Home Retreat

Reconnect with Nature: Vegan Yoga Retreat & Work Exchange

Overview
Gallery
Location
Contact
Add Review

Language Spoken
English
Exchange hours per day
6
Days off per Week
2
Accomodation Provided
Yes
Meals Included
Yes
Minimum Commitment (In Days)
5
Amenities
Garden, Kitchen
Types of Help & Learning Opportunities
Farm Help, Gardening & Planting, Spiritual Growth, Yoga Teaching or Learning

About Viveka Gardens:

Viveka Gardens serves as a serene retreat located in the rural expanse of Mid Devon, England. Nestled away from urban distractions, this 8.5-acre sanctuary is dedicated to fostering community through yoga, meditation, and spirituality. The term “Viveka,” derived from Sanskrit, embodies the concepts of discernment and wisdom, reflecting the core values of the retreat. It aims to support individuals in connecting with their true selves while promoting practices that nurture inner peace and a communal spirit. The landscape comprises gardens, orchards, woodland, and fields, all of which facilitate hands-on engagement with nature and food cultivation, allowing visitors to ground themselves in the cycle of life and growth.

The history of Viveka Gardens is intrinsically linked to its founder, Fiona Law, who became a certified yoga teacher in 2001. Throughout her journey, she has balanced her professional endeavors in adult education and community gardening with her spiritual development, eventually deepening her commitment by becoming confirmed in the Church of England in 2015. Despite resigning from her ordained position in 2024, Fiona’s focus remains on offering a transformative experience to individuals seeking restful reflection and personal growth. By creating a space imbued with warmth and inclusivity, she invites guests to partake in daily practices of contemplation, communal meals, and optional tasks within the gardens, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among all participants.

At Viveka Gardens, community activities revolve around restorative yoga classes, meditation sessions, and vegan communal dining. The retreat encourages visitors to take part in wellness workshops and day retreats, which are designed to enhance self-discovery and healing. Fiona provides coaching and spiritual accompaniment, facilitating individual journeys while cultivating a collective experience of harmony and support. The emphasis on a completely vegan environment underscores a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, inviting attendees to embrace a lifestyle that resonates with ethical living and compassionate practices. Overall, Viveka Gardens embodies a holistic approach to community wellness, promoting a profound understanding of self amid the nurturing embrace of nature.

About Reconnect with Nature: Vegan Yoga Retreat & Work Exchange:

Viveka Gardens offers a unique work exchange opportunity where participants can contribute to various seasonal projects such as apple harvesting, woodland clearance, and garden management. Volunteers will engage in a six-hour workday, typically over five days, focusing on outdoor tasks while enjoying vegan meals, morning meditation, and access to yoga classes or workshops. Accommodation is shared in a converted cob barn, providing a comfortable and immersive experience in a peaceful retreat environment. Participants are expected to have physical fitness for outdoor work and will benefit from ad hoc training in horticulture, fostering both personal growth and a connection to nature.

### Work Exchange Opportunities: Duties and Benefits

– **Duties and Responsibilities:**
– Engage in seasonal projects such as weeding, planting, clearing, and managing woodland.
– Perform specific tasks like barrowing mulch and preparing areas for planting.
– Participate in the communal maintenance of the retreat environment.

– **Duration and Schedule:**
– Length of Stay: Typically five days.
– Hours Per Day: Six-hour workdays.
– Days Off Per Week: Two days off, depending on the schedule.

– **Accommodation:**
– Shared accommodation in a converted cob barn with good amenities.

– **Benefits for Work Exchange:**
– Nutritious vegan meals, morning meditation, and yoga spaces.
– An opportunity to develop yoga practices and explore spirituality.
– Ad hoc horticulture training relevant to seasonal tasks.
– A safe and inclusive environment for relaxation, learning, and community living.

– **Skills and Experiences Gained:**
– Hands-on experience in sustainable gardening and land management.
– Enhanced knowledge of vegan cooking and dietary practices.
– Development of mindfulness and meditation skills.

– **Personal Growth and Cultural Immersion:**
– Opportunities for personal reflection and growth through a retreat-style lifestyle.
– Engagement with like-minded individuals fostering a sense of community and shared experience in a tranquil setting.