WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS
WORKSHOPS & events TO ENCOURAGE SLOWING DOWN, LISTENING IN AND LETTING GO …
THIS PRECIOUS LIFE
A FULL DAY YOGA AND QIGONG RETREAT
AT
THE DEER PARK, HOAR CROSS
SATURDAY 08 NOVEMBER 2025, 9.30AM TO 4.30PM
***JUST ONE PLACE LEFT!***
In these uncertain and challenging times, it’s more important than ever to ensure that we take time to rest and replenish.
Treat yourself and join me for a wonderful day of yoga, qigong and great company at the gorgeous venue of the Deer Park (https://www.deerpark.farm), located in the National Forest at Hoar Cross, near Abbots Bromley.
This day retreat begins with a welcome drink and an optional light snack before we enjoy a qigong practice exploring how we might draw inspiration from and harmonise with the natural world around us as we move through the Autumn months (if you’d like to learn more about qigong, have a look at the qigong page on the website: https://www.mariasyoga.co.uk/qigong).
After a mid-morning break (and time for a drink and snack), we’ll settle down for a mindful yoga practice, designed to encourage us to slow down and take time to nourish and nurture ourselves. The invitation will be to consider who and what is most precious to us and how we might make more time in our lives for what matters most.
You’ll be treated to a nutritious, seasonal lunch served in the Deer Park’s fabulous on-site cafe.
After lunch, we’ll pull on our walking boots (or wellies) and head out together for a walk through the woodland and beautiful countryside surrounding the Deer Park estate, which offers fantastic views over the Staffordshire hills. On your return, there’ll be home made cake and a hot drink waiting for you.
And to round off this special day, Jen (from Serenity Sound & Soul with Jen) will create a blissful Sound Bath for us. All you need to do by this point in the day is lie down, snuggle up under a blanket or two and allow Jen to take you on an immersive sound experience designed to create a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.
Places are limited and booking is essential.
Cost: £95 (includes hot drinks, snack, lunch of a main course and shared selection of side dishes in the cafe and afternoon cake).
Payment by instalments is available on request.
To reserve your spot, please click on the ‘Book Now’ button at the bottom of the page to email me for booking details. Before booking, please ensure that you read the cancellation policy below.
You will need to bring with you a yoga mat, a blanket or two (or sleeping bag) for the Sound Bath and perhaps a pillow for your head.
Please note, this event is only open to those aged 18 or over. The event is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have practised yoga and/or qigong for many years. The Sound Bath is NOT suitable for those in the first trimester of pregnancy; those with sound induced epilepsy or anyone who wears a pacemaker or other electronic fitted device.
Disclaimer: Sound therapy is a natural method of energy balancing for the purpose of stress reduction and relaxation. It is not meant as a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis and/or treatment.
Cancellation Policy for Day Retreats
I appreciate that plans can sometimes go awry and that circumstances may arise which mean you need to cancel your booking. I will do my best to fill your place and fully refund you if you need to cancel. If I am able to fill your space (or you are able to fill your place yourself), you will receive a full refund. However, in the event that you cancel AND your place cannot be filled, the following cancellation fees will apply:
i) if you cancel 14 days or less before the day retreat, you will be charged 100% of the total day retreat price and there will be no refund;
ii) if you cancel 15-30 days before the day retreat, you will receive a refund of 50% of the total day retreat price;
iii) by booking and paying the deposit for your day retreat, you are agreeing to this policy.
If, for any reason, I am forced to cancel the day retreat, you will have the option of receiving a full refund or transferring your booking to another day retreat or day event (where available).
YIN YOGA & SOUND BATH
AT
THE HUB AT ST MARY’S, LICHFIELD
MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2025, 7PM TO 9PM
***booking now open***
Join Maria and Jen at the stunning venue of the Hub at St Mary’s , Lichfield, for an evening of Yin yoga followed by a blissful Sound Bath.
We’ll begin this final Yin & Sound Bath of the year with an hour’s restful Yin practice aimed at calming both mind and body. As we approach the Winter Solstice, our Yin session will be focused on the element of Water (and the season of Winter) and its associated organs and meridians of the kidneys and bladder during a mindful practice designed to cultivate greater awareness, understanding and compassion as we turn our attention to our inner landscape.
You’ll then be invited to snuggle up under a blanket or two while Jen takes you on an hour long immersive sound experience designed to create a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.
cost: £20
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. To reserve your spot, click on the ‘book now’ button at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you read the disclaimer and cancellation policy below before booking.
You will need to bring with you a yoga mat, a blanket or two (or sleeping bag) for the Sound Bath and, if you have them, a couple of yoga bricks.
Please note, this event is only open to those 18 or over. It is not suitable for those with sound induced epilepsy; those in the first trimester of pregnancy; or anyone who wears a pacemaker or other electronic fitting device.
Disclaimer: Sound therapy is a natural method of energy balancing for the purpose of stress reduction and relaxation. It is not meant as a substitute for medical or psychological diagnosis and/or treatment.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before 5pm on Friday 12 December, we will be happy to refund your payment in full or transfer it to another of our Yin & Sound Bath events. If you cancel after 5pm on Friday 12 December, then unless your place can be filled by someone else, your payment will not be refunded.
YULETIDE YIN AND YOGA NIDRA
SUNDAY 21 DECEMBER 2025, 7PM TO 8.30PM
ONLINE ONLY (WITH RECORDING FOR 14 DAYS)
Gather up your blankets, a hot water bottle and a bolster (or pillow) and nestle in for this online Yuletide Yin and Yoga Nidra special in the comfort of your own home.
As we celebrate the Winter Solstice, the encouragement is to pause, to rest and to reflect upon the year that is almost at an end.
During your Yin yoga practice, you’ll make use of your hot water (to keep the kidneys warm) and any other props you have to hand at home to help you find greater stillness and ease as we stay in the shapes for extended periods of time. During this mindful practice, we’ll be turning our attention to our inner landscape with greater compassion and understanding.
You’ll then be invited to settle down and get as cosy and warm as you possibly can for a delicious Yoga Nidra practice (an extended guided relaxation) designed to facilitate deep rest.
Can’t make it live? There’s no need to miss out! This online event will be recorded and the recording will be made available to everyone who registers for the event. The recording will be available for you to use as often as you like for 14 days after the event.
COST: £10
To book your place, click on the ‘Book Now’ button at the bottom of the page.
YOGA & QIGONG WOODLAND WORKSHOP
AT
BUZZARDS VALLEY
SATURDAY 10 JANUARY 2026, 10AM TO 12.30PM
***booking now open ***
Immerse yourself in nature this winter and join me for an outdoor yoga and qigong workshop in our own private retreat area nestled in 60 acres of woodland and lakes at Buzzards Valley nature reserve in Drayton Bassett, Tamworth (just up the road from Lichfield).
We’ll start our morning together with a meditation practice designed to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness of and appreciation for the natural world around us. We’ll then begin a qigong practice aimed at helping us to find a greater sense of harmony in body, mind and spirit. (If you’d like to learn more about qigong, take a look at the qigong page on this website: https://www.mariasyoga.co.uk/qigong).
There will be a break mid-morning and a chance for a chat over a hot drink and tasty snacks. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a mindful yoga practice aimed at cultivating a sense of greater calm and ease.
It’s the perfect way to get your new year off to a positive start!
Our lovely, secluded woodland retreat area now incorporates a large bell tent, giving us the option of practising under canvas or (weather depending) taking part of our practice under the shelter of the ‘parachute’ cover and the trees.
You’re free to stay on after the workshop and explore the lovely nature trail; have a bite to eat at the bistro; or taste some wine and stock up on some goodies at the on-site artisan shop.
All you need to bring with you is warm clothing, a yoga mat and a warm blanket (or two!).
COST: £30
Places are limited and advance booking is essential. Click on the ‘Book Now’ button at the foot of this page to reserve your spot. Please ensure you read the cancellation policy below before booking.
Please note, this event is only open to those 18 or over. The event is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have practised yoga and/or qigong for many years.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before 5pm on Wednesday 07 January 2026, I will be happy to refund your payment in full or transfer it to another workshop or event, if available. If you cancel at or after 5pm on Wednesday 07 January, then unless your place can be filled by someone else, your payment will not be refunded.
MORE EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS FOR 2026 COMING SOON
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