This is a day to be mainly in silence together

Nature has gone into seeming dormancy and dead leaves are composting…but already acorns have been buried and the hazel and the alder have made their spring catkins, still tightly bundled but ready to go.  In this still quiet time, what is composting and coming next?

You are invited to drop your daily routine and social chatter

With gentle yoga, nurturing restorative yoga, yoga nidra, meditation walk, quiet sitting and journaling, we’ll go within. Each activity will be gently guided the minimum needed. There will be opening, midday checking in and closing circles for each to share their aims for the day, insights and resolves.

Process It may be that you choose to sit with a theme of personal enquiry, or simply open yourself to what is composting or waiting to come out of dormancy.  You will be heard and the space held in a safe, non-judgemental, non-advice giving and confidential way. But this is not in any way counselling or group therapy.

For the day you will need

• notebook
• eye pillow (optional)
• scarf to put between your face and various cushions and bolsters in restorative
• layers of clothes and extra, woolly socks
• outdoor waterproof boots (wellies ideal) and coat

All equipment is here. If you bring your own, please only from a pet-free home, thanks.

Best to leave jewellery outside the studio, or at home, and leave off make up.

Fiona is a trained and experienced facilitator of restorative and nidra. Based at her Viveka Gardens Retreat Place in Mid Devon, she brings nature and season-based visualisations to nidra.

Viveka Gardens is keen to make yoga available to all – bursaries for those on benefit/low income Please contact to discuss

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The quiet day retreat at Viveka was utterly wonderful. I’ve been to yoga retreats and workshops all over the world and I feel so grateful to have found such a special place on my doorstep in Devon. Fiona held space beautifully for the group and we were able to relax into deep practice at the physical and emotional level. It was also wonderful to be fed such beautiful nourishing food. It was a much needed day of repose and rest and I will be back as soon as possible! Veronica, North Tawton

Viveka…a calm sanctuary to restore balance, a safe space to feel heard and reconnect to yourself. Fiona has a wealth of knowledge and supported me to deeply relax and give myself some much needed inner focus. Wholesome food, nurturing space. Highly recommend Laura, Okehampton

I love coming back here as it always allows me to drop back to my true self. Viveka Gardens offers back to basics essentials: good food, good company and delicious yoga practices. It’s a sanctuary away from everyday life and allows the opportunity to stop, reflect and have real introspection.  Sharon, Bristol