To find your personal way in life is to discover your true identity and purpose. Of the five tattvas, or elements, that constitute our human experience of reality (earth, water, fire, air and ether) water is the one that can help us find our true path and the willpower to follow it. This weekend retreat will explore the qualities of the water element and use them to set our direction and intention.

The programme
Arrival: 5:00 pm Friday 5 November 2021
Departure: 9:00 am Monday 8 November 2021

We’ll explore the many facets of the water element and its physical and energetic presence in our daily lives. We’ll use kriya and a heated indoor swimming pool to examine both aspects of the the water element – its light side which can facilitate decision-making, vision and success; and its shadow side which can bring fear, immobility and loneliness. We’ll use meditation and focus our intention to initiate change and find the condition of flow in our lives.

The location
We’ll be based for the weekend at Open Pathway, a retreat centre specialised for spiritual development and located in the beautiful Somerset countryside, close to Dorset and about an hour from the coast. The centre is housed in a 17th century house together with its outbuildings, and has spacious grounds designed for quiet reflection and relaxation, as well as a heated indoor swimming pool. Situated in the village of Queen Camel, the centre is in a tranquil position whilst also being within easy walking distance of the village shop, while the surrounding countryside offers scenic walks.

Accommodation and meals
Our accommodation for the three nights (Friday to Sunday) is in comfortable rooms sleeping 2 or 3. Towels and bed linen are supplied.

Vegetarian meals are provided, with vegan and most other dietary requirements catered for (advance notification required).

What to bring
You will need to bring some comfortable clothes for the yoga/meditation sessions, and a swimming costume and towel for use at the pool. The centre provides yoga mats but you are of course welcome to bring your own if you prefer. It would be useful to bring a bolster, cushion or blanket to sit on as there may be be some longer periods of meditation. A blanket or shawl for relaxation is also recommended. Finally, you may wish to bring paper and pen to make notes, though this is not compulsory.

Travel
The nearest railway station is Sherborne, about seven miles away. Yeovil and Castle Cary are also nearby and all are a short taxi ride. For taxi numbers see the Open Pathways website. Travel costs to and from the centre are not included in the programme fee.

Aim to arrive at around 5:00 pm on Friday 5 November, after which an evening meal will be provided. Departure will be around 9:00 am on Monday 9 November following a light breakfast.

Bookings
Early booking is advised to secure your place. The programme fee of £550 per person includes accommodation and all meals. Transport to/from the retreat centre is not included. Bookings can be made via the button below, or to enquire about payment by instalments contact programme leader Charanpal.

Until 30 September all bookings will include a bonus SoulExplorer canvas tote bag.

A full refund will be given if the weekend cannot take place due to new Covid restrictions.