Yesterday’s retreat at West Lexham gave us one of those rare, perfect days — the kind that reminds you exactly why we do this.
The orangery where we gathered was a sight to behold: grapevines trailing thick and green across the glass roof, sunlight filtering through them in dappled patterns. Beyond the windows, the grounds had a quality that felt almost otherworldly — more Bali than Norfolk — with a lushness and stillness that set the tone before a single pose was struck.
Welcome and Intentions
We opened with a welcome and introductions, giving regulars and newcomers alike the space to share what had brought them to the day, how they were feeling, and what they hoped to take from it. It was a gentle, grounding start — the kind that puts everyone at ease and turns a room of near-strangers into a shared circle.
The Principles Behind the Practice
James then spoke on the fundamental principles of yoga, building on the lecture from our last retreat. This time, he went deeper into the power of vibration and music to create resonance at the level of each chakra, drawing on Indian ragas as an example of sound deliberately shaped to meet the body’s subtler frequencies. It was the perfect primer for what was to come later in the day: an afternoon session designed to let participants actually experience this resonance, chakra by chakra, with the hope of shifting consciousness through each of the seven energy centres.
Movement and Breath with Ania
A Hatha yoga practice followed, building steadily through the morning before closing with Sitali pranayama — a cooling breath — and a final relaxation that left everyone settled and calm.
Lunch, Sunshine and Swimming
Lunch, courtesy of the West Lexham kitchen, was a generous spread of leaves, beans, pulses and vegetables, rounded off with freshly baked banana bread. As the food digested, people drifted out to the natural swimming pool and river for a swim or a paddle, then simply lay back in the sun — the kind of unhurried pause that’s so often missing from daily life.
Sound, Resonance and the Chakras
The afternoon centred on the music meditation we’d been building towards all day: live sound chosen to resonate with each individual chakra. The questions afterwards spoke for themselves. People described vivid experiences and sensations, and many felt inspired by new connections they’d made for the first time about how yoga actually works, and what it’s really for.
The afternoon yoga session that followed channelled much of that energy into the heart centre, Anahata, closing with Maha Yoga Pranayama focused on the heart and a final guided relaxation.
Closing Circle
We ended in a closing circle marked by real honesty and vulnerability, shared in equal measure with inspiration and excitement. It was also a chance to remind everyone that James’s book on the fundamental principles of yoga remains on track for publication before Christmas.
Looking Ahead
As organisers, there’s no greater reward than knowing the people who join us leave touched and inspired. It’s exactly what drives us to keep offering days like this. We’re already looking forward to September.
