OYA Retreats are dedicated to delivering an holistic movement and mindfulness practice to Black women and women of colour. On exclusive retreats in the United Kingdom and abroad, guests are offered room to explore, reflect, release, and renew.

Recalling the Elements: Fire & Wind

Join Nikita, Shiggi and Stacie for their first weekend yoga and mindfulness retreat together at Poundon House, a beautifully exclusive house and grounds located just 60 miles northwest of London. The retreat will include yoga, mindfulness, movement, vegetarian meals, as well as free time to explore the area, swim, rest, read, and relax.

Theme

The elements are expressive and reflected in our own moods. We move between emotions of hot and cold, happy and angry, sometimes without even recognising or understanding why. At this weekend retreat we will explore the seemingly opposite poles that both fire and wind represent and how, in conversation with one another, transformation becomes possible.

On the one hand, fire is irreplaceable in its warming capabilities, for example of food or the body, and it can even illuminate one’s path. If untamed, however, it can burn and scorch everything in its way. Similarly, wind offers us a cooling system and can provide the energy we need to power up. At high speeds, however, wind becomes an indestructible force bringing chaos to anything it touches. This retreat will benefit anyone looking to find balance in the midst of the world’s extremes.

The body is the only true home that we will ever have, so it’s important that it be nourished and cherished. Over the course of the weekend, guests will be led in movement and mindfulness practice to do exactly that. Grounded movement and powerful Hatha flow sessions that invigorate will be balanced with soothing mindfulness exercises to leave guests feeling rejuvenated.

The retreat schedule is subject to change and will be released to registered guests closer to the date. Please have a look at our example schedule here.

Meals

The retreat is fully catered with dairy- and wheat-free vegetarian cuisine. On Friday evening a light dinner will be served. Saturday and Sunday morning, a warm broth will be offered before the movement session, and breakfast after the movement session. On Saturday, a filling and warm lunch will be served and a light and healthy dinner. On Sunday, guests will receive a boxed lunch, if they desire to take something with them on their journey home.