I’ve been following Hayley and Ignite Life on Instagram for a while…
…So when she got in touch to ask me along to the next Ignite Life day retreat, I was really excited to see what the day would entail!
As a life coach, psychologist and blogger, Hayley has dedicated much of her life to working with and coaching women in business and life in and around London, but relocated to Cornwall in 2016 in search of a better work/life balance. Here, she co-founded Ignite Life with yoga teacher and massage therapist, Helen.
Ignite Life host transformational day retreats for women, combining life coaching, mindfulness and yoga to create a harmonious experience. This particular day was the ‘Level 1 Wind in Her Sails’ retreat, held at the Bedruthan Hotel and Spa.
We kicked off the day with breakfast, introductions and ice-breakers, getting to know the women around the room and understanding each of our intentions for the day. There were ten of us in total, I believe, which was a great size group and meant we could all partner up for some of the workshops too.
The first exercise was a solo one though, where we were given our Ignite Life journals and sent outside for some ‘Sensory Grounding’. This is a mindfulness practice that is really useful for bringing yourself back to the present.
We recorded what all our senses were experiencing, helped along with a beautiful hand bath with aromatherapy and surrounded by beautiful crystals and seashells too!
After this we did our first coaching exercise, thinking about our past and skills we have gained to benefit the futures we want.
Olivia also came along to the day, so it was lovely to be able to pair up with her. Even though everyone was super friendly and it would have been absolutely fine not to have known anyone else, it was useful with some of the exercises we did that we knew a little bit about each other already – plus it means we can hold each other accountable for following our motivation through!
Before lunch, we had our first yoga session with Helen, working on restorative stretches for opening our hips and helping again with our mindfulness for the day.
It was also encouraged to take a ‘Digital Detox’ during the day too, though not compulsory. I kept use of my phone to a minimum, but for me it’s not possible to cut it out completely as I am self-employed and it’s not something I feel I need to do to switch off. I like that it was mentioned though as I know for some people it can be amazing to get away from it all!
Lunch was delicious! The Bedruthan Hotel put on a fantastic healthy spread for us with fancy salad, hummus and vegetables, and bread topped with lots of wonderful combinations. There were also gluten free and vegan options too.
^ Yoga leggings from Island Feather
After lunch, it was time to get creative with a personality exercise!
I love things like this (I’ve always been fascinated by the Myers Briggs personality types etc.), and I think it’s always a good thing to get to know yourself better in any respect.
Once we’ve had fun creating our ‘sub-personalities’, it was time for some Yin Yoga. This involves super deep stretches and relaxation in Shavasana, which for me, laying right in the window spot, was lovely as I was basically bathing in warm sunlight!
After this we had another coaching exercise in pairs, which Olivia and I took outside as it was such beautiful weather, before heading down to the fire pit as a group.
Here, we made our own smudge sticks to light and throw in the fire, and wrote letters to our future selves using our inspiration and motivation from the day.
And of course, completed the day with fireside hot chocolates, marshmallows, and sparklers too, all while looking out at the beautiful view over Mawgan Porth beach and the sea.
I had a fantastic day, meeting lots of interesting women and getting some of my yoga mojo back too! Both Olivia and I came away feeling inspired and motivated to push forward with our own projects, but also in a relaxed and positive space too.
Overall, it was just so nice to have a day dedicated to self-reflection and introspection. When life is full of stress and busy-ness, taking a day like this for yourself is the ultimate form of self-care and I would definitely recommend it!
Most of these photos (ie. the good ones!!) taken by Olivia Bossert.
* I was asked to join the Ignite Life day retreat for the purposes of review, but all thoughts are my own!
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