THERE will be no 5pm GONG BATH as the extended gong bath will go straight through to this. Those wishing to come to 5pm gong bath please consider booking 7pm bath. Because the last extended gong bath was too full, this will now be limited to 15 places. These are only available on booking.

This is quite a stressful time of year. We have family, lots of cooking and eating, lots of laughter and lack of sleep. This extended gong bath is time to recalibrate and just have time out without anything to do and without having to juggle things, make conversations, run about, keep the peace etc. This is a time for you and you alone and so starting with a gentle restorative yoga session provides time to wind down. This deeply relaxing and beneficial session begins to slow breathing down and opens the body through passive stretching. Every pose is supported - it is about listening to your body and adapting a position so that it is comfortable to be in for 4-5 minutes. During the long holds of restorative yoga, muscles begin to let go of tension and stretch and so the props, rather than the muscles, are used to support the body.

This is followed by singing mantra. Tim plays harmonium, flute, shruti and will lead the singing. Mantras are in a sense a further warm up to the gong bath as they help block stress hormones and releases endorphins. Singing mantras enhance positive alpha, gamma, delta brainwaves—the brainwaves that are also induced during the gong bath and lead to deep relaxation. Chanting increases immune functions, and lower blood pressure. The sound of the mantra literally drowns out the negative voices in our heads.

A guided meditation follows and this will be done lying down in preparation for the gong bath at 5pm.

Benefits of these monthly extended gong bath: Enhances flexibility and helps to deeply relax the body. Through restorative yoga, mantra singing and a guided meditation the mind stills. This level of relaxation improves capacity for healing and helps balance the nervous system and the immune system. We develop qualities of compassion and understanding toward others and self. A wonderful way to enhance mood.

This is an optimum state in which to enter a gong bath. It isn’t always possible to have this degree of preparation and hence the extended gong bath is offered once a month. £20/session including gong bath and refreshments.