Terry Doyle & Lana Kennedy
Saturday 18th April from 10am to 4pm
Suggested Donation £45.00

In a world that increasingly demands we live “above the neck”—constantly processing information and managing stress—it is easy to lose touch with our physical selves. This Holistic Wellbeing Retreat is a warm invitation to step away from the noise and “drop back down” into your body.

Led by Terry Doyle and local facilitator Lana Kennedy, this day is designed to help you rediscover what it feels like to be truly “at home” in your own skin. Together, Terry and Lana lead an embodied practice that moves away from intellectual exercises and focuses on the simple, universal human need for peace and presence.

The “Big 5”: Your Path to Presence

This retreat utilises five core pillars to help ground the nervous system and restore balance:

• Nature: Utilise the unique “peace and ambience” of Minsteracres, spending time among the ancient giant Redwoods to ground yourself in the natural world.
• Movement: Experience the benefits of gentle, accessible movement—such as Chi Kung and mindful walking—led by Terry and Lana. These practices are designed for everybody, with no “fitness” requirement.
• Breath: Learn to use the breath as a “bridge” between the busy mind and the resting body.
• Stillness: Incorporate periods of shared silence to help the “monkey mind” settle.
• Community: Enjoy a nourishing, home-cooked vegetarian lunch served in our historic Ballroom, providing a chance to share the experience with a community of like-minded people.

Who is this for?
This day is entirely invitational. Whether you have a long-standing meditation practice or have never attended a retreat before, you are welcome. Terry and Lana bring their own unique expertise to ensure the day is supportive and non-intimidating.

It is particularly suited for:
• Those feeling overwhelmed by the pace of modern life.
• Anyone curious about mindfulness, Tai Chi, or Chi Kung.
• People seeking to experience the restorative power of the Northumberland countryside.
• Anyone seeking a “reset” for their mental and physical health.

What’s Included:
• A full day of guidance from Terry Doyle and Lana Kennedy.
• Access to the private, tranquil grounds of the Minsteracres estate.
• A delicious, communal lunch and refreshments.
• Simple tools you can take home to manage stress in your daily life.

Space is limited to ensure an intimate and prayerful atmosphere. Secure your place today and join Terry and Lana for a day spent “below the neck.”

Meet Your Leads: Terry Doyle & Lana Kennedy
The Holistic Wellbeing Retreat is led by two experienced practitioners who share a passion for helping people reconnect with their physical selves in a non-dogmatic, supportive environment.

Terry Doyle

Terry Doyle brings over 30 years of experience in Tai Chi, Chi Kung, and mindfulness to his work at Minsteracres. Currently based in Durham, Terry focuses on “embodied contemplative practice”—the art of moving beyond intellectual or religious ideas to experience peace directly through the body.

Approach: He specialises in helping guests “drop in” below the neck, moving away from the busy “monkey mind” toward a state of kind awareness.

Philosophy: Terry believes that wellbeing is found in the “Big 5”: Nature, Movement, Breath, Stillness, and Community.

Style: His sessions are entirely invitational, ensuring that everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned practitioners—feels comfortable and “at home”.

Lana Kennedy

Lana Kennedy is a local facilitator who works alongside Terry to provide a deeply grounded and supportive retreat experience. Living in nearby Ebchester, Lana has a profound connection to the local landscape and the restorative “ambience” of the Minsteracres estate.Professional Expertise: Lana has been a Pilates instructor for many years, bringing a wealth of knowledge regarding physical alignment and body awareness to the day.

Embodied Practice: While Lana draws on her years of experience in movement, it is important to note that this retreat is not a Pilates class. Instead, she uses her expertise to help guests engage in a broader “embodied practice” that settles the nervous system.

Collaborative Approach: Terry and Lana have a long-standing working relationship, creating a seamless environment where guests feel safe to “drop in” and explore stillness and movement at their own pace.

Local Connection: Her familiarity with the North East and the specific peace of Minsteracres helps guests feel instantly at home and connected to the natural surroundings.