Autumn Swim & Soften Retreat

Welcome to the Autumn Swim & Soften Retreat! Join us for a rejuvenating day at Chaloner Pond as we embrace the changing seasons.

We'll start with some mindful movement and meditation before taking a dive into the crisp waters of this stunning pond for a refreshing swim, and allow yourself to soften and relax in the tranquil surroundings.

After warming up with some herbal tea and a walk through the peaceful fields, we'll nourish with a seasonal vegan lunch provided by the wonderful women of Relevance Catering.

The day will be finished off with a soft yoga practice, grounding in gratitude to nourish us as we transition into the colder months.

About your Facilitator

Hi, I'm Claire! I'm a 250hr qualified teacher who is trained in both Vinyasa and Yin Yoga, and I have been practicing yoga for over six years. Since immersing myself in the world of yoga, I has gained a practical toolkit to help gain more autonomy and power over my state of being after having been diagnosed with a number of chronic health conditions including Endometriosis, PMDD, and Fibromyalgia. I am passionate about sharing the tools that have helped me on my healing journey.

Yoga sessions with me have a focus on nourishment and healing, using slow and gentle movement and stillness to create an environment where the body and mind are calm and clear. I aim to empower people to discover their own autonomy, strength and confidence.

I am a lover of the outdoors, and a regular wild swimmer. Both yoga and wild swimming make me feel ALIVE and FREE, and I'd love to share that with you.

About the Yoga

On this Autumn Swim & Soften retreat, we'll be reconnecting with ourselves and with nature to mark the equinox; the transition from one season to the next.

We'll begin with a grounding mindful movement and meditation practice before our cold water swim, and end with a nourishing flow to help us cultivate gratitude and let go as we move into the colder months.

Both sessions are accessible to all levels, so you don't need to have done yoga before or be able to touch your toes to be able to practice!

About Wild Swimming at Chaloner Pond

Chaloner Pond is set on a working farm on the outskirts of York, between the vilages of Haxby and Wigginton. It is a safe and clean lake, and is easily accessible. It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in nature, admiring the tranquil surroundings and local wildelife.

The host, Jess, has been a keen advocate and cold water swimmer/dipper for the last 6-7 years, and has created a warm and friendly community of swimmers and friends.

Wild swimming is not only calming, but it has many benefits. Cold water immersion supports cardiovascular health, can provide relief from achy muscles, reduce pain & inflammation and can also help to strengthen immune response. It can also improve circulation, boost energy levels and can increase metabolism and assist with weight management, as part of a healthy lifestyle.

As well as the physical benefits, it also provides a natural hit of endorphins, which give a sense of euphoria and can help to manage anxiety, stress and depression and provide a sense of rejuvenation.

About Lunch

Lunch will be provided by Relevance Catering; a family run vegan catering company based in West Yorkshire. They are famous for producing vegan scotch eggs as well as savoury bakes, pies and cakes, and have a regular spot at Hebden Bridge local produce and food market on a Sunday.

Amy has many years experience in catering, and is passionate about local produce. She will be preparing a seasonal lunch that is vegan and gluten free, and that celebrates seasonal ingredients in an exciting and unique way.

Extra Information:

• Wild swimming is done at your own risk - no non-swimmers are allowed in the pond
• Tea and coffee and light snacks are provided throughout the day
• There are fire pits around the pond to warm up after your swim
• You'll need to bring something to swim in and warm clothes to change into
• There is a small changing unit near the pond
• There is a toilet and hot water onsite
• Parking is available
• Yoga mats are not provided, so please bring your own.

(If you don't have one and getting one is inaccessible, please let me know)

Host or Publisher Curious Yoga Leeds