I am back from an incredible few weeks hosting 2 retreats in France with Marion and I'm over the jet lag, and adjusting to the cold weather here in Melbourne! I'd love to share some of the experiences and lessons I gained from hosting our recent Restorative Yoga Retreat at Monplaisir in the gorgeous and very green French countryside! The retreat was a profound journey of learning and connection, and I’d love to share some highlights with you.
Embracing the Power of Restorative Somatic Yoga 🧘♀️
One of the most valuable insights from the retreat was witnessing the profound impact of restorative somatic yoga on those who attended. Through gentle, mindful movements, everyone learned to listen deeply to their bodies, releasing tension and layers of suppressed emotions and stress. This practice not only fostered physical healing but also promoted a sense of inner peace and self-awareness that was truly transformative. Some people came with physical injuries, others with emotional stress and some had never done yoga before. It was so wonderful to see everyone embrace the slower more meditative practices and to see how calm and renewed they were at the end of the week.
The Venue: A Sanctuary of Tranquility and Beauty 🏡
Everyone that comes to Monplaisir feels like they have come home! It holds such a special place in everyone's hearts and Marion has created an incredible place of beauty for us to relax and restore. The love and attention she gives to the house and garden shines through in everything. The garden was particularly lush this year and the river so swollen with rain that I only attempted one swim and it was still so cold! I think what makes these retreats so special is this tranquil environment of Monplaisir, so lovingly cared for by Marion that allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the retreat experience, it enhances our practice and creates a deep connection with nature.
Gourmet Delights by Marion and Leslie 🍽️
Another highlight of our retreat was the incredible home-cooked vegetarian food prepared by Marion and her sister Leslie. They are such an incredible team and every meal was extraordinary, using fresh, local ingredients to create meals that were both nourishing and delicious. Each meal was a celebration of flavours and a testament to the love and care they put into their cooking. Sharing these meals on the terrace in the warm evening sun together was such a joyful experience that brought everyone closer, nourishing not just our bodies but our spirits as well. One evening on the first retreat Marion and her partner Guillaume even treated us to an impromptu musical performance, a duet with Marion on flute alongside Guillaume's incredible opera voice.
Building a Supportive and Loving Community 🤝
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the retreat was the sense of community and support that emerged. Guests connected deeply sharing their journeys and supporting each other in a safe, judgment-free space. On the second retreat I hosted a journalling session which was incredibly powerful for everyone who participated and helped show that we are our own best teacher. This sense of belonging and mutual support was incredibly powerful, creating bonds that I know will last long beyond the retreat.
Personal Growth and Reflection 🌸
Hosting these retreats in France was a profound learning experience for me as well. It reinforced the importance of creating safe and nurturing spaces for healing and connection. It also highlighted the incredible potential of restorative somatic yoga to create deep personal growth and transformation. I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to guide and learn alongside such a wonderful group of people.
I am already looking forward to our next retreat, where we can continue this journey of healing, growth, and connection together. If you feel called to join us, read on for details on our upcoming events and retreats.
Please reach out if you would like to join us on one of these very nourishing and healing France retreats in 2025.
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