The Tree Relaxation Retreat

Located in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, The Tree Relaxation Retreat is the perfect place to rest and recharge your mind, body and soul. What: Its a relaxation, yoga, meditation retreat - with the emphasis on home comforts rather than spa. There are cosy bedrooms, a lovely living room with log fire and books, a yoga studio in an old Chapel building and a dining room with long tables to seat all the guests. Food is vegetarian or vegan. Who: The place is run by Edward Harpin - Kriya Yoga instructor, his wife Claire Kerrigan and a team of lovely people (including marvellous cooks) who all practise yoga and mindfulness. They are some of the nicest people Ive ever known. When I arrived last Sunday, I was met with a hug by Claire Stainthorpe (office manager and extraordinary cook and baker). I should say Claire remembers me from my previous visits! The Retreat So thats the Tree. Now a bit about their 5 day Silent Retreat. I arrived on Sunday evening and met the other 17 people joining the retreat. Wed all been sent a timetable and lots of helpful orientation and background information about what we would be doing. At 8pm, we had an introduction to each other and a bit of a briefing and some initial meditation. At 9.15, the bell sounded and we fell silent. Four days of no books, tv, phones, drawing, writing, knitting - whatever. Four days of getting up at 5.30 am and finding utter rest. Mindfulness and chakra meditation. Kriya yoga focused on the Chakras (ok for beginners with pose adaptations if you need them). Some Qi Gong and other helpful practises for focus. The three rounds breathing that Wim Hof practises (wow - very releasing physically and emotionally). And I walked every day, once or twice. I had a very happy 45 minutes sitting with my bedroom window open with my feet up on the window ledge watching the sheep and lambs in the field over the single track road. I sat in the living room and gazed at the fire. I swung high on the garden swing and laughed. I did a journal of the heart on Wednesday afternoon (the only writing of the retreat) and listened to wisdom other than that of my overthinking mind. On Thursday afternoon, we had a mindful walk on the moors and sat and watched the clouds sipping cacao from terracotta pots. The food was lovingly and beautifully made, vegan, natural, colourful, plentiful and the same basic pattern each day but with variations. I felt deeply peaceful, the yoga and meditation helped. The breathing released some old stuck emotions. Every day had beautiful readings and poems. A lot of Thich Nat Hanh was read. Ive come away feeling I know myself better and fit into the universe more comfortably - I can feel it now. Its encouraged me to extend my twenty minute morning practise to 40 minutes and to be more mindful during the day too. It has done me a lot of good, body and soul, mind and heart. I feel refreshed. And even after two days back of work that were not the easiest ever, Im still peaceful and more motivated than ever to take care of myself in such a way as to maintain that peace.
Apr 7th, 2023

Rooms: Super comfy beds, and thoughtful touches, like plants and salt lamps that give the room a homely feel. Food & drinks: Fresh home cooked food, sustainably sourced (when possible) and always delicious and plentiful. Noteworthy details: Great sauna!
Apr 3rd, 2023

Feb 26th, 2023

Thank you to Edward, Claire and their wonderful team for providing a beautifully relaxing and nurturing weekend of yoga and rest. Their facilities are homely and comfortable, the vegetarian food was delicious and all of the planned activities were just perfect. Enjoyable, educational and all run at a delightfully mindful pace. I have taken some of their suggestions and put them straight into practice at home. I left feeling energised and revitalised. Thank you so much!
Sep 21st, 2022

Apr 21st, 2022