Explore yoga’s ancient teachings on meditation, dhyāna, where meditation is not another task to perform but a quality of presence to be cultivated. Through gentle guidance and quiet practice, we will approach meditation as a natural state of awareness that deepens into absorption and inner stillness. Along the way you will be introduced to the teaching of Hṛdaya, the sacred heart of loving awareness, discovering how meditation can become a devotional return to the heart where presence, wisdom and compassion meet.
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What to Expect
Yoga as a Sacred Practice is a day retreat set in the beautiful surroundings of Rownhams House, just outside Southampton. It invites you to explore the deeper heart of yoga through movement, mantra and meditation.
During the day we will rediscover Sūrya Namaskāra as a devotional practice, exploring how breath, mantra and awareness can transform this familiar sequence into something meaningful and alive. The retreat will also include workshops introducing devotional Sanskrit and mantra, an exploration of pūjā and altar practice, and reflections on how we can bring a sense of the sacred into everyday life.
Alongside these sessions, we will share a gentle and nourishing yoga practice inspired by the teachings of the kośas — the subtle layers of our being, often described as the anatomy of the soul. The day will also include meditation and conclude with an uplifting session of kīrtan and sacred chanting.
Together these practices invite us to recognise the sacred within yoga, the natural world, and ourselves.
A delicious vegan lunch will be served, prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients to nourish both body and mind.ga Day Retreat set in the beautiful surroundings of Rownhams House on the outskirts of Southampton. Yoga as a Sacred Practice invites you to explore the deeper heart of yoga through movement, mantra and meditation.
Sacred Movement
We will begin the day by reclaiming Sūrya Namaskāra as a sacred practice, revealing the symbolism held within each gesture and transition. You will learn how intention, mudrā and simple ritual awareness can transform familiar movements into something contemplative and meaningful. A short mantra will be introduced that can be woven into the rhythm of Sūrya Namaskāra, allowing the sequence to become a whole body offering. As breath, movement and mantra begin to weave together, the practice becomes a way of greeting the day with wonder, gratitude and reverence for the gift of being alive.
Meditation
Altar Rituals
We will explore the role of altar practice and simple ritual within yoga traditions, and how creating a small sacred space can bring intention and reverence into everyday life. You will learn how an altar can become a focal point for practice, reflection and gratitude, using natural objects, symbols and offerings that carry personal meaning. Through this exploration, we will consider how ritual helps us recognise the sacred within the natural world, within practice, and within ourselves..
Explore the Kośas
In the afternoon we'll take a gentle and nourishing yoga class exploring the theory of the kośas (the anatomy of the soul). Through slow movement, breath and quiet awareness, this practice invites you to soften and sense the subtler layers of your being, allowing yoga to be experienced as a way of tending to the deeper dimensions of self.
Devotional Sanskrit
Together we will explore the foundations of devotional Sanskrit and mantra practice. You will learn the meaning and feeling behind the sounds we chant, discovering how mantra can be woven naturally into movement and meditation. Discover mantra as a living practice that refines attention and opens the heart.
Heart Song Kīrtan
In the afternoon we will gather for kīrtan, the traditional practice of devotional song and bhakti yoga. Through simple call and response mantras we will explore the power of sacred sound as a shared practice.Opening the heart through sacred song is one of the quickest and most powerful ways to return to our true essence as love. You do not need any experience of singing or chanting.
The Venue
Rownhams House
Rownhams House, Rownhams, Southampton, is a stunning retreat venue just 10 mins from Southampton. The venue has its own parking and is very easy to find.
Directions & Parking
Please use the map for directions to our venue.
The full address is:
Rownhams House, Rownhams, Southampton SO16 8LS.
The entrace to the venue is on Betteridge Drive.
Parking is provided on-site, please park next to the main entrance.
Your Teacher
Laura
Laura Green, is a Yoga Teacher, Astrologer, Founder of Soul Retreats & SoulFest and Director of Laura Green Training & Mentoring based in Hampshire, UK. She leads life inspiring adventures through yoga classes, workshops, yoga teacher training, retreats and festivals. Blending expert yoga tuition with life affirming tools to empower men and women to live the life they want.
Laura teaches Vinyasa Yoga, Restortative Yoga and Yin Yoga with a focus on embodiment through clear alignment and intuitive sequencing. Laura is also a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist and weaves this into her teaching. Laura is an inspiring and intuitive yoga teacher who helps people connect with their soul's longings and courageously step into their strength and the life of their dreams.
Laura qualified as a Yoga Teacher with the internationally recognised Yoga Alliance in 2010 having studied extensively with both the Yoga Alliance and the British Wheel of Yoga. Laura is a Senior Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Professionals.
The Price
£125
Day Retreat
What's Included
Yoga
2 x Yoga Classes, morning and afternoon
Workshops
3 x Workshops covering, Altar Ritual, Meditation, Sanskrit
Lunch
Delicious and Nutritious vegan lunch
Treats
Homemade treats throughout the day
Heart Song Kirtan
Experience the wonders of devotional song.
Parking
Free onsite parking at Rownhams House
Book Your Space Today!
If you would like to book this retreat please click the book now button below to proceed to the check-out. Our retreats sell out quickly, so don't delay. We look forward to welcoming you.
