possible to put into words, but you are creating a movement for holistic wellness, with love ❤️' A
'Thank you for another magical day - I always leave feeling reset and ready for the coming season - you are both magic, as was Brydie.
Loved every minute... I'm still floating!' Katty
'Thankyou so much for a wonderful Yogi day on the South Downs! We absolutely loved all the different elements to the day and came away relaxed and full of enthusiasm for Yoga and your amazing recipes. Already looking forward to the next time!'
Bridget
