AsiaSpa - July-August 2017

74 AsiaSpa July/August 2017

InnerRetreat

designed to access stored emotions from the

past. Horses are known for being intuitive

creatures with the capacity to help identify

issues that may be causing anxiety, their

presence a way to reflect the challenges

we face.

Megan notices changes in the horses’

behaviour and picks the one with whom

I apparently share personality traits with.

The session involves interacting with Jack,

and observing his reactions when I am in

a calm state as opposed to overthinking,

with a focus on intent and confidence, as I

lead him around the paddock, which turns

out to be a bit of a power play, both of us

headstrong and trying to figure each other

out. Simply being in his presence is a treat.

DAY 4

One of the most vigorous mornings yet, I

opt for the challenging walk into the valley.

Mention of having to climb the infamously

steep Gwinganna driveway drastically

shrinks the group. It’s easy to see why as we

embark on the first (and worst) part, which

at times feels like our nose is inches away

from pavement. Intervals are the preferred

method of training here and we power up

the hill, with rests in between to offer our

wildly beating hearts respite.

Rhiannon’s Drums on Fire class was by

far the best class, as she had us performing

a ‘concert’ using drum sticks and fit balls,

jumping around with abandon, and it felt

far too fun to be considered a workout

though everyone was puffed by the end.

She inspires us with her boundless energy,

getting everyone on their feet for a Zumba

class immediately afterwards, where even

the older members of the group got down

to Pitbull, a sight in itself.

Sharon tackles the last and arguably

most important ‘s’ of the seminars, stress,

a topic so vast it needs to be split into two

talks. She explains the spectrum between

fight or flight, and rest and digest, the latter

what we are striving to most effectively

lower stress levels so that we can be more

productive in our lives. She explains that the

brain is the middleman passing messages to

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The dining deck is the gathering spot for every delicious meal; each day begins with the peaceful ritual of qigong; meditation suites offer a luxurious stay