Within minutes of sitting down to start writing this blog about meditation and mindfulness I was distracted by a pop-up ad for a furniture brand I must have searched for on the internet earlier. Naturally, I switched my attention from meditation and mindfulness to sofas in a matter of seconds.

I’m currently dealing with bereavement and multiple freelance projects which combine to mean sleepless nights and a struggle to focus. Meditation and mindfulness are the recommended solutions but for me, there is some confusion over two terms which are often used interchangeably.

There’s meditation, mindfulness and, yes even, mindful meditation. So are they the same or different? Let’s start by defining each term separately.

Meditation
Most of the major religions have incorporated various forms of meditation in one way or another; it has been firmly entwined with Buddhist and Hindu religions, as well as Judaism and Islam. Originally the sole purpose of meditation was to increase spiritual understanding and awareness but as an understanding of the role of the mind in good health developed, meditation became commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction in the West. Meditation is a physical and mental practice which can lead to long-term health and wellness benefits.

It may be obvious to those in the know, but meditation isn’t all about sitting still, although it can be practised in this way. Meditation comes in many different forms such as walks, guided visualisation or imagery, focused meditation (such as chanting a mantra) and yoga, Tai Chi or qigong. One of the best-known types of meditation is also known as mindfulness meditation, and this may be where the confusion lies.

Mindfulness
Meditation is part of mindfulness which is broadly speaking being aware, whether this is mindful eating, mindful relationships, mindful speech and so on. Effectively, it’s an awareness of the moment or, bringing your mind to just one thing that is happening in the present moment. Mindfulness can be something we practice informally or formally, which is mindfulness meditation. Meditation and mindfulness overlap in mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness is a form of meditation.

Mindfulness meditation involves paying attention to thoughts, sounds, the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander (as opposed to transcendental meditation which involves a mantra, for example). It’s easy to see how practising mindfulness can lead to developing a meditation practice. The two complement each other, and they can nourish both your life and your self-understanding. Those that practice yoga and tai chi will know that they can also help with developing awareness of breathing and posture. It’s become so popular over the last few years that large organisations have even included mindfulness as part of their employee packages.

You can study and practice the various forms of meditation or simply learn how to be more mindful in your everyday life as a way to reduce stress. The health benefits of both have been well-documented. Whatever you do, it is likely that you will be more focused and less distracted and I know that’s what I’m in need of. All it takes is 10 mindful minutes, for inspiration watch the TED talk video by the same title:

You can also find retreats where meditation, mindfulness, yoga or Tai Chi are offered.
If you would like to know more about the difference and similarity of Tai Chi and qigong, see our blog.

Jo Fernandez is a leading UK travel journalist, with much of her career spent working for the London Evening Standard where she was Travel Editor until 2015.
Now a freelance travel journalist and copywriter, she lives in Essex and has one daughter. As a travel expert, she still enjoys jetting off to write travel pieces, with favourite destinations including Mexico, Croatia and, of course, Essex.

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Guaranteed warm weather in much of Europe and beyond, and still a chance to cheat the rush by getting away before schools close… What’s not to like about summer retreats in July?

And with a great line-up of summer retreats, we’re sure to have the perfect getaway to help you relax – and potentially escape yet another wet July in the UK.

We give you yoga escapes in the beautiful countryside of the Surrey Hills, creative holidays in Spain, and a variety of detoxing getaways for a fresh start. And among our hand-picked summer retreats in July there’s something for the time-poor as well as those looking for a longer holiday. Dig in!

The short getaway…

• South Wales retreat: A combination of yoga and Ayurveda to help you truly unwind and relax. From £570 per person, full board for three nights, including treatments and yoga.

… and our longer summer retreats in July

• Chillout Retreat in blissful Mallorca: yet another one-off opportunity, from 17-23 July. Enjoy the island plus yoga, Pilates, meditation, detox food and juices, art, massage treatments and pool. From £649 for 6 nights, shared room.
• Tai Chi in the mountains of Southern Spain: 9-16 July. Come to explore and play tai chi! You’ll learn moves that free your joints, relax your muscles, engage your mind and fill you up with creative energy. From £650pp p/wk sharing room (singles available). And there are other activity holidays throughout the year at Cortijo Romero.
• ‘Mini Eden’ in Turkey: Yoga at Suleyman’s Garden near Dalaman comes with accommodation in traditional thatched huts and stunning sea views. From £645pp for a week.
• Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka: A top-class holiday on the south coast of Sri Lanka, with full body massages, herbal baths and steams, and rejuvenating scrubs. From £747 pp per week.

Can’t find what you’re after? No worries – here are more ideas for summer retreats in July.

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Looking for a break close to home? – Here are a few of our favourite spots for UK holidays and retreats, just a train ride away.

If you’ve only got a few days to spare, there’s no need to waste precious time on tackling airport queues and foreign currencies. We have a wide selection of UK holidays, in beautiful retreats all around the country, where you can get away from your daily routine, unwind and relax.

In Dorset you can enjoy a long weekend of daily yoga, meditation and Kundalini sound healing at Mellulah Holistic Retreats.  A variety of activities are on offer at this tranquil farm in Milton Abbas, a stunning area of rural Dorset.

Scooting back to the beautiful north, treat yourself to a healthy weekend break (or longer) at Split Farthing Hall in Thirsk, a short distance from York and Harrogate. Life coaching, Kundalini yoga for all levels, meditation and guided walks are on offer, all designed to help you relax and revitalise.

If you really want to get away from it all, you’ll find a hidden gem surrounded by acres of private land and ancient forest in South Wales. Nature walks beckon and a selection of stunning beaches are just a short drive away. A combination of Kundalini Yoga and Ayurveda allows you to unwind and relax. An optional detox with juice-fasting can also be offered.

These are just a few ideas for UK holidays. We hope you find something you like. You can find more UK holidays and retreats on our website. Mention Neal’s Yard Holidays to receive exclusive discounts or treats on some of the above retreats.

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Don’t let the winter blues get you! Read our tips on where to go for January retreats.

January is a great month to travel. There are plenty of deals and cheap flights to be found – whether you’re looking for well-deserved sunshine and pure relaxation, or want help with your New Year’s resolutions.

Many of the Neal’s Yard Holidays and retreats offer detox programmes, so you’ll be able to rid yourself of festive excess and return home feeling well prepared for yet another year.

A yoga and Ayurveda retreat in beautiful South Wales will help you start the new year relaxed and rejuvenated. Join in daily yoga sessions, blow away the cobwebs with a walk in the ancient forest, and end your day with a soak in a hot tub. Detox programmes are available, and all food is vegetarian based on Ayurvedic principles and organic produce.

Pure bliss and relaxation wait for you at two of Neal’s Yard Holidays’ most popular retreats. South Coast and West Coast Ayurveda in Sri Lanka both offer top quality Ayurveda treatments including body massages, herbal baths and steams, and rejuvenating scrubs. You’ll enjoy delicious food prepared from fresh, local and, wherever possible, organic ingredients. Book early to avoid disappointment. You’ll feel a world away from wet and cold January in the UK!

For more January and winter holidays see our website.

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Wondering where to go for a retreat in February?
Here is our handpicked selection of the best holistic holidays for the month.

By February, the cold weather and short days are starting to catch up with most of us. Time to head for warmer pastures and stock up on some much needed winter sun. Both South and Southeast Asia are ideal destinations for this time of year – warm and sunny, but not too hot yet.

In fact the destinations are so popular for winter sun that it’s advisable to book before mid December or as soon as possible.

If a long-haul holiday is out of the question, there’s always the option for a short-break in the UK. A weekend of detox, yoga or meditation will leave you rejuvenated whatever the weather.

February retreats Sri Lanka:

Just as tranquil and relaxing, West Coast Ayurveda Resort in Sri Lanka allows you to discover the wonderful health benefits of Ayurveda. Enjoy synchronised full body massages, herbal steams and freshly prepared remedies, and yoga, right by a tropical sandy beach. Or stay at the popular South Coast Ayurveda Resort, nominated ‘Best chill-out resort’ by Harpers Magazine.

February short breaks in the UK:

Last but not least, you can recharge your batteries here in the UK.

In South Wales you’ll find a peaceful retreat surrounded by acres of private land and ancient forests. Enjoy yoga and Ayurveda treatments, and relax in the sauna or out-door hot pool after a country walk. Receive a 10% discount if you book before 15^th December 2013 for a winter getaway between now the end of February 2014.

For more February and winter holidays see our website. For travel tips and latest offers sign up to our newsletter.

Keep warm!

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Looking for winter sun and where to go for Christmas?
Here is a selection of our Best Christmas Retreats.

Christmas always seems like a long way off and then suddenly catches up with us. If you want to swap the festive stress and cold weather with a rejuvenating retreat of yoga and warm sunshine this year, there’s no time to waste. Some of our most popular Neal’s Yard Holidays retreats are already full, and many others will get booked up by mid-October.

If you are tied to a Christmas at home, or only have a few days to spare – not to worry. We’ve also got some lovely short breaks on offer, right here in the UK. So you can still escape for a relaxing and rejuvenating few days before the start of the new year.

But first, let’s talk about sunshine:

In Sri Lanka, you can truly get away from it all at Srimal Plantation Villa. Off the beaten track and surrounded by nature, you’ll wake up to the sound of tropical birds, enjoy a tailored programme of Ayurveda treatments and while away your days exploring the local villages and rural countryside.

Will you choose winter sun? In any case you can make this your best Christmas. See more choice of Christmas and New Year retreats.

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THE holiday month of the year, August!  Time to cool off and get away from it all on a wellness holiday or revitalising yoga retreats.

To feel spoilt for choice, check out our “Where to go on holiday in August”.

The whole Mediterranean basin – as well as our own sceptred isle – is ringed by wonderful yoga and activity retreats this August: here are just some of our favourites.

Let’s start with a Spanish Island. On the Canaries, you can enjoy Azul’s mix of yoga, pilates and surf holidays set inland against the dramatic volcanic backdrop of Fuerteventura; or enjoy beauty and massage treatments after being pummelled by the surf with their beachside option.

From the UK hop across the Channel to France, near Toulouse, peaceful La Roane offers top value for yoga and creativity holidays. Located in a nature lovers’ paradise, with its own swimming pool and award-winning chef, it’s a real treat.

Perhaps you’re ready for something really off the beaten track, but still in Europe?

For many, though, it’s the Greek Islands for yoga retreats – with their simple beauty and lifestyle – warmed by brilliant sunshine, yet cooled by the “meltemi” sea breezes. See our wide choice of Greek holidays.

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Need a last minute holiday or retreat? December is now over, for current choice of holidays listed by date see here.

For last minute Christmas and New Year retreats see below.

Is Christmas not your thing? Want to get away from it all? Or your plans changed at the last minute?
For something a bit different, a yoga retreats around this time of year is just the ticket – you don’t need to be bendy, beginners are welcome. And you can enjoy the festive season with good company and fun.
We’ve rounded up some last minute Christmas and New Year retreats to lead you into 2013 as healthily and happily as possible.

Please bear in mind that availability can change fast, so be quick to check out these Christmas and New Year yoga retreats, plus you find more choice here.

Head for to the countryside to blow the cobwebs away

If you need to recover before Christmas is upon us then combine relaxing yoga with the unique experience of staying in  a privately owned Manor House. Adventure Yogi Retreats offer revitalising yoga, rejuvenating massage, calming meditation and nourishing, delicious, vitality foods with gentle activities such as lawn tennis, fresh water swimming and walking.

Wherever your last minute break takes you – don’t forget to read our post about the best cheap travel insurance!

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Escape to the Canary islands for a yoga pilates holiday with surfing!

Azul offers yoga pilates holidays with surfing on the sun-drenched Canary island of Fuerteventura – set amongst the dramatic landscape of volcanoes and white sand beaches. The islands are located off the coast of Morocco and the Western Sahara, yet belong to Spain, and tend to guarantee a warmer climate than the UK ­– ideal for holidays in the sun throughout the autumn and winter months.

You stay at Villa Azul, in the village of Villaverde in the north of Fuerteventura, only 35 minutes drive from Fuerteventura airport. (Or for a wider choice of flights go to Lanzarote Arrecife airport and take the 20-minute ferry crossing to Fuerteventura.) The village is nestled amongst the hills with views to the sea and neighbouring islands.

This is an inspiring location for a yoga retreat offering a chance to rejuvenate and reconnect in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy small class sizes and world-class instruction with carefully tailored programme of yoga, pilates and meditation. You can also sample a tai chi class or add a surf course, join cycling trips and excursions to tranquil fishing villages and turquoise lagoons.

“Amazing villa, amazing landscapes, amazing food, amazing people.” Marie, Montreal 2012

For relaxation, healing and pampering there is a team of experienced therapists offering complementary therapies such as ayurvedic consultations and reiki, holistic and sports massage and beauty treatments.

The organic vegetarian food is a real highlight and the in-house nutrition advisor and cook runs workshops and is producing a cookbook due to popular demand.

Yoga pilates holidays at Azul Villa cost from €465 for seven nights in shared accommodation, or €550 for private accommodation, including yoga, pilates and meditation. Due to the warmer climate this a popular destination in the winter months. Enquire now to avoid disappointment.

Azul also offers beach yoga holidays on the white-sand beaches of Corralejo on this sunny island of Fuerteventura. The beach is just a 3-minute stroll away, and the inspiring Corralejo Dunes National Park just 5 minutes by bus.

Lotus Yoga Lodge has two indoor chill out areas, a roof terrace, two outdoor chill out areas and a fully equipped kitchen for your use. The bedrooms are comfortable, clean and available on a shared basis.

You can start your morning with beach yoga and meditation followed by a healthy breakfast. If you wish, you can then relax and unwind with your inclusive full body massage, and later enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the island in your spare time, or for extra exhilaration you can join a surf course – offering the opportunity to feel rejuvenated and reconnected whilst enjoying a yoga holiday by the beach.

“I loved my stay. You guys really have a great thing going – well organised, good people and great setting. Many thanks to Valentina for her engaging yoga classes, to Gary for being there for us and to Jaime for taking time to give me an amazing pilates class.” Hanna, USA

The lodge has three rooms: the bamboo bunk room, the Buddha bedroom and the Shanti room (ensuite) with beautiful yoga-inspired decor throughout.

Yoga pilates holidays cost from €400 for seven nights in a shared room, or €575 for a private room, includes yoga and meditation, one hour full body massage and daily breakfast. For lunch and dinner you may self-cater in the kitchen at the lodge or visit one of the many restaurants and cafes on the doorstep. Check availability for winter 2012.

“I am back and invigorated for sure. I have really enjoyed my time and the energy is still flowing.” Sabira

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