AN URBAN RETREAT WITH LAURA GILMORE
Healing with breath, bandhas and the vagus nerve…
AN URBAN RETREAT WITH LAURA GILMORE: MAY 24th - 25th (SATURDAY & Sunday, 10.30am- 5pm)
yoga techniques through the lens of neurology for a transformative experience
A note from Laura
I share my years of experience and research with this in-depth exploration of breath work, pranayama & bandhas techniques. These techniques are somethingI love to share because I see time and again just how transformative they are.
TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCE WITH THESE POWERFUL YOGA TECHNIQUES TAUGHT IN A NEW, INCLUSIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE WAY.
Join Laura Gilmore for a day to explore some of the lesser understood yoga techniques- the bandhas and discover for yourself how these methods are so powerful in helping to calm restless and anxious minds.
This is a practical retreat with postures and breathwork all designed to bring these teachings to life in a very real way. You will also have a chance to discover the origins of the bandhas and deepen your understanding of yoga history and philosophy. This is a chance to explore yoga in a way that will reshape your approach to your whole practice.
The yogis describe the bandhas- a series of energetic "locks" as the means to transform the mind and find ultimate freedom. Laura believes it is much more than a co-incidence that the vagus nerve is stimulated directly from the bandhas.
The vagus nerve is of great interest to psychologists and neurologists- it is the key to unlocking trauma and stimulating calm in our minds.
Join Laura, a yoga teacher & teacher trainer of 30 years; in this exploration of the interplay between neurology, yoga teachings, nurturing and playful asana practice and a deep dive into breathwork.
The days take on the format of a retreat with space to pause and an invitation to make the practice your own.
Who is it for?
The postures and asana will be made available to all those who attend but it is recommended that you have a year previous asana experience to benefit fully from the course.
What will I learn?
Understand the interplay between yogic teachings on the subtle body and the nervous system
Experience the power of breath with bandha and how this stimulates the vagus nerve
Be able to support healing of both body and mind through breath and bodywork
Learn a clear, practical and trauma sensitive way to practise pranayama
Follow Laura's comprehensive guide to breath work practices
The retreat is shared through a mix of talks, classes and time for Q&A.
DAY ONE
Practice- 10:30-1pm
Muladhara bandha focused practice “root lock”- from the pelvic floor to the core & a healthy nervous system Talk & Tips- Understand your vagus nerve & how to soothe your nervous system 2-3pm
Practice- Jalandhara bandha focused practice “chin lock” ease for your throat and neck 3:15-5pm
DAY TWO
Practice- 10.30-1pm Uddiyana bandha, the “abdominal lock” Please eat before 7am or wait until 11am
Talk & Tips- Yoga teachings on the bandhas, explore the history of these techniques & related meditations 2-3:15pm
Practice- Putting it altogether- Mahabandha “The Great Lock” 3:30-5pm
MAY 24th - 25th (SATURDAY & Sunday, 10.30am- 5pm)
*Contact us if you wish to secure your place with a deposit, and require a payment plan.
What they said:
It was wonderful on many levels.... It all felt so totally relevant and vital given my recent experiences. Your teaching was subtle, sensitive and wise and I truly appreciate it. The pranayama work was so useful. I’ve been including a proper pranayama practice into my daily practice since, which I can feel helping my meditation practice already... I can see it opening up a gentler side to my practice.
-Alex
Such a beautiful, deep dive into prana, pranayama and the subtle body delivered with Laura’s signature scientific knowledge, (of cosmic proportions!) patience and humour. Thank you Laura. I can’t wait for the next time!
-Kate
The days were a deep dive into practice and research which Laura balanced perfectly. By the end of the weekend I was able to tune into my breath and use that knowledge to feel into my body and what I needed to allow ease. Laura's knowledge is incredible , and she shares this knowledge with passion, generosity and at times humour. Laura also held the space in the studio to allow everyone to connect and share their own practice and ideas, it is a unique place to learn. Can't wait for the next intensive!
-Nix
Laura Gilmore is the most amazing yoga teacher I have met in 20 years of practising. I can't even begin to explain the depth of knowledge that she seamlessly integrates into her training. I have never met anyone who understands and embodies yoga like Laura. The ease of her practice and how totally grounded and self centred I feel is what remains with me. No struggle, no strain and no ego - just divine grace but very much on this earthly plane. Laura strikes the balance beautifully between profundity and humour. If you want to experience the true meaning of yoga this is the teacher for you. Thank you. X
-Lesley Ann