. . . the lights went out with Lee.

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a few words from David Parker

On Tuesday last week, on the very night we had a Breathwork Group, a power cut in the area affecting, shops, a pub and residences including three 20 storey tower blocks, went out. I wasn’t sure what to do, it was 4pm, we start at 7pm, how long would it last? . .  in fact it lasted 10 hours. Even though it was light outside, I still set about finding every moroccan tea light glass I had so we could have group, as the gloomy weather lent no light to proceedings. People arrived, including Lee, but universally known as ‘Peggy’. He used to run a pub, and being gay, he was bestowed this name, the same one as Babs Windsor playing Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders. His familiar bellow “Get Outa Ma Pub” was legendary, fierce and final.

Anyway he bounced in, a bit late, flustered, “what a bloody day!” arms waving, laughing, and took his place in a group he loved attending, “I come here for the social aspect, as much for the rebirthing breathwork, talking to people, getting into discussion with like-minds, he would often say, knowing there was no holding back on feelings or effing and blinding. We live in urban London, we speak as we find, no ‘hippie shit’, as some think, or ‘best behaviour’ going on.

Tell it like it is. And he did.

12814709_10154592242629128_467599028065657084_nI’d met Lee before, but he first attended our Monthly One Day Sunday Seminars in Victoria, eighteen months ago, and when we switched to Evening Groups ( now 3 a month ), he often forgot the dates, so he began to put up on Facebook the chalk board in his kitchen, to tell me he hadn’t forgotten.  

After the Breathe, we sat round in darkness, with just tea lights in glasses and Lee posted on Facebook the next morning : 

Lee Anderson : Peggy loved it by candlelight! 22 June at 08:54

12191970_10154304467959128_89677911108339713_nWe responded on Facebook everyday to each other especially over politics, last summer we both went to Camden Town Hall to hear Jeremy Corbyn, ( really to see Owen Jones in the flesh, we laughed ) and on Friday of last week we both FUMED over BREXIT as we both embrace a social conscience. He was with me when I took that photo of 3 teenagers looking into the window, after Corbyn’s rally, that went viral on global social media. Best memory to have of me and her.

Lee had worked at KIDS COMPANY for 5 years, with children and teenagers all living in harrowing difficult circumstances. His open hearted generosity healed unforgivable experiences, and the new job working with the charity recently set up by COLDPLAY & the John Frieda Company allowed him to continue in this role, using his creative talents ( holding a Degree in Printmaking for starters ), playing the fool, making kids laugh, and encouraging higher esteem in those kids unable to see the light of love. The authenticity he employed with kids he brought to our group, the quest for understanding with childhood enthusiasm, curiosity and a desire for deeper personal development. He loved me with a passion, always calling me Nana, and I adored and loved him back. My heart is smashed with his death.broken-heart_0

I know some of his dear friends referred to him as Edina Monsoon on Facebook with his ‘re-birthing classes’ (as he often posted about it on Facebook), but they were not far wrong – Peggy was truly, ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS.

Urban LIFECLASS will certainly miss his raucous laughter, old school camperama, diligence in finding himself and self sacrifice in unconditionally helping others. The lights have disappeared from our lives with Lee’s sad cardiac arrest last Sunday, but those tea glasses in every future Breathwork group will shine on, in each and every BREATHE we have.

Together we mourn, collectively we love. ❤️ #takeaBREATH

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Trending in 2016 : Breathing Education

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Trending Agencies have often been called ‘the backbone of marketing’. You may have wondered how when you shop for Home Furnishing, for example, there is a common thread built into current styles, colour, patterns and textures. In wearable fashion, the same thing occurs, this season has one colour mix everywhere, replaced by another 6 months later, how does that happen? This is the role of Trend & Fashion Forecasting.

Leading Agencies like New York based SPARKS & HONEY predict lifestyle trends, while companies in the fashion retail sector use fashion forecasters like WGSN, who predict over 2 years ahead what we will be wearing. This unites designers, factories, and analysts together to plan ahead cost effectively, thus creating global trends, they hope we will buy or buy into. But it can be risky, local weather, and climate change, can deeply upset fashion trends, and who can predict what clothes we will need in 2 years time while seasonal, crazy weather patterns, can deeply effect a corporate balance sheet.

imagesLIFESTYLE TRENDS, however are easier to predict, based on factual past evidence of what is rising, falling and coming into play. The speed of high technology has created a faster turnaround of ‘what’s in and what’s out’, creating equal havoc for the leisure industry, as for retail fashion. I recall, that in 1980 I was told by budding computer experts that ‘computers solve one problem while creating another’. How prophetic. 

The pace of information overload, constant mobile phone use, 24/7 contactability, and increasing low wage economies today, has created a more stressful society, with decreasing boundaries and relationship turmoil. No wonder we have barely time to BREATHE. No wonder we need to learn how to do it efficiently and URBAN LIFECLASS teaches you how.

So it comes as little surprise that leading forecaster SPARKS & HONEY has cited BREATHING EDUCATION as one of the essential trends of 2016.

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© SPARKS & HONEY 2015 
 Image: Kite_rin / SHUTTERSTOCK

I have been advocating the practice of Conscious Connected Breathwork for over 25 years – now science has caught up – from New Age to Internet Age.

SPARKS & HONEY say’s :

imagesMost humans take 20,000 to 30,000 breaths daily BUT MOST DON”T KNOW HOW TO DO IT PROPERLY. Now modern science is saying that breathing ( like drinking water and getting a good nights sleep ) can help lower blood pressure, boost immunity, reduce stress and fight obesity. BREATHING RETREATS and workshops featuring belly breathing, conscious breathing, and yogic breathing are on the rise. We will see more attention to breathing as a psychotherapeutic tool in 2016.

CULTURAL CHALLENGE : Try to find and attend a breathing class where you live. 

(We run 3 BREATHING Groups a month in London. Contact us.)  So now you know!

 

Mike Delaney reviews our 2016 Maroc Retreat

17th January 2016 :430062_3261424939950_872411794_nkeep-calm-and-love-maroc-34

“This week has been one of the most profound, mind-blowing, painful at times but spiritually healing experiences of my recovery.

I would highly recommend URBAN Lifeclass Coaching and Breathwork Retreats to anyone who wants to go that little bit deeper in self development work. You have to be brave enough to trust the process but, My God it’s worth it!!

My utmost gratitude to David Parker and Meleeshka for their knowledge and skills and to all of my new friends for their love, support and laughter every day. Thank you so much x “

Mike Delaney RNMH MBACP
Addictive Behaviour Specialist

Mike Delaney is a leading authority in the treatment of addictions with over 30 years’ consultancy experience with individuals, rehabilitation centres, and professional bodies in the UK and internationally.

There was no Equine Assisted Therapy on our Retreat, Mike came for his own well-being, but all details are on his website http://www.mikedelaney.co.uk

http://www.mikedelaney.co.uk/equine-assisted-psychotherapy/

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So what happens on a 5 Day Breathwork Course ( within a 7 night stay ) in Marrakech January 12th 2015 : Start Relaxing, detoxing, pampering and Breathing.

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11113930_840321189367372_7000292416324159563_nThe Course led by Trainers David Parker and Meleeshka, with over 25 years experience each, is held at a charming 4* Hotel, Les Borjs del la Kasbah, in the Kasbah Medina, up alleyways, full of bustle and moroccan life, so immediately you will feel miles away from home. RELAX.

Arrival Day Tuesday : As most participants will be arriving on early flights from the UK, today is for settling in, napping and feeling the pace in and outside the Hotel. Its a free day, to do as you will, perhaps a massage in the spa ( 45 mins various massages with organic oils from £20 – £32 ). All SPA Treatments can be booked and paid for during your stay, and is up to each participant to decide, as they are extra to the course and with no obligation to partake.

We all meet in the Lounge @ 7pm for an arrival introduction from the Hotel & Trainers before we have a GROUP DINNER @ 7.30pm. This is the only time we we will eat together, throughout your stay you can decide when you eat and who with ( 7.30-9.30pm ) Then it’s the bar, chatting or bed, ready for the first day of the course. Breakfast is from 7.30-9.30am. Accommodation includes a sumptuous breakfast buffet and dinner, paid separately to the Hotel from the Course, and on leaving your stay.

imagesThis years theme is : LET’S GET CLEAR ON THE YEAR  with a Breathing Group Session of some kind every day for 5 days.

Wednesday & Thursday Day 1 & 2 is spent in the Hotel from 10am – 7pm, with breaks for writing, verbal sharing, in our group room and patio areas so you can experience weather outside too, including lunch breaks around the pool, ( Not expensive : Omelette with french fries and salad £4, Pizza or freshly made Salads £5, Club Sandwiches £5.50 all made to order ).

1663924_114_yDuring these 2 days of letting go you will experience a HAMMAM as part of your course fee and a 90 min Group Breathwork Session on both days. 

What is HAMMAM? check out this link. http://www.lifeandsoulmagazine.com/diy-moroccan-hammam-treatment/ A small group HAMMAM 3/4 same sex people is INCLUDED in your 5 day Course fee.

Day 3 Friday : Weather permitting we will take a Day Trip to the base of the Atlas Mountains, included in your course fee, this year we will be going to ASNI-Ouirgane, ( different location than last year ) to be with nature, and have a Breathing Session close to water, in the valley countryside. Written Exercises will be offered to work on during the day as well as plenty of mint tea. Do bring scarves and hats, it can be chilly in the Atlas.

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Day 4 Saturday : After morning group we visit the stunning Yves St Laurent Jardin Majorelle ( this year for a longer stay if you came last year – time for shopping and coffee lazing in or outside the Jardin ) In the afternoon we return to the hotel for a group sharing and a full breathwork session. **Friday, Saturday or Sunday activities may swop days depending on local weather at that time.

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Day 5 Sunday : A full day in the Hotel with group sessions and a final Conscious Connected Breathwork Session. In the evening a 4 course Moroccan Evening with local musicians is planned for you, with the extra payment ( on top of your HB ) is part of your £350 Course Fee for 5 Days.

Day 6 Monday : With a final Group meet up after breakfast, the day is yours to sightsee Marrakech.

Day 7 Tuesday : Fly home, refreshed ready to GET CLEAR ON THE YEAR.

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FEEDBACK from last year:

“Well I can report back that it was one of the most joyous weeks of my life and perfectly placed for the beginning of the year. In fact I would say that a lot of creative planning for the months to come happened without even trying during those days…Onwards with abundance xx ( CH London England )

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“What can I say about my time away except that it was deeply needed and I feel profoundly honoured to have been in the company of so many loving souls. It’s been hard to get back to normality especially as I have to say goodbye to one of my oldest friends next week, who passed over, but I now have both the courage and power to do him justice as I say my farewell whilst being strong enough for my God daughter too, and I thank David and Meleeska for love, guidance and respect that they showed me over the last week, for without these things mixed in with the healing power of laughter, I wouldn’t be able to do it!! All my love to you both, always!! XO ( M. Somerset England )

“The retreat in Marrakech was stunning, beautiful beautiful people, amazing location, huge amounts of love and even more compassion, but throw in huge gales of laughter, it was beyond superlatives. All I can say it was the first break I had taken for ten years, and boy it was worth waiting for, the people were and are amazing, the breath work powerful and simply life changing, and the laughs we had still rings in my ears , roll on 2015, best decision I ever made … Thanks David and Mell big love xx ( JD Somerset England )

Some more Testimonials from last year are here : 

https://urbanlifeclass.me/morocco-retreats/something-happened-in-morocco-and-the-echoes-are-still-being-felt-a-month-later/

https://urbanlifeclass.me/morocco-retreats/book-now-for-our-maroc-rebirthing-retreat-january-2016-sara-turner-tells-us-her-tale-of-january-2015/

https://urbanlifeclass.me/2015/02/09/january-maroc-spiritual-retreat-a-huge-success-for-all-so-we-are-doing-it-all-again-next-year/

All prices and info is here https://urbanlifeclass.me/2015/08/09/give-yourself-a-break-maroc-spiritual-retreat-january-12th-2016-can-you-imagine-yourself-spending-7-days-in-marrakech-in-this-glorious-hotel-complete-with-spa/

red-love-heartSPEAK TO US ( not the Hotel ) all we ask for CONFIRMATION is to BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS FIRST! – really CHEAP right now. We will tell you what easy jet flights we are on from Bristol & London. For information and payment options if you want to pay in 2016.

London : David Parker 020 7388 3109 /Robert Beck (+44) 7913862492 / urbanlifeclass@gmail.com Glastonbury : Meleeshka 01458 833381

Maroc 5 Day Breathwork Course January 12th 2016 / 7 Night stay : It starts HERE. Marrakech Airport.

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11889532_878251175588500_5412132789685987818_n11113930_840321189367372_7000292416324159563_nFollowing last years Retreat, everyone arrives on Tuesday 12th January from different locations, during the day. At the airport the 4*Hotel will be there to greet you and take you the 15 minute drive to the Kasbah Souk, included in the course fee. The Kasbah is the real Marrakech, nowhere near the corporate 4* Hotels outside the Medina that most tourists reside.

We are in the heart of Marrakech.

 

On arrival complimentary Mint Tea and Moroccan pastries are served in the lounge while the porters take luggage to your rooms. Welcome to Les Borjs De La Kasbah

Now choose your Bedrooms 

All prices and info is here https://urbanlifeclass.me/2015/08/09/give-yourself-a-break-maroc-spiritual-retreat-january-12th-2016-can-you-imagine-yourself-spending-7-days-in-marrakech-in-this-glorious-hotel-complete-with-spa/

imagesSPEAK TO US ( not the Hotel ) all we ask for CONFIRMATION is to BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS FIRST!  – really CHEAP right now. We will tell you what easy jet flights we are on from Bristol & London. For information and payment options.

London : David Parker 020 7388 3109 /Robert Beck  (+44) 7913862492 / urbanlifeclass@gmail.com     Glastonbury : Meleeshka 01458 833381

Book Now for our Maroc Rebirthing Retreat January 2016 . . . Sara Turner tells us her tale of January 2015.

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Well….I got there which was a start! That’s me, Sara, in the black poncho feeling the Maroc vibe. 

I had been so stressed with work prior to the trip I truly didn’t think I was going to make it, so when the alarm went off on Tuesday 13th January at 2.30am that was it, I was off and the relief once I finally sat on that plane was indescribable. David came over on the flight saying we’d have to fill in an immigration form and produced a bunch of green pens in case we hadn’t brought any with us. What I didn’t realise was, this was to set the tone for the rest of the week. Being cared for, nurtured, considered, prioritised…..

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Once we’d arrived at the airport, transport had been arranged and off we went to Les Borjs de la Kasbah right in the Medina, where we had beautiful pastries and mint tea whilst the hotel staff took our luggage to our rooms. On the arrival day some participants had treatments booked whilst others, including me had the Hammam arranged for the following day. I was quite happy to rest and get ready to meet everyone for dinner later on.

226394_10150302044984966_1481394_nMy room was absolutely beautiful, rose petals greeting me on the bed and in the bathroom! We were booked in for half board, a three course meal every evening with 2 choices and a breakfast fit for a queen, everything from fresh fruit, pancakes, pastries to home-made yoghurt.

The course was perfectly paced for me, the balance of group work, discussion, individual work and breath work allowed for processing. I had been along to a couple of sessions prior to the retreat, so had met a few members of the group and felt very comfortable with these sessions so the decision to go to Morocco was an easy one for me. I felt happy to surrender myself to the process, trusting and knowing I would be supported and accepted by the trainers and assistants. Although I believe myself to be an open person I thought I would not feel secure opening up in a group, especially with people I don’t know very well. However, the trainers, assistants and group participants were all very supportive and there was no pressure to share or to be anyone other than ourselves. I embraced it all quickly.

black-soap-used-in-hammamI have to say, the nurturing in the course extended to the staff at the hotel and spa. I have never had a Hammam and found the care and attention given to me by the staff to be very moving. It reminded me of being washed by my mother when I was younger.

After HAMMAM the Rebirthing breathwork experience was both powerful and gentle. I experienced a significant emotional shift and physical sensations new to me. The assistants supported me, and seemed to know exactly when to encourage me to breathe deeper and gave reassurance.

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Musée-Berbère-Jardin-Majorelle-©AnneLataillade-2013The excursions, personal and group leisure time and the course was balanced perfectly, I never felt once that I didn’t have enough time for me, the course or getting out to see Marrakesh. We visited a Berber village, Yves St Laurent’s garden and enjoyed a Moroccan evening with belly dancer, traditional music and food. I don’t know how we fitted it all in but as I mentioned, it felt perfectly balanced. I met some beautiful genuinely caring people during my week, people I feel I’ve shared a significant experience with which has stayed with me.

red-love-heartSince returning I have already made some essential changes for my well-being, leaving my job being one, but more importantly, putting myself first which is a new phenomenon for me, and one I’m embracing and not feeling guilty about.

Postcard by Sara Turner : A participant of the January Marrakech Spiritual Retreat 2015.

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imagesCOSTINGS : Average cost of a Single Room or Twin Room ( 2 peeps, similar price each but more space ) is this , Rob our Group PA says : My entire bill came to 5440 MAD which was £366 and included my half board SINGLE room ( breakfast & dinner ) and all the extras that I had including snacks, drinks etc.
-For the room alone I paid 574 MAD which was £38 per night – I only paid for the first 5 days and got the last 2 for free ( hotel Deal for Urban LIFECLASS )
– Plus 200 MAD for half board £13 per day – Plus 26 MAD for tax £1.75 TOTAL 7 Days = £366

The 5 day Course Fee 2016 ( within the 7 day Retreat ) is £350 payable by arrangement. My easy jet flight in 2014 was £110 return from London with 20 K luggage, booked earlier in October I could have got it cheaper. START SAVING and get on our LIST NOW! First Booked get SINGLE ROOMS. http://www.lesborjsdelakasbah.com

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More Details about our Maroc Retreat January 12 th 2016 is here : https://urbanlifeclass.me/morocco-retreats/ What is HAMMAM? check out this link. A small group HAMMAM 3/4 same sex people is INCLUDED in your 5 day Course fee. http://www.lifeandsoulmagazine.com/diy-moroccan-hammam-treatment/

One Day Rebirthing Seminar Sunday April 12th 12.15pm – 8pm EUSTON £70/50 : Spirituality, Denial, Deceptions & Double Messages.

“Above all, don’t lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

DENIAL

WE ARE ALL ARTISTS, even CON ARTISTS.

Many think they are a FRAUD. In what they produce and who they are.

It’s easy to think that we are not creative, not artistic, yet ironically capable of creating inertia, chaos living, procrastination or double messages in our lives. Using THE ARTISTS WAY we will focus on SETTING BOUNDARIES, surveying our current surroundings, focusing on perceptions regarding environments, colleagues and self with an eye to your best interests, not just serving others. Many of us grew up in a home environment of DOUBLE MESSAGES, where love also meant violence, verbal put downs and abuses. We still deliver those memes of misunderstanding to ourselves partners and friends. Feel them, Claim them, DUMP THEM.

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Getting REAL about ourselves is not first on our *to do* list, I’m sure, but being honest about our work, our perceptions and dreams is the FIRST STEP to INTERNAL HARMONY. Writing, verbalising and getting it out there, even if solution appears distant, is vital. Then as we do at the end of each SUNDAY BREATHWORK SEMINAR, handing our minds, body, and spirit over to 1 hours Breathwork, creating altered states of consciousness ( Trippy without being Hippy ) with resultant clarity, serenity and replenishment. https://urbanlifeclass.me/rebirthingthe-love-drug/

**NEW VENUE : https://urbanlifeclass.me/2015/03/20/our-first-year-and-a-new-place-to-play-in-london-2015-euston/

The Lecture Room : The Place, 16 Flaxman Terrace, London WC1H 9AT

imagesWell served with numerous tube lines, close to Kings Cross & Euston Main Line Stations, even Paris & Belgium, as EUROSTAR is across the road, so even those folks in Kent can get to us direct in a short time. Registration starts at 12.15 pm ( but many of us meet up before for breakfast somewhere – details coming on that one ). We break for lunch at 3pm for an hour, then continue till 8pm, giving time for peeps to travel afar, take dinner with friends or go home at a reasonable time and relax.

We are not part of THE PLACE programming or have any attachment to their activities, we are simply hiring The Lecture Room, so please do not contact them. They have given us permission to show you their logo, but it will not appear on any of our future promotional material, as their terms and conditions dictate. The room IS smaller than The Light Centre in Victoria ( but just as expensive I might add ) but we will have comfortable chairs to sit on as well as yoga mats.

WELCOME if you are new to Personal Development, Groupwork or Breathwork. We don’t do special languages, New Age stuff or talking sticks. Other groups do those things so much better than us. We are just a bunch of creative people willing to change habits, addictions and depleting toxic relationships from our lives. If you are new, one of our team can contact you if you wish to answer questions. We don’t sell anything, or sign anyone up, we leave the choice up to you. You don’t need to be Creative, just willing to check out your life and how you can change the impact of all your relationships.

10501688_302332539936610_6051405388470842940_n£70 for the whole day including a GROUP REBIRTH SESSION ( Some concessions are available for £50 if you are already on the DIY or our concession list ) Delayed/part payment will be individually considered.

Paypal to codacoach@yahoo.co.uk BOOKING : Contact Robert Beck urbanlifeclass@gmail.com (+44) 7913862492 for payment options.

facebook-event-logohttps://www.facebook.com/events/329620067248747/

Something happened in Morocco . . . and the echoes are still being felt a month later !

21022_10152742799425459_604625378_nby psychotherapist Suzanna Brown.

When I saw David post about the Moroccan retreat in Autumn last year, I knew I had to go. I have always wanted to go to Marrakech and I was aware that it held a special place in David’s heart, so I thought he would be the ultimate host.

That, together with the idea of a breathwork retreat at the beginning of the year, felt like the perfect way to start 2015. I felt it would clear out the old energy of 2014 and help me start the new year on the right note. And I wasn’t wrong . . . 

10373851_10205416773077232_2495452012648263397_nUnfortunately prior to the trip I had awful mega flu, so when I arrived I was feeling pretty out of sorts. From the off, I felt incredibly held and nurtured by the lovely Meleeshka, who co-facilitated the retreat with David. Here they are with the gifts we bought them to end the Course.

Under my recent illness was a general fatigue and tiredness after quite a tough couple of years…and after the first couple of breathes I really connected with that. I felt the grief of losing my parents move through me again and my body’s strong call to be nurtured and listened to.

Thankfully there was an excellent spa at the hotel for private out of course bodywork, but a detoxing healing hammam for all in the first 2 days was included in the course fee. Naturally I felt it necessary to attend the spa for massages and general pampering as much as possible for the remainder of the week. Well, I had to heed the body’s call! 

The highlight of the week for me in terms of breathing was an eye gaze breathe that we did with a partner. I still find it hard to put this into words . . . but it was something of a peak experience.

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I have undertaken breathwork before in the US and also in a small group with David, but I have never experienced something so powerful. As well as being an extremely enjoyable experience for myself and my partner, it went far beyond that to have a much deeper meaning for me personally. This has been worth it’s weight in gold.

I also have to mention the people I met. All of whom were wonderful in their own way…and some of whom have become friends. There was a lot of deep work that went on during the week, but also a lot of love and laughter in the group. So I salute my fellow travellers and the wonderful assistants, who all contributed to making the experience really unforgettable. Thank you.

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Last but not least, as a psychotherapist, a word of warning about the power of breathwork and it’s effects.

The retreat is powerful stuff and working with the body can bring to light unresolved issues that need to be worked through. Whilst I cannot fault the amazing way the retreat was facilitated by David and Meleeshka, who I felt were the perfect team, it can be difficult to leave that environment and return home if lots of ‘stuff’ has come up for you. So please don’t underestimate the power of the breath…and do think about having some aftercare lined up for your return . . whether that be a full course of rebirthing sessions or a therapist that you can work through any issues with.

For me, the retreat has seen me commit to and implement changes in my nutrition, as well as getting back into exercise and yoga. I realised that my health is my true wealth and that nourishing my soul means a deep respect of my body and spirit. All that for a mere £300 5 day course fee and a fantastic experience in Morocco with a wonderful group of people.

It’s a no brainer really . . . just go!  

Suzanna Brown

Coming OUT of Shallow Breathing into FULL SPEED AHEAD

1972351_261858887317309_799607384_nAs with many people who lie down to breathe for the first time, I was filled with a mix of scepticism and uncertainty about what was going to happen. Surely the simple act of breathing couldn’t bring about as strong a reaction as I had been promised? It was difficult not to feel a bit daft as I began to inhale deeply, taking in large amounts of oxygen, and then releasing only a third of my breath, leaving the remaining oxygen to flood my brain and body like water gradually filling a jug.

For about fifteen minutes I lay there, fighting against the urge to regulate my breathing which felt forced and unnatural. How was I going to last another three quarters of an hour breathing like this? Then something strange began to happen. It started slowly and then became more and more noticeable. A tingle in the finger-tips that spread up my arms and washed over my chest which somehow felt lighter and buoyed up, like a freshly inflated balloon. My breathing was also easier despite the fact I had not adjusted my rhythm. Was it actually happening to me; this strange and wonderful sensation that I had been told about but had doubted?

I lay there, excited for what was happening. Outside noises seemed to melt away and I was left completely inside my own body. It was as if my consciousness has retreated inside my brain, no longer aware of what existed beyond the shell of my own skin. It was dark and warm and felt safe. Occasionally, the darkness would be penetrated by a white light or a colour spectrum that seemed to whirl above me, forming shapes and even faces. It was a hugely multi-sensory experience that, when it was over, left me feeling calm and collected, as if I had slept particularly well and all my troubles seemed lessened thanks to how relaxed I found myself.

It was not until some time later, when I was given the chance to assist on someone else’s first breathe, that I was able to witness this ‘tipping point’ and observe how tangible it is. You can physically see the body’s initial resistance to the journey as it reacts against this strange way of breathing. Then as the time passes and breathing in this way becomes more natural and the body is flooded with oxygen and the consciousness begins to retreat in on itself, you can watch as the breather drifts off to a place where they are fully in touch with themselves – a place where you are able to get some perspective on your life and come back fresher and more able to tackle the crap life throws at you. And all from breathing – who’d have thought!

1002087_10152899205155371_2132921410_nWritten by Robert Beck.

https://urbanlifeclass.me/the-creative-collective/robert-beck/