Retreats
2023
May 20-26 2023, Sharpham House, Devon
October 9-15 2023, Le Moulin de Chaves, France
2024
March 28 - April 1 2024, Sharpham House, Devon (Easter bank holiday weekend)
September 30 - October 6 2024, Le Moulin de Chaves, France
May 20-26 2023, Sharpham House, Devon
October 9-15 2023, Le Moulin de Chaves, France
2024
March 28 - April 1 2024, Sharpham House, Devon (Easter bank holiday weekend)
September 30 - October 6 2024, Le Moulin de Chaves, France
or email ayalagill@gmail.com
"Thank you for the beautiful gift of this retreat. Words can't translate what this week has been for me. Thank you hardly seems enough to encompass the gratitude I feel for creating and holding this safe space, which you have done so effortlessly and with pure love... As I think of returning back to the routine of life I am conscious not to fall back into old habits that do not serve me. I know the path is long but I also know that there is a part of me, hidden in the depths of muddy waters, that knows, believes and feels I am worthy of love. Of loving myself... Thank you for helping me find her." Tawny (yoga teacher)
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Yoga, Meditation & Ceremony
Sharpham House, Devon, UK May 20-26 2023 On retreat we use each moment as a gateway to enter into deep and authentic relationship with life. We cultivate a sacredness with extends in all directions: towards each other, nature, spirit and this very tender human body, heart and mind. Every piece of the constellation brought home and held in Love. We draw on ancient practices to support this journey: practising Iyengar Yoga and Yin Yoga to establish a stable and relaxed presence in the body; Meditation to remain anchored and aligned with the luminous warmth of this presence; Dharma teachings and enquiry to illuminate the nature of suffering and liberation; and Ceremony to connect more deeply in all directions as we nurture what is ready to grow and release what no longer serves. Held within the embrace of these sacred practices, we open to receive life’s mystery and participate more authentically in its aliveness. We come home. The retreat is in silence and digital free. You are guided to discover the wonderful benefits of relaxing habits of distraction, encouraging deeper connection with life. Silence, reflection and mindful dialogue allow us to come together in deep trust and support as we let go of old armouring and the normal ways we define ourselves and others. It creates a very loving supportive space between us. Many people are surprised to discover how healing and nurturing silence feels, and how intimate and connected we feel with others within it. Typical daily schedule 7.30-8am meditation 8am breakfast 9.30am-1pm active yoga, meditation 1pm lunch Siesta, time in nature, reflexology 4.30-7pm yin yoga or nature ceremony, meditation 7pm dinner 8.15-8.45pm meditation Some previous yoga experience is necessary but all levels other than complete beginners are welcome. Previous experience of meditation may be helpful. The emphasis on these retreats is to revisit the essential elements of these sacred practices to allow each person to grow into feeling more alive from exactly where they are. If you are unsure, contact me. Reflexology practitioner Louisa Potter will be offering treatments to complement and deepen our work together. Treatments will include hot stones and essential oils tailored to each client. Sharpham House and its estate is set in a majestic location high above on the banks of the River Dart in South Devon. It is close to Totnes station, 2.5 hours from London by train. . Its stunning 550-acre estate includes a swimming pool, gardens, woodland, river walks, a wild swimming pontoon and rolling hills. The food is delicious: vegetarian, abundant, mostly organic and locally sourced. The spaces inside the house are inspiring: staying here feels like we enter another era. PAYMENT For single accommodation and all meals: £620 Allocation of rooms are on a first come first serve basis following full payment. All rooms are single, unless you prefer otherwise. Some are large and spacious, others are small and cozy. A few rooms are en-suite but most rooms share a bathroom between 2-3 people. Please let me know if you have a preference for room type and I will accommodate you where possible. A limited number of assisted places are available for those who cannot afford the full price. Please enquire for more information. For my teaching I offer these retreats using the Dana system, an ancient method of conscious exchange. Dana is a practice of both giving and receiving. It invites us to receive experiences of gratitude, generosity and appreciation as well as feelings of scarcity and lack. It asks that we look more closely at our motivation and expectations, demanding that we step out of a transaction mindset (how much can I get from this moment and how little can I give?) and into a generosity mindset (how deeply can I receive this moment and what would I like to offer in return?) Dana helps us strengthen the nourishing flow of reciprocal and sacred relationship by bringing it into everyday life. After the retreat I ask you to reflect on what you received from the week and what you would like to offer to support me in return. I trust you to choose an amount that is right for us both. One that feels like you are making a real commitment to your practice while respecting your financial situation on the one hand; and one that honours my experience and teaching (about 7 hours per day) and reflects what you have received from the retreat on the other. What is generous for one person is not at all for another! Dana allows for a genuine space of reflection on generosity, mutual support and growth that is not about comparison, doing the right thing or getting a good deal. Like all things in life, it is a practice. And like all practices, it can feel a little uncomfortable at times! Please trust that there is a jewel in the centre of that discomfort which is enlivening and liberating for all. Thank you! or email ayalagill@gmail.com
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Yoga, Meditation & Ceremony
Le Moulin de Chaves, Cubjac, France October 9-15 2023 On retreat we use each moment as a gateway to enter into deep and authentic relationship with life. We cultivate a sacredness with extends in all directions: towards each other, nature, spirit and this very tender human body, heart and mind. Every piece of the constellation brought home and held in Love. We draw on ancient practices to support this journey: practising Iyengar Yoga and Yin Yoga to establish a stable and relaxed presence in the body; Meditation to remain anchored and aligned with the luminous warmth of this presence; Dharma teachings and enquiry to illuminate the nature of suffering and liberation; and Ceremony to connect more deeply in all directions as we nurture what is ready to grow and release what no longer serves. Held within the embrace of these sacred practices, we open to receive life’s mystery and participate more authentically in its aliveness. We come home. The retreat is in silence and digital free. You are guided to discover the wonderful benefits of relaxing habits of distraction, encouraging deeper connection with life. Silence, reflection and mindful dialogue allow us to come together in deep trust and support as we let go of old armouring and the normal ways we define ourselves and others. It creates a very loving supportive space between us. Many people are surprised to discover how healing and nurturing silence feels, and how intimate and connected we feel with others within it. Typical daily schedule 7.30-8am meditation 8am breakfast 8.50-9.40am work meditation/karma yoga 10am-1pm active yoga, meditation 1pm lunch Siesta and time in nature 4.30-7pm yin yoga or ceremony, meditation 7pm dinner 8.15-8.45pm meditation Some previous yoga experience is necessary but all levels other than complete beginners are welcome. Previous experience of meditation can be helpful. The emphasis on these retreats is to revisit the essential elements of these sacred practices to allow each person to grow into feeling more alive from exactly where they are. If you are unsure, contact me. Le Moulin de Chaves is a dedicated retreat centre near Cubjac in France, grounded in the Buddhist tradition of Insight Meditation. It is situated by a stunning river which flows both underneath and around the building - and is delightful for swimming! We gather to meditate in the mornings and evenings in the original Zen meditation hall, surrounded by bamboo and a calm off-shoot from the river, and we practice yoga in the spacious purpose-built Tara Hall. Rooms range from single ensuite to shared rooms with shared bathrooms. The food is delicious: vegetarian, mostly organic and locally sourced. Le Moulin de Chaves is a place where mindfulness and the Dharma are deeply imbued in every corner and each offering - from the statues and altars scattered through the grounds to their sustainable, equitable ethos extending into their working community who are all committed to practice. In line with this ethos and to keep their costs to a minimum, you will be asked to offer 50 minutes of karma yoga each day: a wonderful opportunity to practice mindfulness with a simple task and the silence and support of other practitioners. This may be anything from washing up, veggie chopping, cleaning, or gardening. www.moulindechaves.org PAYMENT For accommodation and all meals: 2 person room shared bathroom – €490 3 person room shared bathroom – €490 Single room shared bathroom – €550 2 person room with private bathroom – €610 Single en-suite room – €640 Single en-suite room with wheelchair access – €640 A limited number of assisted places are available for those who cannot afford the full price in exchange for additional Karma Yoga. Please enquire directly with Le Moulin de Chaves for more information. For my teaching I offer these retreats using the Dana system, an ancient method of conscious exchange. Dana is a practice of both giving and receiving. It invites us to receive experiences of gratitude, generosity and appreciation as well as feelings of scarcity and lack. It asks that we look more closely at our motivation and expectations, demanding that we step out of a transaction mindset (how much can I get from this moment and how little can I give?) and into a generosity mindset (how deeply can I receive this moment and what would I like to offer in return?) Dana helps us strengthen the nourishing flow of reciprocal and sacred relationship by bringing it into everyday life. After the retreat I ask you to reflect on what you received from the week and what you would like to offer to support me in return. I trust you to choose an amount that is right for us both. One that feels like you are making a real commitment to your practice while respecting your financial situation on the one hand; and one that honours my experience and teaching (about 7 hours per day) and reflects what you have received from the retreat on the other. What is generous for one person is not at all for another! Dana allows for a genuine space of reflection on generosity, mutual support and growth that is not about comparison, doing the right thing or getting a good deal. Like all things in life, it is a practice. And like all practices, it can feel a little uncomfortable at times! Please trust that there is a jewel in the centre of that discomfort which is enlivening and liberating for all. Thank you! |
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"My retreat with you came at a time of great turmoil in my life. Spending the week with you, listening to your teaching and being allowed the space and time to reflect on my situation, listen to my body and understand what I needed was invaluable. I can only thank you because here I am a year later happier, healthier and stronger both in mind and body and very much looking forward to another wonderful week with you." ~ Emma
or email ayalagill@gmail.com
RETREAT FEEDBACK
"Ayala's incredible skill, for me, is her ability to make one of my body, heart and mind. I feel I work on my thoughts and emotions just as much as I do on my body, sometimes even more. It’s the perfect way to truly care for myself, nurture, learn and grow in the gentlest and best way I can imagine." ~ Ruth
"I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend many of Ayala’s retreats over the years. Ayala shares her wealth & depth of knowledge, from an anatomical, spiritual and emotional perspective, in the most authentic & poetic of ways that leaves you feeling supported and safe to allow you to reconnect with your most vulnerable self. Ayala’s experience from a wide variety of practices, including yin, meditation, Iyengar, flow, silence, all come together beautifully to create a retreat whereby beginners through to experienced teachers can enjoy the safe space she holds. I personally find Ayala’s retreats to be a sacred space that have helped me hugely in my teachings, practice & personal growth." Simone
"A quiet yoga retreat with Ayala, is pure bliss and the most wonderful gift I can give to myself. In a world where everything swirls past You in an incredible speed, it’s such a treat to be able to find blissful stillness and quietness. To be offered a safe space where Your body is guided through meaningful yoga and a mindful stillness where no obligations or judgments are being forced upon You and where You really, really can rest in just being You. A retreat like this leaves You feeling strong, in body, mind and heart. In the quietness Your brain finds peace and strength and a revoked creativity takes You to magical places You could never even imagine. And all this surrounded by women with whom You share so much love and compassion through the silence. I love these retreats and can’t wait for the next possibility to join, but it also inspires me in daily life. It has become important to offer myself quietness, gentleness and time off the normal hectic routine." ~ Lena
"As a first timer on retreat I found the week to be a truly unique and beautiful experience. It’s amazing to observe - against the backdrop of a gorgeous rural Italian landscape - how a group of people can bond over the course of a week without talking. Ayala’s yoga teaching seamlessly blends both the practical and reflective; the fundamentals she introduced into our classes are still with me in my practice nearly a year later. The positions are suited to all styles and ability levels, making it easier to listen to your body, not your ego!" ~ Ellie
"I never thought I could get so much from a couple of days away. A couple of days that would normally pass in an instant as I rush around with my family, not observing the minutes slipping away as I focus on the next one rather than the current one. Then I stop. And I take the time to spend 2 days in a beautiful space. With warmth, comfort, nourishing food. And hours of restorative yoga and insightful teachings. I’m given the space to be quiet, to feel. To connect my mind and my body. To really think and to find myself again. Ayala is an inspiration. She creates a beautiful and safe environment. I feel so refreshed when I return and I’m quickly working out when I can go again." ~ Sophie
"Ayala's incredible skill, for me, is her ability to make one of my body, heart and mind. I feel I work on my thoughts and emotions just as much as I do on my body, sometimes even more. It’s the perfect way to truly care for myself, nurture, learn and grow in the gentlest and best way I can imagine." ~ Ruth
"I have been blessed with the opportunity to attend many of Ayala’s retreats over the years. Ayala shares her wealth & depth of knowledge, from an anatomical, spiritual and emotional perspective, in the most authentic & poetic of ways that leaves you feeling supported and safe to allow you to reconnect with your most vulnerable self. Ayala’s experience from a wide variety of practices, including yin, meditation, Iyengar, flow, silence, all come together beautifully to create a retreat whereby beginners through to experienced teachers can enjoy the safe space she holds. I personally find Ayala’s retreats to be a sacred space that have helped me hugely in my teachings, practice & personal growth." Simone
"A quiet yoga retreat with Ayala, is pure bliss and the most wonderful gift I can give to myself. In a world where everything swirls past You in an incredible speed, it’s such a treat to be able to find blissful stillness and quietness. To be offered a safe space where Your body is guided through meaningful yoga and a mindful stillness where no obligations or judgments are being forced upon You and where You really, really can rest in just being You. A retreat like this leaves You feeling strong, in body, mind and heart. In the quietness Your brain finds peace and strength and a revoked creativity takes You to magical places You could never even imagine. And all this surrounded by women with whom You share so much love and compassion through the silence. I love these retreats and can’t wait for the next possibility to join, but it also inspires me in daily life. It has become important to offer myself quietness, gentleness and time off the normal hectic routine." ~ Lena
"As a first timer on retreat I found the week to be a truly unique and beautiful experience. It’s amazing to observe - against the backdrop of a gorgeous rural Italian landscape - how a group of people can bond over the course of a week without talking. Ayala’s yoga teaching seamlessly blends both the practical and reflective; the fundamentals she introduced into our classes are still with me in my practice nearly a year later. The positions are suited to all styles and ability levels, making it easier to listen to your body, not your ego!" ~ Ellie
"I never thought I could get so much from a couple of days away. A couple of days that would normally pass in an instant as I rush around with my family, not observing the minutes slipping away as I focus on the next one rather than the current one. Then I stop. And I take the time to spend 2 days in a beautiful space. With warmth, comfort, nourishing food. And hours of restorative yoga and insightful teachings. I’m given the space to be quiet, to feel. To connect my mind and my body. To really think and to find myself again. Ayala is an inspiration. She creates a beautiful and safe environment. I feel so refreshed when I return and I’m quickly working out when I can go again." ~ Sophie