Living the Mystery:
A Weekend Immersion
Sat 15th - Sun 16th May 2027
Studio 180, Bristol
Join Anna Raven and me for a weekend-long immersion in Bristol to explore living this great mystery more fully.
We will be leaning into our experience as neuroscientist, clinical psychologist, eco-therapist, researchers and nondual yoga teacher trainers to offer a deep-dive into the nature of self, consciousness and beyond!
We will meet on both days from 10am-6pm (or later if you stay for dinner - see below).
On Saturday we will share insights from contemporary neuroscience and psychology, shedding light on the way the nervous system shapes experience and how this knowledge can invite more freedom.
This will include offering practices to shake up some persistent intuitions we may hold about emotions and the nature of the self. We will then work with the internal family systems model to consider how we relate to our own parts, and those of others. We will be particularly curious about how what we have learned might support us to update the protective predictions of some of our parts, and use this exploration to support us in practicing how we show up in relationship.
On Sunday we will explore the nature of consciousness, looking at the implications of this for our spiritual practice and how we understand and engage with reality.
This will include unpacking nondual philosophy from a Shaiva-Shakta perspective through discussions and practice. We will then expand this exploration in to an extended meditation moving through different layers of awareness; beginning with introspective solo meditation, we will then shift into a moving meditation to meet the world outside, before coming to a relational meditation practice. The relational practice involves sharing your moment-to-moment experience with another; we have found this to be a refreshing and often radical way to engage with our practice.
Both days will begin with an extended asana session, weaving mantra, philosophy, breath, movement and sound to meet the day's themes in an embodied way.
We have found community to be an essential holding space from which to both deepen explorations, and also bring the lightness and grounding into what can be quite expansive topics! With this in mind, we will weave in lots of opportunities to connect and share with each other over the weekend. For both lunches we will encourage a bring-and-share. On Saturday we will close with a nidrā followed by a shared dinner (cooked by us and included in the price). On Sunday we will close with a dance and closing circle, with the option to join for a restaurant dinner (additional cost) - yum!
Example Timetable (subject to change)
09.45 - Arrive and settle
10.00 - Embodied exploration
13.00 - Shared lunch
14.00 - Theoretical teaching followed by related practices
17.00 - Nidrā or dance followed by closing circle
18.00 - Home time or optional group dinner (Sat - at the venue, Sun - at a nearby restaurant)
19.30 - Finish
Who is this for?
The group is open to everyone who feels a genuine curiosity about the themes, and has some meditation experience. It might be particularly well suited to yoga teachers and committed yoga practitioners. Contact us to dicsuss if you're not sure.
Regretfully, the venue is not accessible for wheelchairs as it is on the 1st floor with no lift - please contact us to discuss if you have access needs and are not sure if this venue meets them. We will update when we have more information on toilets.
Whilst we have found these enquiries to be ultimately liberating and joyful, they can be de-stabilising for anyone who is actively going through a crisis or awakening at the moment. Taking part in this retreat requires adequate mental and physical health to be self-responsible within group processes; we are all facing the horrors and joys of life and your whole self is fully welcome, but do get in touch if you have any concerns or questions.
Facilitators
Megan (she/her) - is a clinical psychologist and ecotherapist, running workshops and retreats alongside her clinical work. She is also a director of the Bristol Yoga Roots Project, and a lead teacher on Yogasara's teacher trainings. Her work is heart-led and nature-honouring, inviting us to remember ourselves as nature to support the reciprocal healing and growth of all. The space she holds is strong and steady but with a cheeky dose of mystery and mischief mixed in.
Anna Raven (she/her) - Anna is an experienced yoga teacher, therapist, and neuroscientist. Drawing on both contemplative inquiry and scientific exploration, her work reflects a deep curiosity about what it means to be human. Through her teaching, she hopes to encourage greater awareness, understanding, and compassion in how we relate to ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
Pricing
Standard - £240 or £200 earlybird until January 2027
Concessions - £200 or £160 earlybird until January 2027
Bursary - we have two £50 spaces available. These are for people in genuine need of a low cost ticket. If you would like to enquire about one of these, please send us an email. We will make a decision by January 2027, or earlier if we receive several applications.
Are you feeling the call? We would LOVE to welcome you in to this circle of curious enquiry and celebrating the great mystery. Contact us with any questions, or see you there!
With love
Megan & Anna
🖤
