Close your eyes and  picture a field of swaying sunflowers nodding and smiling in the sunshine set against a backdrop of stunning countryside and you will have transported yourself to Les Passeroses, a wonderful yoga retreat in Nonac near Augouleme France.

Just thinking about the image you have created for yourself imagine actually being there feeling the sunshine warming you, the calmness and quietness soothing your busy mind and a chance for “You” to just be “You”.

Sadly anxiety and depression are on the increase with many people suffering this horribly debilitating illness for many years searching  for ways to deal with it and take back the life they knew. Having that feeling of being back in control is incredibly empowering and it takes a lot of courage to ask for help, but help is at hand if you reach out.

Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The main components of yoga are postures (a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility) and breathing. The practice originated in India about 5,000 years ago, and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways.

Studies have shown that yoga is beneficial to people with high blood pressure, heart disease and many physical pain problems such as back pain but it also has a huge benefit  to people suffering with anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness has been scientifically proven in the battle to overcome anxiety and depression and is a wonderful tool to have in your “You” box. A friend forever with you to help and guide you through situations, empowering you to cope, and teaching you how to show compassion to yourself and how to enjoy life by living and just being in this very moment.

Lisa Kaley-Isley is a clinical psychologist based in London and she has teamed up with Karen Atkinson, the Director of MindfulnessUK, to bring you a combined yoga and mindfulness  training and therapy week all set in the peaceful, calming setting of a rural retreat.

This course has been set up to teach therapists who want to explore using yoga and mindfulness to treat anxiety and depression in a retreat environment. You will experience and learn to teach adaptations of yoga practices and application of mindfulness and compassion practices providing you with a skilful pairing designed to empower you both in your own life and in your teaching and therapy capacity.

This amazing retreat is limited to 15 people and runs  from Saturday 20th May to Saturday 27th May.

For further details and to book your place please click on this link http://www.passeroses.com/yoga-calendar