Meditation

We offer a range of meditation sessions for you to experience during your stay here at La Crisalida UK.

There are some 30 minute meditation sessions each week, during which we share different meditation techniques to practice. Four of the meditation techniques we share are quiet seated practices, which use different approaches designed to help you to let go of the mind chatter and to become present. They are quiet, silent practices. One day we offer a silent walking meditation, which is very grounding (and slow!). Where possible we go outside and walk on the grass, but you can also practice in the indoor studio if you prefer.

If you have a regular meditation practice at home, which is silent, you are welcome to come to these quiet meditation sessions to meditate as part of a group. You are also welcome to meditate in the yoga studio when other classes are not taking place.

The Mindfulness workshop is a combination of practical mindfulness exercises, together with some theory and explanation about mindfulness.

Once each week you can enjoy a Yoga Nidra. This is an ancient Yogic guided process, rooted in centuries of tradition. It is practiced laying down, with eyes closed, in comfortable clothes. All you need to do is relax and follow the voice of our mentor. You can also attend a weekly guided visualisation, to help you to relax, reconnect and find health and balance. All of the Yoga Nidra and guided visualisations are written to support your health and wellbeing, as part of our holistic programme.

Meditation has many health and wellbeing benefits, particularly when practiced as part of a healthy lifestyle. One reason we include the various meditation sessions is for you to start or deepen your meditation practice, so you can include in your daily life after the retreat, if you choose to. Our team are here to support and answer your questions. We can also provide tips on how to get comfortable whilst meditating.

Common meditation questions

Q: I’ve not tried meditation before, what does it involve?

A: In the morning meditation sessions we offer different types of meditation techniques for you to try across the week. We start by finding a comfortable seated position (you don´t have to sit cross legged if this is painful for you, we have chairs available or you can rest with your back supported by the wall). We will explain the technique to you – each technique will focus your attention on something specific. For example, you might focus on the breath wherever you feel it most strongly (around the nose, across the upper lip, in the throat or lungs for example). You then get time to practice this technique, in a silent room with other retreat guests, so that you experience what meditation is. Our instructors are around to help with tips or answer any questions you might have after the session.
Q: What is a Yoga Nidra?

A: Yoga Nidra is great for helping to reduce stress and allow your body to truly relax, bringing total relaxation for the body, mind and spirit.
It is practiced lying down, in a comfortable and warm position. This is a guided process, led by one of our mentors, and takes around 60 minutes. We offer a few Yoga Nidras; each one includes elements of body awareness, breath awareness, emotional awareness, visualisation and a waking up. At the start, we may set an intention and we may revisit this intention at the end.
The idea is that your body is asleep (truly relaxed) whilst you are fully conscious, aware – some people say it is the state between awake and asleep. This is a deeply restorative place to rest and it is also a place where you can create positive change for yourself. You can leave straight from your Yoga Nidra and float off to bed for a wonderful nights sleep.
Q: What is mindfulness?

A: Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years and can have different meanings depending upon who you speak to or follow. We develop mindfulness by being present in our body, moving consciously through our day and through our life.
In the mindfulness workshop we discuss attitudes of mindfulness. You experience different examples of how you might practice mindfulness in your daily life, like how to let go of mind chatter and how to develop mindful eating.
Read more about mindfulness in our series of articles on the blog page.

Q: What is the benefit of practicing meditation with a group?

A: By meditating in a group you will be joining like-minded people and this brings many benefits. Some people who come to La Crisalida Retreats are new to meditation, others have been practicing for 30 years! So there is a range of experience in each class. There is plenty of time during each day to speak to others, and you can share and learn from their experience.
Group meditation can help to develop a habit – sometimes things are easier to start or to continue when you do it with someone. Knowing that others are practicing can act as inspiration for you to attend a session in the first place! There is also a power in sharing the same silence with others. There have been a number of published scientific studies that show a type of ripple effect – that peace can deepen when people come together as a group with the purpose of meditation and self-awareness.
Q: I have my own meditation practice already, where and when can I practice?

A: If you already have a regular meditation practice you are welcome to continue your practice during the morning meditation sessions, so long as your practice is silent and does not disturb the other meditators. You are also welcome to use the activity room anytime a class is not scheduled, or find space outside, on the yoga terrace, or in one of the quiet areas. You can of course also use your bedroom, if you have your own space.
Read more about meditation at La Crisalida by reading articles on our blog page.