And we return
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We are just back from our beautiful retreat to southern Spain – a magical place that always seems to refresh and inspire; and bond us to the land again. Especially poignant this year, after two years of waiting.
Our theme this year was acceptance of change and building resilience: the impermanence of everything can seem daunting sometimes especially now; and it can help to build a toolbox that can be drawn upon when needed.
We started the day in silence, watching the sunrise from the yawning mouth of The Old Woman of the World, in the Sierra Nevada. Followed by Mindfulness Practice, another cuppa and then a restorative movement session.
This year, I was joined by Ruth leading us through some Moving to Heal dance sequences – awakening our Phoenix and finding our graceful selves; and Chi Gong with Maggie who taught us about the Metal Element and how to balance ourselves. Learning together how those movement forms can help us meet our bodies with kindness, and some fun! I pitched in with some of my own offerings on yoga and breathing practices – gentle and restorative to match the heat of the day.
Our food is all plant-based with the colours of the rainbow, resting our digestion as we restore our bodies. After Brunch we walk, craft, or read and rest by the pool. Cake-time is about 4pm, and then we move again to the rhythms of music and breath before finishing off the day with dinner, amist some wondrous sunsets.
A trip to nearby Granada for shopping, eating and a visit to the palaces of the amazing Alhambra... the filigree and tiled stonework a skeletal beauty of a bygone era... is mid week and my 5th time of visiting... ahhhh love love...
This year was hot – as many of you will know – and the land was dry and quiet. Here’s hoping they have some rain soon to nourish the land, as it nourished our spirits and warmed our hearts for the cooler months at home.
The community of Braithe Retreats continues to build, with more women taking a leap of faith and joining us on our special retreats - which are like no other I know. Thank you for trusting us and for bringing the magic you didn’t know you had.
Next year we are trying a new month and a new place, when we head to the South of France in April. I wonder what wonders will be there for us… Let me know if you would like details, as there are three single or twin/double rooms still left.
With light and happiness,
Kirsty
Kirsty Hall
Restorative Movement Teacher
www.braithe.weebly.com
www.improvewith.com
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