Sweat and Serenity - Deep Cleansing Retreat 2021

Hardwick Estate, South Oxfordshire.

SR
Sadhama Rewild Retreats
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57 reviews
May 28 - 31, 2021
Group size: 1 - 30
Sweat and Serenity - Deep Cleansing Retreat 2021
Hardwick Estate, South Oxfordshire.

Sadhama Rewild Retreats
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
57 reviews

May 28 - 31, 2021
Group size: 1 - 30

About this trip


Sweat and Serenity is a rejuvenating and reviving spring retreat held on the banks of the river Thames. Using a spectrum of carefully and thoughtfully curated ancient and modern cleansing techniques, this intimate gathering will enable you to shed outer layers of stress and strife, revealing your pure nature within. Move forward into summer with a fresh perspective and new grounding in your whole self.


Over the weekend you will have the unique opportunity to participate in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, hosted in a specially designed sacred hazel pole dome and led by experienced masters with chanting and shamanic drumming. 


There will be reviving yoga practices and wild swimming in the glistening river waters. Guided meditations with ancient trees and mindful journeying into the forest will show you the way to reconnect with divine nature.


The transformative and healing power of the gong will be held to restore you on a deep vibrational level, the resonance of spirit mantra will restore and replenish you, and storytelling and singing by the campfire will give you the heartwarming gift of community connection. 


We will be eating fresh, organic, locally grown plant based meals lovingly prepared according to Ayurvedic principles by Karen Buckland of Plant Based Pirate. Our gorgeous fruit and veg will come from Tollhurst Organic farm who use stock free farming to produce the lowest possible carbon footprint, cruelty free food. Their work is truly inspiring and aligned with our ethos of re-connecting and re-aligning with mother nature to live in more harmony.


The retreat begins on Friday evening 28th May and ends on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon 31st May 2021.

Accommodation is provided on a secluded camping field next to the shores of the river with composting toilets and fresh water. Tents available to rent if you can not bring your own. 

Camper vans & caravans are welcome, dogs must stay at home!


There is plenty of space to keep within social distancing guidelines.


Surround yourself with 500 year old trees, wild flower meadows, stunning scenery, magical sunset views, wonderful wildlife & your community.


Sweat Lodge Ceremony

The lodge during the retreat will be hosted by Buzzard Medicine.
It is an honour to be able to share this sacred ceremony with you in such beautiful organic surroundings. The lodge calls you to gather in circle to honour our ancestors, our grandmother the earth, the sacred fire, grandfather rocks, water and air - bringing them together to create a powerful cleansing medicine. 


This traditional lodge is made from bent hazel poles, smudged and blessed and covered with blankets and insulated to make a dome. Special stones that have been heated in a wood fire are brought inside and herbs and water are applied to release an aromatic cleansing vapour. Participants engage in several cycles of sweating and chanting with the opportunity to rest and cool down in between each cycle.


The lodge has a strong purification and transformative power for many people; so do give yourself time after the lodge to integrate. The lodge is a powerful place for prayers and healing. 


We advise drinking lots of water on the day before the lodge so that you are well hydrated. Water will be available during the day.
We ask that you refrain from any recreational drugs or alcohol for at least 72 hours before and after the ceremony. 


The sweat lodge is a powerful ceremony and can help in healing processes but it is good to check with your health professional if you are concerned about any medical conditions - in particular heart conditions, high blood pressure, migraines, pregnancy, panic attacks, claustrophobia, strong back pain, diabetes, asthma or breathing difficulties, mental health issues or drug addiction.


Travel

Hardwick estate is only 40 minutes by train from London (Paddington), and just 20 minutes by car from Junction 12 on the M4.  Easily accessible from the main transport hubs at Reading, yet set in the rolling countryside of the Chilterns AONB, Hardwick is ideally located for a weekend getaway of peace and tranquility.


If you have a spare seat in your car and are happy to share a ride, or if you need a lift to the gathering, here is the link to the our retreat community WhatsApp group:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/Bmjd4TB87gLK4z4p0cn1Pq

Ticket Info

We hope to be able to accommodate all who are interested & feel drawn to come together as a community.  

We have tickets available for the Full  Retreat: Friday evening - Monday afternoon which are limited in numbers to facilitate deep experience cleanse, rest and reconnection as a community.

Your Tickets include:

4 Days immersion into sacred lands and your beautiful self!


✔️ All 4 days of the retreat.

✔️ Sweat Lodge Ceremony

✔️ All activities, classes and workshops.

✔️ Delicious Ayurvedic food: 

Friday dinner, 3 meals a day on Saturday to Sunday and breakfast and lunch on Monday. A selection of hot drinks will be available throughout the day.

✔️ Ground for your own tent.

✔️ Contribution for the build of the retreat space for community.


For those who would like to combine the fun of the retreat and karma of the service we have few Seva Tickets. These tickets are designed for those who enjoy getting involved in the running of the retreat by giving the core crew a hand with whatever is needed to be done on the day, or those who can't afford the full price of the tickets but still want to come.  If you’re keen to be involved, please use contact organiser button on this website to apply.


The tickets can be booked in the Available Packages section below. 


All the ticket contributions will go towards supporting our teachers and building a yurt on the land at Hardwick to host yoga classes, community events and future retreats. We hope to build this platform for reconnection and rest.



COVID-19 Statement and Refund Policy

As with all events this summer we are at the mercy of government regulations regarding COVID-19. In accordance with the current government roadmap out of lockdown we will be operating on a private campsite with participant numbers limited to the legally permitted amount. We will be taking precautions as recommended during the event to ensure the safety and health of all participants.

If the regulations surrounding social distancing deviate from the current government predictions and do not allow us to go ahead with the event as planned, we will postpone the event and reschedule it for a time which is appropriate. In this instance all tickets will be transferable. If the option to retain your ticket until the event is rescheduled is not preferable for you, just let us know within 14 days of us announcing a postponement, and will refund you 100% of the ticket amount.


Under normal circumstances, if we are continuing with the event as planned but you decide to cancel for any reason, we will refund 50% of the cost of your ticket.

Under normal circumstances, in the unlikely instance we have to cancel the event for any reason other than COVID-19 restrictions, we will refund 93% of the cost of the ticket to you.

We do this to cover any administration and infrastructure costs we have incurred in preparation for the event.


If you are unhappy with these terms let us know within 48 hours of buying your ticket and we will cancel your purchase and the full cost will be returned to you.


Please reach out if you have any questions.



What’s included

  • Sweat Lodge Ceremony
    A profoundly transformative process of cleansing led by experienced ceremonial practitioners.
  • Daily wild swimming
    We are blessed to have a clean and pure section of the Thames on our doorstep. Listed as one of the best wild swimming spots in UK.
  • Daily morning yoga class
    Morning yoga will help us connect to the natural state of our body/mind... relaxed awareness, presence, peace. Exploring mindful embodiment through the depth of asanas, breathwork, cleansing kriyas.
  • Tree meditation
    This is a great opportunity to learn effective methods of meditation with the help of the the embodied stillness and living wisdom of the trees which are our traditional and powerful supporters.
  • Forest bathing
    The Art of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) is a therapuetic technique of immersing oneself in nature to decompress from the stresses of modern living and rediscover the true self.
  • Yoga Workshops
    Transformational workshops in the stunning location with experienced teachers will allow to breath new life into our essence of being and create a lasting connection to a sense of inner contentment.
  • Gong Bath
    A session of deep healing and relaxation as the magical vibrations of the gong work to reset your energetic body from the inside out.
  • Mantra Meditation
    Learn the power of sound to revitalise your inner spirit and find your true voice through chanting sacred mantra.
  • Singing
    Music round the campfire will be heart-warming songs about nature, green futures and what it is to be human - an open, welcoming and safe space for you to connect with your musical self.
  • Story Telling / Poetry
    Inspiring folk stories that'll take you on a deep journey inwards and beyond, with an opportunity to join in or share your own tales if you wish.
  • 3 × Ayurvedic meals/day
    All our food is organic and locally sourced and lovingly prepared with your health and satisfaction in mind. We are so lucky to be surrounded by passionate and ethical growers!
  • Ayurvedic Assessment
    Personal Ayurvedic Assessment of your constitution will be offered. Understanding of your own nature provides enhanced tool set for self healing and wellbeing.
  • Massage (cost)
    There will be professional therapist on site offering rejuvenating massage and deeply healing bodywork. This will be offered at a reduced rate but is not included in the package price.
  • Ground Rent
    Accommodation is provided on a secluded camping field next to the shores of the river. We have an option to rent tents which you can add before you checkout. Tents for rent are limited.

What’s not included

  • Bedding
    Please bring your own sleeping bags, blankets, pillows etc
  • Cutlery and crockery
    Please bring your own plates, bowls, cutlery and mug. This will help us stay clean and hygienic.
  • Yoga mat
    Please bring your own yoga mat. Let us know if you cant access a mat we have a few to borrow. Please also bring a blanket for end of class relaxation.

Available Packages

Trip Price
£150

Available options

Itinerary

Friday
Arrivals

We will welcome you to our beautiful location between 4-6pm. There will be time to settle and orientate, put up your tents and relax into your space before we gather. 


On the first evening you will complete a short Ayurvedic assessment which will inform your practice and your dietary options over the weekend. We will then enjoy our first meal together before holding the opening circle around the camp fire.

Your Organizer


SR
Sadhama Rewild Retreats
57 reviews
A space to connect with nature, community and your natural self. Our retreats are crafted to offer the experience of rest, grounding and self-realisation. We share the unparalleled beauty and healing nature of Hardwick Estate, tuning into the living wisdom of the ancient oaks and sacred waters. We bring a profoundly nurturing connection, rewilding the biorhythm of the body within, and bringing ourselves into harmony with nature's elements and rhythms. The experience of connection, joy and oneness is our natural birthright.

Reviews

What a wonderful weekend, the company, the sense of community, the peacefulness. Karen’s cooking was absolutely amazing and the guidance received from Dmitry is very much admired and appreciated. I will be back next year in May. Andy was absolutely fantastic at facilitating the sweatlodge, I can’t wait to do another.
By Jessie M for Sweat and Serenity - Deep Cleansing Retreat 2023 September on Sep 05, 2023
Had a lovely evening, was a nice way to start off my long weekend on the Hardwick Estate!
By Jessie M for Return To Nature on Sep 05, 2023
By Alice B for Natural Flow ༄ Yoga Retreat 2023 on Aug 28, 2023
My third time ! I love this retreat so much. Thankyou for everything and see you next year!!
By Grace K for Natural Flow ༄ Yoga Retreat 2023 on Aug 10, 2023
We had a lovely time. Beautiful nature, great team and delicious food. Singing and music was special. Thank you 🙏
By Julia D for Natural Flow ༄ Yoga Retreat 2023 on Aug 02, 2023
Show More Reviews

References

BS
This is the real deal. If you are looking for a true expression of the essence of Yoga you don't need to look further. I have had the warmest of genuine welcome, been nurtured, eaten amazing food which is prepared and served with love. The teachings and course leadership are authentic and based in deep understanding of yoga. The setting is perfect, an oasis of nature unspoilt on the bank of the splendid Thames. The sweat lodge is authentic and transformative. I can't recommend this any more highly.
By Bob S on 03 Jun, 2023
I have left deeply transformed at the end of the retreat - at peace, empowered and joyful. I shall share with you a poem I penned at the end on Sunday after most people had set off. What brought me to this point? Was it just being at the right place at the right time? Was it just the practices, the setting, the energy, the company, the food? It was all of the above, and beyond! First of all, all the organisers and teachers at the Sadhama ReWild retreat I have just attended at the Hardwick Estate in South Oxforshire live and breathe what they teach. It came across strongly and informed the ethos, the energy and the vibration of the whole experience for everybody. People gelled and I made many new connections with some like-minded and like-hearted people which I am relishing. There was an all-embracing welcoming of everybody with no judgement. We practised yoga, danced around the fire, swam in the Thames, did forest bathing and much much more, all within a very safe and sustaining space magically magnified by the idyllic setting. I have sadly lost an old sangha due to various reasons, but have now got a new one - a new yoga family who has taken me in to walk alongside and with me and I with them. Second of all, the practices sometimes reminded of what I already know but have forgotten, at others I learnt new things. But, I found that perhaps we always experience things anew, as we are moment by moment changing. Practices were delivered and shared with joy. The structure of the day was honoured. It all was flowing without too much ado! Thirdly, the food, freshly prepared, vegan, organic, was very nourishing and absolutely delicious. I was sustained not just by the food itself, but by the ambience, the loving, compassionate, all-embracing energy and people. Now for the poem inspired by this experience, as promised earlier is called: JOY What does joy look like? What does joy feel like? What does joy smell like? What does joy sound like? Where does joy live? What dance does it dance? What song does it sing? Joy is seen on children's faces Joy turns up in some unexpected places. Joy sometimes surprises, takes you unawares Joy whispers sweet nothings, when it seems nobody cares. Joy's fairy-like nature can be felt in a tree Joy speaks to the heart when there's nothing to see Joy shines throughout our beings divine Joy reassures it is now and forever fine. Joy constant like a steady, strong mountain springs forth like a wild water fountain refreshingly fresh, always anew washing away all unwanted residue. Joy wakes up the dormant, heavy heart and the whole body, each and every part of our whole being sacred, infinite our spirits and souls dance happily within it. Joy is multiplied when shared Joy comes in when its summons are heard Joy sings and twirls sweetly around when it hears that most welcome sound of our inner being emptied of waste - in it comes, with its sweet-smelling taste hurriedly enters with an enthusiastic haste filling our heart, mind, body and soul with love so that our being is below as it is is above! Joy is when a sangha is sadly lost, but a new one is found Joy is when compassion, generosity and freedom abound Joy's gifts abundant as it is overflowing Joy brings us back to our own inner knowing. Written by (me) Mary Mallia "JOY" on Sunday 12th September 2021 after the Sadhama ReWild Retreat at The Hardwick Estate, South Oxfordshire and inspired by my experience there and at that time.
By Mary M on 14 Sep, 2021
I attended the Sweat snd Serenity Retreat - it was indeed a magical experience. Waking up to a bracing and refreshing wild swim, followed by daily yoga followed by a wonderful breakfast. The days activities were well planned out and varied ranging from a sweat lodge, forest bathing and meditation. We spent every evening around a fire, sharing, singing, laughing, crying and witnessing one another, it was such an impactful experience being in community and meeting wonderful people. The sweat lodge was held on Saturday and was an incredibly deep experience and one I shall always remember - the space and fire was held by Andy and his fire keepers who made you feel safe and connected which enabled you to go deep within. I can still smell the sweet grass in my nostrils. I throughly and surprisingly enjoyed the daily yoga ( and this was something I was least looking forward to having not embodied the practice myself) Bara was able to draw something out of each one of us despite what level one was at. She herself had a deep spiritual practice which really enabled me to see yoga in a different way, connecting to myself and something bigger. The food was absolutely amazing, so much thought and time had gone into its preparation and to ones ayurvedic dosha and accommodate each dish as particular digestive needs. The gong bath as a treat - lying still as the sun set feeling waves of energy flow through you. Walking to the splendour of the Oak tree ended our retreat and we sat there in beautiful community, in connection, with this ancient Oak - breathing in his breath and him breathing in ours - the reciprocal relationship we share. What a wonderfully nourishing experience - thank you - very much looking forward to the next one Marsha
By Marsha L on 13 Jun, 2021