Leading botanic garden and art destination, Sculpture by the Lakes, near Dorchester has launched a programme of SOMA Breathwork and Sound Bath retreats, bolstering the park’s existing wellbeing offering.
The addition of breathwork retreats follows the success and popularity of Sound Baths at Sculpture by the Lakes. The afternoon-long retreats are led by sculptor and owner of Sculpture by the Lakes, Simon Gudgeon, a qualified SOMA Breath Guided Breathwork practitioner and sound healer.
Simon said: “Our mission at Sculpture by the Lakes is to provide our visitors with an unforgettable, restorative, and soothing experience.
“Being immersed in our tranquil natural landscape can do wonders for the mind, body, and soul and I felt that we could take our promise further. Science tells us that stress is linked to 70% of all serious diseases[i] and so delivering a wellbeing programme that helps our community to calm their minds is important to me.”
The retreats begin with a 1-hour energised meditation routine designed to uplift the soul and release tension from the body. By combining breathwork with meditation, participants are guided to slow their breathing to less than 10 breaths per minute.
Following the breathwork session, Simon leads a transformative sound bath featuring different sound instruments including Himalayan bowls, gongs, crystal bowls, koshi chimes, and shamanic drums.
Simon added: “I first learnt about the power of sound healing when I took part in a sound bath course primarily to inform the creation of my first sound sculpture.
“I became captivated by the soothing and transformative benefits of sound, and I was compelled to introduce more people to the practice.”
The first SOMA Breathwork and Sound Bath retreat taking place on Tuesday 17th December is already sold out, however there are spaces available on other December and January dates. Sculpture by the Lakes will also be adding full-day retreats to its wellbeing programme from February 2025.
To find out more and book, visit: sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/event/soma-breathwork-and-sound-bath-retreat-an-afternoon-of-healing-and-relaxation