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A Festive Rest Fundraiser: Yin Yoga, Sound Bath and Community Spirit
6 December 2024
On Sunday, December 1st, Trish hosted her much-anticipated annual Festive Rest event, creating an oasis of peace and joy amidst the bustling holiday season.
Held in an atmosphere designed to inspire mindfulness and self-care, the event offered attendees a chance to pause, recharge, and soak in the festive spirit. This year’s session proved to be a resounding success, selling out completely and raising approximately £600 to support our residents and service users during the Christmas period.
The afternoon began with a session of relaxing Yin Yoga, a slow-paced and meditative practice that gently stretched the body and quieted the mind. Participants were guided by Trish through a series of poses, each designed to cultivate stillness and a deeper connection to the present moment. As the yoga session concluded, the group transitioned seamlessly into a peaceful guided meditation. Trish’s calming voice led the attendees on an inner journey and the importance of caring for oneself, highlighting that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
The experience culminated in a sound bath, where Mark, fellow yoga instructor at YMCA Bath Gym, led the group in a peaceful soundscape experience using crystal bowls. This meditative practice not only soothed the nervous system and helped attendees feel a sense of relaxation and renewal.
After the restorative session, the group came together to celebrate with some festive treats. Guests were invited to enjoy glasses of bubbly paired with an assortment of seasonal cakes, adding a touch of indulgence to the serene afternoon. The camaraderie and shared sense of peace created a warm and welcoming environment that captured the essence of the season.
As a gesture of appreciation, each attendee received a thoughtfully curated goody bag filled with small gifts to extend the experience of self-care and joy beyond the event. The goody bags served as a token of thanks for their participation and contribution to the event’s charitable cause.
“The session was once again beautifully prepared and delivered and felt like a huge warm hug! The thought, kindness and love you had put in to the session, the poems, the meditations and sound bath was absolutely clear from the moment I walked into the room. You made several people leave yesterday feeling thoroughly nurtured, loved, hugged and that their cups were no longer empty – of that I am sure!
I look forward to my ‘wintering’ time with hope and joy, keeping things simple, calm and peaceful wherever and whenever I can!”
This year’s Festive Rest event raised a significant amount of nearly £600, which will go directly toward supporting our service users during Christmas. These funds will help provide gifts, meals, and moments of joy for individuals accessing our services, whether it be supported housing, youth work or other support, who might otherwise struggle during the holiday season.
The annual Festive Rest has become a cherished tradition for many in the community. By blending mindfulness, self-care, and a spirit of giving, the event embodies the true meaning of the season. As participants departed with smiles, lighter hearts, and a renewed sense of peace, it was clear that Festive Rest had once again made the holidays a little brighter for everyone involved.
“Oh my goodness Trish – yesterday was so beautiful. It felt a lot longer than a couple of hours – a real festive break and oasis of calm. Thank you and Mark so much.”
Festive Rest will return next year – keep an eye out on our website for details nearer the time: Workshops / retreats / holidays / special events – YMCA Bath