Hayley will lead three Yoga practice sessions daily that tune into the rhythm of the day, using the method of a varied asana, breath, and flow practice (yang) to energise in the morning; a mindful movement and meditation prior to lunch; and an evening asana restorative (yin) practice to bring harmony to mind, body and soul. She will explain the benefits of the different practice, and after each practice Celia will introduce material for prayer and contemplation, such as a Scripture text, a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, or text from Ignatius of Loyola. Each evening Hayley or Celia will lead a short meditation. There will be the opportunity for a dialogue and discussion about the philosophy of Yoga and its distinction and convergence with Christian spirituality. The retreat will be largely held in silence, and some of the practice sessions will be outside.
To Bring: a Yoga Mat and (optional) yoga block & strap.
Bios
Hayley Lennard has studied English language, humanities, and religious education. She is also an accomplished Yogi, working both as a therapist and teacher with training to an advanced level. She has developed and delivered a Yoga and Mindfulness programme for students and staff in schools and as a therapist she worked in hospitals, rehabilitation units and care homes. She believes in the healing power of prayer and forgiveness and sees living in harmony with nature as imperative for our time.
Celia Deane-Drummond is a theologian who focuses on theology and spirituality informed by ecological themes - ecotheology. Initially she was a natural scientist working on the physiology of plant biology, and for the last thirty years she has sought to bring together theology, ecology and the natural sciences. She is internationally recognised as a lecturer, writer and public speaker, and in her writing, she aims to renew the mind and the heart, drawing on the wisdom of ancient and contemporary Christian traditions. She is the Director of the Laudato Si’ Research Institute at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, and is also an Ignatian spiritual director.
