Elemental Yoga and Meditation Retreat – August
August 26 - August 31
Elemental Practice
Yoga and Meditation Retreat
26th – 31st August 2025
Clare Island, Co. Mayo Ireland
Join us on for this five day yoga and meditation retreat, exploring the stuff that we’re simultaneously made of and connected to : the elements of earth, fire, water, air, space
This unique yoga and meditation retreat explores the very stuff we’re made of – through the ancient teachings of the elements: earth, fire, water, air, aether (space), utilizing creative breathwork, embodied postural practice, meditation as well as time spent outside in the elemental nature of the island, enabling us to directly experience our interrelatedness with everything else.
Variations upon the theme of the four (or five) elements appear in classical Hinduism, Buddhism, Chinese Confucianism, as well as ancient Greek, African and closer to home, Celtic traditions. In contrast, the common Western belief, that we are separate and autonomous is a dangerous illusion at the root of the environmental and social crises we face globally. To wake from this illusion is to acknowledge and ‘be with’ the entanglement of our lives with everything else on the planet.
For we breathe because trees breathe, are born three quarters water, affected by the moon and the tides, pulled deep into the centre of the earth by gravity, drawn upwards and outwards by infinite space. The minerals in our bones, the iron in our blood, the material of our tissues, all of it is borrowed, all of it belonging somewhere else before us. This retreat is about truly experiencing this inseparability so that it guides us through our lives – moving beyond intellectual concepts, so we feel deeply – into our bones, our guts, our lungs, into the relational quality of life.
OUR TIME TOGETHER
Each day we will explore a separate element (though of course they are all interconnected). Practice sessions will combine yoga, meditation, somatic exploration and interactive exercises. Opportunities for feedback and group dialogue are interwoven throughout the retreat, providing an important pathway to deeper learning. In addition to group sessions, students will have opportunities for self-practice.
Our exploration of the elements will be enriched by direct practice with the land and sea of Macalla Farm and Clare Island : the woodland, the cliffs, the cove, flora and fauna play an intrinsic and essential role in this retreat (we’ll remind you to be prepared for all types of weather!)
Please note that this course involves periods of shared silence. To truly gain the benefits of being on retreat, we encourage students to turn off phones and any other electronic devices while you are here on the farm.
TEACHERS: Ciara Cullen and Kaeli Sutton
I am delighted to be joined in the teaching of this retreat by Kaeli Sutton, a yoga teacher and somatic bodyworker and educator, as well as a dear friend. Using traditional yoga and meditation teaching methods alongside somatic awareness and interactive approaches, we aim to create a supportive environment to explore our interrelatedness.
PRICE
In line with our three tier pricing policy:
- Standard cost of this retreat is €920, please pay this price if you can
- Supported rate is €790 for those who can’t afford the full fee
- Supporter rate of €1050 is available for those who would like to support our work and encourage us to continue offering a supported rate on our courses.
A 50% deposit, payable online by bank transfer or Paypal, is required at the time of booking.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
These prices include:
- Five nights in shared accommodation. Single rooms are available on a limited, first come first served basis and the extra charge is €150.
- All meals (delicious organic vegetarian food, all vegetables grown on our farm)
- 9 yoga classes and 3 meditation sessions, equivalent to 23 hours of tuition
SCHEDULE
15th July
5.30 pm Leave Roonagh pier with ferry for Clare Island
around 6.00 pm Arrive at the centre, settle in to accommodation
7.00 pm Dinner followed by introductions and outline of the retreat
9.00 pm Evening meditation
16th – 19th July
8.00 am Morning session
11.00 am Brunch then free time for hill walking, reading, relaxing
4.30 pm Afternoon session
7.00 pm Dinner
8.30 pm Sitting meditation
20th July
8.00 am Morning meditation
11.00 am Brunch
12.40 pm Depart centre for 1.00pm ferry back to Roonagh Pier
ACCOMMODATION
Price is based on shared accommodation. Single rooms available on a limited, first come first serve basis at an additional cost of €150 for those who pay the standard rate. Click here to view our Accommodation Page
DISCOUNTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If you think that attending one of our retreats would be of great benefit to you, no matter what your particular financial situation may be, we are very happy to explore various options for discounted prices. Please contact us!