Yoga and Reflexology with Simon and Benita

16-21st Aug, Llandovery, south Wales.

With great excitement Benita and I set off for Wales in my overloaded old yellow golf. Our break was being hosted by Mandy and Scott, old friends of Benita. They had over a period of time restored a 15th century barn into a beautiful home and retreat space.

Here is a picture of Penroc Barn. Our group were mainly gathered by the powers of the internet and so came from a wide variety of places and backgrounds. With only six guests and four facilitators this was an friendly group in a family setting and was nurturing to everyone involved. As I watched these six women gel together into a group I felt humble and amazed at the beauty of the process. This is a major reason why I love creating these breaks from 'normal' life. After a welcome stretch and relaxation we had our meal and talked around the campfire.

The next day we rose to welcome the day with chanting and a session of yoga in which we explored the breathe with sound and mudras of the hands. Creating OM-the sound of creation in the barn with its twisted natural rafters and wobbly walls was special.

The reflexology session with Benita looked at the respiratory system and we all started the process of unblocking our sinuses which was painful at times for some. With some relief and delight my sinuses were ok having given up diary, on Benita's advice, 2 years previously.

In respiratory system we covered the nostrils, sinuses, bronchioles, lungs, diaphragm, solar plexus and finally a kidney point 'the bubbling spring'. Benita led us through some of the background of reflexology and chinese medicine in her kind gentle way. Her teaching draws upon her enormous experience of working in a practical situation to help people balance their lives with often the first emphasis on nutrition. Everyone responded well to the healing atmosphere created in the barn as we worked on each other's feet.

After lunch and freetime we did some ' shaking', a moving meditation from Osho. It was great to loosen the body and allow it to move in random freedom for about 10 mins just shaking. For the next ten minutes we moved freely to music, sometimes on our own and sometimes with another to the funky beats of Afro Celt Sound System and Nitin Sawhney. The next ten mins we sitting in silence and in the final ten mins we were lying down to soothing music. A whole wave of motion and emotion in a simple framework.

Above is the amazing B&B where the group stayed, called Cwm Rhuddan Mansion.
To the left is our dining room! We were very blessed with no rain during our stay.

On Monday during the reflexology session we worked again on each other to establish the components of the respiratory system, this was followed by a powerful breathing practice called kapalbhati.

In the afternoon we made a visit to Dinefwr Castle, a short drive away. The views from the castle were amazing, it was clear how it controlled the lush valley below.

Pictured behind me are the famous white cows which graze in the grounds and bring the castle good luck.

After dinner we had a wonderful recital of classical Indian music by friends called Marye and Rajesh. It was fascinating to hear the background about the songs brought alive by their passion for the divine within the music. To witness the estatic state of Marye and Rajesh as their performed alongside the candles flickering and the fire crackling it was a magical scene. So many thanks to them for that insight.

On Tuesday the morning chanting was beginning to sound much richer and the om's were gaining power. The reflexology session now turned to the lymphatic system with Benita giving us the confidence to drain the lymph and stimulate the immune system.
We covered lymph draining, meridians of the toes and the neck.

In the afternoon I gave a short introduction to the Alexander Technique and we explored our 'use' of holding pencils by colouring in some yantras. It was fascinating to watch people become aware of their deeply embedded habits and through that awareness having an opportunity to change them. I do enjoy setting the task of 'colouring in', it provokes a wide range of responses shedding light on our attitudes to learning and carrying out tasks.

That evening Benita led us in a evening of reading poetry around the fire. Deep emotions were engaged through the words that night. Evenings like this are important aspect of our break as we are able to access the divine within various art forms and appreciate their beauty.

On Wed more work on the lymph system and in our yoga practice were looked at Surya Namaskara, the Salute to the Sun. It felt good to experience this practice again having had the 3 days of regular yoga to open the body. I gave out some 30 min yoga routines which I hope people will put into action once they are home.
After lunch we headed off into the mountains for a walk with our guide Scott.

We spent a lovely afternoon walking around a bird sanctuary although with all our chatting we did not see any birds. Down at the river we paddled and enjoyed the energy of the mountain water. Back at Penroc Barn Benita and Mandy had prepared a delicious meal of nut loaf, parsley gravy and chips which we all appreciated on our return.

Our last night and the group headed over to play table tennis at the B&B. We played round-the-table and there were some interesting rules adjustments so it was good to see our competitve sides! There was a lightness, joy and togetherness within the group which was a pleasure to be a part.

Our last morning together in which Benita consolidated our reflex work and it was great to see how people gained confidence and enjoyed giving this healing.
Just before lunch we had our closing. We sang and danced around the stone to Scott's drum 'The Beauty Way, a Dance of Universal Peace. It talks of making all our thoughts, words and actions beautiful. It is a good way to take in the beauty of this place and incorporate it into our lives. To verbalise that beauty we made a web of wool around the stone and cut ourselves out of the web saying a few words about what we shall take with us from our experience at Penroc Barn.

To finish I would like to thank Benita, Mandy and Scott for making it special.

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