Why I love Sweden
-
There is something deeply relaxing and restorative about being in natural surroundings. In Sweden nature is highly accessible and the government is sensitive to protecting and preserving nature. Researchers worldwide have found direct links between nature and improved wellbeing and that exposure to nature can provide many benefits such as restful introspection, divergent thinking or problem solving, sophisticated emotional awareness and heightened creative capacities. Getting to know Svartådalen (the Black River Valley) with my partner Stefan Taylor, I discovered an area of forests, lakes and wetlands inhabited by few people and with a rich biodiversity. Sweden is the perfect setting to explore stillness and inner peace through contact with its natural spaces, and when the noise and activity of our lives ceases, we can reconnect with ourselves and rediscover who we really are.
Yoga and Sound Healing Retreat
Svartadalen, Sweden
Includes accommodation at Edens Garden http://edensgarden.se/en/, yoga (yin, hatha, restorative, yoga nidra) and tutor-led meditation with all equipment provided, transfers and drop off to Västerås where you can connect with flights to Stansted (Ryanair). Activities can include forest bathing and walking meditation at Fermansbo local nature resserve. Swedish hot tub, canoe and cycle hire. Yoga will be provided each day suited to the Autumn seasonal changes and depending on the energies and particular needs of the group.
The healing modalities such as Tibetan singing bowl meditation and relaxation by Mandy de Jong https://edensgarden.se/en/about-us/ Drum meditation/relaxation by local Shaman Ann-Marie Alvarsdotterhttps://www.facebook.com/annmarie.alvarsdotter/ and Gong bath by master gong player Kari Korkeamaki can be booked as an extra.
7-11th October 2024 Five-day retreat. Eight places available, twin sharing rooms. Teacher’s retreat - contact Kari if interested.
Since 2012 my partner and I have been bringing groups here to experience the special natural soundscapes and inspirational natural setting of the Black River Valley, ‘Svartadalen’. Our guests have included yogis, nature enthusiasts and semi-professional sound-recordists as well as those simply wanting a break from everyday life and reconnect with nature. Situated in rural Sweden, amidst lakes and forests in the area of the Black River Valley of Svartådalen, the retreat includes all aspects of yoga. During outings we will walk in forests still inhabited with species such as elk, wolves and capercaillie and enjoy environments unspoilt by crowds, traffic, noise and pollution. There will be times to simply listen and merge with nature, bird-watch, wild swim, take a canoe on the lake, discover areas of unspoilt forest in our nine-seater Landrover. It is a help-yourself breakfast and lunch and some karma yoga tasks for the group at evening meal times.
Sound healing modalities
-
Wellness Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Våstmanland, Sweden
Includes restorative yoga, yin and yang yoga, Scaravelli-inspired Hatha yoga, mindfulness meditation, day outing to an old Swedish manor and spa, Yoga Nidra, all meals provided with locally produced foods from the forest and farm, wood-fired sauna, airport transfers and accommodation. The group is maximum five persons and each individual is given personal guidance for their practice whether a beginner or experienced. The retreat includes a day outing to a grand mansion at Färna Herrgård www.farnaherrgard.se where we will take a spa and it is optional whether to book the Swedish-style afternoon tea. Cross-country skiing is an optional extra (weather permitting).
No dates at present.
Enhance creativity, health and wellbeing with this five-day exclusive retreat immersed in nature and beautifully situated on the Bruksleden hiking trail of Västmånland, Sweden. Winter is a time to reflect, look inwards and restore. The retreat is a collaboration with owner Hellen Wistrand, who has won many awards for her unique and authentic accommodation and is known for excellent wild cooking. Ulvsbomuren is located approximately ten kilometres north-west of the hamlet of Ramnäs along the river Kolbäcksån. It is a place of wilderness meeting rural life. Accommodation is unique provided in the Bykhuset, a charming laundry house and yoga takes place by the wood burner in Smedjan, the blacksmith forge.
