Heard of mindfulness, but unsure what it is?
Broadly-speaking, it’s about having awareness of ourselves and the world around us in the present moment. So often our mind is caught up worrying – or chewing over things that can create stress, anxiety and can even affect our physical health.
Paying attention to the small things - such as sensing the air around you, feeling the ground beneath your feet, or noticing your breath as you move, can interrupt the ‘autopilot’, give a fresh perspective on life and slow our usual thought patterns. You can be mindful during activity and at rest, and it’s even more effective if done outdoors, as nature has an additional calming effect on the brain.
September is often seen as a month to take stock and start anew, a second new year if you like, so this is a good excuse to breathe and reboot as we welcome in the autumn. Every September we get together with local businesses to create a month long mindfulness themed events programme, to help you de-stress and reconnect whilst surrounded by the beautiful landscapes within the North York Moors National Park.
Travel and adventure writers Fay and Matt Doyle, from This Expansive Adventure recently visited the North York Moors. They spent two days discovering how to reconnect, refresh, and focus on slow travel and wellbeing in the National Park. Read their mindfulness blog here.
Read our latest press release to explore all of the new ways to unwind in nature during September's Mindful Month, here.
Mindful Month - throughout September
Each September we invite you to celebrate Mindful Month with us, to feel invigorated in nature with a number of events and activities that will rejuvenate your spirits. Check out our programme below to relax, recharge and renew this September!
Free, online mindful sessions: Mindful Meets
At any time, in any place
Find peace from the comfort of your own home with a selection of Mindful Minutes or five minute Mindful Meditations. All inspired by soothing scenes from the North York Moors.
Serenity goat yoga session: book here
Sunday 1 September, 10am-11am - Abbey Farm Cottages Rosedale
Join Kismet Yoga and Wellness for a unique and tranquil experience combining the calming practice of yoga with the playful and therapeutic presence of goats. Perfect for all levels, this mindful event is designed to help you relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature in a serene setting.
Relaxing farm yard yoga: book here
Monday 2 September, 6.00pm-6.45pm - Abbey Farm Cottages Rosedale
Farm yoga involves practicing yoga outdoors surrounded by fields, barns, and farm animals. Participants practice yoga amidst the sights and sounds of farm life. This environment fosters a deep connection to nature, promoting relaxation and a sense of peace.
Forest bathing, dark skies nature walk and stargazing: book here
Friday 6 September 7.45pm - 10.15pm - Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Weave through the beautiful wooded grounds of Sutton Bank National Park Centre with Adventures for the Soul to listen to the spectacular evening chorus as diurnal bird species head to bed, watch bats awaken from their slumber and practice forest bathing under the moonlit sky. Quietly scary? Yes. But at the same time, exhilarating and a strangely good mood-booster! Weave in a mindful activity along the way, and your ability to feel awe increases.
Big tree walk: Contact Claire Rodway on 079467 45657 or email c.rodway@raincliffewoods.co.uk
Saturday 7 September, 10.00am - 12.30pm, Raincliffe Woods
Join Raincliffe Woods for a slow, mindful walk and bathe with the trees. This is a moderate walk due to access being via a slope and with uneven paths in the woods. There will be periods of silence and stillness that will give us an opportunity to connect with and be inspired by our beautiful big trees in Raincliffe. Come and experience why trees are good for us and make us feel better and why we need them.
Mindful on the Moor Art and Wellbeing Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September, 10.30am-3.30pm - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Join the North York Moors National Park for their first Arts and Wellbeing Festival at Danby Lodge National Park Centre. There will be a mix of free drop-in activities and chargeable workshops suitable for adults and children, as well as stallholders selling an array of wellbeing products and crafts.
Have a go Pottery, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
This is a taster workshop, part of the Mindful on the Moor Festival. Have a go at making your very own clay pot using a kick wheel, with Claude Frere-Smith.
Acrylic Painting Taster Adults Only Session, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
This is a taster workshop for adults, part of the Mindful on the Moor Festival. Introduction to acrylic paint, mixing & application of paint, create a Moors landscape- sky and moors.
Acrylic Painting Taster Family Session, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
This is a taster workshop for families, part of the Mindful on the Moor Festival. Introduction to acrylic paint, mixing & application of paint, create a Moors landscape- sky and moors.
Hand Embroidery Taster Workshop, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
During this taster workshop you'll learn more about the history of Boro as well as creating your own small piece of Boro embroidered artwork that, after the taster session, could be framed or used as a greetings card, brooch or needle case. Boro is a Japanese style of embroidery, originally created out of necessity to make garments and household textiles last longer; we now see it as the beautiful embroidery artform it is.
Printing Taster Workshop, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
This is a taster workshop, part of the Mindful on the Moor Festival. Drawing not essential as it is a printmaking exercise. The design will be on the block ready for participants to carve and print the design using table top equipment.
Weave a Willow Fish, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
This is a taster workshop, part of the Mindful on the Moor Festival. Have a go at weaving a willow fish in this taster session, with guidance from your teacher Janice.
Weave a Willow Flower, Mindful on the Moor Festival: book here
Saturday 7 September - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
This is a taster workshop, part of the Mindful on the Moor Festival. Have a go at weaving a willow flower in this taster session, with guidance from your teacher Janice.
Relaxing arts and nature walk: book here
Sunday 8 September 11am-2pm - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Join artist Bridget Bailey for a walk through nature around the grounds of Danby Lodge looking at the landscape. On the way there will be nests to find and you can even build your own to take home. Relax and walk with likeminded people.
Escape to the Sea retreat: book here
Tuesday 10 - Friday 13 September - Guisborough
Join Pretty Gritty for a retreat for the mind and body in beautiful North Yorkshire. Join the group for 3 days of guided hikes on the North York Moors, yoga in breathtaking outdoor settings and the option to sea swim on stunning Blue Flag beaches. Luxury accommodation with dinner and breakfast. A maximum of 14 women can be accommodated on this most memorable trip so book now to avoid disappointment.
Harvest Moon Firelight Yoga: book here
Tuesday 17 September, 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Join Happy Seal Yoga for a blissful evening of yoga to celebrate the Harvest Moon during Mindful Month. You will have an hour's full moon inspired vinyasa flow by the fire as the sun goes down closing with 30 minutes of yoga nidra (yogic sleep) as the night draws in at the beautiful Coast and Camplight.
Farm yard cheese making: book here
Thursday 19 September, 9.30am-3.30pm - Abbey Farm Cottages Rosedale
This full-day cheese-making course offers an immersive experience where participants learn to make a variety of cheeses. The course includes hands-on practice and detailed demonstrations, ensuring you gain practical skills and knowledge. A hearty lunch is provided, featuring delicious, farm-fresh ingredients, allowing you to relax and savour the fruits of your labour amidst a convivial atmosphere.
Wild Foraging Foray: book here
Friday 20 September, 10am-2pm - Tylas Farm, Old Byland
Join Ryevitalise for a day with local forager and passionate fire cook Katy Doman. You’ll be taken on a guided tour to the hidden corners of a secret valley and introduced to a wild pantry of ingredients. Far from the beaten path we’ll convene around the campfire for some live open fire cooking and a two-course meal with wild teas and toasted marshmallows.
Mindful goat experience: book here
Saturday 21 September, 11.30am-2.30pm - Abbey Farm Cottages Rosedale
The goat experience at Abbey Farm Cottage includes meeting and interacting with friendly goats, bottle-feeding those in need, and enjoying a hearty lunch. This hands-on activity allows for close encounters with the animals, fostering a connection to farm life, followed by a delicious meal in a relaxed setting.
Autumnal Wreath-Making Workshop: book here
Saturday 28 September, 11am-1pm - Danby Lodge National Park Centre
Add a touch of homemade charm to your front door this Autumn with HOF & Beyond’s autumnal wreath-making workshop. Our workshop wizard Leah, will take you through the process, coaxing out your creativity as we go. We provide all the materials needed to make a gorgeous seasonal showpiece.
Minds and Miles Cycle ride: book here
Sunday 29 September - Sutton Bank National Park Centre
In association with Struggle events, Minds & Miles is a cycling event created to help you slow down, look up and enjoy the North York Moors National Park by bike - and share it with your favourite people. We've got four fully signposted routes to choose from for every bike and every rider, making the day ideal for all abilities.
Serenity goat yoga session: book here
Sunday 29 September, 10am-11am - Abbey Farm Cottages Rosedale
Join Kismet Yoga and Wellness at Abbey Farm Cottages in the beautiful Rosedale for a unique and tranquil experience combining the calming practice of yoga with the playful and therapeutic presence of goats. This mindful event is designed to help you relax, rejuvenate, and connect with nature in a serene farm setting. Perfect for all levels, our sessions promote well-being and joy through gentle yoga and delightful goat interactions.
Want to know how your business can get involved in our Mindful Month programme?
Email tourism@northyorkmoors.org.uk and include the subject line 'Mindful Month' and a member of our marketing team will get in touch to discuss how you can get involved in our 2024 Mindful Month!
Don't forget to sign up to the North York Moors Tourism Network to be the first in the know of our events, receive free marketing advice and gain the opportunity to join our activity friendly schemes.