Living The Mystery: A Weekend Immersion

THE INVITATION

Join us for a weekend-long immersion in Bristol to explore living this great mystery more fully. 

Anna & Megan are experienced (nondual) yoga teachers and teacher trainers who will be leaning into their combined experience in neuroscience, clinical psychology, eco-therapy and research to offer a deep dive into the nature of self, consciousness, and beyond!

Example Timetable (subject to change)
09.45 - Arrive and settle
10.00 - Embodied exploration
13.00 - Shared lunch
14.00 - Theoretical teaching followed by related practices
17.00 - Nidrā or dance followed by closing circle
18.00 - Home time or optional group dinner (Sat - at the venue, Sun - at a nearby restaurant)
19.30 - Finish

WHAT TO EXPECT

We will meet on both days from 10am-6pm (or later if you stay for dinner ).

On Saturday we will share insights from contemporary neuroscience and psychology, shedding light on the way the nervous system shapes experience and how this knowledge can invite more freedom. 

This will include offering practices to shake up some persistent intuitions we may hold about emotions and the nature of the self. We will then work with the internal family systems model to consider how we relate to our own parts, and those of others. We will be particularly curious about how what we have learned might support us to update the protective predictions of some of our parts, and use this exploration to support us in practicing how we show up in relationship.

On Sunday we will explore the nature of consciousness, looking at the implications of this for our spiritual practice and how we understand and engage with reality. 

This will include unpacking nondual philosophy from a Shaiva-Shakta perspective through discussions and practice. We will then expand this exploration in to an extended meditation moving through different layers of awareness; beginning with introspective solo meditation, we will then shift into a moving meditation to meet the world outside, before coming to a relational meditation practice. The relational practice involves sharing your moment-to-moment experience with another; we have found  this to be a refreshing and often radical way to engage with our practice.

Both days will begin with an extended asana session, weaving mantra, philosophy, breath, movement and sound to meet the day's themes in an embodied way. 

We have found community to be an essential holding space from which to both deepen explorations, and also bring lightness and grounding into what can be quite expansive topics! With this in mind, we will weave in lots of opportunities to connect and share with each other over the weekend. For both lunches we will encourage a bring-and-share. On Saturday we will close with a nidrā followed by a shared dinner (cooked by us and included in the price). On Sunday we will close with a dance and closing circle, with the option to join for a restaurant dinner (additional cost) - yum! 

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The group is open to everyone who feels a genuine curiosity about the themes, and has some meditation experience. It might be particularly well suited to yoga teachers and committed yoga practitioners. Contact us to discuss if you're not sure.

Regretfully, the venue is not accessible for wheelchairs as it is on the 1st floor with no lift - please contact us to discuss if you have access needs and are not sure if this venue meets them. We will update when we have more information on toilets. 

Whilst we have found these enquiries to be ultimately liberating and joyful, they can be destabilising for anyone who is actively going through a crisis or awakening at the moment. Taking part in this retreat requires adequate mental and physical health to be self-responsible within group processes; we are all facing the horrors and joys of life and your whole self is fully welcome, but do get in touch if you have any concerns or questions.

PRICING

Standard - £240 or £200 earlybird until January 2027

Concessions - £200 or £160 earlybird until January 2027

Bursary - we have two £50 spaces available. These are for people in genuine need of a low cost ticket. If you would like to enquire about one of these, please send us an email. We will make a decision by January 2027, or earlier if we receive several applications.

WHO ARE THE FACILITATORS?

Megan (she/her) - is a clinical psychologist and ecotherapist, running workshops and retreats alongside her clinical work. She is also a director of the Bristol Yoga Roots Project, and a lead teacher on Yogasara's teacher trainings. Her work is heart-led and nature-honouring, inviting us to remember ourselves as nature to support the reciprocal healing and growth of all. The space she holds is strong and steady with a cheeky dollop of mystery and mischief mixed in. 

Anna Raven (she/her) - Anna is an experienced yoga teacher, therapist, and neuroscientist. Drawing on both contemplative inquiry and scientific exploration, her work reflects a deep curiosity about what it means to be human. Through her teaching, she hopes to encourage greater awareness, understanding, and compassion in how we relate to ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

ANYTHING ELSE?

The studio has tea and coffee making facilities, and a small kitchen, as well as a gorgeous roof top area - a great place for lunch if we are blessed with good weather. We will be in touch nearer the time with further practical details, including dinner plans on both days.

Please reach out with any questions to elementalbeingretreats@gmail.com 

With love
Anna & Megan
🖤

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations refunded (minus £30 deposit) up to 60 days before the retreat or at any time if you can fill your space. Deposits are non-refundable to cover admin time.