Looking for an escape from the non-stop hustle and bustle? Surrender to a hammock, laugh, and breathe your stress away, let go of adult responsibilities and be cradled like an infant
In the heart of the bustling city of London, a tranquil space hides away on a quiet street in Highbury and Islington. The secret haven is home to London’s first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience, aimed at individuals who want to get away from the chaos of everyday city life.
One of the greatest challenges in an urban environment is mindfulness practice, and it has been proven that ‘living in urban areas is linked with an increased risk of serious mental illness’. Disregarding the act of being mindful can lead to an overload of sensory stimulation, meaning physical and psychological consequences. Moments of calm can help us to slow down and find time for ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’.
As you step into the space, you’re immediately embraced by the placid landscape created by the tiny low-lit lights, the hammocks spread over the room like cosy cocoons, and the sound instruments poised, aware of their upcoming therapeutic mission.
The guide started the session by encouraging us to greet one another by laughing, which was a little strange. He took us through a 10-minute laughing meditation that consisted of forced laughter which turned contagious. If you were an outsider looking in, it would have been seen as rather unusual, but in reality, it was a needed dopamine release for those involved.
As you recline yourself carefully into the silk fabric, you are transported into a world of weightlessness - suspended in the air and cradled from head to toe, like an infant, with blankets and pillows for extra comfort. Your body surrenders to the gentle sway, induced by delicate pushes, and your senses are awakened by the mild waft of aromatherapy - essential oils specially chosen for their calming properties. Their infusion in the air creates a fragrant atmosphere that enriches the overall experience.
With each instruction to inhale and exhale, I gradually began to control my breaths in and out, and my body started slowly releasing sentiments of stress from within. Each inhale provided a sense of grounding, a connection to the present moment.
As someone who is constantly doing or thinking about something and finds it difficult to stay still, I found this session extremely beneficial. Initially I found it a little weird and uncomfortable, but after a while, having noticed the benefits, I allowed myself to be fully immersed within it. I was able to fall into a deep meditative state and lose track of time, as the swaying movement of the hammock made me feel like a child being rocked to sleep.
The ambient music, gongs and aromatherapy complimented each other perfectly, making it a calm and soothing experience that allowed peace to permeate my entire body. Together they created a celestial dance of sound, touch, and scent, that went beyond the boundaries of regular meditation.
On emerging from the hammock, I was brought back to reality, and to gravity. But now a new wave of relaxation had washed over me - the experience had enabled me to disconnect from the external chaos and dive into the depths of my own mind.
DETAILS
Venue: The Skylight Centre, 49 Corsica St, Highbury East, London N5 1JT
Cost: £18.92 per session
Length of time: 1hr15mins
Book on the website: ecstaticdancelondon.com/events
Transport: Closest tube is Highbury and Islington
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