As a Mindfulness based integrative psychotherapist and coach living in the hustle and bustle of central London I felt an urgent need for some serious unplugging and reconnecting with nature and myself. That’s when I stumbled upon the perfect solution: a spring mindfulness retreat just two hours away by train from London. I was thrilled to find out that it was not only perfect for my self care needs but also very affordable.

Upon arriving at the Sharpham Trust estate in Devon, I was immediately struck by the natural beauty that surrounded me. The lush greenery of spring, white and pink cherry blossoms, an abundance of bluebells and other wild flowers of all colours, and the calm glimmering water of the river Dart were all breathtakingly beautiful. I even came across an 800-year-old yew tree that was once the favoured tree of the Druids. The sense of reverence and awe that I felt was indescribable.

One of the most scientifically-proven benefits of using the somatic grounding techniques of mindfulness is its ability to positively impact mental health. Mindful walking in nature is especially beneficial due to the bilateral stimulation effect of walking. Studies have shown that walking can lead to increased connectivity between the two hemispheres of the brain, which can improve cognitive function and emotional regulation. This can be attributed to the rhythmic and repetitive movements of walking, which stimulate the brain in a way that promotes balance and coherence. Walking in nature adds the additional soothing effect of being surrounded by greenery, blue sky, and natural beauty. Walking in nature and listening to bird song and other natural sounds is one of the best ways to clear your mind and connect with nature and your deeper self.

With its natural surroundings and impressive interior, the mansion where we stayed in from the 1700s was also a sight to behold. The stair case at the center of the mansion, with its pink, white, and gold ceiling, was I am sure as breathtaking then as it is now. Our days began and ended in the meditation room, which was one of the most beautiful meditation halls I had ever seen, only surpassed by ancient Buddhist temples I’ve stayed at in Japan, Korea and Thailand. The circular walls are a light canary yellow, and the room has three large French glass windows that offers a stunning view of the morning mist rolling over the hills. The gold mouldings and the old and modern artwork on the walls and ceiling created an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that invited me to sit, breath and belong. As an advanced meditator who has attended many meditation retreats all over the world, I was initially hesitant about the few occasions the retreat program offered us to sit together in silent meditation, but I soon realised the value of spending most of the day outdoors practicing mindfulness in nature rather than sitting on a cushion in silence eight hours a day.

The vegetarian food at the Sharpham Trust retreat was delicious and nutritious, sourced from their own garden and cooked by friendly chefs. The home made cheeses from their own sheep and cows was a real treat for my taste buds. It was a chance to connect with the animals that I had greeted every morning on my long walks, and to taste their organic and delicious dairy products.

The leaders of the Spring retreat, Barry and Lynette, were kind, genuine, sincere, and knowledgeable. Every day, we met in groups to share our experiences and create a sense of fellowship that helped me deepen my mindfulness practice and connect with my inner self. It was also an opportunity for me, as a long-time expat, to get to know English people and feel a sense of community and belonging.

My six-day spring mindfulness retreat at Sharpham Trust was an unforgettable experience. The natural beauty, delicious food, and engaging mindfulness practices created the perfect setting for relaxation, joy and rejuvenation. The retreat struck the perfect balance between socialisation and relaxation, with knowledgeable leaders and friendly participants. I left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with a newfound appreciation for mindfulness practices.

I highly recommend Sharpham Trust’s retreats to anyone looking to unplug from the stress of modern life and reconnect with nature and their true inner selves.

All pictures by Isobel Gardner