07789 000 641
BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTRE DORDOGNE, FRANCE
"One of the 10 best meditation retreat centres in Europe" the Guardian
YOGA & MEDITATION RETREAT
with Samantha Roy and Nina Fowkes
Dordogne - FRANCE
20th - 25th September - 5 nights - 6 days
Shared Bell Tent £795pp - Single Bell Tent £895pp
Shared Room £855pp - Single Room £955pp
Single Ensuite £1050pp
We have partnered with Tree Sisters, and fund the planting of 100 trees for everyone coming on this retreat.
Le Moulin is set in beautiful surroundings, on the banks of a wide river, among bamboo groves and mature trees. Retreats benefit from the sounds of birdsong and flowing water, the beautiful Japanese style wooden meditation hall and the peaceful, natural surroundings. Contemplative practice is supported by an environment of deep kindness and care and delicious, organic vegetarian meals. The Moulin is dedicated to being a refuge for exploring life-transforming practices and teachings.
We will practice yoga & meditation twice a day, with clear guidance on meditation and how to sustain a sitting practice once back in daily life.
Yoga classes will emphasise movement with mindful awareness, learning how to develop a deeply contemplative experience. The fluidity of vinyasa will be combined with periods of holding asanas for more extended lengths, using props to further deepen the felt sense. The dynamic & fluid practices will heat the body and build strength, endurance & flexibility. The restorative postures will help relax the muscles, tissues and nervous system encouraging a release of deeply held tension while replenishing energy.
Nina will offer an extended aroma yoga class (deeply restorative yoga and meditation combined with essential oils and massage) and optional individual Thai Massage sessions.
There will be plenty of free time for personal (or group) space, reflection or activities. The river is perfect for (wild) swimming, the surrounding area for walking and exploring. In essence we will get the opportunity to put the teachings in to practice to enable a deep sense of peace and well being. This will be a transformative experience, to further awaken.
All participants would also be expected to take up the opportunity of Karma yoga - helping on the grounds for 50 minutes per day, either with gardening, clearing up after lunch, chopping vegetables etc (the practice of generosity).
You will be offered 3 healthy and nutritionally balanced vegetarian or vegan meals a day (the centre endeavours to use organic and fair-trade ingredients as much as possible and are on the road to being 100% organic).
WHAT'S INCLUDED
(Rooms allocated on a first come first serve basis)
Price Includes
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All yoga & meditation sessions (up to 4 per day)
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Accommodation
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3 delicious meals per day prepared using local ingredients
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Transfers from Bordeaux Airport
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Teas & Cold Drinks throughout the day
**Please note price does not include: treatments, 1:1 yoga (available to book on request)
***This retreat does not include flights. Pease get in touch with us about which flights to book, most popular is with Easy Jet from Gatwick to Bordeaux.
HOW TO BOOK
£150 required to secure place.
Balance due in two payments,
50% 4 months & 50% 2 months prior to departure.
A TYPICAL DAY
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Wake up, coffee and tea
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07.30 Silent Meditation
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08.00 Breakfast
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08.45 Working Meditation (Karma Yoga)
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10.00 Yoga
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Free time: could involve a wild swim, walk, reading
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13.00 Lunch, a variety of nutritious locally sourced or grown, seasonal
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Afternoon relaxation or group activity - massages, siesta, go exploring, hiking, wild swimming, nature walk, cycle into village
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16.00 Mindful movement & Meditation Practice
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18.30 Dinner
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20.00 Silent Meditation
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20.30 Evening relaxation
THE YOGA
Asana
Classes integrate movement, breath, philosophical teachings, Pranayama, hands-on assists, sometimes interspersed with powerful & emotive music all culminating in deep relaxation.
Students can expect a modern postural yoga practice, sometimes broken down in to a workshop style (depending on what arises during class and the needs of practitioners) where we have the opportunity to learn the core elements of alignment and technique.
We also make time for slowing down, using props to support and hold asanas for longer periods, allowing more space for contemplation, relaxation, release and practice of Buddhist meditation techniques. Deeply nourishing.
“So much wisdom exists within the body. We often come to class with the ambition of accomplishing something physical and forget that if we let go of any ambition we can create space for a more significant unfolding. The intention is to work through self-limiting habitual patterns and shift to place of more tolerance and acceptance."
YOUR YOGA TEACHER
SAMANTHA ROY
Practicing for 15 years, with +500 hours of training experience, Sam’s main influences come from the Sangyé Yoga School where she trained with Cat Alip-Douglas.
Inspired to teach as an act of deep sharing and love for what yoga develops in each individual and through an authentic and committed approach, my motivation in every class is to bring our attention to the present and move towards our conscious potential. I strongly believe that through diligent practice we can find true balance & happiness.
Coming from a dance background, which brought about major injury Sam’s practice combines a strong sense of discipline - but with awareness - together with a deep respect for what the body has to teach.
Sam’s studies are rooted predominately in Buddhist teachings, which form the foundation for her approach to her yoga practice.
NINA FOWKES
Holistic health, yoga and massage have been Nina’s passion for the past 30 years. She has lived, studied and practiced throughout Europe, The Far East and USA before settling in the UK where she founded the Yoga Garden in 2008.
"I am so happy to provide a calm, beautiful space where people can improve their sense of health and wellbeing and find that sense of connection and tranquility we are all seeking”.
As well as nurturing the growth of the Yoga Garden in the UK Nina teaches Restorative and Therapeutic Yoga, which incorporate the use of gentle Thai massage and essential oils. Her classes are grounded in the belief that all we need exists right here in the moment, nature being our greatest teacher.
On this retreat Nina will be working alongside Samantha in a supportive role offering Thai Massage and Restorative yoga.
LE MOULIN
Le Moulin rests in 4 acres of grounds. Bamboo groves, ornamental gardens and Koi carp pond induce a private and calming atmosphere. The river Auvézère flows alongside the grounds making an irresistible call to swim on summer days. Canoe trips and cycle hire are also provided in the village, as well as a boulangerie and cafés just a few minutes walk away.
Contemplative practice is supported by an environment of deep kindness and care, and delicious, organic vegetarian meals some coming form our own gardens and other local producers.
There is a secluded Japanese style meditation hall (75m2), nestled amongst large trees.
Accommodation within the main house and a variety of outbuildings is in single or shared rooms. All rooms and halls are heated. In warmer seasons people might like to stay in one of the beautiful bell tents by the river.
There is an extensive library in the dining hall, and Wi Fi is also available.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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How to get to Corfu?Rarely is there a retreat that includes a flight….the price includes your return flight from Heathrow airport with British Airways
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Can I have single accommodation?Our accommodation prices are based on shared occupancy. Yes Upgrades are available for Single Occupation. All accommodation is based on first come first serve.
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Do you have mats and towels?We provide a range of yoga mats, bricks & blocks, cotton belts, blankets and supportive bolsters. You are more than welcome to bring your own mat, if you prefer this option.
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I have never practised yoga before. Can I come?Yes – we are always happy for beginners to start with us. George Roussakis is especially skilled at teaching the fundamentals and guiding the student in a safe & harmonious way. A retreat is an ideal way to immerse yourself in daily practice without interruptions.
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What to packWear something comfortable that allows you to move freely and with ease. We want you to feel the connection of your bare feet on the earth, so you can leave your shoes at the door. Post practice: At the tail-end of the Summer and into the Autumn, the days are warm & balmy and evenings are still extremely comfortable. However we always recommend to pack a light jumper and trousers just in case. Normally we will send you a weather report a few days before hand. At times, Corfu may have a rain shower: we will move our practice indoors if this is the case. Other items: The usuals: suncream, insect repellant, Summer footwear, Walking/hiking shoes, Swimming stuff, prescribed medication. You will not need to pack beach towels (all included).
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WeatherIn September, Summer starts to drift away from Corfu, albeit slowly, with averages of about 23°C (73°F). Highs peak at around 28°C (82°F) and lows drop down to 17°C (62°F). There can be the odd rain shower.
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What to expectThe teacher may apply a hands on adjustment to help modify and correctly align a pose or possibly help you to express a deeper aspect of the pose. If you prefer not to receive assists, please feel free to let your teacher know.
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Health ConcernsWe will be sending you a health questionnaire and we would be grateful to be made aware of any health issues.
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Will I need a Passport?Only if you are a non-EU citizen
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Will I need insurance?We always encourage you to buy your own health & travel insurance, in case of cancellations, emergencies, or travel issues.
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I have an allergy or a specific dietary requirementJust let us know and we will tell our in-house chef!
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What are the terms?Please seen the T’s & C’s section
TESTIMONIALS
CALM
‘I was at a transitional point between jobs and the calm and centeredness I took home with me has really supported me in that change.
Whenever I’ve felt really stressed I conjure up the calm of that beautiful zen hall at le Moulin! ‘
The week went far too quickly… great company, great location, great food and insightful teachers.. Thank you to Nina, Sam and all the staff and volunteers at Le Moulin des Chavres – I will be back!