A FEW weeks ago, the Lake District Wildlife Park held a unique retreat.
It involved a small group of individuals spending quiet time after the park had closed with some of their favourite animals.
This was the launch of the 'mindfulness with animals' which is being run in conjunction with 'forest bathing' at the Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa.
The session was a new experience, which enabled people to relax, unwind and have some fun.
Just being around animals can lift your spirit. They live in the moment and play is an important part of their everyday life. The experience started with grooming the tapirs, who seem to love being brushed and will soak up the attention from a human!
It was then on to hand feeding of the goats, alpacas and donkeys which is always good fun. Some of the animals are gentle and some of them are just greedy!
Individuals were then encouraged to walk around and observe the animals. A few watched the Greater Flamingos and waited for the glimpse of deep, rich pink when they opened their wings.
Some watched the Asian Short-Clawed Otters frolicking around in the water. Others observed the Ring-Tailed Lemurs right at the top of their oak tree, leaping from branch to branch.
Lucy the Park’s Education Officer was on hand to answer questions about the animals and tell stories and anecdotes about their individual characteristics.
The group came back together for a 'loving kindness' session which was led by Jen a mindfulness practitioner from Lakeland Wellbeing.
Underneath the prayer flags and right beside the Red Panda enclosure the whole group spent time thinking about animals and conservation all around the world.
It is a powerful thing when you take time out and consider the wonderful wildlife that we have in the world and what we can do to care for it.
The evening then finished by just sitting and being with the Giant Tortoises which was a very special treat. With their calm steady approach to life, you just relax!
The whole idea behind the mindfulness with animals is not only to promote wellbeing for individuals but also to allow time to connect with nature and think about environmental conservation.
The session is preceded by an afternoon of 'forest bathing' and an introduction to mindfulness.
The retreats are only available a few times a year and so if you are interested, please do get in touch with us at the park and we will send you more details. Alternatively, you can contact Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here