THE SELF PRESERVATION SOCIETY
And breath… if you’ve been feeling that summer’s stresses, strains and excess may have been taking their toll, then it’s time to spend time on you. Whether it’s feeling the energy of the forest, getting tips on the best ways to be mindful or unique locations to practice your weekly yoga sessions – take a peek at our pick of wellbeing events in Surrey this September.
FOREST BATHING / SEPTEMBER 8, 16 + 22 / CLAREMONT LANDSCAPE GARDENS, ESHER + WINKWORTH ARBORETUM, NR GODALMING
Developed in Japan in the 80s, Forest Bathing links the importance of nature to human health. Using mindfulness and sensory exploration, get lost in the wilderness and immerse yourself in the woods as you soak up the peace and tranquillity of National Trust sites Claremont Landscape Garden near Esher, as well as the wonder wood itself, Winkworth Arboretum near Godalming. Booking is essential.
For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk
NEW MOON CIRCLE / SEPTEMBER 12 / CHARLIE LEIGH YOGA, BISLEY YURT
Celebrate the New Moon with this sacred gathering for women taking place in the calm surroundings of Bisley Yurt. Honour and celebrate the new moon while reflecting and setting new intentions with a session involving yoga, breath work, meditation and healing vibrations of the gong. Bliss.
For more information, visit charlieleighyoga.co.uk
INTRODUCTION TO WOODCARVING / SEPTEMBER 15 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Discover the mindful practice of woodcarving at this workshop at West Horsley Place this month. An introductory day-course suitable for beginners, while away the day learning how to whittle your very own country pole. Perfect for all those countryside walks you may be undertaking to aid your well-being, select and cut wood from the estate before instruction from expert Clive Walker and create your walking pole.
For more information, visit westhorsleyplace.org
MINDFULNESS COURSE / SEPTEMBER 19 / CRANLEIGH ARTS CENTRE
If you’re looking for ways to improve your well-being, why not sign-up for this 8-week mindfulness course? Commencing this September at the newly refurbished Cranleigh Arts Centre, learn how to relax more deeply, de-stress and live more in the moment. Suitable for beginners or those looking to extend their knowledge of this calming practice, sign up online and save your space today.
For more information, visit cranleigharts.org
YOGA: STRETCH & SKETCH / SEPTEMBER 19 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE, COMPTON
Fancy a stretch and a sketch? Taking place in the atmospheric Watts Gallery found on the outskirts of Guildford, revitalise your mind, body and soul. The session will involve mindful flow yoga in a meditative sequence to create rhythm and harmony. Once you’ve experienced the sequence, take part in mindful sketching before returning to the mat for a final meditation.
For more information, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
MEDITATIONS FOR MENTAL WELLNESS AND HAPPINESS / SEPTEMBER 30 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
At this event, Buddhist nun Gen Nyingpo will explain and guide beautiful Buddhist meditation methods. Through practising these meditations regularly, you will unlock the inner potential to heal your mind. This can also bring physical benefits as our mind becomes more relaxed and positive. No matter how challenging your life is, you can learn how to live well, increase your mental flexibility, and discover how to stay positive no matter what is happening.
For more information, visit farnhammaltings.com
