<![CDATA[MEDITATION.YOGA.DETOX with Lauren Manning - Blog]]>Thu, 14 May 2026 09:25:13 +0100Weebly<![CDATA[Interspecies Communication and a Deep Nature Connection]]>Sun, 13 Aug 2017 19:37:53 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/interspecies-communication-and-a-deep-nature-connection
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Last month, I spent an incredible week at the Findhorn Foundation in Scotland, learning about Interspecies Communication.

If I were to gather all the beautiful, touching, heartfelt moments into one basket of experience, I would say the course was a Reunion with the Primordial Language - the language that exists as the deepest knowledge and expression within all beings.

It is a language deeper than spoken language... and has its roots in the emergence of awe.

It is present in everyone..., in everything...

I 'heard' it in the trees, the wind, the ocean, in our songs of praise...

I ‘heard’ it when connected to an animal or plant friend...

I 'heard' it in the silence...

I 'heard' it in my heart.

It is the story of our place in the universe and it's time to begin to tell that story again.

I was reminded of how to speak to the whole.
]]><![CDATA[Lessons From a Life in the Mountains]]>Fri, 08 Jan 2016 16:10:33 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/lessons-from-a-life-in-the-mountainsWe’ve had a few misty and rainy days here in the mountains since New Year, which has inspired some quiet and reflective time – time to muse over Life and her Magic.
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A few days back, the sun offered a welcome reprieve from the damp and cold drizzle, and I chose to tackle the task of debarking the grapevine pergola we had erected some months back. Now, ideally, the de-barking should have been done straight away – as soon as the trees had been cut down, as the longer you delay, the more the sap in the wood dries out, making it more and more difficult to de-bark. After days of rain however, the bark came off easily, which was very fortunate for me.
As I was pulling off strips of bark, peeling the outer layers from the poles, I understood how this was a metaphor for what I encourage my guests to do when on retreat, and what I am constantly exploring within myself.

A big component of my retreats is to drop all the labels, all the masks we may wear when living in the world – whether it be at work, within our immediate and extended families, in social groups… etc. 
As the labels are gradually (or suddenly) discarded, we allow our authentic self to be seen and to shine. We peel off the layers, to reveal what is there, at our core – who we really are.
 
As I peeled off layer upon layer of bark, I began to experience a feeling of lightness and of being somehow cleaner; I began to see things with greater clarity – much like a retreat experience. It was indeed a cathartic exercise.
 
I then thought about how much of our lives are spent building and accumulating, adding and acquiring  - in a constant endeavour to be better, to prove oneself, to impress, to feel successful… We do course after course to be more qualified; we buy more and more possessions in fear of not having enough; we work longer and longer hours to make more money so that others (and ourselves) can see that we are worthy…
 
Instead of building and adding and increasing, we needed to be peeling off, reducing, simplifying and un-cluttering – in every way, on every level. We need to trust that we are already enough. Instead of doing more courses, let's look at how much we already know, and work with that – from the inside, breaking it down, looking at it as if through a microscope, to discover all that there is. The answers are all within.
 
Looking at this from the perspective of my Yoga practice, I have done so many classes, courses and workshops over the years – and now is the time to simply discover the truth of what is there - of each posture, of each breath, of each moment – to work with that which already is.
 
Another way of ‘de-barking’ is to de-clutter. Everyday, I throw something out – an item of clothing I haven’t worn for a while, a book that I’ve read and probably won’t read again, or some other ‘dust collector’ sitting on a shelf - gradually reducing the chaos and making space for simplicity.
 
Out on the land, now is the time of year for pruning. We’re busy cutting back the branches of the fruit and olive trees - creating space for the trees to express themselves more authentically in the spring.
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]]><![CDATA[​Why a Yoga & Raw Food Detox Retreat?]]>Mon, 28 Dec 2015 13:15:17 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/why-a-yoga-raw-food-detox-retreatWhen you reflect back on the twists and turns of Life's journey, you can sometimes discern how it is that you are where you are right now. This is true for me when I consider where I now live and the retreats I lead... 
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Back in 2002, I left my flat in Stockwell, London to spend a month volunteering at a retreat centre in Portugal, on my way to live in India. The retreat centre gifted me with a first hand experience of exploring a vegetable garden in search of lunch or dinner. It felt like Heaven. In addition to all the vegetables and herbs growing in the garden, the numerous fruit trees were bowing down with the weight of their fruit, and it felt as if I was in Paradise. The sun was shining, the days were long, and I had a permanent smile on my face.
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I already had a foundation in health and vitality – I was a vegetarian eating a lot of organic produce, practicing and teaching yoga and meditation, practicing various complimentary therapies, but it felt as though this was the next step – to dive deeper into the actions of healthy eating and living.
 
I was however, on my way to live in a relatively poor inner-city ashram in India, where there was very little chance of fresh, organic, vegetable gardens. So, before fulfilling my desire to live off the land, I was to spend a year diving deeper into meditation and spiritual practices - and that’s another story…
 
It's now 15 years and many experiences later, and I’m living in Portugal, where I live off the land with my man, Keiron and our 4 ginger cats, growing much of  our own food and learning more and more about living closely to Mother Nature.
 
Eating more raw food feels like a natural step forward, and leading my retreats in Puglia, Italy where our host, Cathy prepares amazing gourmet raw delights has been an inspiring influence and motivation to move in this direction.
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Eating only raw, vegan (and delicious) food for a week in early Spring of each year is an easy and gentle way to cleanse the body and to lose any extra weight gained after the possibly more sedentary Winter days. Some people come because they feel they need healing on some level, or a boost of health and vitality, or simply to relax and enjoy. No matter the reason for coming, at the end of the week, everyone feels brighter, lighter with more energy and sparkle.
 
Of course, the daily yoga and mediation contribute to this feeling of wellbeing, as do the amazing massages from the very talented therapist who visits us daily. The ancient olive groves, narrow country lanes, silent starry nights also lend themselves to a very special experience. The venue itself is very comfortable – a lovely restored Trullo with under floor heating, a solar heated pool and comfortable rooms.
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I believe this week inspires you to introduce more raw food into your diet, as it shows you that it can be done easily, and is both delicious and healthy. During the retreat, I give daily talks on healthy living, as well as a daily demonstration on how to prepare something raw and healthy with every meal once back at home. We also explore natural products for body care and house hold cleaning.
 
The week is a beautiful gift to yourself - treating your body, mind and spirit with respect and love.

Find out more: http://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/italy-yoga--raw-food-retreat.html
]]><![CDATA[Juice Fasting as a component of Raja Yoga]]>Sat, 24 Jan 2015 10:33:59 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/juice-fasting-as-a-component-of-raja-yogaI started practising and teaching Yoga before I started juice fasting and detoxing, and Yoga still remains my great love. But when I did enter the world of detoxing it made so much sense, I felt so good and it seemed to me to be conducive to the Yoga path.

This is why.

As you may well know, Raja Yoga or Ashtanga Yoga has eight limbs or steps, the first two of which are the Yamas (injunctions / limitations) and Niyamas (observances). Now, there are five Yamas and five Niyamas and Yogis endeavor to follow these ten suggestions on living - for, in essence, that is what they are, in order to have a simpler and happier life. 

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The first of the five Yamas is 'ahimsa', which can be said to be 'non-injury'. When we eat the wrong foods or too much food or drink too much alcohol or coffee etc., we are causing injury to our bodies, to our minds (such as overly stimulating foods / drink) and to our spirit (food / drink can cause our spirits to feel dull and lifeless). On the other hand, if we choose to nourish the body, mind and spirit with fresh, healthy and organic food (of which juices are an excellent example), we are showing love and respect to ourselves (we are also supporting and valuing organic farmers, nature, planet Earth and, ultimately, God. 

The first of the five Niyamas is 'saucha', which means cleanliness, and which refers to cleanliness on all levels, including cleanliness of our bodies and minds - inside and outside of ourselves. Juicing is a great way to cleanse the body, especially in terms of a juice fast, where, for a limited time (one day to three weeks), you eat no solids but drink only juices and water and perhaps supplement this with some cleansing herbs. This allows the body to purge itself of toxins and accumulated waste.

A juice fast as such, can also be considered a 'tapas' - another one of the five Niyamas. Tapas means taking part in an activity which may be difficult or unenjoyable for a short time, but the rewards of that activity make it all worth while. Living for a short while only on juices is not easy, but the health benefits far out weigh any hardship. You feel amazing afterwards - so alive, energetic, clear in the mind and positive.

Living only on juices for a while raises the vibration of the body, mind and spirit which means that any dullness, laziness or inertia which you may have had before is likely to diminish or disappear. When your vibration is high, the mind becomes more clear and focused, and it's an opportune time for self-study or the study of some scriptures or inspirational texts. This self study or the study of scriptures is called 'svadhyaya' in Yoga and is another Niyama.

By combining a juice fast / healthy eating with the practice of asana (yoga postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), pratyahara (withdrawing of the senses, such as removing yourself from all busy-ness and retreating in nature), dharana (concentration exercises and living mindfully) and dhyana (meditation), we pave the road to the experience of clarity and enlightenment (samadhi). These are the eight steps of Raja Yoga, and the lifestyle advised to serious students of Yoga... or anyone wanting a life of simplicity, balance, depth and meaning.
]]><![CDATA[some benefits of juicing...]]>Sat, 18 Jan 2014 19:48:52 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/some-benefits-of-juicing
Now you've probably guessed that I'm pro - juicing! My conviction is not based only on theory however - I've experienced the benefits personally, and have seen on countless occasions how so many others have benefitted too - I've been facilitating detox retreats for 13 years now and expect to continue sharing this amazing secret for a good many more years to come... 

In a nut-shell, juicing is a quick and powerful means to being vibrant, energetic and truly healthy - on every level!! 

One reason for this is that the juice is raw - it's still in its original and natural state (well, almost... - the fibre has been removed). When food is cooked or heated, valuable micro-nutrients are damaged or destroyed, and so some of the goodness and health benefits are lost. Of course, this means it is also important to buy (or grow!) organic fruit and veg, otherwise it's not as nature bestows it, but is possibly full of pesticides and preservatives.

Another reason why juicing is so powerful is that it can help ensure we get our daily quota of fruit and veg. We all know that we should consume 6-8 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, but this sometimes feels close to impossible - we just don't seem to eat often enough to warrant this! Juicing is an easy way to achieve this - it may seems like hard work to eat six whole, raw carrots, but there's easily six carrots in a carrot juice.

A little on fruit juice - some people are not huge fans of fruit juice because of the high levels of fructose (natural sugars). In my opinion, some fruit juice is good for us - it's natural and we do need some sugar for energy... and some sweetness in life... Juicing fruit does mean that these sugars are more concentrated however (no fibre to soak up the sugar), and so fruit in juices shouldn't be excessive. Anyone with high blood pressure or diabetes however, should limit the amount of fruit juice until these conditions are stabilised. An exception to this 'rule' on fruit juices are lemons and limes. Although lemons and limes are fruit, they have virtually none of the offending sugar / fructose that causes complications. In fact lemons and limes are an amazing addition to juices - they are alkalising and great at at eliminating the bitter taste of any dark green leafy vegetables (and it's these green leafy vegetables that provide so many of the benefits of juicing).

By removing the fibre from the fruits and vegetables, we make it even easier for the body to absorb all the nutrients.  In a way, juicing is a way to pre-digest the fruits and veg, much like chewing, but even more effectively. So the body receives most of the nutrition, rather than having some of it being lost to the digestive process.

Further more, with juicing, you can juice a wide variety of fruit and vegetables that you may not normally get through simply eating. Variety is good as it reduces the chances of developing sensitivities or allergies to certain fruits and veg due to eating them too often.

Happy Juicing!!!
]]><![CDATA[Happy New Year - may 2014 bring you much Peace, Love & Happiness]]>Mon, 06 Jan 2014 18:05:43 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/happy-new-year-may-2014-bring-you-much-peace-love-happiness
Today is the first day back to 'normality' after the busy Christmas and New Year celebrations, and although I loved seeing old friends and celebrating with good food, I'm a little relieved that life has returned to its usual pace here in our valley.

The return to normality includes focussing on what's happening in 2014... and informing you of  yoga detox retreats' retreats. As an added incentive to you to plan a healthy and fun holiday this year, I'm offering a 10% early bird discount if bookings are made before Feb 1 2014. This is in addition to the usual 10% discount for returning guests, so it could be a 20% discount for you! 
(Note: this applies to my Turkey and Italy retreats, not the Portugal retreats).

2014 Retreats
Yoga & Raw Food Detox Retreats - Puglia, Italy
1000 Euros / £850 - shared (with 20% discount - £680 / 800 Euros)
This is the first time I'm offering this retreat and I'm very excited about it. The location is wonderful, the venue is very comfortable with under-floor heating and a heated swimming pool, and the food is delicious and so, so healthy!!!
Dates: March 22 - 29
click here for more info...

Yoga & Juice Fasting Detox Retreats - Faralya, Turkey
£740 shared / £840 single (with 20% discount - £592 shared / £672 single)
This is my 11th year at Faralya and I keep returning because it's such a beautiful location!! I'm offering a spring and a summer retreat...
Dates:
April 28 - May 5
August 4 - 11
click here for more info... 

Yoga & Alkalising Diet Detox Retreats - Carrapateirra, Algarve Portugal
980 Euros shared / 1280 Euros single
These retreats are organised by a friend of mine, Diana, and I am facilitating them. The retreat venue is a magnificent retreat centre on the west coast of the Algarve and boasts an on-site sauna and steam room and a wonderful team of therapists. The food is alkaline, delicious and healthy.
Dates: 
April 13 - 19 (led by Lauren)
May 25 - 31 (led by Lauren)
June 22 - 28 (led by Lauren)
Sept 28 - Oct 4 (led by Lauren)
Oct 26 - Nov 1 (led by Lauren)
click here for more info...

Yoga & Surf Holidays - Salema, Algarve Portugal 
890 Euros shared / 990 Euros double / 1050 Euros single
These are fun and physical holidays and you'll leave being able to stand up on the surf board (or improve your surfing technique if you're not a beginner) and feeling fit and healthy. The food served is vegetarian, delicious and healthy. I am facilitating just one of these retreats, and the others are facilitated by other experienced and inspirational yoga teachers.
Dates:
June 8 - 14 (led by Lauren)
July 13- 19
July 27 - August 2
August 10 - 16
August 31 - September 6
September 14 - 20
click here for more info...

Yoga Delight Holidays - Salema, Algarve Portugal
790 Euros shared / 890 Euros double / 950 Euros single
These yoga holidays include two daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and talks on various aspects of Yoga. The venue is right on the beach and also has a swimming pool. The food is vegetarian, healthy and delicious. I am facilitating two of these retreats and the others are led by other experienced and inspirational yoga teachers.
Dates:
July 6 - 12 
July 20 - 26 (led by Lauren)
August 3 - 9
September 7 - 13 (led by Lauren)
click here for more info...

Hormone Yoga Retreats - Salema, Algarve Portugal 
890 Euros shared / 990 Euros double / 1050 Euros single
This is a women only retreat where the focus is on connecting to the feminine energy and balancing hormones. This retreat is led by an experienced hormone yoga teacher.
Dates:
May 11- 17
click here for more details... 

So, lots to choose between...

Wishing you a wonderful 2014... and it would be great to see you somewhere, some time...

snap shots of 2013 retreats
]]><![CDATA[Antioxidants and Free Radicals]]>Wed, 15 May 2013 10:13:42 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/antioxidants-and-free-radicalsFor those of you who have been to my retreats, you have probably gathered that although I cherish and prescribe a healthy diet and life-style, I'm not an ardent fan of nutrition by numbers - e.g. how many grams of protein you need on a daily basis etc. To me, measuring nutrition and at the same time, being mindful and feeling a connection with what you eat on an energetic and heart level don't really go hand in hand - but perhaps that's just me... and I'm sure there are people out there who manage to do both...

To me, one's a left brain activity and the other a right brain activity, and being a typical Pisces as well as a lover of blissful meditation, I prefer the floaty, dreamy sensation of tasting the sunshine in my kale rather than storing the nutritional facts about it in the filing archives of my brain... (even though it is very impressive: one cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1 020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus!!!)

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beautiful, healthy kale - full of goodness, including antioxidants
So, although I don't talk very much on the theory of nutrition, but tend to keep it more practical, there are instances when terminology raises its head and needs some explanation... (e.g. fats - saturated-, unsaturated,- trans-! See my blog- http://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/2/post/2011/10/fats-the-good-the-bad-and-the-trans-fats.html).

One such term is 'antioxidant'... and a lot of people aren't sure what an antioxidant is or does..., and as it's a rainy and chilly day outside (in May in Portugal?!), I thought I'd share some theory with you...

Antioxidants are vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals.

A free radical is any atom or molecule that has a single unpaired electron in its outer shell. Now, electrons prefer to travel in pairs. Occasionally, though, an atom or a group of atoms (molecule) loses one electron. When this happens, the atom or molecule becomes a free radical. Like the human body in general, atoms prefer stability. An atom that's missing an electron will thus steal one from the nearest stable atom - turning that atom into a free radical. As you can probably imagine, this is the start of a chain reaction...

Free radicals are created as a result of the process of oxidation - when a substance combines with oxygen. This is part of the body's normal metabolism, which tends to increase with age. Free radicals can also be created by the immune system to help destroy bacteria and viruses during an infection. And they can form as a result of exposure to certain chemicals, environmental toxins like pollution, radiation, and cigarette smoke. Under normal circumstances the body can easily rid itself of free radicals, but problems can occur if the number of free radicals increases beyond the body's ability to neutralize or destroy them.

So, when a cell / molecule becomes a free radicle, it becomes highly reactive (except a few which are not chemically reactive, such as melanin) and can lead to free radical damage (often closely associated with oxidative damage). The cell membrane (the outer covering of the cell) becomes either too vulnerable or too resistant to outside influences. It can also damage the cell's DNA, causing the cell to malfunction or reproduce abnormally.

The damage caused by free radicals plays a part in a number of chronic diseases in people who eat  processed foods, non-organic produce, meat and dairy to include hardening of the arteries, cancer, and arthritis. Free radicals can also interfere with your immune system. So, fighting off damage with antioxidants helps keep your immune system strong, making you better able to ward off colds, flu, and other infections.

Antioxidants are reducing agents that limit oxidative damage to biological structures by passivating them from free radicals.

Okay, time to take another look at kale...
Kale’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration and excellent source of antioxidants - vitamins A, C, and K - and sulphur-containing phytonutrients. Carotenoids and flavonoids are the specific types of antioxidants associated with many of the anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds.
Beyond antioxidants, the fiber content of cruciferous kale binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when kale is cooked instead of raw.

Hippocrates said 100's of years ago, "Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food." These words are just as true today as they were in 470 BC!!

I advocate a diet of fresh organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts. Eat what is local, what is fresh and in season and is available in your community. If kale isn't available, eat mustard greens or spinach. If berries are not available or too expensive, then eat apples and oranges. By eating locally organic food from local farmers, you are not only benefiting from fresh produce but you are also participating within your community by supporting hard working neighbors and businesses.

Adding more fruit and vegetables of any kind to your diet will improve your health. But some foods are higher in antioxidants than others. The three major antioxidant vitamins are beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. You’ll find them in colorful fruits and vegetables – especially those with purple, blue, red, orange, and yellow hues. To get the biggest benefits of antioxidants, eat these foods raw or lightly steamed.

Beta-carotene and other carotenoids: Apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnip and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Vitamin C: Berries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Vitamin E: Broccoli, carrots, chard, mustard and turnip greens, mangoes, nuts, papaya, pumpkin, red peppers, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

These foods are the "superfoods" more than the synthetically created powders and pills which make a lot of money for some multinational corporations / individuals but don't deliver the nutritional goods to the same extent to the individuals - nor to your own community. Health, happiness, peace, kindness to your fellow man, compassion to all animals and respect and awareness for our environment is all part of achieving wholeness and wellness...... :)
]]><![CDATA[a Yoga Detox Retreat - a Holiday with a Difference]]>Tue, 12 Mar 2013 21:38:08 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/a-yoga-detox-retreat-a-holiday-with-a-difference
yoga detox holiday walks
walking in nature feeds the Soul
yoga detox holidays yoga
Yoga stretches and opens the body, whilst stilling the mind
When my yoga-ing, detoxing guests tell their friends and colleagues that they're going on a yoga detox retreat for their annual holiday, the response is very often one of surprise / shock / concern for their friend's mental health / complete wonder as to WHY?! WHY would anyone in their own right mind not have a holiday where one has the luxury of sleeping in until noon, of eating generous portions of delicious restaurant / hotel food, of drinking lavish amounts of alcohol without worrying about the consequences... etc. etc.??
BUT, when these same detoxing yogis return home after a week of healthy living, their friends and colleagues ask them what their secret is - how come they look so different - so... so happy..., alive..., vibrant..., beautiful?!

The best part is that not only do they look like this - happy, alive, vibrant, beautiful..., they FEEL all these things too!!

Have you ever watched children playing and been in awe of their endless supply of energy - to run, to skip, to laugh, maybe even cry and to then start all over again?
Well, the energy you have after a week of juice fasting, yoga, meditation, spending time in nature and laughing with fellow detoxers is something akin to this.

And do you remember how it feels to fall in love - to not have a care in the world... and to see everything and everyone as totally perfect and beautiful?
Well, this is how you feel and what the world looks like after a yoga detox retreat!!

And how could it be any other way.? Think about it...

Your body has had a thorough MOT and as a result is functioning at optimum levels. All the toxins and negativity have been rinsed out, and the body has been cleansed, nurtured and healed with abundant amounts of fresh, organic juices and alkaline foods. You now have a healthy digestion, a strong immune system, good blood circulation, a balanced endocrine system releasing healthy doses of hormones into the body, unpolluted and supple lungs taking in life, a strong and flexible spine and limbs...

Your mind has had a rest from the usual onslaught of advertising, newspapers, internet, gossip... Aaah! Peace. Silence. Inhale. Exhale. The focus required for practicing yoga and meditation has rendered the mind calm and still - the only thoughts passing through being peaceful, happy thoughts of what a wonderful world it is!

Your spirit is uplifted, having been nurtured by the trees, the ocean, the mountains and the sky... Time dedicated to reflection and silence has re-connected you to the core of who you really are - beyond all the surface stories and roles you're involved in on a day-to-day basis. You have renewed spirit and a deep inner contentment and joy.

And so it is. You feel happy, alive, vibrant and beautiful.

Your secret?
You went on a Yoga Detox Retreat and discovered the tools for healthy living - a healthy diet; the practice of a calm and relaxing activity such as yoga, Tai-chi or meditation for peace of mind and the importance of taking time out for re-connecting to Spirit / your True Self.

Knowing all this is one thing, but practising it and experiencing it is quite another... So many of my guests tell me that the yoga detox retreat was their big step to feeling confident in how to live life more abundantly...

dates of yoga detox retreats in Turkey:
Spring yoga & juice fasting detox: April 29 - May 6
Summer yoga & juice fasting detox: August 19 - 26

]]><![CDATA[2013 - New Year's Schedule]]>Sat, 29 Dec 2012 19:27:53 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/2013-new-years-schedule Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all well… and enjoying the holiday season! For those of you in the northern hemisphere, like myself, I hope you're cozy and warm in front of the fire... and for those of you in the southern hemisphere, I hope you're enjoying the life of a lazy lizard!

What with 12.12.12 and 21.12.12 and Christmas and the full moon on the 28.12.12… and New Year just around the corner… not to mention planet Earth's three day alignment with the centre of the galaxy… - a frantic time is certainly upon us!!
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So, just in case you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all and are wondering what you can do to escape the fast paced frenzy and return to a more natural state of inner peace and calm, I thought I’d let you know that I have finalised dates for my Yoga Detox Retreats in Turkey for 2013!

Spring Yoga Detox Retreat: April 29 – May 6

Summer Yoga Detox Retreat: August 19 – 26

For those who attended the Spring retreats in 2012, you’ll know that the weather was perfect for leisurely walks, exploring the idyllic country-side of the village of Faralya and following the Lykian Way up into the mountain-side or down to the ocean.

And for those who attended the Summer retreat, you’ll know that the weather is a little more conducive to laying by the pool or in the shade… with a good book or for an afternoon siesta.

For anyone wanting to do a longer detox - more than a week - we can certainly arrange that for you. The juices, supplements, broths and enemas can continue as usual, but yoga and meditation will be self-practice - a great way to get into the habit and discipline of this healthy way of living.

All details of the retreats can be found on my website www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk. As always, there is a 10% discount for returning guests, and as a further incentive, I’m offering a further 10% early-bird discount if you book before the end of January 2013. Also, remember, if you book your flights early, you’ll get a better deal on the cost of flights.

In addition to my Turkey retreats, I’m also facilitating four Yoga & Alkaline Food Detox retreats here in Portugal. Again, details can be found on my website. The dates of these retreats are:

June 16 - 22
July 14 - 20
Aug 4 - 10
Sept 1 – 7

And in the mean time, myself, Keiron and the cats are still blissfully busy playing on the land in the mountains of Monchique. Our retreat centre is still in its infancy and it’s unlikely that we’ll be ready for the 2013 season, but we’ll certainly keep you posted…
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I look forward to seeing you soon (or later)…

Much love and best wishes for 2013!!

Lauren xxx
]]><![CDATA[Spring Detox - the natural time to Spring Clean the body]]>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:16:41 GMThttp://www.yogadetoxretreats.co.uk/blog/spring-detox-the-natural-time-to-spring-clean-the-bodySpring Detox in Turkey
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As the scent of orange blossoms gently announces the arrival of Spring, our bodies respond by craving more freshness, more organic, more vibrant health!! Spring is a great time to get fresh with our foods and clean things up a bit.  A spring detox shakes us from the winter heaviness and gets our bodies digesting light and breezily ready for the heat of Summer.

As the seasons change, so too should our diet – no longer in need of that warming winter stodge, we can now adorn our tables and palates with colourful salads, light and delicious summer soups, fresh juices and smoothies, and even pick our desserts straight from the fruit-laden trees.
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Although you can detox at any time, Spring has traditionally been regarded by Yogis, health practitioners and naturopaths as the ideal time of the year to detox. The media is generally full of detox diet advice every January to combat the excesses of Christmas but health practitioners say we should wait until Spring to detox.

By detoxing in Spring, we honour the body’s own natural rhythms and cycles. The body’s cycle at Spring-time is one of cleansing and detoxing – this makes it a lot easier to follow a detox programme at this time. New spring vegetables with all their valuable nutrients become available, so it makes sense to wait until Spring to make use of them.

And so I extend this cordial invitation to you to join me in Turkey this Spring for a thorough Spring Clean of Body, Mind and Spirit.

April 23-30
April 30 - May 7
or come for two weeks: April 23 - May 7

See my detox page for more info...
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