Happiness (Santosha) | Mini Yoga Retreat, 16 November 2025

As we draw towards the end of the year, and especially towards Christmas, I felt called to weave the notion of Santosha (contentedness and satisfaction) through November’s mini retreat. Santosha can also be understood as happiness. We explored what this feels like for each person on an individual level, then carried this feeling into our collective meditation, energy work, yoga and reflection.

We began with a Reiki-infused cacao ceremony, setting intentions to awaken the gifts of happiness within our own hearts. We tuned into the emotional body and sat with the warmth that happiness brings, a sense of inner peace untouched by materialism or dopamine-driven activities. We then sent this inner joy outwards to loved ones and the wider world. As we sat with the cacao, we listened to the mantra Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, which means, “May all beings everywhere be happy and free.” This ancient phrase carries a wish for universal well-being and compassion.

We continued with grounding meditation in an easy seated position, supported by the deep resonance of the 432 hertz C Note singing bowl. Singing bowl notes correspond to the body’s chakras, the energy centres that support physical, emotional and spiritual balance. The C Note resonates with the Root Chakra, encouraging grounding and stability.

Next, we moved into a heart-warming yin yoga sequence, guiding everyone back to themselves, their hearts and their inner joy. Participants created a soft nest of pillows, bolsters, blankets, blocks and lavender-scented eye masks. This nest set the intention to soften, release resistance and let go. Surrounded by lavender and supported by props, bodies settled into deep rest. We tuned into the natural rhythm of the breath and allowed quietness to settle over us. Shapes changed slowly and passively, each held for several minutes, encouraging stillness and the release of physical and mental tension.

We then drifted into Yoga Nidra, a guided practice often described as yogic sleep. Through body scans, breath awareness and gentle visualisation, Yoga Nidra leads to deep relaxation while maintaining conscious awareness. Practised in Shavasana or seated if preferred, it is accessible to most people and is well known for reducing stress and anxiety.

The final part of the retreat was a crystalline sound bath using the seven bowls of the tonic scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), along with chimes and drums. As our bodies are composed largely of water, sound waves travel efficiently through us, influencing cells and tissues. The vibrations of the bowls can help release tension, reduce stress and promote healing by supporting the body's natural balance.

To close, we reawakened gently, grounding once more before rising from our nests with soft, flowing movements. Gentle dancing, shaking and stretching helped us return to the room with calmness, softness and a renewed sense of joy.
 

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