My name is Lucy Dixon, I am currently studying Media Communications at Bath Spa University. Health, Healing and Nutrition is a passion of mine, so having the opportunity to partake in this retreat and experience a Healing Health retreat on January 20th was very exciting.
When I arrived, I was greeted by Lisa, who gave a very warm friendly welcome, I immediately felt comfortable. Everyone participating in the retreat was given a name label, which I thought was a lovely touch as it allowed for people to communicate with one and other, creating a very calm and relaxing atmosphere for everyone. Although I have practiced mediation and know the basics of health and nutrition, I would still class myself as a beginner with not much experience. I was apprehensive, yet excited about the day ahead.
The retreat started with a brief introduction to the day, and just a chance to get to know everyone. Lisa Barnes whose specialist area is health and nutrition and her yoga teacher who is an experienced energy worker. They explained what the day will involve, juicing, nutritional advice, meditation and yoga. Overall creating a healing and nourishing day for your body and mind. They also noted it didn’t matter the level of your experience and that you would be supported on your healing journey, which immediately put me at ease.
We were given a morning juice – purple/ beetroot juice, as this was part of Lisa’s detoxing regime, designed for the retreat, the juices were given out throughout the day. The fresh juices were a perfect ‘pick me up’ for throughout the day, so revitalising and uplifting. They tasted even better knowing they were not only going to benefit the body, but feed the soul with a wealth of nutrition. Who knew something so healthy could be so tasty?
The highlights of the retreat for me, were the meditation sessions run by Lisa, alongside the wealth of knowledge I learnt from the health & nutrition sessions. The first session was held at the beginning of the retreat to manifest what we wished to achieve by the end of the day. My manifestation was to learn as much as possible and unwind from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and ultimately make time for myself again. Which is what the retreat reminded us all to do … just breath and be at one with ourselves.
Another exercise I found amazing and truly healing was the guided mediation, we did in the afternoon. The meditation was designed to cut your ties to any negative energy you may have in your day to day life, we were guided to picture someone or something which is affecting you from being your authentic self and one by one rid of the ties you have to them. Not completely abolishing it/them from your life but learning how to let go of the negativity surrounding them and the situation. I found it to be a lot easier than expected, as I thought you had to be a really experienced, but anyone at any level can achieve this. I found it to be really healing for my mind and worthwhile.
Overall my Healing Health retreat experience was wonderful. Not only did I feel completely ‘zen’ and refreshed after partaking in the day, I felt as though I learnt so much in just one day. I learnt simple well-being exercises and health knowledge which I can now use in my day to day life. It also taught me to simply make time for myself whether that be in meditation in the morning or treating my body to a juice with an abundance of nutrition, either way it taught me that nourishing yourself in day to day life is a necessity. This one day to course is perfect for anybody of any ability as you are continuously being supported by your peers and the leaders. I would recommend this to anyone who just wants a break from a busy- day today life and a chance to unwind.
