Mindfulness Book & Retreat Day
Sunday 6th April
Sunday 6th April, Meols, Wirral
'A windswept tale, beautifully told' Raynor Winn, author of The Salt Path
'Compelling and transformative. I could not put this book down so I stayed in bed and read it in one go.'
In November 2023 our small group of readers met to discuss the beautiful work of Katherine May, Wintering. We found her writing style absolutely captivating. She has a special gift for describing the most ordinary of things. This time we're going back to where it all started, exploring her first book - The Electricity of Every Living Thing.
Described as a poignant exploration of nature it illustrates the power of reconnecting to wild landscapes to create peace in our unquiet minds. It's the perfect choice for our Spring retreat in this beautiful rustic cottage.
In August 2015, Katherine May set out to walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path. She wanted to understand why she had stopped coping with everyday life; why motherhood had been so overwhelming and isolating, and why the world felt full of inundation and expectations she can't meet. Setting her feet down on the rugged and difficult path by the sea, the answer begins to unfold.
What to Expect..
Women are brilliant at looking after everyone else but when it comes to their own space, they often need a little nudge. So we've created the perfect calming escape at this gorgeous rustic hideaway by the lake. Described as a spa for the body and mind this experience will leave you feeling rested and relaxed. We'll gather in the kitchen overlooking the woods at 9.45. Kick off your shoes and get to know the other women over tea, coffee and pastries before we delve into the first book session. You'll receive the book in advance but just in case your memory is anything like mine, there'll be lots of printed quotes from the book to jog your memory for the discussion.
After our tea break we'll retire to the relaxation area where you'll receive a short introduction to mindfulness before being professionally guided through your first restorative practice, perfectly designed to take you out of that busy head space.
All cushions and blankets are provided and there is loads of space, so pick your spot.
After lunch there's another guided practice promoting the importance of self compassion. We then return to the seated area to discuss the book, again using pre-printed quotes to guide us.
We say goodbye over refreshments but don't rush off. Feel free to take some time in the beautiful gardens by the lake. You won't want to leave but when you're ready to return to the outside world, there'll be a lovely little gift to take as a momentum of your day.
You're in luck! There's a 15% offer running on this retreat. Book by 28th February with offer code EARLYAPR25.
Just an easy day taking time out, meeting like minded people and walking along the beach. Limited to 7 people.
Book my Place"A little bit of space in our busy worlds."
What our customers are saying..
Lou Poyser
"The whole day was just incredible it exceeded all my expectations. The welcome, location, food, content, pace and overall experience was just incredible. Julie’s pace led the group along seamlessly and the tasks were perfect. The mindfulness sessions were embedded into the day for maximum effect and I left with a just had a massage feeling of chillness and contentment. Looking forward to the next retreat so much. Started my Easter holidays off perfectly. Thank you Julie.🙏"
Jacqui Woods
"Thoroughly enjoyed my mindful day retreat with Julie.
To take time out for me alongside like minded people and discover I'm not alone with my experiences was reassuring.
Julie's guided meditations left me feeling refreshed and renewed.
If you need an introduction to mindfulness then seek out Julie whose experienced, empathetic, connected and caring nature will support you into your mindfulness journey."
Laura Seymour
"I had the pleasure of attending one of these incredible retreats. I was delighted to meet some beautiful like-minded souls. The practises throughout the day were truly lovely and I came away feeling so relaxed and refreshed. Great food, amazing teacher and I look forward to many more. Laura, Editor Wirral Well Being Magazine."
What's Included
The experience is limited to just 7 people. When you book you'll receive your personal copy of The Electricity of Every Living Thing to read in advance. Printed quotes from the book will be available on the day to support the discussions.
The Space & the Food!
A beautiful dedicated area - make yourself at home. Includes:
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blankets and cushions but feel free to bring anything you need
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Pastries, tea & coffee on arrival
- Printed quotes to support the book discussions
- An introduction to mindfulness, meditation and the power of compassion.
- Two hours of guided practices in the lovely relaxation area
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Optional time in the garden by the lake.
What We'll discuss:
- What mindfulness actually is and how it differs from meditation
- How to really listen to the emotional messages in the body
- How kindness creates happiness hormones and can help us to balance our emotions
You'll leave fully refreshed with a sense of how you can bring more stillness and emotional balance into your day even through the toughest of times.
In mindfulness we have a saying that "in just turning up for yourself, you are doing something in your own greatest interest".
*Limited to 7 places*
You're in luck! There's a 15% offer running on this retreat. Book by 28th February with offer code EARLYAPR25.
As the venue requires payment in advance, cancellations on or after 16th March will only be refunded, if we are able to resell your place.
Book my placeMore Details
Why mindfulness?
Mindfulness has been a feature of Eastern culture for thousands of years. We are all born with the capacity to be mindful but somewhere along the way our busy minds take over.
Mindfulness is a gentle way of approaching our experience which unfolds uniquely for each of us. It allows us to start where we are, and go at our own pace simply working with the edges.
Join the Community
Once you're signed up to Just Breathe you are part of a conscious community. We are dedicated to using a percentage of our profits to provide education and mindfulness support to communities that don't have access.
You'll also be invited along to our Monday class where you can continue with your practice.
Typical benefits
- Learning to take time out can have an immediate impact on our well being and sleep patterns.
- We can learn to balance our emotions and experience more happiness in our lives.
- Getting less caught up in stress impacts our immune system, our well being and can even influence our sleep patterns.
- You are guided in a safe and supported environment that encourages compassion around all experiences. This brings benefits to ourselves and those we interact with.
- Mindfulness practice can rewire the connections between the threat system and the executive function giving us greater control over our reactions.
The Experience
- The experience will last for 1 day
- You will learn the basics of mindfulness, the importance of tuning into our body and the science of emotional balance and kindness.
- There will be a guided body scan practice and a guided compassion practice.
- The experience includes an opportunity to talk through your experience and enjoy light refreshments with like minded people.
- Practices are usually done lying down, contact us if you have any special requirements.
Meet your guide
Mindfulness has changed my life in so many ways. It's helped me to work with stress, deal with narcissism and to live each day in colour.
What I love about this course is the information it provides around how our mind and body works. These little insights really encourage us to take a step back and reflect on our inner world.
The language of the guidance also delivers a sense of safety and curiousity.
I work better with small groups and believe this creates space to talk and learn from each other without the awkwardness that might arise in larger gatherings.
Qualifications
Julie has a masters degree in mindfulness from Aberdeen University and specialises in mindfulness based stress interruption and qualified to teach with the British Mindfulness Association. Julie also has diplomas in life coaching, NLP and a masters in I.T.
