Mindful Retreats and New Year Intentions

We find ourselves at the beginning of 2020 which is not only just the start of a new year but a new decade and instead of making resolutions we’re setting out this year with some new intentions. We can use this time of year to reflect, learn and move forwards. Whether that’s moving forwards towards health intentions, enriching activities, reconnecting with friends and family or simply spending more time in nature and green spaces, we’re spending the beginning of the year in Cheshire open to the possibilities that intentions rather than resolutions can bring. Here’s a few ideas for some good places to start your new year intentions in Cheshire.

18th January 2020 - Going Digital Photography Course: Get Off Auto.
 

Taking up a new hobby or learning something new can be such a rewarding and rejuvenating way to spend time. Getting out with your camera is a good way to combine learning and fresh air with light exercise. Your expert tutors Graham Nobles and Carol Gregory will teach you how to get the best from your digital camera. It’s the perfect time to learn the essential camera skills and finally get off the ‘auto’ setting to achieve picture you will love.

Sunday 19th January 2020 - 10am  - 6pm: Cheshire Yoga Day Retreat
 

Escape the chaos of daily life for a relaxing 8 hours of wellness in a secluded countryside, Scandinavian style cabin with a roaring log fire. Join Yoga & Healing Cheshire for a day of calming, connection, rest and relaxation. The fresh winter itinerary is full of mindful meditation and much more yoga! The Cheshire Yoga Day Retreat is beginner friendly and informative.

Sunday 19th of January 2020 from 5pm to 6.30pm - New Year Gong Bath and Yin Yoga
 

You will be guided through gentle and deep postures which will unlock deep tensions held within the physical, mental and spiritual body. A gong bath is a form of sound therapy where the gong is played in a therapeutic way to bring about healing in the body. It is a very effective way of stimulating the natural good feeling of the body and most often leaves the recipient grounded with an indisputable sense of well-being.

19th January 2020 - 11am - 1pm Winter Bird Watching

Slow down and be still at Tatton Park for some winter bird watching.  Join members of the local Knutsford Ornithological Society and a Tatton Ranger at the ‘Allen Bird Hide’ for a drop-in session looking at winter wildfowl on the meres. You can even have a go with a telescope and have your questions answered by experts. This is a free event, but donations are always welcome to help cover the cost of bird feed for the year.

Saturday 25th January 1pm - 3pm Yoga & Mindfulness Mini-Retreat

Maitri Yoga Chester is all about the body, mind and soul. This Yoga & Mindfulness Mini-Retreat is an afternoon spent exploring a fusion of mindfulness and yoga to inspire self-compassion, acceptance and inner peace. If you can’t get away for a few hours on the weekend, they also offer evening classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a focus on Hatha Yoga.

Saturday 11th April – Half Day Children’s Meditation Workshop
 

The power of meditation on a journey towards happiness and reducing stress isn’t just for adults but can be a wonderful tool for children who are often faced with more stress and pressure than generations before. On this children’s half day course, Victoria Westwood brings her knowledge of Buddhism and teaches with clarity and insight as we learn how to meditate and keep our mind peaceful even when things are going wrong. Odiyana Kadampa Meditation Centre 163 Chester Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4AG

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd February - 10am - 5pm- Workshops finish at 6pm

Stockport Masonic Guildhall Mind, Body & Spirit Event will have over 50 exhibitors including retailers with unique products that you won’t find on the high street, international healers and international mediums. There will also be more than 30 FREE inspirational talks workshops and demonstrations of mediumship. Both days begin with opening meditation at 10:15am. Wonderful social experience with the chance to meet the many authors and chat with like-minded people. Come along and join this uplifting event which will raise your spirts and lift your heart. 169 Wellington Road South, Opposite Stockport College, SK1 3UA (free parking)

All year round - Farm Stays

There’s nothing quite like escaping to the country for a relaxing escape and there are a wide selection of farms in Cheshire that make for a lovely change of scenery, including Yew Tree Farm Bed & Breakfast which is a working farm overlooking the Peak District hills with sheep, cows, free range chickens and ducks. While there you can collect the eggs for breakfast or spend time fishing at the steam on site. Whether you are looking for a couples get away, quality time with family, or break with friends, a few days on a farm can be a wonderful way to reconnect to the ones you care about. Find the perfect farm for your mini holiday here. 

15 February, 19 February & 22 February - 1pm - 2:30pm - Snowdrop Walk
 

Reconnect with nature, explore and be inspired by one of the many beautiful parks and gardens Cheshire has to offer. Ness Botanic Gardens offer a diverse variety of plants which are constantly changing and include year-round colour. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautiful snowdrop collection and other winter plants of interest, followed by a hot drink by the roaring fire.

Spend time on the water with Chester Day Boat Hire

A different pace of life can be found in a day spent on the water. Escape from busy city life and enjoy the gentle momentum down the canal while taking in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. All three boats for hire include a small kitchen and on-board toilet with plenty of seating area to accommodate 8 people. Spend the day cruising the canal or follow the map to make stops along the way. It’s the perfect way to slow down and catch up with yourself.

Various dates – Crafting and creative workshops

Being creative and crafting has been found to boost happiness, higher self-esteem and improve memory. Creative workshops are a wonderful way to get inspired at the beginning of the year and better yourself. Okells Garden Centre has a magnitude of different workshops available including willow weaving, watercolour painting, floral workshops, jewellery making and much more.

Also check out The Green Rooms in Chester, an art and craft café also selling plants. Some of the classes on offer include crochet and knitting, macramé workshops, seasonal hobbycraft like wreath-making and floral arrangements, art lessons and therapy, along with wellbeing workshops, gardening tutorials, reiki and spiritual therapy. 43 St James Street, Chester CH1 3EY