Elemental Yoga and Meditation Retreat – July
July 15 - July 20
Elemental Practice
Yoga and Meditation Retreat
15th – 20th July 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 and time spent outside in the elemental-nature of the island, we will cultivate direct experience of our interrelatedness.
The theme of life emerging and being sustained through the interplay of the four (or five) elements appears in classical Hindu, Buddhist, Chinese Confucianist, Greek, African and, closer to home, Celtic traditions. In stark contrast, modern Western belief systems focus primarily on separateness and autonomy. Indeed the illusion of separation underpins our current environmental and social crises. To engage in practices which wake us from this illusion is to get comfortable ‘being with’ our entanglement with everything else on the planet – and to be called into accountability and right-relationship.
For we breathe because trees breathe, are born three quarters salt 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 borrowed, all of it once belonging somewhere else. This retreat is about exploring ways to directly experience these relationships, so that they may inform and guide us as we navigate these chaotic times.
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.
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!