A Retreat Into Stillness

Sunday 19 April 2026, 09.30-13.30

A mini retreat of yoga, mindfulness, nature, and sound — held mostly in nourishing silence. A gentle invitation to slow down, listen inward, and rediscover the quiet that restores us.

Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything

~ Gordon Hempton

Presence. Patience. Peace.

Silence is one of the most powerful medicines we have — a place where the nervous system softens, the mind settles, and the heart can finally be heard.

This half‑day retreat offers a gentle return to quiet through yoga, mindfulness, a sound bath, and time in nature. Much of the morning will be held in nourishing silence, with spacious guidance to support you in moving inward.

This is an invitation to pause, to listen, and to rediscover the restorative beauty of stillness.

We’ll gather at the beautiful, light-filled visitor centre at Highfield Park, St Albans, a spacious and serene setting perfect for deep reflection and rejuvenation.

This retreat is for everyone—whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced yogi, come just as you are and find your center.

Group of people enjoying mindfulness practices outside in nature
Louise Neicho, yoga and mindfulness teacher in Hertfordshire doing yoga pose

Why A Silent Retreat?

Silence has a quietly powerful effect on the mind and body. Even brief periods of quiet can lower stress, calm the nervous system, and create a sense of inner steadiness. When the noise falls away, awareness sharpens and the body softens in ways that feel deeply restorative.

Quiet also opens space for clarity, creativity, and deeper self‑connection. Without constant input, the brain can finally process and integrate, leaving us with a gentler emotional landscape and a clearer sense of ourselves.

Silence isn’t empty; it’s deeply nourishing. Combined with mindful movement, nature, and sound, it becomes a simple, beautiful way to return to presence and ease.

The day will look something like this:

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09.30-10.00 – Arrival & Opening Meditation – A gentle settling-in, creating space for presence and peace.

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10.00-11.15 – Nourishing Yoga & Mindfulness – Slow, grounding movement with mindfulness techniques woven throughout.

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11.15-11.30 – Light Refreshments – A quiet pause before we step outdoors.

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11.30-12.30 – Nature Walk & Nature-based Mindfulness – A silent walk with still meditations in Highfield Park.

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12.30-13.30 – Restorative Sound Bath – A soothing, immersive sound experience to support deep rest and nervous system regulation.

If you have any queries don’t hesitate to get in touch – louise@woodlandyoga.co.uk.

Louise Neicho, yoga and mindfulness teacher, teaching in Hertfordshire

What to Expect:

  • Gentle yoga to soften the body and settle the breath
  • A guided mindfulness practice to anchor you in presence
  • A deeply restful sound bath
  • Silent walking in nature
  • Spacious pauses for reflection and inner listening
  • A nurturing, held environment with minimal spoken guidance
  • Time to reconnect with yourself without distraction or demand

Your Teacher

‘Yoga gives us peace and clarity in order to see the beauty and wonder that is all around us’

Louise Neicho

Having spent the first 20 years of my professional life working in and with Nature I feel a deep connection to the natural world that has promoted numerous benefits in my life. Combining this with a love and appreciation of yoga and mindfulness that spans over two decades has enabled me to share practices that help us connect more deeply with Nature and ourselves. I have completed over 1000hrs of yoga and mindfulness teacher training and in 2023 I received a distinction for my master’s degree in Mindfulness where my thesis focused on the wellbeing benefits of connecting with Nature. I can honestly say that yoga and Nature has saved my life on more than one occasion, and I don’t think I would be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my practice. To bring all of this together is simply a dream come true and I hope you will join me and our like-minded community soon.

Words from my clients

'These are more than yoga sessions! Louise has a gift at transferring a real sense of inner calm and peace, in what has been very challenging times. Her lessons are creative and extremely useful in understanding how to cope in challenging situations. I informed a friend quite simply attending online has been a game changer for me. I feel ready to conquer my day or week ahead. A priceless gift.'

‘A priceless gift’
by Liza Timpson

'Louise has a very unique approach to teaching yoga, drawing learning from nature, neuroscience and nourishing spiritual teachings! I love the variety in her programmes, which combine mindfulness practices, movement and postures, readings and poetry, with wisdom and warmth. I am learning so much about how the mind, body and spirit can work together to cultivate compassion, strength and resilience for ourselves and those around us.'

‘A unique appraoch to yoga’
by Liz Hobman

'What I love best about your classes is that they not only give the benefit of a yoga practice but also deliver simple and practical ways to apply the weekly themes and help support mental wellbeing which is especially important at this time. Speaking as someone who struggled to make time for a single weekly practice, I am now getting to my yoga mat most days and it has become a ‘non-negotiable’ in my daily life and one which I make time for.'

‘Supports mental wellbeing’
by Finola McManus

How to join?

This workshop is offered on a three‑tier pricing system, inviting you to choose the rate that feels right for your circumstances

— no explanations needed.

Supported Tier

£45.00

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If finances are tight right now, this tier is here to keep the workshop accessible for you.

True Cost Tier

£55.00

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This reflects the full cost of running the workshop. Please choose this if it feels comfortable for you.

Supporter Tier

£65.00

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If you’re able to contribute a little more, this tier helps make space for others who need the supported rate.

Ready to join us?

Connections

Connect with yourself, Nature and beautiful like-minded souls that will ensure you leave feeling grounded and calm but at the same time energised and awakened.

Location

The visitor centre at Highfield Park in St Albans, AL4 0RA, a beautiful spacious, light filled space set in the Hertfordshire countryside.

How to Prepare

Bring a yoga mat, blanket and a couple of pillows or bolster. Wear something cosy and comfortable.

Book your place NOW!

Once payment is made your space is guaranteed for that particular retreat. Bookings are non-refundable and not transferable. By purchasing this retreat you are agreeing to these terms. Read full t&c’s HERE.