In this busy and demanding world, often full of uncertainty and change, the relentless sense of ‘keep going, just keep trying’, whatever the circumstances, seems to be part of our ongoing, ordinary culture, leaving many of us feeling fatigued, powerless and stressed. We may find ourselves feeling anxious about what is happening personally, and globally, and feel we have very little to hold on to and support ourselves.

During the day, we will cultivate open and kindly responses to whatever arises, exploring with compassion what we find hard and difficult. Accepting and holding this in a kind and nurturing space and allowing the sense of joy and pleasantness to arise, so often subdued by the hurly, burly of life. Being kindly responsive rather than automatically reactive to our busy lives can help build our emotional resilience and well-being as our busy lives continue.

We will have a number of lying, sitting and gentle movement practices, with time to quietly reflect as the day unfolds. This is a time day to give time to yourself, allowing the moments to arise and fall in kindly acceptance.

Gail Calthrop has worked as a Palliative Care Staff Nurse within a hospice settings for 25 years. Mindfulness became part of her life about 12 years ago when she attended a free mindfulness for stress course at work and this began a thought provoking, re-evaluation of how she was leading her life. She recognised that the situations she found herself in through her work, holding and supporting the end of life with people, their family, friends and colleagues is a often a journey of bearing the unbearable. Learning to be kindly supportive of oneself became an integral part of her daily life. The practice of mindfulness has offered her endless ways to relate helpfully, to all that was, and is happening in her own life. Having also trained as a Breathworks Teacher, Gail loves sharing mindfulness practices and approaches with all the people she comes in contact with.

John Bailey has been involved with Tan-y-Garth Hall for over 45 years where he was introduced to Eugene Halliday’s work by Khen Ratcliffe. Through his own experience of cancer he has widely researched and successfully applied dietary based remedies on his journey back to health which he documented and freely shares with others who may benefit from his experience.

Kate Knowles is a qualified and experienced yoga teacher, having trained with the British Wheel of Yoga, Birthlight and Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs. She is also qualified to teach yoga to people living with cancer, baby yoga and yin yoga.

Please bring loose comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation.