Yoga Meditation Retreats
Overview
A Yoga Meditation Retreat is a retreat that combines the practice of yoga with a series of meditation sessions and provides a rare opportunity to explore how contemporary contemplative practices can enrich our lives, our relationships and the world around us.
For a serious practitioner of meditation, care of the body and preparing the body to relax is essential. When our body is prepared, our meditation better supports the transformation of our mind and we discover the spiritual part of our being and our connection to the Source of all Being more deeply. Meditation is a spiritual discipline involving solitude and silence in which we let go of all sense experiences, images, emotions and thoughts- in other way our ‘ego’. When we are ready in our body, we are ready in our deepest self to meditate.
Rooted and Renewed: A Journey of Integration
Friday 4 - Monday 7 April
Led by Kevin Wittoeck
Join us for a three-day retreat to explore your integrated self — body, mind, and spirit.
Drawing on insights into the nervous system, polyvagal theory, somatics, and Christian mysticism, this retreat offers a supportive environment for discovery and growth. You’ll engage in an organic blend of experiential practices such as nature immersion, yoga and breathwork, meditation and creative expression through writing. The retreat will be led by Kevin Wittoeck, certified yoga teacher (Rishikesh Yogpeeth) and breathwork facilitator (InnerCamp), who draws on nearly two decades of devoted practice, with his down-to-earth approach, he creates welcoming spaces for growth and integration through direct experience.
This is a perfect retreat for those seeking to combine yoga and meditation.
The Still Point of the Turning World: Finding Rest Amidst Suffering
Tuesday 10 - Sunday 15 June
Led by Dr Rebecca Stephens
How can Meister Eckhart help us in life’s ‘Why Me?’ moments? We will explore the principles of Eckhart’s theological and philosophical outlook in daily lectures and group discussions, personal reflection and journaling. Meister Eckhart forms the foundation of Ursula Fleming’s pioneering work in pain relief based on a doctrine of acceptance and self-grounding. Through focus on breath and letting-go it enabled even those experiencing insupportable pain to reduce their suffering. Â
Yoga / Rolf Movement & Meditation Retreat
Tuesday 4 - Sunday 9 November
Led by Giovanni Felicioni
More information on this retreat are coming soon.Â
For any questions about this retreat, email us at support@wccm.orgÂ
A Typical Day
During a Yoga Meditation Retreat, the day is built around a rhythm of meditation and embodiment sessions. We focus on the ancient art of yoga and the contemporary art of Rolf MovementTM practice. Our retreats also include sharing scripture from the world wisdom traditions and times of theory and discussion. Journaling or tracking what you are learning in class will be encouraged (best to bring a notebook and some pencils and pens).
Venue
Bonnevaux, Centre for Peace
Bonnevaux is the home of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). We are based in Marcay, near to Poitiers, France.
The beauty and peace of Bonnevaux´s 65 hectares (160 acres) reflects the contemplative life lived here from its foundation as a Benedictine monastery in 1119 until the French Revolution. The land has over 20 different plant habitats, some of which are of heritage value. The community see themselves as stewards of this fertile place.
This retreat is for you if:
A Yoga Meditation Retreat is for you if:
- are curious about yoga but are not necessarily an ongoing practitioner
- in need of rest and replenishment
- interested in combining the benefits of yoga and meditation
- inspired by spending time reconnecting with nature
Reviews
Teachers
Kevin Wittoeck
A certified yoga teacher (Rishikesh Yogpeeth) and breathwork facilitator (InnerCamp), he draws on nearly two decades of devoted practice, including years as a monk in India. Fluent in four languages, he blends insights from Eastern and Western spiritual traditions with modern science. With his down-to-earth approach, he creates welcoming spaces for growth and integration through direct experience.Â
Rebecca Stephens
Dr Rebecca Stephens is a scholar and a teacher in her daily life. Chair of The Eckhart Society, Rebecca is a regular speaker at the Society’s annual conference, co-organises and presents Eckhartian One Day Events in York and Cambridge, and is an Associate Editor of the journal, Medieval Mystical Theology.
Giovanni Felicioni
Giovanni Felicioni has been involved with the WCCM since its inception, serves on its Guiding Board and is a Benedictine Oblate. Before his role at Bonnevaux, Giovanni’s professional career spanned 30 years as a bodyworker, movement instructor and therapist in London and Europe. He studied yoga with visionary and pioneer Mary Stewart (Vanda Scaravelli) and regularly taught on her London-based Yoga Teacher Training. He is a certified Advanced Rolfer®, a Rolf Movementâ„¢ practitioner and has served on the faculty of the Rolf Institute since 2000.Â
Top image, lady meditating in field, source: Pixabay; Lady stretching, source image: Pixabay; The Still Point of the Turning World: Finding Rest Amidst Suffering Picture by Frauke Riether from PixabayÂ