‘Coming home’ is a term used in meditation practices which means to return to your true Self, to return to the wise, warm part of us that knows exactly how to care for our bodies, minds and souls.
On this retreat we are offering a unique combination of wellness exploration with mindfulness and yoga. We all need time and space to process recent events and find ways to live healthily and happily in uncertain times. We are a Wellness Facilitator (Michelle Fitzgerald) and a Yoga teacher (Louise Weinzweig) with over 20 years of experience between us and we have come together to offer something special in the heart of South Kerry, just a few miles from our glorious coastline.
During these unusual times, we may not have been in the same boat, but we have been in the same storm. Some of us have experienced this as a time of reconnection to ourselves and those we love, a time to rest and reflect, becoming aware that we could live at a slower pace. Some of us have experienced deep sadness and loss, leaving us feeling helpless, alone and disconnected. Anxiety and uncertainty creeping into our daily lives. Most of us have experienced both ends of this spectrum and now the country is opening up again which brings its own anxieties and uncertainties.
Whatever boat you were on in this journey, there has been an impact on your life. Here at Dromid, we would like to offer you a safe, supportive environment where you have space to reflect on the impact these radical times have had on you. Explore how you creatively adapted to overcome these times, what resources will you keep and what will you let go? Perhaps you need new tools to keep you calm, centred and well as we go forward into the ‘new normal’.
On this retreat you will experience nourishing, creative conversations facilitated by Michelle, an experienced Wellness professional. You will learn what works for you and create habits to look after your well-bring. You will be nourished and reinvigorated by yoga sessions uniquely crafted by Louise to support your work with Michelle. You will learn yoga tools to help you relax, manage your health and sleep better.
Louise (left) and Michelle (right) sat outside Dromid hostel.Along with these sessions there will be opportunities for relaxation and fun and plenty of delicious, nutritious vegetarian food prepared by an experienced local chef. It will be a space where you will experience a sense of belonging and connection. Respect will be shown to everyone as Michelle and Louise enable you to truly honour your physical and emotional needs, leaving your soul soothed.
You will leave feeling nourished, listened to, nurtured, and with a toolbox of ways to help you stay calm, well and centred whatever life throws at you this Winter.
Who is this retreat for ?
This retreat is for you. Would you like to spend time in a beautiful part of Ireland, enjoying a safe, supportive space to tune into your own wisdom? Do you want help to discover the tools that will help you achieve greater daily wellness?
For this weekend all you need is a commitment to spend time with yourself over the course of the sessions. No previous yoga experience is necessary. Both Michelle and Louise are accustomed to working with people new to this kind of work and new to yoga. You will be welcome wherever you are on your journey with wellness.
Michelle’s Story
“Over a decade ago, I began exploring ways of managing my stress and distress to enable me to achieve greater wellbeing in my life. We all experience these times when we feel overwhelmed, stuck or fatigued. I discovered that there are many roads to wellness and all our journeys are unique. I believe that we all deserve to feel safe, content, connected and energised in our lives. Through focusing on our needs and developing simple daily habits that enable us to take care of our bodies, minds and souls we begin to lead more content lives and have fuller relationships.
Self care is a commitment to looking after ourselves, it begins where you are, how you are and with who you are now. There is no wrong way to explore wellness. I am passionate about offering a warm supportive environment where we can together discover what brings you closer to feeling greater daily wellbeing in your life.”
Michelle is a Wellness Group facilitator and a qualified Massage Therapist. She is a Community Tutor with the SHEP (Social Health Education Project) and is in her final year of a BA in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Cork Institute of Technology, Cork.
Louise’s Story
I am an experienced yoga teacher, who teaches in the Viniyoga style which emphasises movement with the breath, developing a healthy body-mind and is meditative in approach. I completed a 500hour Yoga Teacher Training Programme with Sadhana Mala and have been teaching since 2012. I also have a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Oxford Brookes University and maintain a keen interest in mental wellbeing. I will complete my 2-year advanced yoga training later this year which is enabling me to work 1 to 1 with people who have a range of health and wellness issues.
I believe that anyone can do yoga. I provide a friendly and welcoming environment and give straightforward explanations of what we’re doing and why are doing it. In my classes we work with movement and breath to leave you feeling relaxed and ready to take on the world. In my 1 to 1 work I develop tailored yoga practices for you to do at home which takes into account your needs and your lifestyle.
The Schedule:
Friday 11th
Arrive anytime after 5pm
6.30pm dinner
7.30pm Welcome and orientation
8.00pm Gentle yoga session with Louise
Saturday 12th
7.00am Walk with Michelle (optional)
8.00am Breakfast (available until 9am)
9.30am Session with Michelle, including coffee break with yummy snacks
11.45am Yoga practice with Louise
1.00pm Lunch – delicious vegetarian home cooked food.
Afternoon free – you might like to visit the seaside village of Waterville, a ten minute drive away with cafes, shops and beautiful beaches.
5.00pm Meditation and reflections on the day
6.30pm Dinner
8.00pm Yoga for Sleep session with Louise
Sunday 13th
7.30am Walk with Michelle (optional)
8.00am Breakfast (available until 9am)
9.30am Session with Michelle, including coffee break with yummy snacks
11.15am Yoga practice with Louise
12.30pm Closing Circle
1.00pm Lunch – delicious vegetarian home cooked food.
Leave feeling rested, rejuvenated and with a renewed commitment to your own well-being.
Accommodation
We had hoped to accommodate everyone on site at Dromid hostel, a community run hostel situated in the heart of the beautiful Iveragh peninsula in Kerry. Unfortunately, because of Covid restrictions we can’t put more than 1 person in rooms that would usually sleep 4 or 6 people, unless they are travelling together already. We have therefore priced the retreat to enable people to find their own accommodation locally if they prefer. That said, the first 6 people to book on the retreat do get free accommodation. This will be a large room to yourself, four of which are en-suite. If you are travelling with someone and would like to share, please tell us at the time of booking.
There are many self-catering options in nearby Waterville, Lough Currane cottages has several homes overlooking a stunning lake and is just a stone’s throw from the village. Ard Aislinn lodge is a gorgeous 4 bedroom house with a wonderful vista of lake and sea.
Dromid hostel itself, where we will be hosting the retreat is surrounded by the stunning scenery Kerry is famous for and ideally situated for walking. Wonderful beaches and the beautiful sea-side village of Waterville are a short drive away for exploring during your free time.
The Cost
€295 including on-site hostel accommodation (spaces limited)
€265 early bird until midnight on July 19th.
We have had to limit the numbers we can accommodate because of Covid-19 restrictions. The first 6 people to book have the option to stay on-site with a large room to themselves, 4 of which are en-suite.
If you’d prefer to stay in more luxurious accommodation, Waterville has several options to suit all budgets. We do recommend booking as soon as possible as Waterville is a very popular place to stay. Remember we are here to help if you have any difficulties.
Covid-19 Safety
We are restricting numbers on this retreat so we can maintain social distancing at all times. There will be no shared bedrooms unless you book together and request to share. The hall where we will host most of the activities is a large, well-heated and recently renovated space with plenty of room for social distancing. There’ll be plenty of space for eating too, perhaps outdoors if the weather’s fine! If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to raise them with us, we want you to feel safe and comfortable during your time with us.
